War with Russia and Its Allies?

Tensions are rising with the accusation that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s army again used chemical weapons in contravention of the Geneva Convention (U.S. News & World Report, April 10, 2018). The U.S., the U.K. and France threatened retaliation with missiles, which many experts fear could escalate the conflict in the region (Al Jazeera, April 10, 2018). In response, “Russia’s ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin has said that his country would respond to any U.S. missiles fired at neighbouring Syria by shooting them down and targeting their launch sites,” as Russia vows to protect its own troops (Al Jazeera, April 11, 2018).

America and its allies did fire missiles into Syria on Saturday, hitting three targets believed to be used for chemical weapons (BBC, April 14, 2018). In response to the missile strikes, Russian officials labeled the attack “treacherous and insane” and a “clear and present danger to world peace” (NPR, April 14, 2018).

Where will this all lead? Will the West wind up in a war with Russia? Jesus Christ warned that “wars and rumors of wars” would be one of the signs of the approaching end of the age (Matthew 24:6)—yet there will be more to come (see Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return). As we see the threat of wider conflicts spreading around the globe, it is worth remembering that Bible prophecies reveal there is a time of world peace coming in the future. For more on this incredible and largely unexpected future, read or listen to Armageddon and Beyond.