The following is adapted from a YouTube video created by Daryl Groves in 2025.
Recent events in Iran and the Middle East have sparked significant discussion. News of military strikes and rising tensions naturally raises questions for Christians: How should we think about these issues?
As both Christians and Americans, we should approach them not merely with emotion or political loyalty, but with biblical clarity and constitutional principles.
Supporting Israel, But Not Unconditionally
Israel is an important strategic ally of the United States. It is a democracy in a hostile region and, like any nation, has the right to defend itself.
However, many Christians believe the U.S. must support Israel unconditionally because the Jewish people are God’s chosen people. While well-intentioned, this view does not fully reflect the teaching of the New Testament.
In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen by God for a specific purpose: to bring the Messiah into the world. That purpose was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul explains that God’s people are no longer defined by ethnicity or geography, but by faith in Christ:
- “Not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” (Romans 9:6).
- “A Jew is one inwardly…circumcision is a matter of the heart” (Romans 2:28–29).
- “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring” (Galatians 3:29).
Today, the covenant people of God are all who trust in Christ. For this reason, Christians should be cautious about building foreign policy on Old Covenant categories that have been fulfilled in Jesus.
Understanding the Iran Strikes
Recent targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have raised fears of war. However, targeted military actions do not necessarily constitute a formal declaration of war.
Presidents have historically authorized limited military strikes under their Article II authority as Commander-in-Chief, particularly when responding to credible threats.
Iran has demonstrated decades of hostility toward the United States, including anti-American rhetoric and support for attacks carried out through regional proxies. These realities must be taken seriously when considering national defense.
The Biblical Role of Government
Scripture teaches that government has a legitimate responsibility to restrain evil and protect its citizens.
Paul writes that governing authorities are “God’s servant” who do not “bear the sword in vain,” but execute justice against wrongdoing (Romans 13:1–4).
This responsibility reflects the command to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). One way a government loves its people is by protecting them from both internal and external threats.
We also see this principle in Nehemiah 4:14, where God’s people are exhorted to fight for “your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Constitutional Limits Still Matter
While national defense is legitimate, Christians should also care about constitutional limits. History shows how limited conflicts can escalate into prolonged wars, as seen in Korea and Vietnam.
The Constitution places the authority to declare war with Congress for this very reason. National security should never come at the expense of constitutional order.
A Balanced Christian Perspective
Christians should seek a principled approach:
- Support Israel when it acts justly
- Hold Israel accountable when it does wrong
- Support America’s legitimate defense
- Uphold constitutional limits on government power
Our Ultimate Allegiance
In times of global tension, believers must remember that our ultimate loyalty is not to any nation or political leader.
Our highest allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ.
Christians should pray for peace, pursue justice, and hold fast to biblical truth and constitutional conviction in a time of growing confusion.