After all, Scripture says, "I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord. Jubilee Bible Not defending yourselves, dearly beloved; but rather give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. American King James Version Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: American Standard Version Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: Douay-Rheims Bible Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.
Darby Bible Translation not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance [belongs] to me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. English Revised Version Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath: Webster's Bible Translation Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: Weymouth New Testament Do not be revengeful, my dear friends, but give way before anger; for it is written, "'Revenge belongs to Me: I will pay back,' says the Lord. But a gun properly used does not always include violence.
Handguns can be used in non-violent activities like sport, target practice, and collecting.
They kick and spit when fired, and need the shooter to exercise control. The Bible calls Christians to a life of gentleness. But gentleness is not in contradiction with power.
In other words, a powerful person could also be a gentle person. In the same instance he is both gentle and powerful. The two concepts are neither opposite nor in contradiction to the other. The role of a Christian is to offer forgiveness, not revenge.
I think most Christians have no problem avoiding a pre-mediated plan for vengeance. The real problem lies not in the forethought of evil, but in the immediate reaction of momentary emotion. When we become angry, finding a place of power becomes a natural instinct.
They do so because the emotions of hurt, anger, and embarrassment are taunting them. This is a subtle form of revenge. Adults behave similarly, though usually with more nuance and potency.
This is where the Christian can go amiss with a gun. Instead, they might pull their shirt tighter to expose the offender to the underlying bulge. Maybe they simply place their hand on the gun to feel better about themselves, or even remind themselves it is there. I think each of these cases is a search for power and a form of vengeance. God then resorts to taking matters into His own hand. The specific response is a very bloody slaughter.
They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord GOD. In Ezekiel, the events are the same.
God looks for a judge. But God finds no man and is forced to take matters into His own hands. The imagery here is that a wall has been breached a section of the wall has fallen and opened a hole to enemy troops. What would happen in ancient warfare is that each side would rush to the wall. This is an extremely violent image. Because there was no one willing to stand up, God again is forced to act.
God specifically mentions that He would not have to act if only mankind would have. Everyone who goes out from there shall be torn in pieces, Because their transgressions are many; Their backslidings have increased.
God is described as a lion, wolf, or leopard that consumes the wicked possibly a figurative statement meaning God will use enemy nations to destroy Israel. In all these passages, God is not wanting individuals to take a back seat role. God actually desires someone to right the wrongs, punish the wicked, give justice to injustice. Jesus gives a good illustration of this idea:. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, Mat The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
He who has ears, let him hear. Paul adamantly believes this. Paul believes that God is soon returning to Earth with an army of angels to kill the wicked and save the righteous.