Yet the Gentile nations, as well as the Jewish nation, are saying, “We will not have this man reign over us” (Luke 19:14). Although God has sent to the world His Word which has plainly announced His sovereign rights, nevertheless presidents, statesmen, corporate and religious leaders offer their suggestions for world peace without any reference to God’s authority to order the course of nations. This is man’s day in which he considers himself competent to run the world, but in those plans God is left out entirely.

One cannot condemn earnest desire to discover some way for lasting peace. The ominous fact remains, however, that men are endeavoring to obtain peace for the world without acknowledging the authority of God and without asking Him for guidance.

By willful, flagrant rejection of His declared sovereignty, men put themselves among His enemies and expose themselves to the plans of the arch enemy of God. Satan, “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), laughs at men’s supposed authority and self-sufficiency. He is “the prince of the power of the air” that now works through “the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). Men can neither take charge of this world nor put it in order, however much they delude themselves by presuming such power.

The Lord Jesus Christ through the shedding of His blood on the cross at Calvary bought the right to reign over the world. But Satan will not relinquish his authority over the world until he is forced. Combining a one world government, commerce, military force and religion, the devil will set up a false kingdom of order and peace. The nations will follow his plan in rebellion against God.

Now, in this Age of Grace, the proclamation of the Gospel to all men and the completion of the Church of Jesus Christ is God’s plan. “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Even as men are striving to find a way to utopia without Christ, God still offers His mercy and peace.

Rulers are subject to Him. God has allowed the system of authorities to protect His people and further His work. Where Satan has entered and misled those authorities, God’s people must pray for conversion or expulsion. Are not believers seated “in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) to assist Him in this authority?

Without the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the world will never know everlasting peace. Genuine peace without Jesus Christ is impossible. “For He, Himself, is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). World peace will only be obtained when the Lord Jesus is given His rightful place in the hearts of men. “Lord, Thou wilt establish peace for us, since Thou hast also performed for us all our works” (Isaiah 26:12). While evil multiplies in the world, nevertheless the work of God will advance. The Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth to reign in peace.