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The declaration of “peace and security” will be made shortly before the start of the great tribulation, which will begin with the destruction of Babylon the Great (all false religions). Our publications have also described this declaration as a sign that the great tribulation is about to begin.
However, after carefully analyzing this matter, it seems that this is only one of the possibilities. Another possibility is that the declaration of “peace and security” will be made after the destruction of false religion. Why? Let’s examine some reasons.
The involvement of false religion in wars
The Bible says: “In her [the ‘great prostitute,’ Babylon the Great] was found the blood... of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth.” (Revelation 17:1, 5; 18:24) Throughout history, false religion has promoted wars and, many times, has been the cause of terrorist acts. Thus, it has contributed to wars and violence, not to peace and security. This raises the question: will the declaration of “peace and security” be made only after Babylon the Great is destroyed? Maybe, but we cannot say for sure.
What will happen after the declaration of “peace and security”?
Paul said: “Whenever it is that they are saying, ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3) The study note on this verse says: “Here, Paul indicates that there will be little or no time between the proclamation of ‘peace and security’ and the destruction of those making that proclamation. The destruction will come suddenly, and there will be no escape.”
So, it is possible that political governments will make the declaration of “peace and security” after false religion has been destroyed and that soon afterward they will suffer sudden destruction.
Jehovah’s people’s reaction when these things happen
Paul said: “You, brothers, are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you like a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4) If the declaration of “peace and security” is made after the destruction of false religion, then Jehovah’s people will know that the destruction of political governments is about to occur. As for political rulers, once they have made the declaration of “peace and security” and are feeling safe, destruction will come upon them suddenly, like a thief in the night — that is, unexpectedly and without warning. — 1 Thessalonians 5:2.
So, what do we know? We know that, in the near future, the “ten horns” and the “wild beast” will receive power from God to destroy false religion. This will mark the beginning of the great tribulation. We also know that at some point there will be a declaration of “peace and security.” When will that be? We are talking about two possible moments: the first is before the destruction of false religion, and the second is after false religion has been completely destroyed. Either way, we will have to wait and see what happens. The prophecies in the Bible are fully understood only as they are being fulfilled or after they are fulfilled. — See also John 12:16.
What is most important right now is not when the declaration of “peace and security” will be made, but that we continue to be loyal to God. We must stay alert and keep our senses, so that we are prepared not only for that event but also for everything that will happen as the prophecies continue to be fulfilled in the future. — 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
(February 2026)