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Humanity\’s relentless march toward the creation and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is reaching alarming levels, even with the fearsome possibility of space-bound nuclear weapons. Recent reports indicate that Russia possesses such weapons, increasing global tensions. The horrifying casualty figures from past conflicts—10 million in World War I, 55 million in World War II—raise the disturbing question: Are we facing the imminent threat of World War III? Bible prophecy offers a grim warning.
Despite the ideals proclaimed in many political constitutions, which establish the value and respect for human life as fundamental principles, the reality is that we are far from seeing these principles reflected in practice. Universal history confronts us with the horrific toll of wars and conflicts, whose victims, both civilian and military, number in the hundreds of millions. These deaths, caused by state policies and religious conflicts, represent a tragic violation of human dignity.
The wars of independence in Ibero-American countries claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Religious conflicts have resulted in tens of millions of violent deaths throughout history. The First World War caused 10 million deaths and the Second, 55 million. The war between Iran and Iraq left almost a million dead. The Gulf Wars in Iraq in 1991 and 2003 caused millions of additional deaths. Genocides have marked history, from the Holocaust, with millions of victims, to the murders under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, estimated at between 3 and 4 million people, as well as the atrocities in Rwanda, Bosnia and Kosovo, among others. . This, only in recent times.
The real number of victims of war, abuse and exploitation is unknown and underestimated. Are we aware of the extent of suffering inflicted by nations on each other and on their own citizens? Wars of independence, religious conflicts and genocides have bled history, taking an unfathomable toll in human lives.
Biblical prophecy warns of a Third World War that threatens a global holocaust, annihilating a third of humanity, which today would mean around 2.5 billion people. This biblical prophecy that warns about the death of a third of human beings is found in the book of Revelation, specifically in chapter 9, verses 13 to 21. This section describes the sixth trumpet, where it speaks of a great war which results in a great mortality, where a third of humanity is annihilated.
In light of the dangerous times we face, a crucial question arises: Are we prepared for the future? Each of us must seriously consider this question as we face the uncertainties and challenges that lie on the horizon.
Total annihilation of life
The nuclear age had its origin during World War II, when on August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Since then, the threat of massive and instant devastation has persisted. Has the danger of a global nuclear war decreased? The newspapers show that the world continues to be threatened by terrorists and aggressive nations, coupled with the growing presence of nuclear weapons states. In 1998, India and Pakistan joined the \”nuclear club.\” Today, the countries with the most nuclear warheads include the United States with 5,550, Russia with 6,255, the United Kingdom with 260, France with 290, North Korea with up to 50, Israel with 80-90, India with 156, Pakistan with 165 and China. with 350.
During 2020, North Korea did not conduct nuclear or long-range ballistic missile tests. However, uncertainty remains over its ability to produce operational nuclear warheads for intercontinental ballistic missiles, although it may have a limited number of warheads for medium-range missiles. In addition, the country continued the production of fissile material and the development of short- and long-range ballistic missiles.
A catastrophic world war is upon us
The history of the 20th century is marked by two devastating world wars, and unfortunately, it seems that the 21st century will be no different, as a third world war seems inevitable. This next war will be catastrophic, as Albert Einstein expressed when foreseeing a bleak future where humanity will regress to barbarism. History reveals humanity\’s destructive tendency in repeated armed conflicts, leading us to question where we are headed.
Jesus of Nazareth warned of the times to come, predicting a great tribulation unprecedented in human history. In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus tells us that this tribulation will be so intense that no previous period will compare to it. The magnitude of the suffering will be such that without divine intervention, humanity would be doomed. However, for the sake of his chosen ones, those days will be shortened. This biblical passage makes us reflect on the urgency of spiritually preparing ourselves for the challenges ahead and calls us to seek divine protection and guidance in the midst of turbulent times.
Matthew 24:21-22
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will be. 22 And if those days were not shortened, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened.”
