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In December 2021, a statue was erected outside the United Nations building in New York City. The sculpture resembles a creature similar to a lion or leopard with wings and a rainbow-colored appearance. This artwork is described as “a protector of global peace and security.” The design aligns with the artistic style of its creators, Mexican artists Jacobo and Maria Angeles. See below.
To most individuals, the statue outside the UN may seem unremarkable. Various distinctive sculptures and art displays are present in public spaces worldwide. However, some Christians find the peculiar combination of the statue’s location, characteristics, and title unsettling. Individually, these elements might be insignificant. Yet collectively, the statue brings to mind biblical allusions to the end times. This has prompted some believers to question whether the statue signifies a further indication of the end times.
Three specific Bible passages have been linked to the statue titled “guardian of peace and security” at the UN headquarters. Daniel 7:2–4 describes a vision of beasts symbolizing governments, with one resembling a lion with wings like an eagle. Revelation 13:2 symbolically mentions a beast receiving power and authority from Satan. First Thessalonians 5:3 discusses a time in the end days when people will proclaim, “There is peace and security,” only to encounter unforeseen destruction.
Undoubtedly, a statue reminiscent of end-times imagery, positioned at the center of an international organization, and named with a phrase directly associated with the Apocalypse, will spark suspicion. It is not unusual for Christians to observe a creation like the UN statue and ponder its significance. Or at the very least, question the intentions of those responsible for its conception and installation.
Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assume that the “guardian for international peace and security” statue near the United Nations building is unlikely to be the exact object witnessed by Daniel and John. Their writings depict different aspects of eschatology, and the statue should not be taken as a literal fulfillment of those prophecies.
There are many beasts, various images, and nearly all those depictions are symbolic representations of something else. Paul’s declaration in Thessalonians is not primarily about a literal saying but rather the world mistakenly believing they are safe, only to be taken by surprise by the arrival of Christ. It’s also highly improbable that the Antichrist will be so clumsy and obvious in his approaches.
Most probably, the “guardian of international peace and security” statue at the United Nations holds no specific spiritual significance at all. It’s indeed an unfortunate mix of name, location, and appearance. At the very least, it’s something that probably should have been acknowledged and rectified before the statue was revealed. The more distinct a series of coincidences, the more logical it is to question if the link is intentional. However, a coincidence can still be merely a coincidence, nonetheless.
If the statue at the UN is a vague foreshadowing or direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy, it wouldn’t alter anything. Christians are called to serve, preach, and labor faithfully, understanding all end-times occurrences are predetermined and part of God’s unchanging designs. The statue does mirror aspects of end-times prophecy—whether purposefully or unknowingly—and that, at least, serves as a reminder of how little the world comprehends or values God’s Word and His intentions.
