The government/state is the only entity that has the authority to initiate use of force of violence.
I can use force of violence to defend myself, my property, or another innocent person from an act of violence but I can't lawfully initiate the use of force.
The government is more dangerous than any criminal, that being said, before some leftist anti-second Amendment fanatic says, "Next time you need help don't call the police..." I prefer to be able to help myself and the government to be limited as much as possible.