Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers For They Shall Be Called The Children of God.

This is by far the most cited scipture within law enforcement circles. I see it on the Bibles of officers, cited on law enforcement message boards and in most cases the context somehow implies that because law enforcement officers keep the peace, they "will be called the Children of God" and thus will enter Heaven. Combine this with the context that so many of our officers have with them being the "good guy" and the criminals being the "bad guy" and the thought that spiritually they are somehow superior due to a profession, we have nothing short of heresy within our law enforcement ranks. Walk into any police department in America and ask the officers if they are good and will they go to Heaven and they will give you the same answer that most citizens will give you. Of course they are good and they are going to Heaven. While this is a similar issue what makes it even more difficult to deal with in law enforcement is that the improper use of Matthew 5:9 in many ways solidifies this belief.

Lets take a look at Matthew 5:9: "Blessed Are The Peacemakers For They Shall Be Called The Children of God."

In Romans 5:1, Paul tells us that "...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus describes Peacemakers not as those that create peace as it pertains to social reforms but about those that are reformed by the power of the Gospel and Jesus Christ. Since they have peace with Jesus they can then spread this message to a troubled world. God has called Christians to bring back the peace that was forfeited as a result of sin. By spreading this message, they are the children of God. Throughout these passages in Matthew, Jesus is describing the importance of having these life-changing qualities to be citizens of His kingdom. Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) so it only makes sense that the citizens of his kingdom shall be peacemakers.

You have likely seen this scripture quoted within law enforcement circles. We must ensure it is used correctly. Taking Matthew 5:9 out of context is a potential tragic step to false conversion and a salvation through works.

Are you a false convert? Please don't wait another minute to address any concerns you may have. Let me encourage you to read or watch True & False Conversion.