Why Believers Should Never Fear World War Three

With all of the wars going on in the world and threats of more to come, why can believers have peace about the future?

A Promise of Trouble

With all of the wars going on in the world and threats of more to come, why can believers have peace about the future? We can have peace in all things when we have made peace with God through Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1), having our former condemnation lifted (Rom 8:1). But what about all the troubles the world has now and how might that affect believers? A new world war (World War Three?) could erupt at any moment, sending the world into an economic downfall, but remember, God is still in full control (Rom 8:28). Jesus made many promises to His followers, and one that is not often quoted is this promise: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus didn’t say you “might” have tribulation, but for sure, “you will have tribulation.” So we must expect it, but that doesn’t mean believers are a victim of circumstances.

Safety in the Storm

Followers of Christ are just as safe as the disciples were in the storm on the Sea of Galilee. With Jesus in the boat, do we really think they were all going to drown? The safest place to be is in God’s will, and it was God’s will to send the disciples into a storm on the sea (twice in fact!). That means we must trust Him, even if our eyes lie to us, and even while in the worst part of the storm. God is more real than what we see. Yes, we all have storms in our life and now, in this world which looks ready to explode into a world war, but remember, the storm is still subject to the Creator. The Master can calm it whenever He wills to.

Nuclear Threat

Today the world is a more dangerous place to live than at any time in human history? Why? Because there are now dozens of nations with nuclear weapons and tempers can flair, as border conflicts have shown, so never has the threat of nuclear war been greater. And yet…Christ-followers can have peace, even in a world war. We know that when we are absent from this body, we will ever be in the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 5:3). What’s the worst that can happen? Is it death? NO! That only puts us immediately into the Kingdom and seeing His beautiful face for the first time. That’s awesome, right? Whatever happens in this, not one thing or person can ever separate us from Jesus Christ and His Kingdom (Rom 8:35-39). Believers can have what the world can’t have, and that’s “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). While the world wrings its hands, we lift ours to God in prayer, knowing our Father is in total control, and not one of His beloved children shall perish (John 6:37-39; 10:28-29).

Wars and False Teachers

In the years leading up to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 AD, Jesus said that “many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matt 24:5), and we’ve seen an explosion of false teachers. And they are leading many astray. In fact, there are more false teachers in the world today that biblical ones. That should concern us. Jesus also warned that “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matt 24:5). Even then, Jesus wanted His disciples to not be alarmed. Why? Because He is still in full control, even if it doesn’t look like no one is.

Peaceful Feeling

As the world looks on in fear and uncertainly, we know that God is working everything out in His own perfect time and in His own perfect way. That’s settled, so we pray for those who are troubled, that “the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thess 3:16). Jesus’ precious promise to His disciples is just as relevant for believers today where our Lord said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). If Jesus gives you and me peace, then it’s not just human-based, temporary peace that could be shattered at any time, but Jesus’ peace is an everlasting peace that can only come from God. So “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Col 3:15).

Conclusion

We need not worry about the hostilities in the world, but only that which is between sinners and God. For those who have trusted in Jesus Christ, “he himself is [their] peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14). I pray that you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Who has absorbed the wrath of God upon Himself on your behalf. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: the Apostle Paul’s Warning About the Last Days

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: End Times, last days, war, World War, World War 3