Seth Udinski, FISM News
As fears of global nuclear conflict grow with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, a nuclear war simulator conducted by Princeton University is predicting mass casualties in a disturbingly short amount of time.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that the study was actually conducted back in 2017, but with the heightened global tension from the ongoing war in Ukraine, it has gained a resurgence in popularity.
This represents a significant historical moment as well, as analysts agree the war in Ukraine, the largest European war since World War II, represents the first serious threat of worldwide nuclear war since the end of the Cold War in 1991. Some even believe it could be the biggest threat since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
The model, titled Plan A, argues that, if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to resort to nuclear weapons, as he has threatened to do in recent weeks, the fallout would result in over 34 million people perishing within the first five hours of conflict.
Dr. Alex Glaser, who worked on the project, said,
As far as one can tell, this is the most serious crisis with a potential nuclear dimension involving Russia and the United States/NATO since the end of the Cold War, even if the risk of a nuclear war is still considered ‘small’—as many analysts would argue. A crisis like the one we are currently facing often results in miscommunication between parties, exacerbated by the fact that there remain very few active lines of communication between Russia and the US/NATO.
Plan A then goes into further detail, exploring various scenarios and the massive devastation they would cause, including the variables of an American response should Russia fire a nuke.
According to the report, the effects would be nothing short of disastrous, with millions of deaths almost instantly and millions more from radiation and sickness.
Author’s Biblical Analysis:
The sad reality from this report is that the threat of cataclysmic war is always present in the nuclear age. The fact that the world has not yet suffered a serious nuclear conflict in the 87 years since the last nuclear bomb was used in war is in itself an example of God’s restraining grace on His sinful creatures.
Christians can respond in one of two ways to this report. We can respond with fear, wallowing in the reality of the threat of mass destruction, a threat that is possibly growing with every passing day of unending conflict in Ukraine.
Our alternative response, which is our encouragement from this report, is this — We must respond with great confidence, knowing that we have nothing to fear in death.
When we think about nuclear destruction or any type of mass destruction, it must force our eyes away from this world that is quickly passing away and turn them to our eternal destination. Those who have placed their hope in Christ have a great hope, because of the gospel, that when we pass from this earth we will immediately be in the perfect presence of God, and all hardship, sadness, pain, suffering, and sin will be but a memory.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 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.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” – Revelation 21:3-5
We must remember, perhaps now more than ever, that this world is not our home. If we can do so, it will give us the courage to face death not overcome by fear and anguish of heart, but with confidence in God’s love for us, knowing that when we face death He will bring us safely home.
It is a good reminder for Christians indeed. Remember this — The world around you is horridly broken, marred by sin, and hopelessly lacking true fulfillment. Do not become so used to this place that you grow to love it too much, taking your eyes off of where you truly belong.
May we, as Christians, remember these things. This world is the closest we will ever get to hell. This is as bad as it gets. What great comfort and hope that brings us, even as we face fears of death!
May we have the courage to stand strong even with the threat of death surrounding us, not with fear, but with hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. And may we always be utterly dissatisfied with this world, longing for our true home, which is far better than we could hope or imagine.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. – Romans 8:19