The Bible speaks of conflicts as part of the end times, suggesting that wars may be signs of the final days. With powerful imagery and warnings, scripture reveals what believers might expect as history moves forward. Here’s a closer look at these prophecies.
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What Does The Bible Say About War In The Last Days
Matthew 24:6-7
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
This verse speaks of the inevitable occurrence of wars and conflicts in the last days. It cautions believers not to be alarmed by these events, as they are a sign of the approaching end. It highlights the prevalence of discord and division among nations.
These prophetic words from Jesus remind us to stay vigilant and not lose hope despite the turmoil and destruction that warfare brings. They emphasize the need for believers to cling to their faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan of redemption.
Revelation 16:14
“For they are the spirits of demons performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.”
In the last days, this verse reveals that demonic spirits will influence world leaders, leading them to gather for a final battle against God. It signifies a spiritual conflict that will manifest in the physical realm.
This passage serves as a reminder that behind human warfare, there are spiritual forces at work. It reminds us to be alert spiritually, understanding that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. It underscores the need for believers to put on the full armor of God, standing firm in faith.
Joel 3:9-10
“Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, ‘I am strong!'”
This verse depicts a scene where nations are called to prepare for war. It signifies an escalation in global conflict and a mobilization of armed forces. Turning agricultural tools into weapons symbolizes the readiness for battle and a shift towards war rather than peace.
This passage serves as a warning that the last days will be characterized by widespread hostilities. It reminds believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in navigating these tumultuous times.
Isaiah 2:4
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
In stark contrast to the previous verse, this passage depicts a future vision of peace where nations no longer engage in war. It highlights God’s ultimate desire for reconciliation and harmony among all peoples.
This verse offers hope in the midst of a world plagued by violence and bloodshed. It reminds believers to actively pursue peace and work towards resolving conflicts, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is for the cessation of war and the establishment of lasting peace.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
This verse highlights the moral degradation and depravity that will characterize the last days. It provides a list of negative traits and attitudes prevalent among people during that time.
As believers, this passage warns us to guard our hearts against being influenced by this corrupt culture. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and separating ourselves from those who deny the transforming power of God. It encourages us to pursue godliness and righteousness in a world that is increasingly driven by self-centeredness and sinful desires.
Luke 21:9-10
“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
Similar to Matthew 24:6-7, this verse reassures believers not to be overwhelmed or fearful when they witness wars and conflicts. It emphasizes that these events are part of the signs indicating the approaching end.
Jesus’s words serve as a reminder that despite the chaos and violence in the world, He remains in control and holds the ultimate victory. This verse encourages believers to place their hope and trust in Him, knowing that the turmoil will eventually lead to the fulfillment of God’s promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Psalm 68:30
“Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.”
This verse depicts a plea to God to intervene and bring about peace by rebuking the warmongering nations. It calls for the scattering of those who delight in warfare, symbolizing a desire for God to dismantle the systems and ideologies that perpetuate conflict.
As believers, this passage reminds us to pray for God’s intervention in a world consumed by violence. It encourages us to intercede for peace and justice, knowing that God hears our cries and has the power to bring about transformation.
Psalms 144:1
“Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
This verse acknowledges God as the one who equips and trains His people for warfare. It recognizes that there are times when believers must engage in battles, both in the physical and spiritual realms.
As followers of Christ, this passage encourages us to rely on God’s strength and guidance when faced with conflicts. It reminds us that in the midst of war, our ultimate trust and dependence should be in the Lord, knowing that He empowers us to overcome and be victorious.
Psalm 46:9
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”
This verse declares God’s power and authority over the cessation of wars. It affirms that He has the ability to dismantle the instruments of warfare, bringing an end to conflicts.
As believers, this passage offers reassurance that even in the midst of chaos and violence, God is in control. It reminds us to place our trust in Him as the One who can bring true and lasting peace, both individually and globally.
Revelation 20:8
“and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number, they are like the sand on the seashore.”
This verse speaks of the deception of nations and the gathering of armies for battle. It references Gog and Magog, symbolic of the multitude of nations that will be influenced by the forces of darkness.
As believers, this passage reminds us of the prevalence of deception and spiritual warfare in the last days. It calls us to be vigilant in discerning the lies and schemes of the enemy, while also standing firm in the truth of God’s Word.
Proverbs 20:18
“Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance, even in the context of warfare. It recognizes that making well-informed and strategic decisions is vital for success.
As believers, this passage encourages us to seek godly counsel and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit when facing conflicts and challenges. It reminds us that our dependence on God’s wisdom and discernment is crucial, especially in times of war.
Zechariah 14:3
“Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.”
This verse depicts God Himself going out to fight against the nations, symbolizing His divine intervention in the midst of war. It signifies His active involvement in bringing justice and judgment.
As believers, this passage reminds us that we serve a God who is not distant or indifferent to the struggles of His people. It assures us that even in the darkest moments, God is present, fighting on our behalf. It gives us hope and confidence in His mighty power to overcome any opposition we may face.
Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
This verse affirms that God goes before His people in battle, fighting on their behalf and guaranteeing their victory over their enemies.
As believers, this passage serves as a source of comfort and assurance that we do not fight alone. It encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision, knowing that He will not abandon us in times of conflict. It reminds us that our victory ultimately comes from the Lord.
Isaiah 31:5
“Like birds hovering ever so protectively, so the LORD of Hosts will shield Jerusalem. He will deliver it; He will preserve it; He will rescue it.”
This verse paints a beautiful picture of God’s protective presence and care over His people, specifically referencing Jerusalem. It assures believers that God will shield and deliver them from harm.
As followers of Christ, this passage reminds us that God is our ultimate protector and defender. It encourages us to place our trust in Him, knowing that He will watch over us and provide deliverance in times of war and turmoil.
Exodus 14:14
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
This verse declares that the Lord will fight on behalf of His people, requiring only their stillness and trust in His power.
As believers, this passage encourages us to surrender our battles to God, knowing that He is the One who fights for us. It reminds us to find rest and peace in His presence, allowing Him to take control and bring about victory according to His perfect timing.
Psalms 35:1
“Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.”
This verse depicts a cry for God to defend and fight on behalf of His people against their adversaries. It is a plea for divine intervention and justice.
As believers, this passage reminds us that we can bring our concerns and struggles before God, trusting Him to be our advocate and protector. It encourages us to place our faith in His ability to bring about justice and vindication in the face of enemy opposition.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This verse highlights the spiritual nature of the battles believers face, emphasizing that our ultimate enemies are not human beings, but the spiritual forces of evil.
As followers of Christ, this passage reminds us to approach warfare from a spiritual perspective. It urges us to put on the armor of God, standing firm in faith and relying on the power and authority of Jesus to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
Psalm 144:2
“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.”
This verse underscores God’s role as a fortress and stronghold for His people. It acknowledges Him as the ultimate source of protection and deliverance.
As believers, this passage serves as a reminder to place our trust in God’s unchanging character and strength. It encourages us to seek refuge in His presence, knowing that He is able to subdue our enemies and grant us victory.
Matthew 10:34
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
This verse challenges the notion that Jesus came solely to bring peace. It highlights the reality that following Him may lead to conflicts and divisions.
As believers, this passage reminds us that our commitment to Christ may invite opposition and even hostility. It calls us to persevere in our faith, understanding that the message of the Gospel will inevitably encounter resistance in a fallen world.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
This verse emphasizes that as believers, our approach to warfare should differ from that of the world. It underscores the supernatural power available to us through God, enabling us to overcome spiritual strongholds.
This passage challenges us to rely on spiritual weapons, such as prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on human strategies or physical force. It encourages us to tap into the divine resources at our disposal, knowing that they are mighty for pulling down strongholds and advancing God’s kingdom.
Psalm 18:39
“You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.”
This verse acknowledges God as the source of strength and empowerment in times of battle. It testifies to His ability to humble and defeat the adversaries of His people.
As followers of Christ, this passage reminds us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. It assures us that with God on our side, we can face any opposition with courage and confidence, knowing that He will grant us victory.
Isaiah 2:4
“And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
This verse offers a prophetic vision of peace in the last days, where weapons of war are transformed into tools for cultivation. It portrays a world where nations no longer engage in warfare or seek conflict.
As believers, this passage inspires us to long for and work towards a future characterized by peace and harmony. It reminds us that God’s ultimate plan is to restore all things and bring about a time when war will be a thing of the past.
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
This verse calls believers to engage in a different kind of battle – the fight of faith. It urges us to be courageous and resolute in our commitment to Christ, striving for spiritual victory.
As followers of Jesus, this passage encourages us to persevere and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that the battle we face is ultimately one for our souls. It reminds us to hold firmly to the eternal life and salvation we have received, standing strong in the face of opposition.