How Should Christians Respond When Military Leaders Claim War Is “God’s Plan”?
Pastors
Audio By Carbonatix
8:30 AM on Friday, March 6
By Clarence L. Haynes Jr., Pastors
On Saturday, February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. They launched these strikes despite ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. While questions remain regarding the validity of these attacks, there is a narrative being shaped within the military ranks that makes this even more troubling.
Service members across multiple branches have reported to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) that some commanders are telling troops that the ongoing conflict with Iran is part of “God’s divine plan” and a sign of the imminent return of Jesus Christ, prompting more than 110 complaints in recent days.
One non-commissioned officer said a commander urged troops to see the war as fulfilling biblical prophecy, even citing passages from Revelation, and framed participation as part of that divine plan. Critics argue this conflates personal theological interpretations with official military duty and risks pressuring service members of diverse faiths or no faith into religious narratives they may not share. The MRFF, which defends constitutional religious freedom for all military personnel, has long challenged similar instances where religious language is used inappropriately in professional military settings, emphasizing the importance of respecting the conscience and constitutional rights of every service member.
When military leaders describe modern conflict as Armageddon or part of God’s divine plan, how should Christians discern what Scripture truly teaches about Christ’s return, the nature of war, and the mission of the Church?
Is Armageddon Being Treated as a Goal Rather Than a Warning?
Fascination with Armageddon is nothing new in many evangelical Christian circles. Many view Israel as a critical participant in end times prophecy, so whenever there is a conflict in the Middle East, thoughts immediately turn towards the end of the world. This thinking has prevailed over time through different conflicts in the Middle East. Reports state that Ronald Reagan wondered during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980 if this would be the generation to see Armageddon. Many tied apocalyptic value to 9/11 and the response to it. While people have seen this as part of the framework, this time it is different. We now have people in positions of power who believe their actions can directly lead to Armageddon. That, my friends, is dangerous ground.
Why War Must Never Be Waged to Fulfill Armageddon
War is brutal, and leaders must approach the decision to engage in war with great caution, not lightly. One, because all wars come with casualties and loss of life. This should make any leader hesitant to enter a war. Second, wars may be easy to start, but they are often difficult to end. Choosing to go to war should be hard enough; however, choosing to go to war to fulfill or hasten Biblical prophecy feels misguided and even irresponsible. Wars that are fought on “religious” grounds can make casualties, be they civilian or military, to be seen as necessary to advance the cause. While I believe our military is charged with defending the freedoms we hold dear as Americans, they are not there to rush us into Armageddon or to influence the second coming of Jesus. Any military commander who promotes this is violating the Constitution they signed up to defend.
The Return of Christ Does Not Depend on Military Strategy
There are vastly different interpretations of Bible prophecy, especially among many of the symbolisms found in Revelation. One such interpretation would point to wars and unimaginable trouble happening on earth before the return of Jesus. Whether you hold that view or a different one, do you want military commanders deciding to send our troops into battle based on their understanding of biblical prophecy? Allowing your understanding of Bible prophecy to be the basis for military decisions opens the door to irrational decisions and questions what and why you are fighting.
Every soldier who dons a uniform to fight for this country takes an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. They did not sign up to fight holy wars. These soldiers lay aside their personal and religious ideologies to come together as one unit to defend our nation. Bringing about Armageddon was not part of their oath.
Aside from that, there is nowhere in the Bible where Jesus tells us he needs our help to aid in his second coming. On the contrary, we are reminded that no one knows the day nor the hour of his return, so it seems foolish to make military decisions based on unknowns. From my limited military knowledge, that seems to fly in the face of sound military decision-making.
Christ Calls US to Make Disciples, Not Ignite Wars
In the email the officer wrote to MRFF, he spoke about the disposition of the commander. Here is part of what he said:
“This morning our commander opened up the combat readiness status briefing by urging us to not be “afraid” as to what is happening with our combat operations in Iran right now…He said that “President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth”. He had a big grin on his face when he said all of this which made his message seem even more crazy.”
That a commander would be excited about going to war to hasten Christ’s return questions this person’s understanding of the heart of God. If God’s desire is to bring people to repentance, then why would I want to hasten Christ’s return by killing people, many of whom may not know Jesus, causing them to be lost forever. Does this sound anything like the mission Jesus would have for us?
Before Jesus left, he commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. He even empowered us with the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This is the work we are called to do, and this is the work we should be excited to do until Jesus comes back again. If we truly believe that the time is short and Jesus is returning soon, then that should be a huge motivation to share the gospel with more people. Jesus stated in Matthew 24,
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." - Matthew 24:14
Instead of trying to hasten the return of Jesus through military action, which ultimately leads to death and bloodshed, why not hasten his return by preaching the gospel, which offers hope and life? Which one do you think reflects the heart of God more?
We Are Called to Be Ambassadors, Not Prophecy Activists
I grew up in the Assemblies of God church, and there has always been a strong focus on the second coming of Jesus. When I was younger, this teaching caused me to view things happening in the world solely through the lens of how it relates to the rapture and Jesus’ return. Instead of living with an expectant hope, I lived with a fear of missing out, afraid I would never get to take part in some of life’s experiences before Jesus came back. I realize now I was not living in freedom but fear, and this is not how Jesus wants us to live. What this taught me is that we don’t need to align every activity with where it fits on the prophetic calendar. This may be nice for debate, but ultimately it can distract you from what Jesus has called you to do. Yet looking for Jesus is nothing new.
After Jesus was taken into heaven in the book of Acts, the disciples were there staring into heaven. Here is what happened next.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:10-11
Our job is not to stare into heaven, wondering when he is coming, or to attempt to make Jesus’ return happen any faster. Our job is to get busy doing what he has called us to do. That means we remain faithful to preaching the gospel and making disciples until he comes. Fighting wars will not accomplish this mission.
I understand that in a political context, sometimes war is necessary. If I am honest, I don’t know if this one is, and I don’t say that to be judgmental, but because I don’t know enough to have the answer. Regardless, the job of the military is not to usher in the return of Jesus. He will come when he comes. Until then, our job is to be ambassadors and represent him well on earth. Instead of dropping bombs, how about loving your neighbor and sharing the gospel? It is far better to add one more life to the kingdom than to end one more life here on earth. I simply believe that is what Jesus would want us to do.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Timon Studler
Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a dynamic speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club, dedicated to helping people live with purpose and clarity. In addition to his ministry work, Clarence has spent the last 13 years as a trusted financial educator, guiding thousands of people across the country—including employees at many Fortune 500 companies—toward lasting financial wellness. His unique ability to blend practical wisdom with spiritual insight equips people to thrive in every area of life.
He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
