God is a god of justice and order. In Titus 3:1 (NLT), Paul teaches believers “to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.” We should even pray “for kings and all those in authority,” 1 Timothy 2:2 (NIV). Why? Paul explains this in the same verse, “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Christians live in the world but are not of the world. “for this is the will of God — your sanctification,” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (YLT). To be sanctified is to be set apart from the world to serve God. Our calling is to live and to teach God’s truths. Jesus said, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth,” John 18:37 (ESV). Only Jesus and His obedient followers have this holy life purpose.
But can’t sanctified Christians serve God by enforcing just laws of a government? No. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36. Christians are not to participate in earthly governments. We are “ambassadors for Christ,” and “our citizenship is in heaven.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, Philemon 3:20) An ambassador represents his own country and does not enforce the laws of a foreign country.
God is teaching Christians to live His law of love. Romans 12:20,21 (CSB), “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink…Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” We bless our enemies to show them what God’s love is like.
Finally, police officers are trained to use physical force, even deadly force, against lawless people. Jesus never taught His disciples to use physical force for any reason in this present life. In the future, when Jesus and His church reign on earth, justice will certainly be enforced. “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie,” Isaiah 28:17. Righteousness will rule in Christ’s kingdom in order to teach people how to love.
Summary: No, a Christian may not enforce laws as an officer, but he should obey laws.
