Are We Really on the Brink of World War III?

Tensions are running very high among world leaders, who are warning about Iran’s threat of nuclear war. Online you will find videos about where you should go to be safe if or when war does break out (top destination is Antarctica), about what will happen to the atmosphere, and about how it will pollute the whole earth.

It’s a topic of serious concern—with a number of factors contributing to the fears. This includes international tensions, conflicts in various regions, and military buildups.

“These unfolding events are of great concern to the world—to a point where the Bible says that men’s hearts would fail them for fear of that which is coming upon the earth (Luke 21:26)—we need not be concerned. God is in control.”

Share on twitter Share on facebook

However, whether or not we are actually on the brink of such a catastrophic event depends on several other factors. Here, then, are four reasons not to be too concerned:

1. Continual conflicts between major powers (e.g., the US, China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, etc.) in regions like Ukraine, the South China Sea, and the Middle East have raised serious concerns about potential escalations. However, these conflicts are, for the most part, being managed through diplomacy and strategic deterrence to avoid all-out war.
2. The existence of nuclear weapons and the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD) serve as a significant deterrent against large-scale wars between major powers. The cost of a global conflict would be astronomically high, discouraging nations from seriously pursuing such a drastic path.
3. Despite tensions, there are significant efforts to maintain peace through organizations like the United Nations and through diplomatic channels. The global economy is also highly interconnected, making large-scale conflict economically disastrous for all involved.
4. Statements about the brink of World War III can be influenced by media sensationalism or political rhetoric. While the risks of conflict are real, the framing of these risks can sometimes exaggerate the likelihood of a global war.

Here now are two reasons why we should be concerned:

1. Bible prophecy—especially in books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation—are seen by many Bible scholars as predicting future conflicts, including a massive war involving Israel and its surrounding nations. Volatile! is a new book that shows how 2,500 years ago, the Scriptures actually named the Middle East countries that would attack Israel in the latter days. The book also contains the gospel and is available at a low bulk price.
2. Islamic nations have vowed to annihilate Israel and bring death to America. And the consensus is that if they get nuclear weapons, they won’t hesitate to use them.

While these unfolding events are of great concern to the world—to a point where the Bible says that men’s hearts would fail them for fear of that which is coming upon the earth (Luke 21:26)—we need not be concerned. God is in control. Jesus said:

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)

In the meantime, we have work to do:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

We do this on YouTube, and you can help be a part of this by freely sharing our videos.