Attack on America & War: A Christian View Print Version

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'Attack on America' & War!

Part 1: A Christian View

1 Thessalonians 5:1-5

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

On Tuesday September 11, 2001, the two towers of New York's World Trade Center were brought down after two hijacked commercial airlines crashed into them. The Pentagon also sustained damage as a third hijacked commercial jet was also used to crash into the military complex. A fourth hijacked commercial flight crashed outside Pittsburgh, PA, the attempts for its final target thwarted by what are reported as the heroism of passengers who attempted to take back the plane. The loss of life is well past 6400 individuals with the impact reaching globally.

Wednesday Sept 12----In addressing the US nation, President Bush said that now it will be a monumental struggle of good versus evil and good will prevail. Various politicians asked God to bless America and many are the public prayers to that effect. That coupled with the statement that this is an act of war, and war has subsequently been declared, should bring realization to Christians and those who may be aware, of the Biblical and spiritual implications.

Our hearts have grieved for the many victims and the horrible waiting period in the search for loved ones who may have been alive in the rubble. We are torn between feeling sorry for all these victims, and that of the people who have lost family. We have wept as survivors shared their miracles of survival. We have shed tears over those who sought their loved ones, only to be left waiting for news that will not give them joy. We know the depths of grief and know too, that without Christ, the desired comfort and hope is not the same.

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

That this is just the beginning, indeed, it may be the beginning of the end, is a reality. We as Christians need to get our priorities right—and that is being aware that undoubtedly most who have been victims in these tragedies, did not know the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And we need to be praying that God will use these times to bring souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In the many emails from various Christians giving their rendition of these events, few have given mention of a desire that these disasters will bring any to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe that is not what was intended, but in many cases, that is what took place. Perhaps it’s just taken for granted that Christians will pray in that manner—yet most list the things they think should be prayed for—and that was not there. Two weeks after the fact, some in leadership are beginning to suggest a great revival can happen.

However, most we’ve seen are busy carrying the flag first, preceded by or following the possible spiritual and prophetic implications and the actual prayer for the lost—every single person who does not know Jesus Christ—rarely or briefly mentioned. Many have responded in the same indignation and wrath that is so much a part of non-Christian responses. A true witness delivers souls—and what is coming across is more of a selfish concern that those falling under the name Christian ‘get ready’ for what is coming.

Proverbs 14: 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. 26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Aftermath

Luke 21:9-11

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

In the aftermath of these horrible events we must consider the attitude and spirituality of the people of the US, Canada, Britain and in fact worldwide. Many politicians and citizens have since responded with the indignation, wrath and the need for revenge and retaliation. This is not observing the laws and not bringing to justice those who have committed these murders.

With the declaration of war, some are now couching their words with 'justice', but that is not the attitude of most. In fact, "Operation Infinite Justice', now called 'Enduring Freedom' will be a campaign that carries with it the knowledge that innocent lives will be lost, but the cost is 'worth it' to 'rid the world' of terrorism. The name of Infinite Justice was scrapped after the administration "recognized that in the Islamic faith such finality is considered something provided only by Allah, the Arabic word for God." That should also have been noted that in the Christian faith--of which many claim to belong --infinite justice is also recognized as only belonging to Almighty God.

Members of the United Nations Security Council agreed September 20th, that any global fight against terrorism should be lead by the United Nations - and not the United States. The United States has placed itself at the helm of its reprisals and others are expected to follow with support.

The Address to the Nation by President Bush, September 20, showed further resolve to not go by what would normally be the rule of law, but rather a 'determined resolve, with no negotiation." Operation Infinite Justice has been initiated to wage global war against terrorism and terrorists and any country which may have terrorist cells, which involves over sixty countries, including Germany, France and other allies. The strong words have drawn a line in the sand that, "we will rally the world, "and states,

"America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world and we stand together to win the war against terrorism." ..."And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime....And what is at stake is not just America's freedom. This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom. We ask every nation to join us. We will ask, and we will need, the help of police forces, intelligence services, and banking systems around the world. The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded -- with sympathy and with support. Nations from Latin America, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the Islamic world. Perhaps the NATO Charter reflects best the attitude of the world: an attack on one is an attack on all. The civilized world is rallying to America's side."

Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, in a press conference September 13, stated, that this campaign against terrorism targets beyond just those who did it. There will be a campaign that involves, "removing sanctuaries, removing supports, ending states that sponsor terrorism..." Many are in essence being obliged to support what the US has in mind. Failure to do so would bring in to question one's views of terrorism.

Luke 21:25 speaks of a time when nations will be "distressed, with perplexity…" (The Greek word is "aporia," for "no way out".)

Reports filed Friday September 21, after President Bush's Address, revealed that Afghanistan's Taliban rulers refused to hand over alleged terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden and warned that U.S. attempts to apprehend him by force could plunge the whole region into crisis. The refusal by the Taliban, which has sheltered bin Laden for the last five years, was announced by the Taliban ambassador to Pakistan, Abdul Salam Zaeef. He spoke after President Bush warned Afghanistan must hand over bin Laden and his lieutenants ``or they will share their fate.''...``Our position on this is that if America has proof, we are ready for the trial of Osama bin Laden in light of the evidence,'' Zaeef said. Asked if the Taliban were ready to hand bin Laden over, he snapped ``No'' but his translator said, ``No, not without evidence.'' ...Zaeef also called for an investigation into the attacks by the United Nations, telling reporters President Bush's ultimatum poses great danger for Muslims...The Taliban envoy added that his government was ready if necessary to defend the country against American attack. ``If they want to show their might, we are ready and we will never surrender before might and force,'' he said. ``According to Islam, the blood of anyone who spies for the enemy or sympathizes with it in time of war must be shed.''...[ Taliban Will Not Hand Over bin Laden, AP Online, 09/21/2001 07:42]

Wars and Rumors of War

Matthew 24: 6-8

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.

President Bush has led his country in the ideology that the terrorism is an act of war and no one does that to Americans and gets away with it. The point is, they have gotten away with it. Those who actually did it died, believing themselves to be right in their actions. Pride, arrogance and a very real indignation that Americans are righteous and will prevail against any and all that would come against it is being touted as reality. Many in leadership are viewed as Christians, including Mr. Bush. As Christians, our response to evil and evil doers is presented in the Scriptures.

Romans 12:17-19 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

We know that governments feel duty bound to defend their people from attack. In fact many would say they are Biblically bound to do so.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he 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 he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Governments have legitimate authority from God to keep the peace and to execute justice. Genesis 9:6 has not been rescinded for governments but is no way of behavior for a Christian under the New Covenant. It is expected that the governments will follow the laws that are laid down. That justice will be accomplished, not vengeance. That proof of wrongdoing will be provided as required by any countries laws. When Timothy McVeigh was found guilty, few believed that an American could do what he did to other Americans. But he did. It is imperative that the laws of the land be upheld for the purpose of justice. Otherwise, one is reduced to being unlawful themselves.

The fact that Mr. Bush has refused to supply any information that would prove the guilt of any, should not be viewed as acceptable. This is especially true in light of many accused of the hijackings having been found alive or with similar names. The FBI have admitted that many they have accused may have used stolen identities.

"...Doubts emerged in the Middle East over the identities of several of the 19 hijackers identified by the FBI last week. Saudi newspapers have reported that some of the men are alive; some are pilots.

An official at the Saudi Embassy here said there were five mistaken identities on the list, adding that all the men are alive and living abroad...."[Seattle Post Intelligencer: Sept 21-Identities of Some Hijackers in Doubt>http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/attack/39754_probe21.shtml]

Even after the urging of world leaders, Mr. Bush's words Monday September 24, revealed a backing down from previous statements that proof of identity of the terrorists would be provided. ``We will not make the war more difficult to win by publicly disclosing classified information,'' the president said.

"Doing so could make the war more difficult to win.'' Why? If the target is Osama Bin Laden or his counterparts, and proof is there, the Taliban have stated they will hand him over or try him according to their laws. Other countries will undoubtedly do the same of any, which evidence has proven guilty. No war would then be felt necessary. If it is someone entirely different that is guilty, then there should be public admission of the error and the perpetrators dealt with by law. There must be a governments example of upholding the laws of the land. This is particularly true of those claiming to belong to Jesus Christ, of which the President is one.

President Bush, in his speech to US Congress and the nation, said that "God is on our side." In an interview with CNN before the September 14th service at the National Cathedral, Franklin Graham said, "Our nation was built on faith in God and our faith in his son Jesus Christ. That's the foundation of this nation."

Mr. Bush has said that America was attacked because "we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world." Others have echoed his words which also included this is an attack against the world, against civilization. We disagree. What is not understood is that people worldwide do not necessarily view the United States as a beacon of freedom, nor do they agree with its foreign policies. Part of that is because US foreign policy has always been about furthering US interests. Most Arab nations view the US involvement in their lands since 1967 as an oppression and intrusion to their countries. They are dissatisfied with not only US placement and control in their lands and the infringement on their chosen way of life. But all have drunk in some manner, of that same policy and way of life.

There are many nations who have made threats against the United States, including Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria and so on. The US and its 'beacon of freedom' is not without its enemies. If this was truly an attack against the whole world or 'civilization', one could presume that the target would have been more global in scope, like the United Nations building. The attack was clearly a statement against the United States and what is considered its most important symbols, the wealth and capitalism in the World Trade Center and the defense center in the Pentagon.

President Bush also said September 25, ``This is good versus evil. These were evildoers. They have no justification for their actions. There is no religious justification. There is no political justification. The only motivation is evil.'' While anyone that does not know Jesus Christ is viewed as evil before God, these people feel justified in their actions, both politically and religiously. They fervently believe their actions honorable before God or in Muslim terms--Allah--if indeed they were of Osama Bin Laden's beliefs. We don't have to pretend to understand their fervor, but to deny it is there, is not accurate.

That American beacon of "freedom" Mr. Bush was talking about was built on disobedience to God. The United States was built on rebellion to another government--the King of England. It was not built on a peaceable or Biblical principle when it began. Many try to justify the rebellion by saying the founding fathers were godly men and they built their country on Biblical principles. God says that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and that all citizens are to honor the king--or government in place. Each government is ordained by God. That rebellion took place for the sake of 'freedom' is merely what God has allowed for the fulfillment of prophecy.

1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry...

Many who were the founding members of the United States were also attempting to build a 'New Jerusalem', that is, they believed that they were a new Israel that replaced the Jews, and were seduced into the unbiblical thinking that they could have heaven on earth. They believed, like many today, that they are God's chosen nation and they were God's iron rod, to direct and dispense justice to those who did not respect or want their views of 'freedom.' This belief is also called British Israelism. Ephraim [Britain] and Mannaseh [United States] are touted by many 'Christians' and non-Christians as being the receivers of and fulfillment of Israel's promises.

J.H. Allen advocated British Israelism in "Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright," and wrote about those who had feared Britain gaining 'universal dominion.' He said,

"England alone will not gain this, but that England and America will yet form an alliance and that then they shall push the people to the ends of the earth, for it is foretold that they, Ephraim and Mannaseh, "together" shall do this, and also that, "Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the whole WORLD with fruit. (Isa.27:6). The fulfillment of these promised blessings, which were pronounced upon the land of Joseph, by the people of the isles and their "separated" brother, is the cause of the fulfillment of another prophecy...concerning the same people..."...and she is the mart of nations...."p 280-281. [For more on British Israelism see: A Little Identity Crisis ~ British Israelism]

That is interesting in light of recent meetings between Tony Blair and Mr. Bush September 21. According to the London Financial Times, "...The US and Britain are to take military action by themselves against Osama bin Laden...President George W. Bush and Tony Blair, the UK prime minister, agreed that a tight command structure was needed and that the military operation should be undertaken largely, perhaps wholly, by their own forces. The White House declined to comment...." [US & UK ready for Joint military action >news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT37PMCDWRC&live

=true&useoverridetemplate=ZZZ99ZVV70C&tagid=FTDO9DHMZJC]

It should be understood that many attempt to fulfill prophecy or their view of Biblical prophecy by initiating events. This unity of Britain and the US would be no different than the unity of these nations in their continued air strikes on Iraq for 'protection of rebels.'

God's view of all nations and their vanity is found in such Scriptures as Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. ...17 All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

Psalm 62:9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. 10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. 11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

It is the US foreign policy that has always been about expanding US interests--economically and politically--that is behind the resentment of many peoples worldwide. The reality is, these 'terrorist' strikes have been happening worldwide for years. Hijackings, bombings and war are a way of life in many countries. While many feel bad, and amidst tongue clicking and head shaking, the world has tabulated what regularly has taken place in Ireland, the Middle East countries, South America, Africa and so on. Violence destroying lives is not new. The fact that civilians are regular casualties in, for example, Iraq, due to the regular bombings by Britain and the US troops, brings not even a shrug of that's too bad. Rather, there is regular denial. And if it were true, 'that's what happens in war.' 'As long as it doesn't happen here.' That is also the reality. While people worldwide appear to be united in grieving the loss of lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, how many are grieving in that same way for the loss and horrible plight of so many worldwide?

2 Timothy 3:1-5

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Next Section: Part 2: Do We Weep