Nonviolence and the Divine Warrior - Messianic Revelation Teaching

Nonviolence and the Divine Warrior - Messianic Revelation Teaching

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the often-misunderstood theme of violence within the book of Revelation. He argues that a proper understanding of Jesus' teachings and the practices of the early church reveals a powerful message of nonviolence as the means through which believers overcome the empires of the world. Vander Els challenges the widely accepted notion of Christian violence, particularly in the West, and proposes a new lens through which to interpret the apocalyptic visions of John.

The Paradox of Violence in Christendom

Vander Els begins by questioning the comfort many have with the idea of Christian violence, contrasting it with Jesus' direct commands to turn the other cheek and love our enemies. He highlights the common tendency to readily resort to violence in situations beyond physical assault, particularly within certain cultural contexts. The core of the teaching is that understanding Jesus' life and teachings, as well as the beliefs of the earliest Christians, reveals a consistent emphasis on nonviolent resistance rather than violent retaliation.

Jesus' Example of Nonviolence

The teaching emphasizes several key moments in Jesus' ministry that exemplify nonviolence. When a woman faced stoning, Jesus intervened with the truth of his word, not physical force, to defeat her accusers. When his disciples sought permission to call down fire on the Samaritans who rejected him, Jesus rebuked them. Furthermore, when Peter used his sword to defend Jesus at his arrest, Jesus not only rebuked him but also explained the consequences of such actions. These instances underscore Jesus' commitment to a path of nonviolence in the face of opposition.

The Early Church's Focus on Loving Enemies

Vander Els points to the historical witness of the first and second-century believers who arguably prioritized loving their enemies above all else. In a time of intense persecution by the Roman government, these early Christians chose to respond with love and prayer, seeking to persuade their persecutors through their peaceful lifestyle rather than engaging in violent resistance. Quotes from early church fathers like Justin Martyr (circa 155 A.D.) illustrate this commitment, noting how Christians, who once held prejudices against foreigners, now lived among them as family, praying for their enemies and seeking to overcome hatred with healing actions. Tertullian (circa 197-208 A.D.) further emphasized this principle, stating that Christians are forbidden to retaliate against injury, lest they become as bad as those who harm them. He also described how early believers were likened to sheep, willingly yielding rather than fighting in self-defense. This historical context is crucial for understanding the intended message of Revelation.

Reinterpreting Revelation: Nonviolence in a Book of Violence

Acknowledging the graphic violence depicted in Revelation, Vander Els proposes that this imagery should be interpreted through the lens of Jesus' nonviolent teachings and the early church's practices. The word "blood" appears frequently in Revelation, but when it refers to a specific entity, it is consistently associated with Jesus' blood or the blood of the saints.

The Lamb as the Conquering Divine Warrior

A central point of the teaching is the interpretation of Jesus as the Lamb in Revelation 5. Despite John hearing of the "Lion of Judah" conquering, he sees a Lamb that appears to have been slain but is standing victoriously in the throne room of God. This imagery is paradoxical, as the Lamb conquers not through violent force like a lion, but through its sacrificial death. Jesus is referred to as the Lamb 28 times in Revelation, contrasting with the single indirect reference to him as a lion, suggesting a deliberate emphasis on his vulnerable yet victorious nature. The followers of the Lamb are called to conquer in the same way, through self-sacrificial love.

The Army of God and the Color White

The imagery of the army of God in Revelation, such as the 144,000 in Revelation 7, is also reinterpreted through this nonviolent lens. While described using militaristic terms, this army is depicted as clothed in white, holding palm branches, and worshipping, not wielding swords and engaging in battle. The color white, prevalent throughout Revelation, symbolizes the victory of those who conquer like Jesus. The 144,000 who follow the Lamb in Revelation 14 are shown standing in the throne room, having overcome through self-sacrificial love. They are those who have endured great distress, washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb – a symbolic act representing forgiveness and ultimate loyalty to Jesus' way.

The Battle of Armageddon: Word as Weapon

The climactic scene of the return of the king in Revelation 19, often interpreted as a violent battle, is presented differently. While armies of heaven follow Jesus, he himself is not depicted as holding a physical sword. Instead, a sword comes from his mouth to strike down the nations. This is understood as the power of his word and testimony, the same weapon wielded by the two witnesses earlier in Revelation. Vander Els critiques interpretations that envision Jesus and his followers literally slaughtering their enemies, pointing out that Jesus' robe is already soaked in blood before the battle begins – his own blood, shed sacrificially, not the blood of his adversaries. The armies following him, dressed in white, simply follow. This scene reinforces that victory is achieved through Jesus' sacrifice, not through a future violent conquest by believers.

Application for Everyday Life

• Embrace nonviolent resistance: Following Jesus' example, respond to opposition and injustice with truth and love, rather than retaliation.
• Love your enemies: Actively seek the well-being of those who oppose you, praying for them and seeking to overcome hatred with kindness.
• Bear witness faithfully: Hold firmly to the testimony of Jesus, even in the face of persecution and hardship, understanding that this faithfulness is a form of victory.
• Recognize true power: Understand that true strength lies not in physical force but in self-sacrificial love and unwavering loyalty to the Lamb.
• Stand against evil: Call out evil and injustice boldly, but do so in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom.
• Believe in Jesus' victory: Trust that Jesus has already overcome the powers of darkness and live in light of this reality.
• Put down the "cup" of sin: Recognize that indulging in sin ultimately leads to God's judgment and choose to turn away from it, embracing the forgiveness offered through Jesus.
• Endure with hope: Be encouraged in times of trial, knowing that God is with you and that your endurance is part of his plan for redemption.

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Books and Resources Mentioned

• First Apologies by Justin Martyr - Justin Martyr First Apologies
• Works by Tertullian - Tertullian
• Relevant Magazine - Relevant Magazine
• Podcast about Mark Driscoll - podcast Mark Driscoll

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