The Bible’s teaching about peace in the last days is complex, combining prophecy of conflict with the promise of ultimate peace through God's intervention.
Prophecy of Conflict and False Peace
The Bible foretells that in the last days, there will be widespread turmoil, war, and unrest. Jesus said nations would rise against nations, and peace would be taken away from the earth (Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4). 1 Thessalonians 5:3 warns that when people say "peace and safety," sudden destruction will come unexpectedly. The Book of Daniel describes a seven-year peace covenant in the last days that will be broken midway through, associated with the rise of an anti-Messiah figure (Daniel 9:27). This suggests that apparent peace efforts in the end times are fragile and deceptive.
The Promise of True Peace
Despite the turmoil, the Bible offers hope for true and lasting peace. Micah 4:3 speaks of a time in the last days when nations will "beat their swords into plowshares" and no longer train for war. Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), offering a peace that is different from worldly peace—peace that guards hearts and minds even amid trials (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). This peace comes from trusting in God and His kingdom, which is inaugurated by Jesus but not yet fully realized on earth (Isaiah 26:3-4; Ephesians 2:14). Believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, equipped with God's armor, to experience joy and peace despite persecution and hardships in the last days (Ephesians 6:10-18; Luke 21:28).
In summary, the Bible says that while the last days will be marked by chaos and false peace, true peace will come through the return of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.