The Washington Inside Report

THE BIBLE & NATIONAL DEFENSE

The LORD is my rock and my fortress"my shield"my stronghold and my refuge"I will call upon the LORD"so shall I be saved from my enemies" For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall" He teaches my hands to make war"armed me with strength for the battle"subdued under me those who rose against me" The LORD lives!" It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies (David, soon-to-become King, after his defeat of the Philistines and deliverance from King Saul, who sought his life - 2 Sam 22:all).
[If] you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments" The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways" But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD" The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth. (Dt 28:1, 7, 15, 25).

God's view of national defense and military warfare is revealed throughout the Bible. From the tribal conflicts of Abraham's day, to centuries of war among the kingdoms of Israel and the Middle Eastern peoples who surrounded them, to the yet-to-be-fought Battle of Armageddon, warfare is an eminent theme of Scripture.
Scripture informs us that prior to the Flood, violence filled the earth. After the waters receded God gave Noah a single law: "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man." That important new law implied that: 1. Men would continue to be violent on earth; 2. Men and nations have a God-given right to self-defense; and 3. Civil governments have a duty to exercise criminal justice among men and nations. These truths are affirmed and reaffirmed repeatedly throughout Scripture.
The universality of sin (Rom 5:12), the total depravity of the human nature (Rom 3:10-18), the utter corruption of the human heart (Jer 17:9), and 6000 years of history attest to the predictable certainty of future wars (1 Th 4:3). More wars have taken place and more people have been killed by war during the past 100 years than during any equivalent period in human history. The invention of nuclear weapons has increased the potential carnage and destructiveness of war to unthinkable new levels. Paul warned that when men begin to say, "Peace and safety" then "sudden destruction will come upon them" (1Th 5:3). Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword" (Mt 10:34).
God's laws appertain both to men and nations (Mt 28:19). The laws God gave Noah and Moses apply not only to individuals but to mass murdering rulers and murderous political regimes. Scripture speaks of "wars of the Lord" (Num 21:14). Reformed Theologian R. J. Rushdoony defines such wars as those fought "in defense of justice and the suppression of evil, and the defense of the homeland against an enemy" (Institutes of Biblical Law, Craig Press, 1973, p.277).

The U.S. policy of appeasement has encouraged the Chinese Communists in their obvious plan to take Taiwan by force. Red China's leaders are committed to the ideology that has permitted them to slaughter millions of their own countrymen during the past 51 years. They continue to murder religious and political dissidents (and sell their body parts on the open market) and to slaughter thousands of innocent infants every day via forced abortion and infanticide. Such people will not be impressed or moved by our efforts to appease.
Motivated by a pagan, communist worldview and bent on hegemony -- and now able to match Americaís most advanced weapons systems -- the Peopleís Liberation Army (PLA) is preparing not only to move against Taiwan, but for what they regard as an inevitable military showdown with the U.S.

Bowing to PLA threats, President Clinton denied Taiwan's pleas to purchase four U.S.-built destroyers, which are desperately needed to counter advanced warships and submarines sold to the PLA by the Russians.

Red China has worked furiously in recent months to complete a "wall" of coastal and inland missile bases opposite (Continued on page 2")
Taiwan, armed with sufficient nuclear weapons to wipe Taiwan from the face of the earth, and to neutralize any meaningful U.S. intervention.
Through cyber-warfare, a major component of Red Chinese war preparations, Taiwan's civilian infrastructure -- nuclear power, communications, transport and finance -- could be quickly immobilized. Practice attacks on targeted sectors in Taiwan have already been conducted.

China now boasts cyber-weapons that can neutralize an entire navy fleet by electronically disabling its computer-controlled weapons systems.

With the threat of U.S. intervention decreased, the PLA is convinced Taiwan can be secured with precision strikes against critical military targets and a surprise land invasion, without mass destruction of the civilian infrastructure or significant loss of civilian life. Some American analysts say the Red Chinese could begin ìmop-upî operations within 72 hours.

China continues to arm America's enemies with advanced missile technology, e.g., they are helping the Libyans build a ballistic missile system, capable of reaching Israel and various international U.S. military targets.

The U.S. remains wholly unprotected from any intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attack, but the Clinton Administration refuses to develop an affordable Aegis sea-based system that could provide meaningful protection quickly.

If the U.S. abandons our Taiwanese allies, our role as world leader will be all but over. Our alliesí confidence will be shattered, our enemies emboldened. The world will become a very, very dangerous place. A military confrontation between the U.S. and China could initiate WW III.
IT IS TIME TO PRAY!

These truths are but a glimpse at a theology of national defense and military preparedness. America desperately needs a Christian Church that understands God's view of this matter. Our free nation must become spiritually and militarily prepared if it is to survive the 21st Century.

Jesus Said Wars & Rumors of Wars Will Persist Until His Return.
The New Testament teaches that lusts within the human heart guarantee a war-filled future.
From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (James 4:1)
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Mt 24:6-7).
According to the Bible, human warfare will end only when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Himself garbed in military regalia, returns to reign as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and swiftly executes worldwide justice as a prelude to His eternal kingdom (Is 40:5; Rev 20:11-16).

God-Fearing Peoples Must Anticipate & Be Prepared Spiritually & Practically to Defend their Children & Land; to Fight & Win Bloody Wars.
God-fearing nations must be prepared militarily to resist barbaric pagan powers bent on hegemony. God is Good. He is dedicated to righteousness, justice and freedom. He has given human governments the power of the sword to be "his ministers" to execute justice and to contain the spread of evil (Ps 2:all; 9:5-8; Rom 13:1-7).
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil" For he is the minister of God to thee for good" he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil (Rom 13:3-4).

Every Man has a God-given Duty to Defend His Family & Neighbors from Violence, Tyranny, Injustice & Unrighteousness at Home & Abroad.
The first priestly blessing in Scripture was pronounced over a leader who had courageously come to the military defense of a neighbor. After his courageously won victory against a cartel of Middle Eastern warlords that had attacked and captured his nephew Lot, the patriarch Abraham received the blessing. Melchizedek the priest pronounced it saying, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand" (Gen 14:9; Mt 19:19b; 22:39).
Nehemiah, facing attacks by neighboring Palestinians after the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon, charged his countrymen:
"Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses (Neh 4:14).
Under Old Testament Law, able-bodied men 20 years of age and older (unless otherwise disqualified) were expected to serve in the defense of their nation. Each Hebrew tribe was required to contribute its proportionate share of fighting men to compose an effective fighting force, and to recruit additional men as needed (Nu 1:1-3; 31:1-6).
Not everyone was qualified to serve, however. Soldiers were expected to be courageous. For the sake of maintaining morale, exemptions from service were given to several groups of men: those who had built new homes but yet not lived in them, those who had not enjoyed yet the first harvest of their planted vineyard, and those engaged but not married yet. The "fearful" and "faint-hearted" were also excused so that their fearfulness would not spread to others. The clergy, too were exempt from military service (Nu 1:49-50).
Jesus, on the night he was betrayed told his disciples to be prepared for self-defense,
He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one" The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That is enough," he replied (Lk 22:36-38).
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear" So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" (Jn 18:10-11)
The New Testament teaches that if a man does not provide for his own family (which, by implication, includes caring for and protecting them), he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (1 Tim 5:8).

God Requires the Avenging of Innocent Bloodshed and Holds Entire Peoples Guilty for Bloody Injustice in their Geopolitical Neighborhoods.
The elders"shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley"and all the elders of that city nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken"and say, 'Our hands have not shed this blood, nor have our eyes seen it. Provide atonement, O LORD, for Your people"and do not lay innocent blood to the charge of Your people"í (Ex 21:1-12; 22:2; Nu 35:16-24; Dt 19:11-13; Jdg 20:11-13; 3-7, 18, 23, 26-28).

A Nation's Spiritual Leaders Have a Clear Moral Duty to Lead in Support of Responsible National Defense & Engagement in Just Wars.
The moral and spiritual duty of leaders to protect those under their care is deeply ingrained in Scripture. A readiness to risk his own life to protect the sheep is what distinguishes a true shepherd from a false one. This truth uniquely applies to fathers, pastors, generals, and kings.
Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life" I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd"sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd"and I lay down My life for the sheep." (Jn 10:10-16).

Biblical Law Requires God Fearing Nations to Provide for National Defense, Yet Sets the Rules and Limits for Moral Warfare.
For example: because moral wars are most often defensive, sneak attacks prior to an open declaration of war is forbidden. Indeed, God requires that terms of peace (but not compromise of righteous principle) be offered prior to the commencement of war (Dt 23:9-14).
Neither does God allow for the wanton devastation of the land itself (Dt 20:19-20).
And He requires that soldiers be rewarded for risking their lives (Nu 312:27; Dt 20:14).

Scripture Commends Military Genius, Discipline, Readiness, Vigilance, Courage and Loyalty; Excellence in Military Technology; and Wise Military Leadership and Strategy.
While military preparedness is no substitute for God's blessing, Scripture does not teach or imply that faith in God is any substitute for complete military preparedness. Christ taught the need for military preparedness, and much of the Old Testament is given to describing the Hebrew nation's military preparations.
[O]f the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks; of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear; of the Danites who could keep battle formation, twenty-eight thousand six hundred; of Asher, those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation, forty thousand; of the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, from the other side of the Jordan, one hundred and twenty thousand armed for battle with every kind of weapon of war. All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart" (1 Chr 12:32-38).
King Uzziah (prior to his downfall because of pride) was commended in Scripture for his military preparation: "Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army. In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skillful men for use on the towers and on the corner defenses to shoot arrows and hurl large stones. His fame spread far and wide"" (2 Chr 2:14-15).
Jesus warned: "[W]hat king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions for peace?" (Lk 14:31-32). And: ìWhen a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when one stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoilsî (Lk 11:21-22).
The Philistines were repeatedly able to successfully raid the Hebrews under King Saul because the people were simply not militarily prepared (1 Sam 13:17-22).
The writer of Proverbs twice wrote: "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished" (Pr 22:3; 27:12).
Paul the Apostle charged his students to be "thoroughly equipped for every good work," using a term used by sailors to suggest preparedness for any eventuality that may be encountered in rough seas during an extended voyage (2 Tim 3:17). The need for military preparedness is obvious.

God Commends Heroic Military Men as "Men of Faith."
Lists of "mighty men of valor" appear throughout the Old Testament (see 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chr 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 19, and 26). Their heroic acts are often recorded in detail. The New Testament lists military achievers among the "heroes of faith" in Hebrews, Chapter 11: "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David" who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens" (Heb 11:32-34).

Scripture Teaches that Military Victory is a Blessing From God.
The clear and unequivocal message of the Bible is that God blesses those nations whose leaders and people pursue Biblical righteousness, but brings curses upon those nations that do not. Specifically, He promises military success to those nations which remain obedient to Him, and military defeat and destruction to those which turn away from Him (Dt 28:1,6-7, 15, 25, 49-57). Thus, right standing with God is a nation's greatest defense.

Scripture Emphatically Teaches that Weapons and Military Preparedness Are No Substitute for Righteousness and the Blessing of God.
Unless the Lord watch the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Ps 127:1b).
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God (Ps 20:7).
Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for you have kindled my anger" 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD' (Jer 17:4-5).

Not Only Must a Nation's Military Cause be Moral, So Must Its People and Military Troops be Morally Upright.
When Joshua's army's attack on Ai failed, God revealed that one man, Achan, had disobeyed God's specific orders, bringing defeat upon the entire army: "Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant" Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you" (Josh 7:11-13).

Vigilant Watchfulness against Possible Enemy Attack is a Theme Found Throughout Scripture; A Lack of Such Vigilance is Deemed Criminal.
When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head" But he who takes warning will save his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand (Ez 33:11-13).
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (1 Th 5:6-8).

God Expects National Leaders to Keep Their Economic And Military Secrets Secret.
Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, "What did those men say, and where did they come from?" "From a distant land," Hezekiah replied. "They came from Babylon." The prophet asked, "What did they see in your palace?" "They saw everything in my palace," Hezekiah said. "There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.î Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, that will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."

God Calls for Moral Righteousness and Military Vigilance Now, Not Just for the Present Generation, But for the Sake of Our Children and Grandchildren.
When King Hezekiah heard Isaiah's prophecy of future woe, he wickedly responded,
"The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," "For he thought, "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?" (2 Kg 20:14-19)
Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess"(Dt 4:40; 12:28, 29).
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy" He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. He makes peace in your borders" (Ps 127:10-14).
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you" because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children (Ho 4:6).

God Clearly Forbids Alliances with Pagan Nations.
Biblical history and case law provide moral guidance for pre-war foreign policy, peacetime military intelligence, peace agreements, and military and economic alliances.
God requires military preparedness and faith in Him as the basis for national security, and forbids confidence in military alliances with nations whose allegiance is uncertain.
"Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge. But Pharaoh's protection will be to your shame, Egypt's shade will bring you disgrace" (Is 30:1-3).
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (2 Cor 6:14-15)

God Gives Severe Warning that He Will Destroy the Nations that Forget Him.
Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day" If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God (Dt 8:1-20).
The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God (Ps 9:17).

Christ Will Return to Earth a Military Conqueror, Appearing at Armageddon to Bring the Battle to a Swift & Victorious Conclusion.
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war" He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev 20:11-16).And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (Is 2:4).

Until then we, as a people, must be prepared spiritually and practically, with God's help, to defend ourselves effectively against our many enemies.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray:

Cause our national leaders to do their BIBLICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY to provide for the American people's common defense. May they build & deploy an effective anti-ballistic missile defense system to thwart attack by a growing list of nuclear capable American enemies (Neh 4:14; 2 Tim 2:21b; Eph 6:10-18).
Lord, AWAKEN pastors to PREPARE the Church & America to be spiritually readied for INEVITABLE FUTURE WARS. Grant SWEEPING REPENTANCE that, perchance, such may not be Your instrument of JUDGMENT upon us (Dt 28:1, 7, 15, 25; Pr 14:34; Is 12:4-5; Jer 6:22-23; Lk 14:28-32).
Grant the President and Congress wisdom and courage to do what is right in the coming showdown with Red China. Help us to stand by our allies. May the American People ELECT a new president who is an honorable man and who depends upon You to do his duty to defend our nation (Ex 14:14; Nu 27:16-17; Dt 1:30; 20:3-4; 28:7, 25; Jdg 10:1; 2 Kg 19:32-34; 20:5-6; Ps 20:2; Jn 10:11-13).

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