Martial Arts in Scripture

Compiled by
J.W. Warrick, Chaplain, S.W.G.M.
1 May 2006
Rev. 1 Aug 2009

I have been in one form of martial art or another since 1967 and have always
believed in Scripture and the Lord. I was saved in 1970; however, I didn’t truly
start living for the Lord until 1979. The more I “read” (not studied) the BIBLE
the more I became concerned with my martial art training conflicting with Jesus’
teachings. I would justify a scripture I felt I could stand on then sooner or later find
other scriptures that would cause doubt again. I found myself in constant concern
as to whether it was in line with GOD’s Laws to be a Christian and still be a
martial artist or did the Bible teach against self-defense?
Was I “scripturally” allowed to defend myself? What of my family, was I to just
stand by and watch while they were assaulted? Was I to turn the other cheek
seventy times seven as Jesus told the Jews? This seemed to have no rationale to me
and I could not see how a loving GOD that is intimately knowledgeable of man’s
sin nature would neuter his children this way. So, since scripture does not conflict;
but rather our flawed perceptions of what we have been taught does, I finally
decided to do what I should have done from the beginning – study (not read) the
scriptures. 2Ti. 2:15 says: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman
that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”, Study comes from
the Greek spoudazo {spoo-dad'-zo}

1) To hasten, make haste

2) To exert one's self, Endeavour, give diligence

And from speudo {spyoo'-do}

1) To haste, make haste

2) To desire earnestly

pous {pooce}

1) a foot, both of men or beast

a) often in the orient, one put his foot on vanquished

b) of disciples listening to their teacher's instruction are said to be at his feet

If we do search the scriptures we are told in Rom 4:3 “For what saith the
scripture? Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness,”
and Acts 17:11 where the people not only heard, but searched for themselves to see
it if what they heard was true: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Searched comes from the Greek:
anakrino {an-ak-ree'-no}
1) examine or judge

a) to investigate, examine, enquire into, scrutinise, sift, question

1) specifically in a forensic sense of a judge to hold an investigation

2) to interrogate, examine the accused or witnesses

b) to judge of, estimate, determine (the excellence or defects of any person or thing

Then Jam 2:23 which says” And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham
believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called
the Friend of God,”

Therefore, I began an in depth “study” of this subject matter.

There are; however, a few imperative factors to this study.
• First, we must understand that the Bible is in fact, GOD’s inspired word.
2Ti 3:16 states “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is]
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness”. And we are told in Job 32:8 “But [there is] a spirit in man:
and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” The
dictionary shows the meaning of inspiration as: “Divine influence directly
and immediately exerted on the mind or soul.”
• Next, a study into the words and practices of the time are an absolute. Jesus’
parables and most of the examples he gave were aimed at Jewish customs of
that time, using a language that was not English. I have travelled extensively
and experienced a quantity of language. I have learned (sometimes the hard
way) that both customs and cultures heavily influence language. Even if the
words are the same, customs and cultures can change the meanings. Some
words have no translation; all you can do is to try to convey the intent. Time
is another factor that vastly changes the meanings. Look at a simple word in
use today “bad” to an aged person this is simple, it has one meaning, “not
good”, to a youth of today it can mean not good, it can mean good, it can
mean tough and so on and so on.
Jesus was constantly challenging the religious leaders of the time because they
had taken GOD’s laws of love and turned them into burdens for the people, some
to try and follow their understanding of GOD’s law, but mostly in order to
maintain power and control. Jesus came to clarify these laws not change them.
(Mat 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfill”
• GOD’s laws and punishments are aimed not so much at the actual actions of
man but the heart and intent behind these actions. This is my personal belief
but if one truly studies scripture, Old and New Testament, you will find that
scripture clearly indentifies this, both in the description of punishment for
actions in the Mosaic Laws and in many of Jesus’ teachings as well.
 • Also, in my discussions with other brothers and sisters of the faith, it amazes
me how many people (usually those who have never practiced martial arts)
actually consider that martial arts are a religion. I understand that, since their
inception, martial arts have been deeply intertwined with religion; the
martial arts are not a religion. Practicing martial arts is not a worship of
GOD. It is a method of training toward an ability to protect oneself, their
loved ones, and or their country. I am aware that many teachings and
philosophies in various martial arts schools are not in line with GOD’s word;
that is between them and GOD. Prov 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” As students, we have to
use the reasoning ability that GOD gave us to decide and also to remember
as we are taught in Rom 3:4, “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every
man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings,
and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Other versus along this line,
include 1Sa 2:25 “If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him:
but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?
Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because
the LORD would slay them.” 2Ch 19:6 “And said to the judges, Take heed
what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who [is] with you in
the judgment.” Act 4:19 “But Peter and John answered and said unto them,
Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto
God, judge ye” Jhn 8:16 “And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am
not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” However, be righteous in your
judgment and take heed what we are taught in Mat 7:2 “For, with what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it
shall be measured to you again”
Before we begin, let us break down and define martial arts into its basic
tenants:
*Martial: (deadly/lethal), also has the following adj. description:
1. Inclined or disposed to war
2. of, suitable for, or associated with war or armed forces
3. Characteristic of or befitting a warrior
*Arts:
(A skill that is learned by much study and practice)
Martial arts are generally defined as various methods of armed/unarmed
combat, originally used in warfare in East Asia and shaped by East Asian
philosophical concepts, notably Zen Buddhism. The better-know forms include
karate, kung fu, jujitsu, judo, aikido, tai chi chuan, tae kwon do, sumo wrestling,
and kendo.
Now I would like to address six of the most common “challenges” I faced due
to being a child of The King and a martial artist.(I have received many more but
these are the ones with the most credence) These “challenges” have come from
both clergy and layman alike.
 1. The Commandments themselves tell us not to kill!
2. Cain was punished by GOD for the slaying of Abel!
3. Yes, the Old Testament is full of war but that was another time
and a different covenant. Jesus brought us a new covenant of peace!
4. We are told in Isaiah 2:4 “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”!
5. Jesus rebuked Peter for using his sword in HIS defense!
6. Jesus talks against defense in Matthew 5:38-42, and tells us not to
resist an evil person etc…!
Now, for the rebuttal to the above rejections:
1. The Commandments themselves tell us not to kill!
This is one of the ten basic commandments and is found in Exd 20:13 “Thou
shalt not kill”. And again in Deu 5:17 “Thou shalt not kill”. These verses have
been mistranslated in the KJV and the oversight has been corrected in the NKJV.
The correct Translation should be Thou shalt not murder. What is the difference?
The difference is intent. And a careful study of Exodus and Deuteronomy in the
Hebrew/Greek languages shows that GOD’s primary concern with justice and
punishment dealt with the intent of one’s heart and the resulting damage caused by
that intent. The word kill/murder is translated from
ratsach {raw-tsakh'}
1) to murder, slay, kill
a) (Qal) to murder, slay
1) premeditated
2) accidental
3) as avenger
4) slayer (intentional) (participle)
b) (Niphal) to be slain
c) (Piel)
1) to murder, assassinate
2) murderer, assassin (participle)(subst)

2. Cain was punished by GOD for the slaying of Abel!

This act is recorded in Gen 4:8 “And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and
it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his
brother, and slew him.” Yes, Cain was indeed punished by GOD in Gen 4:10-12:
“And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me
from the ground. And now [art] thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her
mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground,
it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt
thou be in the earth”
However, let us see why. There is no doubt that this was murder. This
heinous act was premeditated and Cain’s heart was filled with jealousy towards
Able and anger toward GOD and Able. Cain did not just kill Abel, he murdered
him. We know this because of his intent and heart. Let’s look at the whole story.
Cain had already been reprimanded about his attitude. GOD had already chastised
him for his temper and disobedience. Gen 4:6-7 “And the LORD said unto Cain,
Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt
thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto
thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”
Wroth comes from the primitive root charah {khaw-raw'}:
1) to be hot, furious, burn, become angry, be kindled
a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger)
b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed
c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle
d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Let us back up a bit more. Cain was also disobedient. GOD told his people
to sacrifice the first fruit of the flock which Cain did not do. Gen 4:3 “And in
process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an
offering unto the LORD”
While Able was obedient to the commands of the Lord: and received his blessing
Cain was not and did not.
Gen 4:4-5 “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat
thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain
and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his
countenance fell.”
Sin could only be washed away by blood; this practice was the predecessor
to the final blood sacrifice that Jesus the Christ made for us at Golgotha. I
recommend you read the entire chapter but herein is the meat of the meaning: Hbr
9:13-15 “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more
shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without
spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And
for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for
the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they
which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” and in Hbr 9:22
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of
blood is no remission.”
Remission is translated from aphesis {af'-es-is}
1) release from bondage or imprisonment
2) forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been
committed), remission of the penalty
A few of the Old Testament verses dealing with this subject are as follows:
Exd 29:36 “And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering for
atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement
for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.” Exd 30:10 “And Aaron shall make
an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering
of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your
generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.” Lev 4:35 “And he shall take away
all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the
peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the
offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for
his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him”
I have attached a Commentary by Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel:
“Atonement in the Old Testament, "kaphar" is to cover. We have in the New
Testament the word "atonement" which is an entirely different word. In the New
Testament it is "atonement". It is becoming one with God, only possible through
Jesus Christ. "It was impossible" we are told, "that the blood of goats and bulls
could put away our sins". All they could do is testify of a better sacrifice that was
to come. So they were only a substance, they were only rather the shadow. The
substance is of Christ. These things were all testifying of Jesus Christ, our great
sacrifice, the One, who was sacrificed for our sins. So it was not possible, they did
not put away sin. What they did make was an atonement "kaphar". They were a
covering for this sin, but did not put them away. It remained for Jesus to do that
through His death)”
Just as GOD taught Cain, our martial art training also teaches, that in order to
control your surroundings you must first control yourself. You must overcome
emotions to deal with situations with an attitude of obedience to training and love
of mankind. We are told in the well known “Love” Chapter, I Corinthians 13, one
of the best definitions of love I have ever seen or heard, how to love. Specifically,
1Cor 13:4: “Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” Charity comes from the Greek root;
makrothumeo {mak-roth-oo-meh'-o}
1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles
b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others
1) to be mild and slow in avenging
2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish

We can and should defend ourselves and our loved ones but even that defense
should be tempered with “makrothumeo”!

3. OK, the Old Testament is full of war but that was a different time and
covenant. Jesus brought us a new covenant of peace!
 This concept is simply not supported by scripture. We are told in Hbr 13:8
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Some argue that Jesus
was not a part of the Old Testament I beg to differ. Who else would the “us” in
Gen 1:26 be referring to? Gen 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image,
after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” One of GOD’s titles is:
Elohiym
1) (plural)
a) rulers, judges
b) divine ones
c) angels
d) gods
Also has singular meaning but since “us and our” is used it would definitely refer
to the plural.
Then in Jhn 1:1-2 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.”
Word comes from the Greek: logos {log'-os}

1) of speech

a) a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea

b) what someone has said

1) a word

2) the sayings of God

3) decree, mandate or order

4) of the moral precepts given by God

5) Old Testament prophecy given by the prophets

6) what is declared, a thought, declaration, aphorism, a weighty saying, a dictum, a maxim

c) discourse

1) the act of speaking, speech

2) the faculty of speech, skill and practice in speaking

3) a kind or style of speaking

4) a continuous speaking discourse - instruction

d) doctrine, teaching

e) anything reported in speech; a narration, narrative

f) matter under discussion, thing spoken of, affair, a matter in dispute, case, suit at law

g) the thing spoken of or talked about; event, deed

2) its use as respect to the MIND alone

a) reason, the mental faculty of thinking, meditating, reasoning, calculating

b) account, i.e. regard, consideration

c) account, i.e. reckoning, score

d) account, i.e. answer or explanation in reference to judgment

e) relation, i.e. with whom as judge we stand in relation

1) reason would

f) reason, cause, ground

3) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God,
his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world's life both physical and
ethical, which for the procurement of man's salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the
Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.
A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine
reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe. This word was well suited to John's purpose in John 1.
Then we are told that the Logos which was with us from the beginning was made
flesh in Jhn 1:14“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and
truth.”

The word made is translated from the Greek:

ginomai {ghin'-om-ahee}
1) to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being

2) to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen

a) of events

3) to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage

a) of men appearing in public

The word ginomai in Greek refers to a change of condition. It means that He was
in existence previously, and He became flesh. So, what was He before, was now
flesh. “God is Spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in
truth.” The second person of the Triune GOD became flesh and dwelt among us.
He became a man and this is the heart of the gospel.
This is reaffirmed in 1Ti 3:16“And without controversy great is the mystery
of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
Manifest comes from the Greek:
 phaneroo {fan-er-o'-o}

1) to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or
deeds, or in any other way

a) make actual and visible, realised

b) to make known by teaching

c) to become manifest, be made known

d) of a person

1) expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear

e) to become known, to be plainly recognised, thoroughly understood

1) who and what one is

There are several more verses but I will close this discussion with this last
one as this subject is a complete study unto itself. In Act 20:28 “Take heed
therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath
made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his
own blood.” I would almost be willing to take odds, if I asked anyone did the
Father die on the cross, the answer would be akin to “NO.” But we just read that
GOD purchased the church with His own blood.
Now, back to GOD not changing is Jam 1:17 “Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Variableness comes from a compound of two roots ( parallage
{par-al-lag-ay'} and { allasso {al-las'-so} meaning to change, to
exchange one thing for another, to transform.
Scripture says GOD does NOT do this. Since the scriptures do not contradict
themselves GOD has not changed, regardless of the new covenant. Rom 1:25
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature
more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
Battles with and without GOD’s blessing in Old Testament scripture are too
numerous, to mention them all. There are also, many prominent men who did
battle in the old testament so I will narrow the discussion down to whom I think
most will agree are the three most prominent. They are Abraham (originally Abram
before GOD changed it), Moses and King David.
I will address them in the common chronology of the Bible starting with
Abraham. (Many are not aware that the common order in which the scriptures are
laid out is not historically chronological.)
In Genesis we have an account where Abraham’s brother was captured. Let’s see
how Abraham dealt with this situation. In Genesis 14:14 it says: “And when Abram
heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained [servants], born in
his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued [them] unto Dan”.
Scripture tells us Abraham had 318 trained men in his household… even
though Abram wasn’t at war with anyone; he had in place a program to train his
household for war. After the rescue, Abram is honored by GOD, something that
GOD wouldn’t do if HE was against the conflict. Gen 14:18-20 “And Melchizedek
king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most
high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God,
possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath
delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” There are
several schools of thought on just who Melchizedek was/is. For now, I will just
include the roots words and descriptions of those roots.
Malkiy-Tsedeq {mal-kee-tseh'-dek}
Melchizedek = "my king is Sedek"
1)king of Salem and priest of the Most High God to whom Abram paid tithe after
the battle he fought to free Lot; 'the order of Melchizedek' the order of the
priesthood to which Christ belongs.

melek {meh'-lek}
1) king
tsedeq {tseh'-dek}
1) justice, rightness, righteousness
a) what is right or just or normal, rightness, justness (of weights and measures)
b) righteousness (in government)
1) of judges, rulers, kings
2) of law
3) of Davidic king, Messiah
4) of Jerusalem as seat of just government
5) of God's attribute
f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification (in controversy), deliverance,
victory, prosperity
1) of God as covenant-keeping in redemption
2) in name of Messianic king
3) of people enjoying salvation
4) of Cyrus
Then we move on to Moses and a few of his battles... Exd 17:9 “And Moses
said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I
will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.” Num 31:21
“And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This
[is] the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;” This was the
priest of GOD telling the men how to purify their spoils. Then in Num 32:29 “And
Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass
with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land
shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a
possession”:
Jos 11:20 “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come
against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might
have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Joshua had taken over for Moses and was still continuing what GOD had told
Moses to do. We are told here that the LORD; Himself, hardened the heart of the
enemy to fight.
Now for King David, we are told that David’s heart was perfect with the
Lord in 1Ki 11:4 “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives
turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the
LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.” I do not believe that
scripture tells us David had a perfect heart with the Lord due to the fact that he was
a man of violence, but rather because he had a repentant heart. His sins against
God were many but he always came back to God and not only asked for
forgiveness but repented. There is no doubt that King David was a man of war, but
let us take a look at a few of the many verses that give insight into this “perfect
heart”: 1Sa 26:10 “David said furthermore, [As] the LORD liveth, the LORD shall
smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and
perish”
1Sa 17:32 “And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy
servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
Psa 35:1 [[[A Psalm] of David.]] “Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that
strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”
Psa 144:1 [[[A Psalm] of David.]] “Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which
teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight:”
1Ch 28:9 “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve
him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all
hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he
will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.”
1Sa 17:37 “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of
the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this
Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.”
1Sa 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword,
and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of
hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”
1Sa 18:12 “And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and
was departed from Saul”.
1Sa 18:14 “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD
[was] with him”.
1Sa 18:28 “And Saul saw and knew that the LORD [was] with David, and [that]
Michal Saul's daughter loved him”.
1Sa 19:5 “For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the
LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice:
wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a
cause?”
So, we have established that God (who doesn’t change) was not against
battle in the Old Testament but the challenge was not against the old but rather the
New Testament. So let us see what we can find there!
Obviously the most influential figure of the New Testament is Jesus Himself.
Anyone, who studies scripture, is well aware of the many heated debates Jesus had
with the religious leaders of the times. Did any of these debates ever turn physical?
Did Jesus ever condone the use of weapons for battle? Let us see.
In the synoptic Gospels we have Jesus physically throwing the money
changers out of His father’s house: Mat 21:12 “And Jesus went into the temple of
God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the
tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves” Mar 11:15,
“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast
out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the
moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves” Luk 19:45-46 “And he
went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that
bought; saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye
have made it a den of thieves”
Then in John we are told that he actually made a weapon and drove them
out. Jhn 2:15-16 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them
all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers'
money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these
things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
The term cast out and drove are both derived from:
ekballo {ek-bal'-lo}
1) to cast out, drive out, to send out
a) with notion of violence
1) to drive out (cast out)
and ballo {bal'-lo}
1) to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls
There is speculation amongst scholars that since the synoptic gospels all put
the casting out incident toward the end of their gospel and John put his at the
beginning, not to mention that none of the synoptic gospels describe a weapon; it is
not only possible but probable that we are talking about two different occasions, as
Jesus went to the temple several times. So, we have to conclude that the answer
would be yes to both questions. Jesus did condone the use of weapons and physical
confrontation under the right circumstances, since Jesus himself both physically
and with a weapon, drove the changers out of the temple.
Then we have of course the battle of Armageddon described in Revelation. I
have included a few verses from Revelation that talk about battle.
Rev These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
17:13
Rev These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of
17:14 lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.
Rev And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make
19:19 war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and
Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about,
and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the
20:10 beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

4. Isaiah 2:4 says “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”!
This gives reason for doubt when read without full context. However, let us
look again at the entire segment of Chapter 2 in context and see what specifically,
it is we are talking about. Isaiah chapter 2 is talking about the coming kingdom.
This is the kingdom that Jesus will set up during his reign. It is a comparison
between how the nations behaved and acted towards each other then and how they
would behave in the one He would establish during His reign. It is a spiritual
nation. It is not a physical nation. I found a pretty good breakdown of the chapters
and some follow up reading for better understanding while searching through
various commentaries and found some more of Pastor Chuck Smith’s (I have never
read much of his literature before but I am really starting to like this guy.)

By Pastor Chuck Smith

CHAPTER 2: The Coming Kingdom
v.2-3 In the Kingdom Age Jesus Christ will establish His throne on Mt. Zion. We will also go
there to be taught by Him. (Rev.1:6, 3:21, 19:15, 5:9-10.)
v.4-5 When Jesus reigns in the Kingdom Age no one will have to fear war anymore.
v.6-8 An apt description of present-day humanism. Man worships the creature rather than the
Creator.
v.9-21 The Lord will bring down the proud and shake the earth. (Rev.6:12-17; Heb. 12:26.)

Even if you took Isaiah Ch 2, on a literal level it would still conflict with the
condoned use of weaponry for defense. We have already determined that Jesus
used a weapon in the forgoing rebuttal in. Jhn 2:15-16 also, when Jesus himself,
said in Luk 22:36 “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him
take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his
garment, and buy one”. To which his disciples reply in Luk 22:38 “And they said,
Lord, behold, here [are] two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.” And
for righteous judgment as well; Romans 13:4, “For he (ruling body) is the minister
of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth
not the sword in vain: for his is the minister of GOD, a revenger to [execute]
wrath upon him that doeth evil”.

5. Jesus reprimanded Peter for using a sword in HIS defense!

Not long after Jesus tells his disciples to buy swords, Peter uses his sword to
defend Jesus and is indeed reprimanded for it in John 18:10-11 “Then Simon Peter
having a sword drew it, and smote the hight priest’s servant, and cut off his right
ear. The servant’s name was Mal’chus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy
sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink
it?” Let us remember; that earlier Jesus had to chastise Peter for trying to keep
Him from fulfilling His mission of the cross. Mat 16:22-23 “Then Peter took him,
and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto
thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an
offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be
of men.”
Jesus was again reprimanding Peter for the same reason, in that he was not
to keep Him from going to His death and thereby, fulfilling His mission. This was
not teaching that defending yourself or others is against scripture. There was a time
and place for the use of the sword and this was not it. Jesus had his disciples arm
themselves because the time was rapidly approaching, where He would no longer
be with them in the body. He knew they would need protection and therefore,
wanted to ensure that His disciples were able to defend themselves.
6. Jesus talks against defense in Matthew and tells us not to resist an
evil person etc…!
Before a more in depth study of the scriptures, this area has caused me more
concern than any other; however, after my studies, I feel “no need to be ashamed,
and boldly stand on scripture.” The Bible says in Matthew 5:38-42: “Ye have
heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth; But I say
unto you, that ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek,
turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away
thy coat, let him have [thy] cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a
mile, go with him twain, Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would
borrow of thee turn not thou away”.
If read out of context this verse appears to be in opposition of the Mosaic
laws. However, let us remember that the BIBLE does not contradict itself so, let us
take the entire section together and not do that which is so common, take a section
of scripture and form a belief system out of one verse. GOD’s word is the scripture
in its entirety not just bits and pieces. It is when we come to this realization that
our hearts and minds will begin to open to His truths. Just a few verses before, in
the same speech Jesus says in Matthew 5:17-19, “Think not that I am come to
destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily
I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass
from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom
of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great
in the kingdom of heaven”. So, the talk of “turning the other cheek” is referring to
the Mosaic laws found in Exodus CH. 21-23.The “Eye for an Eye” sections are in
Exodus and Leviticus Exd 21:23-24: “And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt
give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,” and in
Lev 24:20 “Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a
blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him [again].”
Now, one must understand the attitudes and actions of the people of that
time. When Jesus came on the scene, people were using these scriptures to justify
their revenge. “A tooth for a tooth” had become an excuse, a way for the people to
feel self righteous while still getting their vengeance. Let us go back to where Jesus
talks about being smitten on the cheek in Matthew 5. If we look at the term “shall
smite” on the cheek, with a bit more scrutiny we will find that Jesus is not talking
about a fighting fist but, rather an insult. The phrase “shall smite” is translated
from the Greek word “rhapizo” which is used synonymously with the word “slap”.

rhapizo {hrap-id'-zo}
1) to smite with a rod or staff
2) to smite in the face with the palm of the hand, to box the ear

In the Jewish culture a slap in the face was a form of insult. It was not meant
to result in harm of a physical nature.
Jesus referred to scripture from the mosaic laws and if you just read them over,
some of them sound pretty harsh. However; if you really look into what is being
said they are dealing with intent, purpose of the heart and the final results/outcome
of ones actions when it came to punishment for the crimes. Let us go back to
Exodus 21 this is after the ten commandments and GOD is explaining the law to
Moses. Exodus 21:12-20 is covering the reasons for which a man may be put to
death. In Exd 21:14, we start dealing more with intent “But if a man come
presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him
from mine altar, that he may die”
The word presumptuously is translated from the root:
zuwd {zood}
1) to boil, boil up, seethe, act proudly, act presumptuously, act rebelliously, be
presumptuous, be arrogant, be rebelliously proud
a) (Qal)
1) to act presumptuously
2) to deal arrogantly (with 'al')
3) to defy proudly (with 'el')
b) (Hiphil)
1) to boil, seethe, act proudly
2) to act presumptuously, act insolently
And Guile from: `orem {o'-rem}
 1) subtlety, shrewdness, craftiness
Both of these are dealing with attitudes of the heart. Then further down we
get into punishment due to outcome in Exd 21:18-19: “And if men strive together,
and one smite another with a stone, or with [his] fist, and he die not, but keepeth
[his] bed: If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote
[him] be quit: only he shall pay [for] the loss of his time, and shall cause [him] to
be thoroughly healed.”
The word Quit coming from the root, naqah {naw-kaw'}
1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off
a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure
Then punishment due to an outcome of struggle is described again in Exodus
21:22-23:“If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart
[from her], and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as
the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges
[determine]. And if any mischief follows, then thou shalt give life for life,”
The rest of Ch. 21 continues to deal with if actions result in death the tooth
for a tooth is to be enforced but if the result is not death then only recompense is
required not eye for eye or tooth for tooth.
Let us move on to Exodus CH.22. Here we get into dealing with thieves. Ex
22:2-3 “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no
blood [be shed] for him. If the sun be risen upon him, [there shall be] blood [shed]
for him; [for] he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be
sold for his theft.” Breaking up comes from the Hebrew:
machtereth {makh-teh'-reth}

1) a breaking in, burglary

And this derived from the root : chathar {khaw-thar'}

1) to dig, row
a) (Qal)
1) to dig (into houses - of burglary)
2) to row (in water)

And Smitten is translated from the Hebrew

nakah {naw-kaw'}
1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill
a) (Niphal) to be stricken or smitten
b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten
c) (Hiphil)
1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust
2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast)
3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage
4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy
d) (Hophal) to be smitten
1) to receive a blow
2) to be wounded
3) to be beaten
4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain
5) to be attacked and captured
6) to be smitten (with disease)
7) to be blighted (of plants)

This is not the same word used when Jesus talks about when someone smites you:
rhapizo {hrap-id'-zo} also, this word nakah {naw-kaw'} is
very similar to the word quit naqah {naw-kaw'} used earlier when we
discussed about accountability in Exodus 21:18-19. The difference is one jot or
tittle. When spoken they are pronounced the same but the spelling is slightly
different. (This shows even more, the importance of when Jesus said not one jot or
tittle in anywise would be changed from old to new until all is fulfilled.)
The rest of this chapter continues to deal with one being responsible for the
causes of their actions and making the appropriate restitution thereof.
As we continue in Exodus 23 we get more and more into dealing with intent, your
heart and performing acts of kindness even against one who hates you. Exd 23:5“If
thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest
forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.”
It is; therefore, evident that GOD deals not only with action but causation as
well. What is the intent of our actions? Were is our heart? What extraneous harm
have we caused? Many say that Jesus brought a new testament of love, but we
have seen the testament has not changed, but instead fulfilled. The Old Testament
was truly more violent than the new, but it was also about love as well –God’s love
for his people. GOD has shown HIS desire in both the Old and New Testament,
Love for mankind. Love in all our actions, even during defense/conflict. That
concept is difficult to understand with our finite minds and if we are fortunate
enough to grasp this concept it is even more difficult to put into practice. How,
may you ask is it possible to show love during conflict? I would say it is
impossible if left to our own devices. It goes back to the heart and intent. However,
without the guidance of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, it is highly improbable that
we will overcome our sin nature and show the heart of love during conflict. Once
we study and write GOD’s words on our hearts,
Deu 11:18 “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your
soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets
between your eyes.”
He will be just and true to be there in our time of need. For example, let’s
say someone displays and inappropriate attitude towards our wife or husband.
Should we immediately take a 2x4 and bash in their skull? No, that is not an
intent/attitude of love, though it is, the most prominent reaction of our sin nature.
We should announce their inappropriate behavior, and this with a heart of
instruction, not of anger or self righteousness. If we have diligently studied the
scriptures to write GOD’s law on in our hearts and in our minds, the right
“attitude” will avail itself. Then, let’s say he/she gets angry and attacks us. We
defend ourselves and are successful in incapacitating the individual. Do we
continue to stomp, beat, or kick them? No, once the situation is under control we
stop. We inflict no more damage or injury than what is necessary to control the
situation. A good example of this would be in Exodus 22:2-3 where we just
discussed the thief. The KJV does not specify that when the breaking up is
committed in verse 2 whether it is day or night but since verse 3 goes on to say that
if the sun is up blood will be spilled for him, We can presume that verse 1 is
talking about darkness. Obviously, we would have more control in the light than
the dark, and our accountability would be apropos to the circumstance. Hence, all
our actions should be tempered with the GOD’s love. However, that is only
possible if we spend time in HIS word and write those words on our hearts. It is
my sincere desire that this article finds its way to those who are sincerely seeking
GOD’s words and not man’s. I am ever the student and am always thrilled to
achieve more insight. If your heart is one of caring instruction or learning and not
of argumentative attitudes your comments are welcome at
spiritualwarriors@cox.net
Credit for this article goes not to me but the many that have gone before me.
My contribution was merely to research and gather the information together in one
location. Besides, we are told in Ecc 1:9 “The thing that hath been, it [is that]
which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is]
no new [thing] under the sun”.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Bible verses used in this article are all taken from the King James
Version of the Bible as there is no copyright. After all, who but GOD has a right to
copyright His thoughts or His inspirations? Other sources including dictionary
descriptions are a combination of Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew/Greek
Lexicons/Concordances, Bible study software programs and/or several internet
sources/sites.

DISCLAIMER
While searching the net for a place to purchase a masters’ belt I came upon a site that
sold what I was looking for. It was ran by a Tom Katch. As I was browsing through the
site I found an article entitled “Martial Arts and the Bible” The similarities between our
articles are astounding. Please do not misconstrue or read anything into this disclaimer.
I am not saying Mr. Katch copied this article. That is not possible! I have never
published this article on the web. That leaves a combination of two other possibilities.
One, being coincidence, as the truth is always the truth and will not change: If 1000,
sensible, people describe the temperature of the sun; the unanimous outcome is going
to be HOT! No matter how many different degrees of hot or descriptions of hot you get;
the final description will be hot. The other, is that since much of my research came from
the internet, it is likely that I have gotten bits and pieces of others’ plagiarisms. So, if any
credit is due on this article it should be directed to Mr. Katch. The purpose for this article
was never praise, but rather dissemination of information, in hopes of easing the
disease I fought for so many years over being a Christian and a martial artist.
Ecc 3:17 “I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for [there
is] a time there for every purpose and for every work”
Post script:
I have forwarded this article to Mr. Katch to alert him of any hearsay that may or may
not come about. I have; however, “utilized” Mr. Katch’s final thoughts from his article as
I am in total agreement and they are very well spoken.
Conclusion

Martial arts training has its place. It can help people learn to deal
with the inevitable conflicts in life. There is no escaping battle in
life. God wants people to be prepared to handle these battles,
whether it is to turn the other cheek to an insult, find a peaceful
resolution, or physically defend themselves or others. Martial arts
and self-defense are not sinful or inherently wrong, but without the
guidance of God and the Bible, martial arts could be misapplied.
Without proper biblical training we are left to our own sinful
nature, which tends toward retaliation, haste, fear, hatred,
pacifism, and intolerance. Martial arts are a biblical concept, but
even more attention should be given to biblical training. The Bible
should be used in conjunction with martial arts training. In
conclusion, I Timothy 4:7-8, which says, "Have nothing to do with
godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be
godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has
value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and
the life to come."
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used
by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.