We write this message to the faith sons of God around the globe who are watching horrific world events, and wondering what these things mean. Of course, apocalyptic religions point to these events as a sign that God will soon send his son Jesus to start a war against mankind – the Great War of Armageddon – that will essentially destroy civilization and the vast majority of the earth’s inhabitants. But as we have written many times, the visions in the Bible book of Revelation have been grossly misinterpreted and are wholly inconsistent with the character of Jesus and the personality of the Father, as Jesus described Him. (See Turning Back Destruction, Training Our Perceptive Powers and The Plain and Open Teachings of Jesus.)
Nevertheless, even those who believe in the goodness of God and the peacefulness of Jesus must wonder why these things are happening. If the end of the world is not upon us, then what do these things mean? How are we to understand these developments? And what do we do?
Dear fellow faith sons, what we are witnessing is ‘evil’s last stand’ and ‘evil dying out.’ Most of the violence we see is being perpetrated by oppressive, antiquated and socially ignorant religious systems. They are seeing the increase in personal and religious freedom and are making an all out attack with the goal of catapulting mankind back into a primitive uncivilized society where barbarians rule. This is their last stand and, make no mistake, they will lose. The spirit of freedom cannot be stopped. It is the Father’s will for his children. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Perhaps you have heard the phrase: “It is always darkest before the dawn” meaning that just before relief arrives, matters will get to the worst tolerable level. This is where we are. Our world leaders have tolerated violence and terrorism for decades, in a well meaning, but an ill-advised, attempt to handle these matters diplomatically. And nothing meaningful will be done to end the problem until the majority of the planet decides ‘enough is enough.’ When that time arrives, and we believe it is soon, if not now, our world leaders will bring an end to these types of outbreaks which will lead to increasing world peace and mutual cooperation. This is man’s battle, not God’s. It is part of the evolutionary process of civilization and socialization.
And we are not alone in this effort. Behind the scenes, our celestial family is working and supporting us. Know that all members of our celestial family respect, without reservation, the gift of freewill and none of them will attempt to stop freewill decisions. This applies to decisions for the good and decisions for the bad. Free will must remain free in order for man to truly grow and learn. However, that does not mean the celestial host cannot intervene in circumstances and manipulate events to prevent or minimize the effects of freewill decisions that are intended to cause harm.
We often refer to chance or luck when someone is saved or a life is somehow spared in an accident or other type of unforeseen event. But, in truth, these individuals are saved by the grace of the ever present and always faithful angels of varying strengths and status. This goodness happens more frequently that any human could ever calculate. And without their intercessions, the casualties would be much greater. No, they cannot save everyone every time (Ecclesiastes 9:11), but circumstances are maneuvered whenever possible. You have no doubt heard of terror plots discovered and prevented, weapons not firing, the right people present at the right time, or an unexpected escape route. These things are not coincidences.
And even though the loss of even one life at the hands of another is one too many, a son of God who has faith in the eternal promise of everlasting life in the kingdom of peace and joy should never lose sight of the gift of life each child of God has been offered. A curtailment of mortal life is a temporary set back that will be more than compensated for in the heavenly kingdom. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
For those of us who are not in a position to effect direct and positive change in world events, we can continue the ministry Jesus began by spreading the message of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, and expanding the world view to a universe view. Whatever changes are made in laws and policies, there will be a need for a forward thinking society of spiritual men and women who advocate peace and harmony. Lasting change must come by a change of heart which is best effected by personal contact. The fire of evil is suffocated and extinguished by the application of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not by the military might of either man or angel.(Zechariah 4:6) So let us work courageously and responsibly at bringing to fulfillment the prayer "Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven also on earth." (Matthew 6:10)
And as prayers are said in the heart from brother to brother and sister to sister, we encourage all to keep pushing forward, always forward, never looking back. Never lose faith in the goodness of God and the protective direction of the Most High and all celestial personalities who have the watch care of our planet. (Daniel 4:17) By those efforts, we can make the world we currently live in a better and more abundantly righteous place where the sons of God and the brothers of Christ will shed only tears of joy.
