On Saturday, February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. They launched these strikes despite ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. While questions remain regarding the validity of those attacks, there’s a narrative being shaped inside the military ranks that makes this much more troubling.
Service members across multiple branches have reported to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) that some commanders are telling troops that the continued conflict with Iran is an element of “God’s divine plan” and an indication of the approaching return of Jesus Christ, prompting greater than 110 complaints in recent days.
One non-commissioned officer said a commander urged troops to see the war as fulfilling biblical prophecy, even citing passages from Revelation, and framed participation as a part of that divine plan. Critics argue this conflates personal theological interpretations with official military duty and risks pressuring service members of diverse faiths or no faith into religious narratives they could not share. The MRFF, which defends constitutional religious freedom for all military personnel, has long challenged similar instances where religious language is used inappropriately in skilled military settings, emphasizing the importance of respecting the conscience and constitutional rights of each service member.
When military leaders describe modern conflict as Armageddon or a part of God’s divine plan, how should Christians discern what Scripture truly teaches about Christ’s return, the character of war, and the mission of the Church?
Is Armageddon Being Treated as a Goal Rather Than a Warning?
Fascination with Armageddon is nothing recent in lots of evangelical Christian circles. Many view Israel as a critical participant in end times prophecy, so every time there’s a conflict within the Middle East, thoughts immediately turn towards the top of the world. This considering has prevailed over time through different conflicts within the Middle East. Reports state that Ronald Reagan wondered in the course of the Iran-Iraq War in 1980 if this might be the generation to see Armageddon. Many tied apocalyptic value to 9/11 and the response to it. While people have seen this as a part of the framework, this time it’s different. We now have people in positions of power who imagine their actions can directly result in Armageddon. That, my friends, is dangerous ground.
Why War Must Never Be Waged to Fulfill Armageddon
War is brutal, and leaders must approach the choice to have interaction in war with great caution, not evenly. One, because all wars include casualties and lack of life. This should make any leader hesitant to enter a war. Second, wars could also be easy to start out, but they are sometimes difficult to finish. Choosing to go to war must be hard enough; nonetheless, selecting to go to war to meet or hasten Biblical prophecy feels misguided and even irresponsible. Wars which are fought on “religious” grounds could make casualties, be they civilian or military, to be seen as obligatory to advance the cause. While I think our military is charged with defending the freedoms we hold dear as Americans, they should not there to rush us into Armageddon or to influence the second coming of Jesus. Any military commander who promotes that is violating the Constitution they signed as much as defend.
The Return of Christ Does Not Depend on Military Strategy
There are vastly different interpretations of Bible prophecy, especially amongst lots of the symbolisms present in Revelation. One such interpretation would point to wars and unimaginable trouble happening on earth before the return of Jesus. Whether you hold that view or a unique one, do you wish military commanders deciding to send our troops into battle based on their understanding of biblical prophecy? Allowing your understanding of Bible prophecy to be the idea for military decisions opens the door to irrational decisions and questions what and why you’re fighting.
Every soldier who dons a uniform to fight for this country takes an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. They didn’t join to fight holy wars. These soldiers lay aside their personal and spiritual ideologies to come back together as one unit to defend our nation. Bringing about Armageddon was not a part of their oath.
Aside from that, there’s nowhere within the Bible where Jesus tells us he needs our help to help in his second coming. On the contrary, we’re reminded that nobody knows the day nor the hour of his return, so it seems silly to make military decisions based on unknowns. From my limited military knowledge, that seems to fly within the face of sound military decision-making.
Christ Calls US to Make Disciples, Not Ignite Wars
In the e-mail the officer wrote to MRFF, he spoke concerning the disposition of the commander. Here is an element of what he said:
“This morning our commander opened up the combat readiness status briefing by urging us to not be “afraid” as to what is going on with our combat operations in Iran without delay…He said that “President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth”. He had an enormous grin on his face when he said all of this which made his message seem much more crazy.”
That a commander could be enthusiastic about going to war to hasten Christ’s return questions this person’s understanding of the guts of God. If God’s desire is to bring people to repentance, then why would I need to hasten Christ’s return by killing people, lots of whom may not know Jesus, causing them to be lost eternally. Does this sound anything just like the mission Jesus would have for us?
Before Jesus left, he commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. He even empowered us with the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This is the work we’re called to do, and that is the work we should always be excited to do until Jesus comes back again. If we truly imagine that the time is brief and Jesus is returning soon, then that must be an enormous motivation to share the gospel with more people. Jesus stated in Matthew 24,
“And this gospel of the dominion will probably be preached in the entire world as a sworn statement to all nations, after which the top will come.” – Matthew 24:14
Instead of attempting to hasten the return of Jesus through military motion, which ultimately results in death and bloodshed, why not hasten his return by preaching the gospel, which offers hope and life? Which one do you think that reflects the guts of God more?
We Are Called to Be Ambassadors, Not Prophecy Activists
I grew up within the Assemblies of God church, and there has all the time been a robust deal with the second coming of Jesus. When I used to be younger, this teaching caused me to view things happening on the planet solely through the lens of the way it pertains to the rapture and Jesus’ return. Instead of living with an expectant hope, I lived with a fear of missing out, afraid I might never get to participate in a few of life’s experiences before Jesus got here back. I realize now I used to be not living in freedom but fear, and this just isn’t how Jesus wants us to live. What this taught me is that we don’t must align every activity with where it suits on the prophetic calendar. This could also be nice for debate, but ultimately it might probably distract you from what Jesus has called you to do. Yet searching for Jesus is nothing recent.
After Jesus was taken into heaven within the book of Acts, the disciples were there staring into heaven. Here is what happened next.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men wearing white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the identical way you might have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:10-11
Our job just isn’t to stare into heaven, wondering when he’s coming, or to try and make Jesus’ return occur any faster. Our job is to get busy doing what he has called us to do. That means we remain faithful to preaching the gospel and making disciples until he comes. Fighting wars won’t accomplish this mission.
He is the writer of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the writer of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence can also be committed to helping 10,000 people learn easy methods to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to attain that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Source: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/current-events/how-should-christians-respond-when-military-leaders-claim-war-is-gods-plan.html
