Poll: Is use of deadly force for self-protection biblical in some circumstances? How about protecting one's property?

In light of the riots which are occurring on a daily basis, the Christian should ask himself whether the use of deadly force for self protection, and the protection of one's property, is biblical in some circumstances.

On one hand, Scripture says that we should be able to accept wrong from our enemy, and pray for their forgiveness. On the other hand, I am pretty sure that Christians in the early church were soldiers, and probably enacted the commands of the government which included defending using deadly force.

Additionally, Romans 13 says that the state bears the sword in order to punish evildoers.

In the USA, in many jurisdictions, we are allowed to carry a handgun. I personally own one and carry it on a regular basis. I am not fearful concerning my own life, but I believe strongly that the police need additional forces, and an armed citizen could help a downed police officer on occasion if he has a handgun.

However, sometimes I feel guilty for carrying a gun, as I know that Jesus said that we should be willing to accept wrong from our enemy, and that we are to pray for their forgiveness. Additionally, if a person relies on a gun for protection rather than the LORD, in essence I believe it is idolatry. However, I don't think that I am in that situation because I don't rely on it for my own protection.

In light of the rioting, this is an important question. I personally think that citizens need to arm themselves, because the government, in some cases, won't protect property (and maybe lives) because they work for politicians who may harbor Marxist or liberal leanings.

What do you think?

Here are some questions:

1. Is use of deadly force for self or other protection biblical, and if so, in what circumstances?
2. Should Christians carry guns for self-defense and the defense of their families and the helpless?
2. How do we view Jesus' words relating to being willing to accept wrong?
3. Is God our defender, or are we our defender?
4. Does violence simply beget more violence?
5. Which one is better, Glock or SIG?

By the way, I own a Glock 26 and use 12 round magazines, and Ameriglo bold sights. Glock pefection, baby.

Romans 13:1-7 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Luke 3:10-14 10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.

Additionally, I believe it is wrong and counter-biblical to glorify violence in any way.

However, there is a certain sense of justice that is part of the image of God that humans bear, however distorted this image is.

I dont think we should aim to seriously hurt someone in any case. We should make a point without deadly force.