Bin Laden is dead. First of all, as Americans, we have won a victory, and we should be proud. We have made a big step against terrorism.
But, as Christians, when anyone dies without the hope of salvation, we should feel sorrow. God wishes for everyone to be saved:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4. Emphasis added)
Some people want to compare us to the Israelites fighting against the enemies of the Lord. America claims to be a Christian country, and Bin Laden was an Islamic terrorist attacking us because we claimed to be a Christian country. However, there are some major differences we should look at when comparing the U.S.A. to the chosen people.
The Israelites were a people chosen by God. They were chosen because of the righteousness of Abraham. The U.S.A. is a country that may have been founded upon Christian principles, but we are not chosen by God, nor is our society godly in action. God commanded the Israelites to kill nations. We have no such commandments.
God’s chosen people are Christians all over the world, not because of a birthright, but because of obedience to Christ. We are not fighting a physical war, but rather a spiritual war.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Christian victory is not with the death of a persecutor, but with a person denying self and obeying Christ in order to have eternal life.
When Peter drew his sword to attack those coming to arrest Jesus, Jesus rebuked him. He was not fighting a physical war. Saul persecuted and killed many Christians as a Jew, but when he was converted to Christianity, it would be safe to assume that he never wished death on any of his persecutors. He preached to Roman rulers, sat in prison, and was stoned and beaten to the point of death. Many Christians were killed by Jewish leaders, but the Christians didn’t fight back.
God was always, and will always be in control. God will bring judgement on nations and peoples in His own time.
3 replies on “Death of Bin Laden”
Well said. I appreciate your taking the time to articulate a godly, well-worded perspective.
Excellent! Great spiritual depth! Very Biblical! We as “Christians” (children of God) need to do our best to follow the steps of our Lord and be “conformed to his image.” As he hung on the cross our Lord didn’t wish ill of anyone. Instead he said, “Father, forgive them…” Bin Laden was an enemy of America. As Christians, we are to pray for our enemies. As Americans we should be relieved that America’s enemy has received justice for his crimes, but as a follower of Christ we should be sad about the condition of his soul.
Very true. Christ is the perfect example, and we must first look to his attitude.