# Wars and Rumors of Wars: Ellen White's Prophetic Counsel Ellen White frequently referenced Christ's prophecy about wars and rumors of warsas a sign of the times, teaching that these events signal both historical fulfillment and end-time realities. She wrote that "the wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand" (
PH120 11.2). ## Dual Application: Jerusalem and the Last Days Ellen White explained that Christ's prophecy had a **dual fulfillment**. In The Desire of Ages, she described how Jesus warned His disciples: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet" (
DA 628.3). She noted that prior to Jerusalem's destruction, there were intense power struggles—emperors were murdered, and those near the throne were slain.
However, Christ cautioned that these signs marked the beginning of sorrows,not the immediate end. Importantly, Ellen White emphasized that while these prophecies received a partial fulfilment at the destruction of Jerusalem, they have a more direct application in the last days" (HM November 1, 1893, par. 12). This dual application means that the wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes Christ described serve as both historical markers and prophetic indicators for our time. ## Our Response: Faith Without Fear Ellen White's counsel regarding these signs is clear: we should recognize them as prophetic fulfillment without being consumed by fear. She wrote that Christ said, see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass" (SW December 25, 1906, par. 6).
We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn eventswith the Lord at the door,yet our response should be one of steadfast faith rather than anxiety. She emphasized that these lessons are for our benefit. We need to stay our faith upon God; for there is just before us a time that will try men's souls" (HM November 1, 1893, par. 12). The recognition of these signs should strengthen our trust in God's prophetic word and motivate us to spiritual preparation. ## Practical Wisdom for God's People Ellen White also provided practical counsel for how God's people should conduct themselves as these events unfold. She warned that "we are not to say one word, not to publish one sentence, especially by way of personalities,—unless positively essential in vindicating the truth,—that will stir up our enemies against us, and arouse their passions to a white heat" (
GW 326.2). This counsel reflects wisdom about maintaining our witness and mission focus even as world events intensify. The urgency of the times calls for focused dedication to God's work, recognizing that "our work will soon be closed up; and soon the time of trouble, such as never was, will come upon us, of which we have but little idea" (
GW 326.2). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
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