Ellen White on the Final Global Conflict

While there is no specific mention of a conflict named "World War 3," a final, short, and terrible global conflict is described as being just before usGH May 14, 1902, par. 5+1. This coming crisis involves the gathering of all nations for the last great battle of the great controversy3SM 425.5+1.

The Impending Global Conflict

The world is currently in a period of apparent peace, which is a providential delay granted to allow God's people to finish their workPH120 8.3. However, this will be followed by a time of utmost confusion characterized by strife, war, and bloodshed across the entire earthPH120 8.3. During this final struggle, all the world will be divided into two parties: those loyal to God and those under the banner of darkness7BC 982.4+1.

Nature of the Last Battle

• Intensity and Scope: Every form of evil will spring into intense activity as evil angels unite their powers with evil men for a desperate final struggle3SM 425.5.

• Armageddon: This conflict climaxes in the battle of Armageddon, which takes place during the sixth plague when the spirits of demons gather the kings of the earth together Revelation 16:14-16GP 92.3+1.

• Warfare: The removal of God's restraining power will lead to the use of deadly instruments of warfare and a time of trouble such as the world has never seen1MR 145.3.

• Brief Duration: Although the last great conflict will be terrible, it will be short in durationGH May 14, 1902, par. 5+1.

The Central Issue

The primary issue in this final conflict will be the Sabbath question7BC 979.9+1. As church and state unite, preparations are being made to bring Sunday to the front, repeating the persecutions of the past5T 449.3+1. This test will decide the allegiance of every soul, determining whether they bear the mark of God's kingdom or the mark of rebellion6T 352.1+1.

Our Preparation

We must not be found sleeping or engaged in worldly amusements during this momentous time3SM 425.5+2. Instead, we are to be wide awake, seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to stand through the final test3SM 425.5+1. It is our duty to keep the future world in view and maintain an unwavering allegiance to the truth3SM 425.1+1. When the storm of the terrible ones breaks against the wall, God will be a refuge for His faithful church Isaiah 25:4RR 253.5.

Ultimately, this conflict ends with the appearance of Jesus in the clouds of heaven to rescue His peopleGP 93.3+1. After the destruction of sin, the redeemed will inhabit a new earth, building houses and planting vineyards in a land where death cannot enter Isaiah 65:21-22RR 255.5+1.