Chapter 9 – PEACE & SECURITY

“Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them…” 

—1 Thessalonians 5:3 —

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Events are moving quickly. In a stunning repudiation of his promise to end all wars, as of mid-March (2026), the aspiring peace president is waging war against Iran. Everyone is aware of the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. An extended closure ot the vital seagate, not to mention the destruction of petroleum facilities surrounding the Gulf, will wreak havoc on the economies of nations dependent upon cheap supplies of gas, oil, and other products traversing the Persian Gulf.

But because Iran has been cast as a primary sponsor of terrorism and has the technical capability to enrich uranium to the level necessary to produce nuclear weapons, neutering the Islamic regime may be sold as a necessary prelude to achieving peace and security.

It seems, though, that the American president’s modus operandi is to push and threaten, escalate and threaten some more, up to the brink of catastrophe — then make a deal.

All the while, back-channel negotiations have continued between Trump and Putin, and a compromising solution may be within reach to end both the Ukraine and Iranian wars. If the leaders of the two most powerful nations can reach an agreement, even an alliance, it could serve as the basis for their saying “peace and security,” followed, of course, by world war and global financial collapse triggered by London’s globalists, who are vehemently opposed to any sort of peaceful alliance and cooperation between the superpowers. 

While every politician panders to the electors, Donald Trump has especially gone after the support of the Zionists and Evangelicals who imagine that Israel is still God’s nation. Since the president was nearly assassinated and only dodged the bullet by a hair’s breadth, to justify Israel’s “River-to-the-Sea” genocidal aspirations, the Zionists have proclaimed that Trump has been “anointed” by someone up there to bring about the second coming of Christ and Armageddon. Amazingly, the Evangelicals may prove to be right—for once.  

We are aware that all the things Jesus foretold for the conclusion of the system constitute a composite sign with many facets. That being said, there is a single sign that precedes the composite sign. What is that? It is a prophecy that Jehovah’s Witnesses are very familiar with. In fact, the New World Translation is one of the few translations that use the term “peace and security.” Most popular translations render it as “peace and safety,” or a variation.

Perhaps it was by divine providence that the phrase “peace and security” should appear in the translation that Jehovah’s Witnesses use in their ministry. The reason is that “peace and security” has become official parlance—particularly at the United Nations. The UN Security Council holds regular meetings to discuss issues of peace and security. “Peace and safety” has no resonance.

Interestingly, it does not appear that officials even vary the order of the words to say “security and peace.” The expression is almost always used as it appears in the New World Translation. Could it be that Jehovah has lovingly prepared his people to see a great sign—a sign that will not be so readily apparent to the masses or to those who are spiritually asleep?

That said, Jehovah’s Witnesses presently do not recognize or accept that their saying “peace and security” will precede the beginning of the time of the end because of the deceptive influence they are under. But should the sign appear unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, those with faith will accept it regardless of any previously held false expectations or contradictions that may come from “theocratic” sources. The All-wise Jehovah has seemingly set it up this way.

The topic of peace and security was presented recently in the Questions from Readers column of the Watchtower, February 2026. The Governing Body has always maintained that the “sudden destruction” that will follow their saying “peace and security” will be the great tribulation. Accordingly, Watchtower dogma asserts that the great tribulation will begin when the United Nations liquidates false religion, known as Babylon the Great. Now, though, they are not so sure about that. The article states:

“However, after further careful consideration, it seems that there is another possible explanation that we cannot rule out. Perhaps the proclamation of “peace and security” will be made after the destruction of false religion. Why might this be the case? Consider the following questions.”

Those interested can consider what the brief article on jw.org presents. It seems, though, even “after careful consideration,” they are further off the track than before. It is quite telling, though, what is stated in this paragraph of the article:

“Put simply, we do not know for sure the timing of the future proclamation of “peace and security.” If we knew all the details, we would not need to stay alert and watchful. Yet, Jesus repeatedly counseled his followers to “keep on the watch.” Let us now take a close look at the inspired prophecy that the apostle Paul set out in his letter to the Thessalonians.”

Jesus did, indeed, counsel his followers to keep on the watch. But on the watch for what? According to the Watchtower’s latest speculation, if their saying “peace and security” comes after the tribulation, how could that possibly take anyone by surprise? The great tribulation will be the worst disaster in human history. Mankind will be faint with fright in expectation of horrible things coming on the world. And then they will be declaring peace and security? It is not sensible, reasonable, or scriptural.

The Governing Body should know better, but apparently, the light at Bethel is getting dimmer, not brighter. Ultimately, “the sun will set on the prophets. And the day will grow dark for them.” (Micah 3:6)

In any case, let us follow the suggestion above and take a close look at the inspired prophecy that the prophet Paul set out in his letter to the Thessalonians.

To better appreciate the context of Paul’s prophecy, please carefully consider what is written in the fourth chapter. Paul was offering comfort to those who had lost loved ones in death, and he brought up the hope of a resurrection—specifically, the first resurrection that will take place during the parousia. For your convenience here is what the inspired apostle has written: “For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep in death; because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. Afterward we the living who are surviving, will, together with them, be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord. So keep comforting one another with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

As has been established, the parousia marks the end of a Christian’s course toward the prize of the upward call. With the foregoing in mind, now consider what the apostle foretold: “Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that 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 on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape.”

JEHOVAH’S DAY OR THE LORD’S DAY?

First, there is an issue with a word in the passage. As we know, there are no original manuscripts of the Greek Scriptures, the so-called New Testament. There are only copies of copies of copies, etc. And none of the manuscripts available to scholars contain any facsimile of what is known as the Tetragrammaton. Some weathered scroll might turn up someday, but for now, YHWH does not appear in any of the existing documents. That is why the translators of the NWT have been criticized for inserting the name “Jehovah” into the Christian writings.

The insertion of the name of God seems justified, though—at least in passages quoting the Hebrew where the name of God appears. For instance, when Jesus stood up in the synagogue and read from the scroll of Isaiah, in which YHWH appears in both the Hebrew and the Greek Septuagint, it is unthinkable that the Son of God would have avoided pronouncing the name of his God and Father—the very name he said he had made known to others.

It is also very unlikely that Paul would have omitted God’s personal name when quoting Hebrew texts where the Tetragrammaton appears.

Given the anti-Jehovah bias of modern Trinitarian translators who have scrubbed the name of God from the entire Bible, it seems highly likely that long ago, unscrupulous copyists of the Greek Scriptures did the same.

Despite the foregoing, the only Greek text available to translators says “the Lord’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night,” and it does not appear that Paul was quoting a specific passage from the Hebrew Scriptures. True, there are many references to the day of Jehovah in the Hebrew Scriptures, but the “Lord’s day” is not a unique term. It appears in Revelation and Paul used similar expressions such as “the day of the Lord” (1 Cor. 5:5) and “the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

Furthermore, Jesus himself said he would come as a thief in the night. In fact, no doubt, that is why Paul said the Thessalonians needed nothing to be written to them. The reason being, Jesus had already told them he was coming as a thief.

The context indicates that Paul was speaking about the Second Coming of Christ and his parousia. This should not be an issue, except that the Watchtower has decoupled the Lord’s day from Jehovah’s day. It didn’t used to be that way. Some years ago, the Watchtower recognized that the Lord’s day and Jehovah’s day were the same thing—as they surely are. For example, here is a quote from the March 15th, 1953 Watchtower in the article entitled Fighting and Singing in Jehovah’s Day:

“Most of our readers are familiar with the wealth of Scriptural evidence, frequently discussed in detail in these columns, showing that A. D. 1914 marked the beginning of Jehovah’s day. Therefore, instead of taking time now to submit proof concerning this, we purpose to discuss, first, one of those prophetic dramas worked out in real life…”

Now, though, Jehovah’s day is said to be in the future—to commence when the beast attacks the harlot of Babylon; whereas, the Lord’s day is believed to have begun in 1914. In reality, the Lord’s day and Jehovah’s day are the same “day.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have no option at this time but to accept what they are fed by the “slave” who dispenses food at the proper time. Does that mean the slave has it in focus? Not at all! It means the proper time to understand these things has not arrived. But when they are finally saying those three words: “peace and security,” the sons of light will not need the Watchtower to tell them that the prophecy has been fulfilled. It will be abundantly apparent when “sudden destruction” comes upon those saying it.

Then there will be a test of faith unlike anything ever experienced—a stumbling block like none other. Will we believe our own eyes and trust God’s word, or will we cling to what we have been wrongly led to believe? Whatever the case, the Watchtower’s credibility will crumble, and Jehovah’s word will prevail. Isn’t that how it should be? What lover of God would want it any other way? Didn’t the apostle imply this very outcome when he said: “But let God be found true, even if every man be found a liar.” – Romans 3:3

Use your powers of reason. Follow the apostolic exhortation to make sure of all things. Carefully consider what the inspired apostle wrote to us. After all, it is in that very same 5th chapter of First Thessalonians, where, a few verses down, Paul gives this exhortation: “Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.” (20,21)

Writing about the resurrection of the holy ones and the living saints being joined with the Lord in the air, the apostle said that this will not occur until the Lord’s day begins—Jehovah’s day if you prefer. That being undeniable, it should be obvious to any clear-headed reader that the first resurrection will begin after they say “peace and security.”

That is the message Paul intended to convey. As Paul might say: I am not lying.”

Had the day of the Lord begun in 1914, there would have had to have been someone saying “peace and security” prior to 1914. Obviously, there was not. How is it then that the Watchtower claims that the first resurrection began in 1918?

The Watchtower is in quite a predicament. They rightly teach that Christ has not come as a thief in the night, but they cannot teach the truth that the Lord’s day has not begun.

Is it possible to determine who will be saying “peace and security” and who will suffer “sudden destruction” as a result?

It should not be a matter of guessing or speculation. God’s word is like a picture puzzle. All of the pieces are there. It only requires us to put the pieces into their proper places. Admittedly, that is a challenge.

As this publication reveals, virtually everything the Watchtower teaches regarding the fulfillment of prophecy in modern times is wrong. It is in error because of the operation of Satan that God allows. 1914 has skewed and distorted everything.

Consider the simple facts of history, as will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent chapters. The Anglo-American alliance was formed during World War I. Prior to the First World War, London and Washington were enemies. But neither Britain nor America suffered anything remotely close to a collapse as a result of their allied victory. It is one of the Watchtower’s artfully contrived false stories.

Surely, the Devil is clever enough to know that the coming of Christ as a thief in the night will initiate the sudden downfall of the ruling empire. Hence, “The Lie.”

This means that the seventh head of the beast has not suffered a mortal head wound and recovered. Do you grasp the profundity of this? Not only does it mean Satan and his angels have not been cast down, but it means we are facing the “sudden destruction” of the Anglo-American system! Nothing can prepare us for that. Not a go-bag. Not a stockpile of survival supplies. Certainly not money in the bank. It is all going to come crashing down. The coming of Christ is intended to impose a test upon the world. And contrary to what the Watchtower claims, the hour of test has not begun.

At this late hour, with nations maneuvering militaries into position, warning shots being fired, red lines crossed, threats being issued, financial wars, sanctions, and cyberwars, and now a new outbreak of war in the Middle East threatening to go global, two strong counter-currents are developing that seem destined to intersect in a profound way.

On the one hand, we have the American president on a mission to bring peace to the world. Yes, Donald Trump is convinced that God spared his life from an assassin’s bullet so he can make America great again and bring peace to mankind. And who knows? Maybe God did spare him. President Trump has boasted of having already ended eight wars. Presumably, the U.S./Israeli attack on Iran is a necessary prelude to securing peace and security.

At this year’s Davos meeting of the elites, Trump announced he was forming a Board of Peace to not only oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, but, according to the Russian foreign minister, also to mediate in other conflicts. Trump has even invited the Empire’s most-hated villain—Vladimir Putin, to have a seat on the Board of Peace. It appears as if Trump is overturning the world chessboard by circumventing the United Nations and putting forward an American-led team to bring peace and security. The brash American president has certainly brought the United Nations’ paralysis and impotence into focus.

Running counter to Trump’s efforts to bring a negotiated settlement in Ukraine and end NATO’s proxy war, the Empire is pushing for more war against Russia, China, and Iran. As if struck with madness, European leaders are calling on their nations to prepare to go to war with Russia.

We know, of course, in a world under the influence of the wicked one, men will never secure genuine peace. The prophecy foretells they will merely be saying “peace and security.” Realizing the UN has become irrelevant, perhaps the globalists will revitalize it. We shall soon see. But it does not require a vivid imagination to see Trump as he continues to push back against the globalist deconstruction of Western civilization and pursue his impossible dream of peace and security, only to be responsible for triggering the prophesied “sudden destruction” in the form of World War III.

“WOE TO YOU, YOU DESTROYER”

Now consider the 33rd chapter of Isaiah. It is most relevant because it concerns Jehovah becoming the King. If you are inclined, I exhort you to read the entire chapter. A few pertinent verses will be considered here: “Woe to you, you destroyer who has not been destroyed; you betrayer who has not been betrayed! When you finish destroying, you will be destroyed. When you finish betraying, you will be betrayed.” – Isaiah 33:1

Who is the “destroyer” and “betrayer”? And what does he destroy? As we know, God depicts the succession of seven empires as a wild beast with seven heads. True, there have been many other empires, but the Watchtower correctly observes that these seven have had direct dealings with God’s people in the past—either the Israelites or Christians. And there is a fulfillment in the future when a disgusting thing will trample the holy place and the holy ones will be crushed.

Like literal wild beasts, the great empires of Satan’s world destroy and devour each other. Hence, Egypt was conquered numerous times. Babylon overthrew Assyria. The Medes and Persians conquered Babylon. Alexander the Great overthrew the Persian Empire. Rome absorbed the remnants of the fragmented Greek Empire—including Egypt. Through a long series of wars, the British Empire eventually emerged from the Holy Roman Empire. Not coincidentally, through his prophets, Jehovah foretold all of these developments.

Again, who is the “destroyer”? As with most prophecies, there are ancient and modern fulfillments. In ancient times, Assyria destroyed the northern 10 tribes of Israel and threatened to take out Jerusalem. Even so, it could hardly be said that Assyria betrayed Israel. Nor did Jehovah become king then.

Since the Watchtower’s claim that the Anglo-American duo suffered a catastrophic blow in the First World War has no basis in reality, and there are many reasons besides to believe the mortal head wound of the presently ruling beast has not occurred, the destroyer must be the last king, which Revelation describes as the eighth king that springs from the seven.

Since the eighth king is created in the aftermath of the mortal wound inflicted on the seventh head of the beast, and no such blow has occurred, it is apparent that the eighth king has not come to power. We may be absolutely certain that the dysfunctional, impotent League of Nations was not the last king. And although the so-called globalists apparently intend to empower and use the United Nations Organization in the future, after the crash of the present system, the UN presently has very little power or authority. Surely, the All-knowing Revealer of secrets would not depict such powerless institutions as a king or kingdom.

The destroyer must therefore be the last king, whatever form it will assume. Both Assyria and Babylon serve as types of the last king. For example, Isaiah 13:5, 6 says: “They are coming from a distant land, from the extremity of the heavens, Jehovah and the weapons of his wrath, to bring ruin to all the earth. Wail, for the day of Jehovah is near! It will come as a destruction from the Almighty.”

Needless to say, neither Assyria nor Babylon brought ruin to all the earth. And although those rapacious ancient empires served as weapons in the hand of Jehovah, the destruction they wrought only foreshadows the destruction from the Almighty that will devour the earth in Jehovah’s day, or the Lord’s day.

Therefore, the destruction to come will come upon those who will be saying “peace and security.” That is why Isaiah 33:7 says: “Look! Their heroes cry out in the street; the messengers of peace weep bitterly.”

Verses three and four are in harmony with the prophecy of Joel, foretelling that voracious locusts will plunder the people.

The prophecy goes on to say that Jehovah will rise up and be exalted, and the apostates among God’s people will be found out. “You conceive dried grass and give birth to stubble. Your own spirit will consume you like a fire. And peoples will become as the burnings of lime. As thorns cut down, they will be set ablaze with fire. You who are far away, listen to what I will do! And you who are nearby, acknowledge my might! The sinners in Zion are in dread; trembling has seized the apostates: ‘Who of us can live where there is a consuming fire? Who of us can live with unquenchable flames?’” (17-14)

The apostle wrote about those who build upon the foundation using combustible material, like hay and stubble. Their work will not survive the fiery day of the Lord’s thief-like coming to inspect his Father’s spiritual temple. The entire 1914 fable will be set ablaze like a tangled thicket of thorns. The wicked slaves—the real apostates and false apostles—will not be able to stand before Christ.

“But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:4,5