No Nuclear War?

Deutsche Welle reports that, at a recent meeting of five of the world’s nuclear powers—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—leaders “pledged to prevent the proliferation of nuclear arms and have also said that nuclear war is not an option” (January 3, 2022). In their collective statement, representatives of the nations said, “A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought”—echoing, as Deutsche Welle notes, the sentiments of previous international proclamations, such as those made in 1985 by former U.S. and Soviet leaders Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The statement goes on to say the nations would work toward nuclear disarmament, and that any existing nuclear weapons should only be used for defensive purposes and to “deter aggression, and prevent war” (Reuters, January 3, 2022).

The P5 nations—the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—seemed positive following the meeting, with some expressing hope that it would increase trust among the five powers. While tensions have increased in recent years among these countries, this meeting was viewed by some as a stopgap measure that will lower the geopolitical temperature. The effects of such discussions, if there will be any at all, remain to be seen. In 1928, world leaders actually “outlawed” war… not long before entering World War II.

Bible prophecy warns that as the end of the age approaches, there will be a lot of talk about peace, but to no avail. Leaders will say, “‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). The Bible also accurately prophesied past international meetings in which leaders claimed to be working together, yet whose hearts were secretly “bent on evil” and who chose to “speak lies at the same table”—past events that may yet foreshadow future realities (Daniel 11:27). As we approach the end of the age—a time fitting Isaiah’s description, “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street” (Isaiah 59:14)—we must remember that peace will eventually come, but not through the works of mankind! To learn more about this vital subject, read “The Impossible Dream.”