Firstly, if we are called to war, what is the cause. If our nation is at war, is it to defend against an aggressor that threatens the citizens? Has a foreign power breached our sovereignty? Were we attacked first? Was such an attack provoked? Most wars we are involved in today are not to protect our lives or liberty, rather most wars are defending our standard of living and our economic interests. I could see killing an enemy in war if we are defending ourselves, our friends, and families, and our lands. But I do not think we are justified in killing to defend our lifestyles, or to defend or assert our commercial ventures. Question the cause for which you are fighting.
Secondly, why are we involved in the war. Did we volunteer to enlist, or are we drafted? Are we being positioned to defend our nation, or are we occupying a foreign nation?
The first passage that justifies killing in war is found in I Kings. The original commandments do not justify killing in warfare.
A thing that must be understood regarding the passage in Kings is that God did not want Isreal to have a king. However Isreal didn't want God to rule them, they wanted to be like the heathen nations. So God granted them their agency and warfare is a natural consequence of such a government. Under the type of government that God wanted for his people, they would be taught correct and Godly principles, and the people would govern themselves. Under such principles, people were permitted and justified in defending themselves and their families, but not in making war. The lone exception is if the Lord commands it. When people govern themselves and submit to the leadership of judges, they are not inclined to war with their enemies. When a king or centralized rule is introduced, it creates more opportunity for corruption, and corruption often leads to aggressive warfare.
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