Jury duty and military service are two areas in which Christians often find their understanding of civic and spiritual duty to be at odds with the society around them. Approaching these areas properly requires faith, understanding—and, often, courage.
This article will discuss these points primarily from the perspective of United States citizens, but the principles we consider should be relevant for Christians in any country, and will surely become more important as God’s people face increasing persecution as the end of this age approaches. What happens when Christians fulfilling their spiritual responsibilities come into conflict with government assertions of “civic responsibility”? What does the Church teach—and how must we, as individuals, apply that teaching personally so that we can benefit most fully from whatever religious freedom our nations may allow?
The Constitution of the United States of America acknowledges and protects citizens’ rights to maintain their religious beliefs. Amendment 1—the first amendment in the “Bill of Rights”—specifically asserts freedom of religion, beginning with these words: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Citizens of the U.S. should be very thankful that they live in a nation that acknowledges such religious freedom. The Bible tells us that we are to submit to civil authority (Matthew 22:17–21)—unless doing so would be to disobey God (Acts 5:29). When civil law conflicts with God’s law, God expects Christians to obey Him, recognizing that His authority is immeasurably more important than civil authority. However—just as Christ and the Apostles demonstrated—Christians acknowledge that they are subject to whatever penalties God may allow civil authorities to impose after all appeals are exhausted.
Over the centuries, many faithful Christians have defended their beliefs before civil authorities, some even to the point of martyrdom (Hebrews 11:36–37), just as we may in the future be required to defend our faith (Daniel 7:25; Luke 21:12). Just as Christians in the past had to accept civil punishment for obeying God rather than man, so too may some of us in the future. So, it is each Christian’s personal responsibility to take these matters seriously, and to understand what the Bible teaches (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to act on what we understand.
Ambassadors or Citizens?
As a minister of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul described himself as an “ambassador” (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20). That metaphor can be extended to apply to all Christians, for “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20)—a status that should put our worldly civic responsibilities into perspective.
Why did God inspire this specific language to describe our status as Christians? What was Paul conveying? As followers of Christ, we are to submit to “the law of the land” so long as that law does not violate God’s law. This is precisely how an ambassador functions! Worldly ambassadors are expected to submit to the laws of their host nation, as long as those laws do not compel them to violate the laws of their own nation.
Paul had been highly educated as a Pharisee; with his legal mind he very well understood the implications of the language he used. God inspired that language (2 Timothy 3:16)—and did so for a very specific reason! His specific terminology referenced a well-understood, millennia-old concept! While Christians (just like worldly ambassadors) are subject to our host nation’s laws (Romans 13:1–2), Scripture also states that since we are citizens of heaven, God expects us to apply Acts 5:29 if there is a conflict between God’s laws and our host nations’ laws. We can be thankful that, if such a conflict occurs within the United States, there are avenues of judicial appeal, particularly on issues that impinge upon the First Amendment guarantees of religious freedom.
Ambassadors or Jurors?
Christians must strive to “do good” and to “seek peace” (Psalm 34:14). However, if there are conflicts within the Church, the Church has the authority to make judgments based on Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:1–6). God has given specific guidelines by which Church members and the ministry are to judge matters and resolve conflicts (Matthew 18:15–19). But what about judging outside the Church? Should a Christian—a “citizen” of heaven, acting as an ambassador—serve as a juror in his host nation?
Generally, because jury summons are issued based on driver’s license registration and other public records, an adult living in the U.S. is likely to be called for jury duty sometime in his or her life, no matter what his or her personal beliefs. But can a Christian serve on a worldly jury and be in harmony with God’s law? No! There are many reasons why a true Christian would be violating God’s word by doing so. Here are seven:
- Jesus Christ commands Christians, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). The Greek word for “judge” in this passage is krin?, which would be more accurately rendered, “to condemn.” To serve on a jury, one must be willing to condemn a defendant as “guilty” if the circumstances require it. Such condemnation is a core function of jury duty, yet is unacceptable for a Christian.
- Christians must be willing to grant mercy based on true repentance. Yet the world’s court systems forbid this. Jesus taught that Christians must be willing to forgive others (Matthew 6:14–15). David wrote that God is “good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon [Him]” (Psalm 86:5). Christians are to be merciful, as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
- All of God’s commandments—instructions—are righteousness (Psalm 119:172), and Christians must live by “every word of God” (Luke 4:4). Yet a juror is simply not allowed to judge by all of God’s commandments and His every word.
- The world’s court systems can render verdicts upon the testimony of only one person, in violation of Deuteronomy 19:15.
- God requires those who judge to consider all the facts (Deuteronomy 13:14). By contrast, in today’s court systems, a judge may choose to withhold evidence from jurors.
- Scripture warns us not to oppress the poor or the weak (Deuteronomy 24:14; Proverbs 22:22). Yet in today’s judicial systems, the rich can often use their wealth to get “the best justice money can buy,” hiring the best legal help to oppress those who lack such resources.
- The six reasons above lead naturally to the seventh. Scripture explains plainly the ways in which Christians should exercise proper judgment on matters within the Church, but we are not to become involved in judging worldly or secular matters (2 Corinthians 6:15 –17). Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated this principle in action when He refused to judge a secular issue put before Him (Luke 12:13–14). As Christians, we must “imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)—so we must not presume to violate His clear example in this regard.
How does this apply in practice? Like many who are reading this article, I have had to face a jury service summons. Since my summons was to serve in a federal court on a felony case, I was perhaps a little more anxious about the situation than I might otherwise have been.
After praying and fasting, I wrote a letter to the court, requesting excusal. My request was denied, so I had to schedule time off from work to spend an entire day at the federal courthouse as part of the jury selection process. Potential jurors arrived around 8:00 a.m., and after hours of waiting we finally came to the voir dire—the step at which the lawyers and the court question potential jurors to select the ones who will serve on the case. I was not released, and I knew that events were fast approaching a critical junction.
After the voir dire, the judge asked whether any of us had a problem with serving on the jury. Three or four other hands were raised in addition to mine. I was seated at the judge’s far left, so when he started calling on people to his right, I was able to hear three or four potential jurors stating their reasons for wanting to be dismissed. One by one, he listened to each plea for dismissal—and he rejected each one!
Finally, the judge called on me, asking me to state briefly why I wanted to be excused. After I explained my reasons, he indicated that he had the letter I had earlier submitted to the court. As he looked at me over the letter, he said something I will always remember. He said, “You have a problem.” His declaration sounded somewhat ominous, but since it was neither a question nor a command, I simply remained standing and respectfully replied, “Yes, sir!”
At this point, I was praying yet another of my numerous silent prayers. I do not know whether the judge was still unsure of his course of action at that point, or whether a spiritual battle was being waged unseen at that very moment (Daniel 10:20; Hebrews 1:14). Finally, after what seemed like minutes but was surely just seconds, he simply stated, “You are dismissed. Leave my chambers.”
Compared to what some brethren have experienced, my personal experience was quite mild. I remain thankful for how that judge treated me, but I am most thankful to Jesus Christ for being my Judge, High Priest and Advocate (Hebrews 4:14; 1 John 2:1)!
Church members in the U.S. have at least one resource today that I was not able to take advantage of when I received my summons. the Church makes available a “Jury Duty and the Church” packet (crafted by the Church’s Legal Affairs Office, available from your area pastor). If you receive a jury summons, the guidance in this packet—combined with prayer, fasting, Bible study and counsel—may ease your experience in dealing with the U.S. court system.
The packet includes a form to be filled out by you and your pastor, for submission to the jury official from whom you received a summons. In some cases, this form may be enough to gain an excusal from jury duty. If your request is denied, you can send the Church Legal Affairs Office a copy of the original jury summons, a copy of the refusal to dismiss, and the first page of the Church’s signed form (provided in the packet you requested). With this information, an attorney for the Church can write directly to the court that issued your summons—a step that in most jurisdictions has proved sufficient for receiving an excusal.
However, if this second appeal for excusal is rejected, you may have no responsible alternative other than to report for jury service—as I did—and speak directly to the judge. At that point, it is vital to remember that it is Christ who provides “grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Depending on the judge—and on how well you are able to demonstrate the sincerity and depth of your beliefs—you may be excused, or you may be held in contempt of court, which could result in a fine or even a brief imprisonment. This may be unpleasant, but being willing to accept the consequences of “obeying God rather than men” is part of being a true Christian. We are not to fear man, as David wrote: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6).
Ambassadors or Soldiers?
Jesus Christ prophesied that the end of the age would be filled with “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). The 20th century was by far the bloodiest in human history. Casualty estimates vary, but most historians agree that the cumulative combatant and non-combatant casualty count from wars, genocides, ethnic conflicts and political purges from World War I to the present is around 241 million human beings!
We see Jesus’ prophecy unfolding in our lifetime. We also know that conflicts will increase prior to Christ’s return, culminating in “World War III” and the all-consuming Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:7–9; Revelation 6:4)! The time may come, sooner than many anticipate, when the U.S. will feel pressed to reinstitute “the draft”—conscription for military service.
The U.S. discontinued the draft in 1973, but all male U.S. citizens are required to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Non-citizen males between ages 18 and 25 who are living in the U.S. must also register, unless they are legally recognized as non-immigrants (e.g. international students, tourists or diplomatic personnel). Failure to register can bring a penalty of up to five years in jail or a fine of up to $250,000. At present, women are not required to register, though some in Congress have openly proposed that women be included if a draft were to be reinstituted. Several bills to that effect have been proposed, but have stalled before passage.
Christians understand that they are not to volunteer for military service, but what should be done if their nation’s government tries to compel them to serve in the armed forces? Can a true Christian—a citizen of heaven, acting as an ambassador here on the earth—be a worldly soldier or participate in military service? Christ put it very plainly. He said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight” (John 18:36). As His servants, we must not disobey or dishonor Him by participating in war.
The Sixth Commandment is clear. It states, “Thou shalt not kill” (KJV). The NKJV and some other translations render it, “You shall not murder.” Some have tried to argue as to whether a soldier’s government-sanctioned infliction of death is covered by the biblical commandment, but the Hebrew makes it clear. The Hebrew word ratsach found in Exodus 20:13 is a very comprehensive term that prohibits “to kill, to slay, to assassinate” or “to murder”—and it covers both premeditated or accidental killing, whether with or without cause.
Furthermore, under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ expanded on the Ten Commandments to forbid the attitude of murder as well as the physical act (Matthew 5:21–22). Under the New Covenant, to lust is to commit adultery and to hate is to murder (Matthew 5:28; 1 John 3:15).—and murder is clearly sin (James 4:1–10). Jesus even tells us to “bless those who curse you,” and, if one cheek is struck, to “offer the other” (Luke 6:27–29! The consistent teaching of Scripture, as upheld by the Church of God since the time of Christ, is that true Christians must be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and must abstain from military service.
So, if you are conscripted into military service someday, is it enough to assert, “This is what the Church teaches”? Not at all! Simply asserting that you are a conscientious objector (CO) is no guarantee that the Selective Service will grant you such status. According to the Selective Service, “In general, the man’s lifestyle prior to making his claim must reflect his current claims” (www.sss.gov, “Conscientious Objection and Alternative Service”). In other words, if you have not been living as a real Christian and then try to claim CO status, be warned that your sin will find you out (see Numbers 32:23)! In this matter, as with any matter of Christian faith and obedience, “the Church” can teach, but “the Church’s” faith and understanding cannot be substituted for the demonstrated faith and understanding of the individual.
What, then, are some practical steps that you can take if you adhere to the doctrines of the Living Church of God and want to prepare yourself to receive CO status in the event of a possible future draft?
First, be a true Christian. Put God first. Pray. Do your Bible study. Keep the commandments. Attend Sabbath services and all of the Holy Days. Tithe. Live lawfully and peaceably. Do not be involved in violence or condone violence in any way, including violent entertainment, violent movies or television, or violent video games such as “first-person-shooter” games or violent “real-time-strategy” war games (Isaiah 33:15). Taking pleasure in violent pastimes of any sort is unbecoming of a true Christian, and will be very hard to explain to our High Priest and Judge—just as it will be hard to explain to the local draft board. True Christians and faithful ambassadors live beyond reproach (Colossians 1:22). They let their light shine (Matthew 5:16), and their faith is displayed in their life through their works (James 2:18).
Be sure to request a “CO packet” from the Church’s Legal Affairs Office at [email protected] (U.S. only). This will include a “Military Service Exemption Request (Pronouncement of Conscientious Objector Status)” form, along with detailed information, instructions and support materials. After sincere prayer and Bible study on the subject, write down your beliefs in a letter. Sign the letter and have your signature notarized, then send copies of it, along with the Church’s “Military Service Exemption” form, to trusted family friends. Send the letter return-receipt requested, and ask recipients not to open the letters. The letter will serve as evidence of your beliefs as of the date it was written—which could be very important for documenting your sincerity in the future if you are called before a draft board.
Whether or not you live in the U.S., the basic principle still applies—if you live by God’s law, and do so in a way others can see for themselves, you are not only demonstrating the sincerity of your beliefs; you are preparing yourself to defend those beliefs before those who might challenge your conscientious objection to military service. If you prepare in this way, then—just as when summoned for jury service—you will also be developing the deep confidence, from personal experience, that you can rely on Jesus Christ to aid your defense in time of need (Luke 21:14).
Citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ!
We live in perilous times, and should take somber warning from the lessons of our spiritual predecessors—citizens of heaven who, when put to the test, chose death rather than compromise. Many before us have rejected the temptation to abandon their beliefs, and will receive eternal life as a result (Hebrews 11:36 –39). Will we do the same?
As the end of this age approaches, Christians in every nation will increasingly face such tests. But whether dealing with jury duty, military service, or any test, we must never forget that Christ is our ultimate High Priest, Judge and Advocate (Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 John 2:1). He, not we, can ensure our safe passage through any trial (Psalm 23:4). But, we must also remember—Christ looks at our obedience, faithfulness and good reputation (John 5:22; James 2:18). God hears the earnest prayers of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29) that we may escape all these things (Luke 21:36), and “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). By living in obedience to Him, by emulating Paul’s example as an ambassador of Christ, we show God that we are ready to receive our crown at Christ’s return (Revelation 3:11).
Doing all this requires faith, understanding and courage. Times are soon coming when we will need more courage. As long-time evangelist Mr. Dibar Apartian wrote in the July-August 2007 Living Church News:
“The prophets of old were men of courage. When God told Joshua to begin the battle to enter the Promised Land, He commanded, “Be strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:6).
The apostles were also men of courage, particularly after they received God’s Holy Spirit. It was not easy for them to preach the Gospel amid continuous threats and persecutions. They had to choose between obeying God and obeying man—between entering the broad gate or the narrow one. The authorities told them, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” (Acts 5:28). The answer Peter and the other apostles gave was one of faith and courage: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (v. 29). Do you realize that someday you may have to give the same answer to those who persecute you? (“It Takes Courage To Be a True Christian!”, p. 6).
Christians today are not called to be worldly jurors or worldly soldiers as we await the opportunity to assist our King in ruling His Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:50–54). Rather, we are called to be “found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). Let us look forward to that soon-coming day when we will become glorified kings and priests under our Savior (Revelation 5:10)! Until that day, let us all strive to exercise our heavenly citizenship and live as worthy ambassadors here on earth!