'Armageddon' is English for an Ancient Greek translation of a Hebrew place name, but, due to its use to describe any form of disaster, it is much misunderstood. The Bible is very simple. The Bible says that at this place there will be a battle. A battle in a war between all nations. A world war.
About 60 million people were killed in World War 11 in a 4 year period. However, today, the major powers have the knowledge and weaponry available with the potential to kill everyone on earth many times over. But the Bible does not predict the battle at Armageddon will end in destruction of life on earth.
Armageddon in International Politics since Reagan
The Bible predicts events that are affecting international politics now, and have done so since the 1980's. President Reagan as Governor in 1971 was quoted as saying that,
“In the the 38th chapter of Ezekiel, it says that the land of Israel will come under attack by the armies of the ungodly nations and Libya will be among them...”
He drew attention to the Bible prophecy of Ezekiel 38 which predicts a confederation of nations will attack the Middle East, specifically Israel, and identified the invader from the North as Russia. Reagan became president and his policy of active opposition to Russia affected the lives of many people.
During his presidency January 1981 to January 1989, President Reagan in a comment to 'People Magazine' stated:
“There have been times in the past when we thought the end of the world was coming, but never anything like this.”
He was referring to the tension and the potential threat of war on an unprecedented scale among the nations that existed in the 1980's. On numerous occasions during his presidency he referred to his belief that ARMAGEDDON could well occur during the present generation.
International Tensions focus on the Middle East
It was expected that with the end of the Cold War the international tension would ease. But less than 2 years after the fall of the Berlin wall thirty four nations were involved in the Gulf War. In these first years of the twenty-first century tension has been increasing at an alarming rate together with the ever present threat of terrorism worldwide. The competition for dwindling resources such as oil can now be added to the powerful modern weapons of destruction to increase worldwide fear and tension among the nations, focussed on the Middle East.
George W Bush and the Middle East
Since the invasion of Iraq by the USA, Britain, Australia and Poland in 2003, Iran (Persia) has emerged as a source of world tension. The USA, since 2001 with the election of President George W Bush, has again a Bible based foreign policy which is pursuing and active role in the Middle East. This time supported by Prime Minister Blair in England and Howard in Australia.
It seems George W Bush believes he has a role in carrying out God's will. He and his close staff study the Bible and use it as their guide when making policy decisions. In 2003 at the 51st National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC he is quoted as saying,
“Events aren’t moved by blind change and chance,” instead by “the hand of a just and faithful God.”
Bible predictions of the last days
The Bible indeed refers to the 'last days' when 'knowledge has been increased' (Daniel 12:4). Since the Internet revolution knowledge has increased. At this time 'men's hearts are failing them for fear' of what is going to happen on the earth. Thus is seen in anxiety about climate change, other environmental issues and natural disasters. However, the Bible clearly states that God will intervene and 'destroy them which destroy the earth.' Revelation 11:18.
In spite of all the problems faced by the world leaders today and the ominous threats for the future of the world, the Bible provides a message of hope for the world.
Many Bible passages speak of a battle that ends with Messiah coming and bringing world peace
The Old Testament predictions that fit with the description of the battle at Armageddon, describe a conventional war. We can easily update the terms of the prophecies to current technology. The Bible says the aim of those involved is to acquire territory and resources, therefore, there will not be wanton total nuclear destruction. All prophetic passages agree that the result will be that all life and the earth will not be destroyed.
God with a show of visible force will intervene to bring about world wide peace and a just government. The motto for the United Nations comes from the Bible,
He (God) will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4 WEB)
A more detailed analysis of events surrounding Armageddon are found in this web site in the following articles.
Specifially with the battle at Armaggedon:Armageddon and the Valley of Jehoshaphat
Passages in the Bible that show the Earth will continue: The Earth will not be Destroyed When The Messiah Returns New Heavens and New Earth
The bible passages relating to the Battle for the Middle East and the events leading to Messiah's return Lead up to Armagddon and BeyondUsing Sir Isaac Newton's work to explaining what the Bible means by the term 'time of the End': Time of the End
