The tension between war and peace in the Middle East is mind-boggling at times. Just when we think President Trump is about to order a massive wave of bombing against Iran, we wake up the next day to learn he has called off the attack.
On the other hand, the ceasefires never last. Despite the highly publicized Memorandum of Understanding for peace, attacks and bombings resumed shortly after its signing.
As students of Bible prophecy, we have a unique understanding of what’s happening in the conflict between Israel, Iran, and the proxies of the Persian state. We know that the battle is spiritual. Because Satan motivates Israel’s enemies, lasting peace will never happen until Jesus returns to the earth. The anti-Zion passion will remain alive and well inside Iran until the nation’s demise at the end of the Gog/Magog war (see Ezekiel 38-39).
The tension between war and peace that we currently witness is itself prophetic. With every agreement or ceasefire, we hear the words “peace and safety” or “peace and security” in spite of the ever-present undercurrent pointing to a global conflict on the level of another world war, or even worse. It’s just as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:3, “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” However, what we see leading up to the fulfillment of this prophecy is confusing more often than not.
Just when we think we are on the cusp of a war that would fit with the “sudden destruction” described in 1 Thessalonians, the sides agree to a ceasefire. With the war in Ukraine, Russia has apparently backed away from its threat to directly attack America if Ukraine used its missiles to strike deep within the nation, which is now happening.
We see this same contrast between peace and war with the first two seal judgments during the Tribulation. The first rider appears on a white horse, which represents the arrival of the antichrist. He initially comes in peace as symbolized by the arrowless bow. Yet, somehow he conquers just the same (Revelation 6:1-2).
The next rider of the apocalypse brings strife and war, which will be one of the causes for the horrific widespread death on the earth in numbers beyond anything experienced in all of history (Revelation 6:3-4, 7-8).
The Restrainer
2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 reveals the role of the Restrainer in holding back the unveiling of the antichrist, and the lawlessness he will bring with him, until after the Rapture. I believe the Restrainer, or Holy Spirit, is also holding back World War III, which will be far deadlier than all the wars of the previous century combined. We hear persistent rumors that this is coming, with some telling us it has already begun, albeit in a limited way. Yet such allegations never materialize.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 reveals that the widespread devastation will closely follow the Rapture. I believe this will include earthquakes and wars that will happen in close proximity to our departure. Such an attack on America would account for its absence in Bible prophecy, despite its prominent role in world affairs. (Of course, the Rapture alone will bring widespread chaos to the US and severely weaken it).
The back and forth between peace and war is exactly what we would expect just before the Lord’s appearing to take us home. The mirage of peace that dominates the world scene is setting the stage for the antichrist to deceive the world with his own brand of illusory peace.
Setting the Stage for the Antichrist
Once the restraining work of the Holy Spirit ends, the antichrist will quickly seize the initiative as someone able to restore order amid the widespread chaos and bring peace to a war-weary world. The masses, already longing for just such a leader, will readily give him their allegiance.
Even so, deadly wars will follow his peace campaign. War and peace will be the theme of the Tribulation period after Jesus opens the second seal.
The Bible tells us that after the Rapture, the antichrist will make “a strong covenant with many,” which certainly will include Israel (Daniel 9:27). In Isaiah 25:15-18, the Lord refers to this as a “covenant of death.” Given Israel’s current experience with terrorist attacks, war, and constant threats of further violence, this agreement will likely include a much-coveted guarantee of safety and protection. If it contains permission to build a temple, and I believe it will, that will make the pact all the more desirable to Israel’s leadership.
Today’s back and forth between wars and ceasefires, including threats of fierce attacks amid claims of “peace and security,” is exactly what we would expect in the moments leading up to the realization of our “blessed hope.”
As I have often stated, I believe the Lord is allowing the world to experience a small sampling of what the world will be like after the Rapture. It’s a warning for those outside of Christ to repent. For us who believe, it signifies that Jesus will soon appear to take us home.
