Parousia, Second Coming of Jesus: Is War Just?
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
Matthew24: 3-7
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
The Cost of War
War is a complex and often tragic phenomenon with wide-ranging consequences, and it is important to note that while some individuals or groups may benefit in certain ways, the overall impact is generally negative. Here are some ways certain entities might be perceived to benefit from war:
Arms Manufacturers and Suppliers: The production and sale of weapons can be a lucrative business. During times of conflict, there is often an increased demand for arms, benefiting companies involved in the defense industry.
Military-Industrial Complex: This term refers to the close relationship between the military and the defense industry. In times of war, increased military spending can boost the economies of countries with a strong defense sector.
Resource Acquisition: Wars are sometimes fought over control of valuable resources such as oil, minerals, or land. Entities that gain control over these resources can benefit economically.
Political Leaders: During times of war, political leaders may experience increased support and rally their populations around a common cause. This can enhance their political standing and authority.
Black Market and Organized Crime: War can create a chaotic environment, providing opportunities for illegal activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trade. Criminal organizations may exploit the situation for financial gain.
Geopolitical Influence: Some nations may strategically engage in conflicts to expand their influence and power on the global stage. Winning wars can strengthen a country’s geopolitical position.
Technological Advancements: Wars often drive technological innovation, as nations invest in research and development to gain a military advantage. While this can lead to advancements, the human cost and destruction associated with war are significant drawbacks.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the overall costs of war far outweigh these perceived benefits. The human toll, loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and long-term economic and social consequences are profound and devastating. Wars disrupt the lives of ordinary people and can lead to generational trauma and instability. The consequences of war extend far beyond any short-term gains for specific groups or individuals. Peacetime efforts to address conflicts through diplomacy, negotiation, and international cooperation are generally considered more sustainable and beneficial for global stability and prosperity.
There are many losers in war, most notably the general population, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Few win, these generally are the warmongers, outside forces that are pulling the strings.
The First Ever Universal War
Lucifer, the high-ranking angel, rebelled against God and led a group of angels in a rebellion in heaven. This rebellion is described as a cosmic or spiritual war in the celestial, heavenly realm. This is derived from passages in the Bible, such as Revelation 12: 7-10, Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17, which refer to the fall of the proud and rebellious angel, the anointed cherub, Lucifer, and one third of the angelic beings.
Revelation 12: 7-10
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Isaiah 14:12-15
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Ezekiel 28:14-17
14 “You were the anointed cherub who covers;
I established you;
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created,
Till iniquity was found in you.
16 “By the abundance of your trading
You became filled with violence within,
And you sinned;
Therefore I cast you as a profane thing
Out of the mountain of God;
And I destroyed you, O covering cherub,
From the midst of the fiery stones.
17 “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty;
You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor;
I cast you to the ground,
I laid you before kings,
That they might gaze at you.
Lucifer is the source of war on planet earth. He is the author of death and destruction.
Jonathan Edwards states in his sermon Wisdom Displayed in Salvation:
Satan and his angels rebelled against God in heaven, and proudly presumed to try their strength with His. And when God, by his almighty power, overcame the strength of Satan, and sent him like lightning from heaven to hell with all his army; Satan still hoped to get the victory by subtlety (deception). This is his modus operandi today. Deception.
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary. He led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
The Bible on Peace and War
Matthew 5:9 (Beatitudes): “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse supports the concept of promoting peace rather than engaging in conflict.
Matthew 26:52: During the arrest of Jesus, when one of his disciples used a sword to defend him, Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” This is a rebuke against the use of violence.
Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This commandment emphasizes the importance of love and goodwill toward others, promoting peace and understanding is a fundamental principle.
John 18:36: Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” An example of Jesus, that the followers of Jesus should not use force to establish His kingdom on Earth.
Peacemaking: As mentioned earlier, Jesus’ statement in the Beatitudes, particularly Matthew 5:9, is often cited: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse encourages all mankind to pursue peace.
Turn the Other Cheek: In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus teaches: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This teaching advocates non-retaliation and resisting the urge for violent retribution.
Love for Enemies: In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” This teaching emphasizes love even in the face of hostility.
“Put Away Your Sword”: During Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He rebuked one of his disciples for using a sword, saying, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). This is a warning against the use of violence.
The Prince of Peace: Isaiah 9:6 prophesies that the Messiah will be called the “Prince of Peace.” Many Christians see Jesus as fulfilling this prophecy, emphasizing the promotion of peace and reconciliation.
Just War?
The just war theory typically includes criteria for determining whether a war is just before it begins (jus ad bellum) and criteria for determining how a war is conducted (jus in bello). Here are some of the key principles associated with just war theory:
Jus ad Bellum (Just Cause for War):
Just Cause: The reason for going to war must be just and cannot, therefore, be solely for recapturing things taken or punishing people.
Legitimate Authority: Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war.
Right Intention: Even with just cause, a nation must intend to correct a grave public evil, and the focus should be on securing a just peace.
Probability of Success: Arms may not be used in a futile cause or in a case where disproportionate measures are required to achieve success.
Last Resort: Force may be used only after all peaceful alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted.
Jus in Bello (Just Conduct in War):
Proportionality: The violence used in war must be proportional to the injury suffered. This means not using excessive force to achieve the military objective.
Discrimination: Civilians and non-combatants should be immune from direct attack, and combatants should distinguish between military and civilian targets.
Military Necessity: The use of force must be necessary for achieving the just cause. Unnecessary or indiscriminate violence is deemed unjust.
Fair Treatment of Prisoners of War: Once captured, enemy combatants must be treated humanely. Torture and cruel treatment are considered violations of just war principles.
Just war theory provides a framework for evaluating the justice of war, but its application can be subjective, and interpretations may vary. Some argue for pacifism, asserting that violence is never morally justifiable, while others may argue for a broader understanding of just war criteria. Contemporary debates often involve considerations such as preemptive strikes, humanitarian intervention, and the impact of technologies. Sadly, war remains as hate filled, evil, demonic and not in God’s plan of restoration and redemption of all mankind. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave…..”
Key Principles to Meet Qualifying “Just War”
Nonviolence: The core Biblical and therefore Christian principle is nonviolence. The Bible encourages followers to adopt peaceful means of resolving conflicts and disputes, promoting the idea that violence is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Conflict Resolution: The Bible, most notably in the New Testament, notes the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. The Bible supports implicitly that individuals and communities should seek peaceful solutions to disputes rather than resorting to aggression, war or animosity.
Love and Compassion: The Bible emphasizes love and compassion. God is love. He hates war and conflict. War and conflict are not in God’s character. The Bible encourages individuals to cultivate a spirit of love, kindness, and empathy toward others, fostering an environment conducive to peace.
Role of the Holy Spirit: The Bible teaches the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in guiding individuals toward a life of peace and righteousness. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the key essential in promoting love, understanding, and unity among people.
Peacemakers: Peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9). Each individual is to actively pursue the role of peacemakers in their communities and personal relationships.
Is there a moral justification for a just war? From a secular standpoint, where might equals right, you could rationalize and justify the just war position, Jus ad Bellum and Jus in Bello.
Be mindful that this position started with Lucifer, with great deception, in heaven. This Luciferian worldview has been the source and cause of the discord, hatred, death and destruction on the earth today. The solution is a Biblical one, and demonstrated by the life of Christ:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
You could readily conclude that peacemakers are children of God and warmongers are children of Lucifer.
By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. When man places himself under the control of God, the will becomes firm and strong to do right, the heart is cleansed from selfishness and filled with Christ-like love. The mind yields to the authority of the law of love, and every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The powers, hitherto “members of unrighteousness,” and “servants of sin,” are consecrated to the service of the God of love.
That this redemption might be ours, God withheld not even the sacrifice of Himself. He gave Himself in His Son. The Father suffered with Christ in all His humiliation and agony. He suffered as He saw the Son of His love despised and rejected by those whom He came to elevate, ennoble, and save. He saw Him hanging upon the cross, mocked and jeered by the passers-by, and He hid as it were His face from Him. He saw Christ bearing the sin of the world and dying in the sinner’s stead. The human heart knows the love of a parent for his child. We know what a mother’s love will do and suffer for her beloved one. But never can the heart of man fathom the depths of God’s self-sacrifice.
O, the cross, the cross! It is set up that we may know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Only the cross can measure the length and breadth, the depth and height, of infinite love, the greatness of the Father’s sacrifice for lost humanity.
All Things Made New: Revelation 21
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ help us to fulfill the calling to be peacemakers, for we are all called to be the children of God. A better day is coming, no more wars, no more pain, no more sorrow! Thank you Jesus!
Choose you this day whom you will serve. The Prince of Peace or the prince of war. Your choice.
Parousia, Second Coming of Jesus: Is War Just?
