One of the prophetic signs that Jesus gave regarding the end times is that there will be wars and rumors of wars before his return. This is recorded in Matthew 24:6, where Jesus tells his disciples, “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.”
This statement was made by Jesus during what is known as the Olivet Discourse, in which he describes events that will occur before his second coming. The disciples had asked Jesus about the signs of his return and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). Jesus responded by giving them a series of prophecies, including wars, natural disasters, persecution of believers, appearance of false prophets, and more. These were meant to serve as indicators that the end times were approaching.
So what did Jesus mean when he said there would be wars and rumors of wars? Let’s break it down:
Wars
The reference to “wars” is fairly straightforward. Jesus was warning that in the time leading up to his return, there would be an increase in the frequency and scale of wars between nations, kingdoms, and factions of people. Warfare would become more common and intense.
History bears out this prophecy. The 20th century was one of the most violent and bloody centuries in all of human history. Major wars like World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and many other armed conflicts caused massive casualties and reshaped nations. Various civil wars, revolutions, and military coups have continued to plague the world in the 21st century as well.
So there is no doubt that warfare and armed conflict have dramatically escalated over the past century, just as Jesus said it would. Modern weapons of mass destruction now make wars exponentially more deadly and devastating than in previous generations. The world is still plagued by violence and military action, despite efforts to promote peace.
Rumors of Wars
In addition to actual warfare, Jesus said there would also be “rumors of wars.” This refers to threats of wars, scares about impending wars, war tensions between nations, arms races, and the fear or dread of war breaking out, even if it hasn’t yet happened.
One example is the Cold War period following World War II. Although the U.S. and Soviet Union never directly attacked each other, the threat of nuclear war loomed large for decades. The two nations stockpiled tens of thousands of nuclear weapons, pointed at each other, and were ready to launch at a moment’s notice. People lived in constant fear that the world could end through the press of a button.
Other examples include the nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan, military provocations between North and South Korea, ongoing border disputes between China and India, threats of war from Iran, and many other global military hotspots that spark fears of potential wars breaking out.
So while actual combat deaths may be declining worldwide, Jesus’ prophecy about “rumors of wars” remains very applicable. Fears and threats of wars arising still persist and cause great anxiety across the globe.
A Sign, Not the End
It’s important to note that Jesus indicated wars and threats of wars are a sign of the end times – not the actual end itself. He said “the end is still to come.” Major wars like World War I and II sparked fears that the end was imminent. Yet decades later, we’re still here and Christ has not yet returned.
Jesus was clear that these signs mark the approaching end, not the immediate end. There is still time before he returns. So Christians should take heart that God is still in control, even amidst troubling world events. However, we should also take Christ’s words seriously and continue to watch and pray as we see prophecies being fulfilled.
How Should Christians Respond?
When we see increasing warfare, violence, threats between nations, and rumblings of potential wars, how should believers respond? Here are a few key ways:
- Don’t panic – Jesus said not to be alarmed by these signs, as God remains sovereign over human affairs.
- Pray for peace and for the Gospel to spread despite conflict.
- Work and advocate for peacemaking locally and globally.
- Avoid fostering fear, hatred or disdain for other nations.
- Be ready to minister to refugees impacted by war.
- Keep looking for Christ’s return and stay focused on God’s Kingdom.
In summary, Christians should see increasing war and threats of war as reminders that we live in the end times. Though sobering, this should motivate us to redeem the time by actively living out and sharing Christ’s love in a broken world. We can trust God will work all things for His purposes and glory despite the troubling state of world affairs.
Bible Verses
Here are some other Bible verses that describe end times warfare:
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. – Matthew 24:6
When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. – Luke 21:9
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. – Matthew 24:7
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but the end is still to come…Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. – Mark 13:7-8
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. – Isaiah 2:4
Come, you children of God, let us send our prayers up to the Almighty that wars may cease throughout the world. – Pope John XXIII
These verses remind us that warfare is a tragic reality of our fallen world. As the end draws nearer, the Bible warns that conflicts between nations and kingdoms will escalate. Yet this is not cause for despair, but motivation to turn to God in prayer and hope for the ultimate peace that Christ will bring at his return.
Historical Interpretation
Throughout church history, many Christian theologians and commentators have interpreted Jesus’ prophecy to refer to successive waves of warfare that increase as we approach the end times.
In the first few centuries AD, writers like Tertullian saw it fulfilled in the wars and political turmoil of the Roman Empire leading up to the fall of Rome.
During the Middle Ages and Crusades, conflict between Christian and Muslim nations was often viewed as end times fulfillment. Some pointed to the Mongol invasions as a clear escalation of warfare.
In the wake of the Napoleonic wars, thinkers like John Wesley again argued it was a sign Christ’s return was closer. This pattern repeated with World War I, World War II, and subsequent 20th century conflicts.
Contemporary writers now apply Jesus’ words to the ongoing threat of terrorism, nuclear proliferation, civil wars in the Middle East and Africa, global arms races, and other recent warfare.
So throughout history, Christians have seen Jesus’ prophecy continue to unfold in light of the particular wars and conflicts of their age. Most scholars agree warfare will continue to escalate right up until Christ’s return.
Criticism and Questions
Some critics argue that Jesus’ prophecy could simply apply to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, rather than end times events. However, Jesus refers to these events being connected with his return and the end of the age – not just the fall of Jerusalem.
Others may point out that by some metrics, the world has seen declining warfare and violence since World War II. The risk of dying in war is lower now than in past centuries. However, potential for catastrophic nuclear war also now exists. And Jesus’ prophecy can include both actual combat and fears/threats of wars.
Overall, the prevalence of wars, armed conflicts, military provocations and arms races in the 20th and 21st centuries make it difficult to argue against the fulfillment of this prophecy. The world remains plagued by the tragedy of violence between factions and nations, just as Jesus foretold.
But some questions do remain:
- How will we know when war has escalated to the point that the end is imminent?
- Is the frequency of wars more important, or the scale/impact?
- How should Christians balance working for peace yet realizing warfare will continue?
The Bible does not give precise answers, but reminds us that only God knows the timing. Our role is simply to trust His sovereignty and stay faithful no matter what happens.
Conclusion
Jesus’ prophecy about end times wars and threats of wars is being fulfilled steadily throughout history. Evidence of its fulfillment is overwhelming. This should serve as a warning to turn from sin and place our hope in Christ before it is too late.
Yet for believers, these tumultuous events are not an excuse for fear or fatalism, but a reminder to cling to Jesus. He has overcome the world! The Gospel continues advancing despite conflict and hardship. Jesus’ return will make all things right again. This hopeful truth far outweighs any trouble we face today.
Maranatha – come Lord Jesus!
