As bombs fell on Iranian nuclear sites and fire rained in the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired off a chilling warning to Vladimir Putin—mocking him as “Ayatollah Putin” and predicting a fate similar to Iran’s. With Israel under threat, Russia defiant, and Tehran now a global flashpoint, many are asking: Is World War 3 beginning?
The recent U.S.-led strikes on Iran have ignited geopolitical fires that seem to align precisely with ancient biblical prophecy. In response, Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes as a violation of international law. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Putin’s Security Council, ominously warned that several nations are prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons—a declaration that should send shudders through every global capital.
But the rising conflict isn’t just political. It’s spiritual. As laid out in my book, One Nation Without Law, Ezekiel 38-39 speaks of a final confrontation—a war orchestrated not by human ambition alone, but by divine decree. The prophet describes a coalition led by Gog of Magog (modern-day Russia), with allies that include Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan), Put (Libya), and others—all converging to attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezek. 38:8).
This war, unlike any before it, won’t simply be the result of clashing empires. It will be the fulfillment of a prophecy that began thousands of years ago. God says:
“You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops…” (Ezekiel 38:9).
The Coalition is Forming
Never in modern history has the alignment of Ezekiel’s nations been so exact. Iran, deeply embedded with proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis, continues its apocalyptic march toward nuclear capability. Russia, cornered by international sanctions and emboldened by desperation, has taken Tehran’s side. Turkey, long a NATO ally, now straddles a delicate axis of cooperation with Moscow.
These nations are not just random players—they are predominantly Islamic powers, increasingly united by ideology and hatred of Israel. The late Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad once declared:
“They [the Israelis] have no roots there in history… They represent minimal disturbances that come into the picture and are then eliminated.”
This is not just rhetoric. It is theology, geopolitics, and prophecy fused together.
A Prophetic Tipping Point
According to Ezekiel, two key events must happen before this great war:
- The Regathering of Israel – Fulfilled in 1948.
- The Rise of a Coalition in the “latter years.” – Happening now.
But what draws these nations to war? What is the “hook in the jaws” (Ezek. 38:4)? Many speculate it’s Israel’s massive natural gas reserves, others point to Jerusalem itself—a spiritual epicenter for three major world religions.
Whatever the hook, the war is coming.
“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Are you he of whom I have spoken in former days…? It will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel, that My fury will show in My face.’” (Ezekiel 38:17-18)
When the armies descend like a black cloud, God Himself intervenes. He rains down hail, fire, and brimstone. In a supernatural earthquake, “every wall shall fall to the ground” (Ezek. 38:20). Some scholars suggest this destruction may even clear the way for the Third Temple to be rebuilt—triggering the next chapter in biblical prophecy: the rise of the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27).
Echoes of Armageddon?
Though this war will be massive, it is not the final battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). Rather, it is a precursor—a shaking of the nations, preparing the world for the revealing of the “Man of Lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2:3-4). In the aftermath of such chaos, a global leader will rise, promising peace. He will appear as a savior but will reveal himself as Satan’s counterfeit messiah.
This isn’t hyperbole. The prophet Haggai foretold this very moment:
“Once more… I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations” (Haggai 2:6-7).
Likewise, Zechariah warned:
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples…” (Zech. 12:2).
Jerusalem will be the epicenter of global intoxication—dizzying nations with unsolvable crises. Every world leader will stumble, confused by the spiritual dimensions of what they cannot control. “Jerusalem shall be a very heavy stone for all peoples” (Zech. 12:3).
The Real Battle is Lawlessness
As the world hurtles toward war, one force is growing faster than missiles or armies: lawlessness. It is the undercurrent of every coup, protest, riot, and war. Lawlessness is not just the absence of law—it is the defiant rejection of divine order. And this spirit is the forerunner of the Antichrist.
Scripture declares:
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work… And then the lawless one will be revealed…” (2 Thess. 2:7-8).
From Washington to Warsaw, Tehran to Tel Aviv, lawlessness is gaining ground. But make no mistake—this rise is not random. It is a divine setup. God is not surprised. He is sovereign.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord… He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
“He works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).
What Should the Church Do?
Now is not the time to panic—but to prepare.
As followers of Christ, we are not called to fear but to watch, pray, and stand firm. We must live as “children of the day” (1 Thess. 5:5), not blind to the times, but discerning and faithful. We must be bold proclaimers of truth and righteousness, even as the world grows darker.
“All things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
World War 3 may not come overnight. But the path has been paved, the players are in position, and prophecy is unfolding. Whether through missiles or meetings, oil or ideology, we are watching the early tremors of a global shaking foretold by ancient prophets.
And yet, for those who trust in God, there is peace.
God is not just reacting to world events—He is orchestrating them.
When the dust settles, when the armies fall, when the Antichrist is judged, only One will be left standing. His name is Jesus Christ. And He will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Rev. 19:15).
Until then, the Church must rise.
Sound the alarm. Spread the Word. Prepare the way.
“Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 38:23)
Phil Hotsenpiller is the founder of American Faith and author of One Nation Without Law. His insights draw from decades of study on biblical prophecy and global affairs.
