A New Testament Christian will never by his own volition declare himself ready for military service. The Son of God has placed love for one's neighbor next to the love of God, not as an opposite, but as a necessary complement: Mark 12:29-31; Matt. 5:43-45; Rom. 13:8-10. -- Jesus motivates his instruction, to put the sword back into its place, as follows: "for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." Matt. 26:52. -- Neither the soldier Cornelius, nor the prison director of Philippi can be used as counter instances. As soon as these swordsmen became followers of the defenseless Savior, they had to leave government service; this was understood, for every Roman official was obliged to sacrifice each morning before the image of the divinized emperor, where by ritual means incense was burned and the protective divinities of Rome had to be publicly thanked for the preservation of the emperor. The Christians were not able to participate in such veneration of idols. Therefore--according to the contemporary Roman authors--they were tried and killed as atheists and rebels. -- Who receives a draft notice has to obey, but to request--as an objector to carrying arms--to be placed for service into units that do not carry arms. This his service he has to carry out in an exemplary manner just like any other task  he accomplishes in private life, unless they are contrary to the law of God: Acts 5:29.