Peace And Security-A Vain Hope

In an effort to bolster the hopes of mankind, the United Nations proclaimed 1986 to be an "International Year of Peace," with the theme "To Safeguard Peace and the Future of Humanity." Warring nations were called upon to lay down their weapons, at least for one year. What was their response? According to a report by the International Peace Research Institute, more than five million soldiers were killed in combat during 1986 alone! Though some special coins and some commemorative stamps were issued, most of the nations did little about pursuing the ideal of peace in that year. Nevertheless, the world's relgions-always anxious for a fine rapport with the UN-set about publicizing the year in various ways. On January 1, 1986, Pope John Paul II praised the work of the UN and dedicated the new year to peace. And on October 27, he assembled the leaders of many of the world's religions at Assisi, Italy, to pray for peace.

Does God answer such prayers for peace? Well, to which God were those religious leaders praying? If you asked them, each group would give a different answer. Is there a pantheon of millions of gods that can hear and grant petitions made in many different ways? Many of the participants worshiped Christendom's Trinity. Buddhists, Hindus and others chanted prayers to gods without number. In all, 12 "religous families" assembled, being represented by such notables as the Angelican Archbishop of Canterbury, Buddhism's Dalai Lama, a Russian Orthodox metropolitian, the president of the Tokyo's Shinot Shrine Association. African animist and two American Indians decked out in plumed headdresses. It was a colorful group, to say the least, making for spectacular TV coverage. One goup prayed unceasingly for 12 hours at one time. (Compare Luke 20:45-47.) But did any one of those prayers reach beyond the rain clouds that hovered over the gathering? No, for the following reasons.

In contrast with those who"walk in the name of Jehovah," not one of those relgionists was praying to Jehovah,. the living God, whose name appears some 7,000 times in the original text of the Bible. (Michah 4:5; Isaiah 42:8, 12) As a group, they did not approach God in the name of Jesus, the majority of them not even believing in Jesus Christ. (John 14:13; 15:16) None of them are doing God's will for our day, which is to proclaim worldwide God's incoming Kingdom-not the UN-as the real hope for mankind. (Matthew 7:21-23; 24:14; Mark 13:10) For the most part, their religious organizations have been involved in the bloody wars of history, including the two world wars of this century. To such, God says: "Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled. -Isaiah 1:15; 59:1-3.

Further, it is deeply significant that the world's relgious leaders should join hands with the United Nations in calling for peace at this time. They would like to influence the UN to their own advantage, especially in this modern age when so many of their people are abandoning religion. Like the unfaithful leaders in ancient Israel, they call out, ""There is peace! There is peace!' when there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6:14) No doubt their cries for peace will continue, rising in support of the climax concerning which the apostle Paul prophesied: "Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: "Peace and security!" then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just as the pangs of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they will by no means escape." -1Thessalonians 5:2, 3.

What form will this significant cry of "Peace and security" take? It is here mentioned as being outstanding just before the sudden destruction of those making the cry. Hence, it will have to be something more pronounced than any previous declarations by world leaders. No doubt it will be on an earth-wide scale. Yet, it will be no more than a facade. Underneath, nothing will really have changed. Selfishness,hatred,crime, family breakdown, immorality, sickness, sorrow and death will still be here. That is why the coming cry will mislead those who are not awake to Bible prophecy. But it need not mislead you, if you have been awake to the meaning of the world events and have been heeding the prophetic warnings in God's Word. -Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-36.

Next time: Executing Bayblon The Great.