Is it permissible for a Christian to use lethal force to protect himself, others, or his state?

[soggykitten]

OK, so this is an issue I seriously struggle with.

Some think that our country could be involved in a civil war in the near future due to leftist groups like Black Lives Matter.

I own a firearm and carry one regularly in a pocket holster. I am not personally concerned with my safety, but in the current environment, I could be present when someone else's life, especially a police officer, is in danger and I might be able to help.

So, the question is, from a biblical standpoint, do you think it is acceptable to use lethal force to protect yourself or others?

I see no New Testament permission to do this, however, in Hebrews 11, these verses indicates that it could be the action of a faithful person:

Hebrews 11:32-34 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Additionally, I fully support the right of the government to inflict punishment upon the wicked in society (Rom 13).

Several sound teachers have said that it is permissible to use lethal force in protection of self and family if innocent lives would be spared by taking the life of the person. However, it is not permissible to kill someone in order to avoid martyrdom.

Any thoughts?

I don't really know which one I would choose, but my guess is that if it came down to a matter of saving innocent lives, I would shoot an aggressor. I mean, I am carrying a gun regularly already. However, I don't think it would be an easy decision to make.

Chances are this decision would not come about for me, because I don't really care to be traveling in larger, leftist-leaning states.

I'll say, if it wasn't permissible the good news is, God forgives.

The better news is, it isn't forbidden to use lethal force to protect yourself or others.
Psalm 144:1
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Luke 22:
36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” 38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.

1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.