When I was a teen growing up in the 60s in America, the "peace movement" and antiwar demonstrations in this country were at a fever pitch. College students and young people by the thousands demonstrated in the streets, burned draft cards and preached pacifism. The reason? They didn't like the politics of a war being fought thousands of miles away—and so claimed that love, flowers in your hair and a bit of drugs would solve society's ills!

Many even preached "Jesus"—claiming that He was a first-century hippie who promoted love and pacifism, along with imbibing in the lifestyles of a few sinners now and then! Those pushing this newfound version of Christianity were often referred to as "Jesus freaks" (a name that group has held to this day). The hippies of the late 1960s, including some claiming to be "Jesus look-alikes," preached their message of peace, not war, and "all you need is love." They promised to change the world for the better.

Well ... we all know that didn't happen.

Today, nearly 40 years later, with the winds of war blowing through the streets and byways of many nations and continents, the argument over war versus peace is brewing again. This revived debate is destined to further divide countries and people in their efforts to establish a lasting peace, through either pacifism or war.

But what is the real way to the peace that mankind has pursued in our lifetimes and, for that matter, since the beginning of civilization? Why has peace been so elusive?

No Jesus, no peace

Some in the Christian world have coined the phrase: "No Jesus, no peace . . . Know Jesus, know peace." It's a clever play on words. That's all most people think it is. However, read on and you'll see that this pithy saying is actually true!

Many young people have supported efforts to root out the evil of despotism and terror in their countries and other regions of the world. Likewise, pacifists have become emboldened against the use of force, killing and war—often in the face of terrorist threats themselves!

Despite man's apparent need to defend himself and his countrymen against the ravages of war and violence, we should consider what God says about it all. Jesus revealed that, due to human nature, war and violence will not bring true peace!

Mankind's history over the millennia is proof that war, strife and killing are not the solution to the problems that exist on this planet. While some wars have brought evil regimes to their knees, warfare has not resulted in humanity having the lasting peace so many long for.

Human governments have failed to bring real harmony and peace to the planet because they have been ignorant of the One who came to earth many centuries ago to give us the answer. Mankind has totally overlooked the real Jesus and His stunning message!

A different kingdom

While many have sought a "silver bullet"—a special magical solution—to end wars and bring true peace to our planet, the real answer has been concealed in a book that many read but too few understand. The way to peace involves a change in the way we human beings think and live, along with the establishment of a world government ruled over by God. This new global government and kingdom must come to teach human beings how to live in harmony with one another. This kingdom is one few have understood.

The Bible—the Word of the Creator—reveals this knowledge that has been hidden from most people for ages. While many claim that the "kingdom" that Jesus referred to in His earthly ministry is set up in people's hearts, the Bible shows that it is much more!

Notice what one of the prophets of God proclaimed centuries before Christ brought His message: "And in the days of these kings [particular rulers in a future setting] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (Daniel 2:44).

These amazing words paint a picture of a literal kingdom and government that God will set up that will never be destroyed! This kingdom will virtually consume the other nations of the world. It's a power that will "stand forever." We're talking about permanence here! What, then, is the key to this kingdom that God will set up?

Know Jesus, know peace

The wonderful news of the coming Kingdom of God was the heart and core of the great news that Jesus Christ preached to the people of His day. His preaching remains true today, and it is the same message still being proclaimed to the world by God's Church. Jesus will soon return to earth and establish His Kingdom.

Notice this reference to Jesus' return: "And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15). At His return, Jesus Christ will assume rule over all human governments and teach all nations on earth.

A different way of thinking!

This ultimate solution will not just involve a change in rule. Jesus explained that His new Kingdom will also require a change in the way people think. This change will mean not just changing one's opinion about things, but changing the way one views himself and making choices to think a totally different way.

Christ, as the Son of God, is the example showing us the way. This is what the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is all about—showing us the way to think and live! This change is what will finally bring lasting change to man and the lasting peace that humanity has sought for thousands of years.

Jesus taught that man must get a virtual brain transplant, a new mind! And that is what will happen with those who respond to God's invitation to be a part of His government and family in the future.

The change will involve familiar characteristics, but from a truly spiritual perspective. Jesus' teaching shows us the way. In summary form, here are some examples:

No kindness, no peace—know kindness, know peace.

No forgiveness, no peace—know forgiveness, know peace.

No love, no peace—know love, know peace.

No faith, no peace—know faith, know peace.

You get the point. To truly know and understand the spiritual side of these virtues (also called fruits, Galatians 5:22-23) will be the foundation of this new world (Hebrews 8:10-11). This knowledge will eventually cover the whole earth (Isaiah 11:9).

The Bible describes this new way of thinking as a "new heart" within men. It is a transformation of how a person thinks! To change the human heart is the only way man will achieve his destiny and the peace that eludes him. Although a change of heart for all humanity will only happen when these prophecies of Christ's return are fulfilled, you can begin this process now. (To learn how, request our free booklet Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.)

Peace finally comes

While the exciting news of solving the violence, fear and suffering of mankind is awesome indeed, it won't happen without Christ having to "fight" His way back.

The Bible tells us that mankind will reject and fight against Jesus when He seeks to establish this new government and new way of life (Revelation 19:11-21).

But better news lies just beyond the violent resistance of man at His return. The prophet Micah spoke of a time in the near future—a time of unprecedented peace:

"Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.'

"For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Micah 4:1-3).

Think of it! A time of no more war. People will not teach violence and the tactics of warfare as a way to resolve conflict anymore. To the contrary, Jesus Christ and those who are called of God now will be involved in the most comprehensive education effort of all time!

As the words of the prophet Micah show, when Jesus Christ establishes His government, humanity will begin to recognize the blessings that come from obedience to God's ways and laws and will stream to Him to learn that way of life. Christ will settle disputes between peoples and will have to "rebuke strong nations" that reject His direction and authority.

This incredible new government will have an impact on the entire world through the leadership of Jesus Christ and His faithful servants. These followers of the true Jesus, converted members of His family, will bring changes to this world that will ultimately eliminate the causes of human tears and suffering.

We read of such a hopeful time in the age to come: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

Man's destiny

God has a magnificent plan that extends beyond the peace that the return of Jesus Christ will bring to this earth. His annual Holy Days tell of God's purpose for human beings to become His very children and eventually rule the universe! God's entire plan, from Jesus emptying Himself and becoming human, sacrificing His life for mankind and looking forward to the future when mankind will inhabit the universe is laid out in God's annual festivals as revealed in His Word.

To understand this bigger picture, request our free booklet God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. All of this is what "knowing Jesus" will ultimately lead to.

Thus, there's more than a clever wordplay in the phrase "know Jesus, know peace." Know the real Jesus and His incredible message, and you will know and ultimately experience real peace—the lasting peace that mankind longs for! VT