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Terrorism and Peace on Earth
by Brad Sherman

September, 2001

The Biblical Position on War
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America, one thing seems clear. America is going to war against terrorism. To those who promote terrorism, one US Senator stated, “May God have mercy on you; we will not.” Some may view such a statement as vengeful and unchristian. However, it is not. God is a God of peace and He certainly desires us to be people of peace. The Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV

Yet, as this passage indicates, our peace is, at least in part, connected to civil authorities. We also read in Romans chapter 13 that civil authorities are established by God.

...the authorities that exist are appointed by God ... those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil... — Romans 13:1-3 NKJV

In this passage from Romans, three things are clearly implied. First, legitimate governments should be a stabilizing factor and promote peace in our world, 2) legitimate governments are authorized to exercise judgment, and 3) if anyone should be filled with terror, it is the terrorists! Here we see the basis for Biblical war.

Brute Beasts
As Christians, we know that Islam does not represents spiritual truth, but we must also remember that our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers in heavenly places. However, terrorism is the work of a radical twisted element society which, in the case of Septermber 11th, is Islamic. The fanatics who attacked America on September 11th are not simply Muslims; they are brute (unreasonable) beasts. The Apostle Peter spoke of such people:

But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption...
— 2 Pet er 2:12 NKJV

It is therfore God’s will that those who perpetrate terrorism be caught and destroyed. Here is where we see the biblical foundation for the statement, “May God have mercy on you, we will not.” This is not necessarily a bitter or vengeful position, it is a matter of civil responsibility.

Summon the Will
Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel emphasized the need to stop terrorism now. He warned that if the terrorists are allowed to continue and get access to nuclear weapons, they will use them. If that were to happen, the toll in lives would be millions instead of thousands, and they might indeed destroy America. He challenged America to “summon the will” to defeat terrorism now. The terrorists have had the will to destroy America, but they have not had the power. We have the power to stop terrorism, but we have not had the will. Now is a time to summon the will.

The War for World Peace
Though this is a time for immediate responses, such as rescue work, intelligence gathering, comforting the victims and their families, increased security, rebuilding businesses, and the unpleasant task of war, Christians need to understand that we carry an equally great responsibility. The birth of Jesus Christ included the announcement of world peace. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Peace on earth and good will toward men: It’s not a holiday slogan; it’s a mission statement for all Christians! We need to upgrade our understanding of the gospel and embrace a new sense of mission that results in a deeper commitment to prayer and evangelism.
Christians in the United States, as well as in all parts of the world, need to realize that we are, and have been, involved in a spiritual war to establish world peace. Though we should support our governments in the war against terrorism, the spiritual war is a war to establish world peace once and for all.