This is part four of a four-part series on Jesus Is Coming Soon. Part one explains Jesus' 1st and 2nd comings, His appearance called the Rapture, and the first of five reasons why I believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture. In part two I give reasons 4 through 5 on why I believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture. In part three we talked about what Jesus had to say about the end times, the days of Noah, the destruction of the U.S.A., and men and nations who suppress the truth. Now we will examine Biblical Prophecy regarding the end times.
An Overview of Biblical Prophecy Regarding End Times
The Bible foretells many signs that will culminate in the last days. Jesus told His disciples that these signs would culminate or there would be a convergence as His return drew near.
“I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He” (John 13:9).
The FIRST TIME Jesus came He brought love, redemption, and forgiveness which is Salvation to a dying world.
The SECOND TIME Jesus comes He will bring the justice and wrath of Father God to an unbelieving world and redemption to an unbelieving Israel.
The End Times according to Jesus are signs converging all around us. The world is violent and like the days of Noah where every thought of man was evil. It is a time when men and nations suppress the truth, God's Truth!
Here is an overview of many, not all, of the Biblical Prophecies regarding the end times. These give us a very good indication of what will be going on throughout the whole world and even the universe right before the Rapture and during the seven-year tribulation. Prophecy tells us that we are near. Jesus tells us what to look for (Matthew 24 -25) and keep watch (Matthew 24:42). The Apostle Paul tells us to comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18) and look for the Blessed Hope of the Appearing of Jesus (Titus 2:13).
These Prophecies are broken up into 6 major categories: Israel signs, signs of society, spiritual signs—positive and negative, world political signs, Globalism, and technological signs. Ask yourself, are any of these signs happening right now? These are indicators of catastrophic world events that are on the horizon, and many have already begun or been fulfilled.
The first indicator is the rapture of true believers. Then the Rapture or the catching up of the Church. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Why You Don’t Want to be Living in the Tribulation
The second indicator is a seven-year period of history known as the Tribulation. There are three reasons why you don’t want to be living during this time.
This is God’s appointed time to pour His wrath out on all who have rejected Jesus.
It is also God’s appointed time to gather up His chosen people and bring them home. During the second 3 ½ years the wayward, unbelieving, unrepentant Jews will acknowledge Jesus Christ (whom they crucified) as their long-awaited Messiah and come to Salvation—God’s saving grace.
Three, those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be persecuted and even beheaded (martyred).
Prophetic Signs
What Does God Say About Prophecy?
Understanding that the accurate prediction of the future is a unique claim made by the God of the Bible is crucial. Indeed, a search through Scripture reveals that God has pointed to fulfilled prophecy as evidence of His existence, His knowledge of the future, and His control over it.
In this regard, we will reference several passages, offer some insights on them, and then explore the claims the God of Scripture has made about Himself through His prophecies.
The Lord's Challenge to the Pagan Gods
Within the following passage, the Lord, the God of Israel, rebukes His people for idol worship—objects they have crafted with their own hands. In these verses, the Lord confronts these non-existent idols directly:
“Present your argument,” says the Lord. “Produce your evidence,” says Jacob’s king. “Let them produce evidence! Let them tell us what will happen! Tell us about your earlier predictive oracles, so we may examine them and see how they were fulfilled. Or decree for us some future events! Predict how future events will turn out, so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe. Look, you are nothing, and your accomplishments are nonexistent; the one who chooses to worship you is disgusting (Isaiah 41:21-24 NET Bible).
Observations On This Passage
1. The Lord is challenging these so-called “gods” to present arguments that they exist. He wants them to produce some evidence.
2. Specifically, He asks them to tell everyone what will happen in the future.
3. God also wants to see their past record—the Lord wants to know how and when their past predictions were fulfilled.
4. He then asks these non-existent gods to predict some specific future events so that humanity can know that they exist.
5. The Lord challenges them to do something! “Make us afraid, or in awe of you!”
6. He concludes by emphasizing that these gods are non-existent—those who worship them are fools!
The Claims of the Lord God
Let's look at His past record of fulfilled Prophecies! In contrast to these non-existent gods, the Lord makes the following claims about Himself:
"Remember what I accomplished in antiquity! Truly I am God, I have no peer; I am God, and there is none like me, who announces the end from the beginning and reveals beforehand what has not yet occurred, who says, ‘My plan will be realized, I will accomplish what I desire’ (Isaiah 46:9,10 NET).
Observations On This Passage
1. The Lord, the God of the Bible, says that He is the only God who exists—He has no rival, no peer.
2. How do we know this? We are told to remember what He has already accomplished in the past.
3. Namely, He has told the people beforehand of certain things that will take place.
4. The result: His plan will be realized—it will come to pass.
Continuing this thought:
"I announced events beforehand, I issued the decrees and made the predictions; suddenly I acted and they came to pass. I did this because I know how stubborn you are. Your neck muscles are like iron and your forehead like bronze. I announced them to you beforehand; before they happened, I predicted them for you, so you could never say, ‘My image did these things, my idol, my cast image, decreed them. You have heard; now look at all the evidence! Will you not admit that what I say is true?’ (Isaiah 48:3-6 NET Bible).
Observations On This Passage
1. The Lord has announced events before they have taken place—He has made decrees or predictions.
2. These predicted events have always come to pass!
3. Furthermore, He gave predictive prophecy because the people of Israel were stubborn.
4. Namely, they would credit their idols as “gods” instead of to Him.
Predictive prophecy from the God of the Bible, thus, was to demonstrate that all these idols and “gods” were false gods and that only one God exists, the Lord Himself.
5. “You have heard, now consider all the evidence!” If you consider the evidence—God’s predictions and the fulfillment of them—you will have to admit that what He says is true: He is indeed the Lord God of all.
“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:9-10).
So, what are these Prophetic signs that point to perilous times ahead for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior? All prophetic signs, in general, are to be like birth pangs’ that is, increasing in observability, frequency, and intensity during the End Times.
“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs” (Matthew 24:8). CURRENT
Therefore, after each prophecy, we will make one of three observations: CURRENT meaning right now, a FULFILLED prophecy, and FUTURE meaning the groundwork is being set!
End Times Signs of Israel
The most important prophecies for the end times have to do with Israel, God’s chosen people. This is a race of people that had been dispersed for over a thousand years. They were found in every nation and persecuted throughout the world. It seemed impossible that they would ever be a nation of their own.
The enemy's goal has always been to wipe Israel and its people off the face of the earth! It still is today! It would take a miracle for them to have their own nation, legal state, again. But it was prophesied thousands of years before and it had to happen for the Messiah to return. Israel became a sovereign nation in 1948, so all the pieces are now starting to fall into place.
“And they will fall by the edge of the sword and will be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). CURRENT
The Miracle of Israel’s Survival
The nation of Israel is the key in understanding Bible prophecy. Israel Is God’s Prophetic Clock. Indeed, they have been central to God’s timetable throughout history as a “living witness” to the truthfulness of His Word. They will also be center stage at the time of the end. Simply put, without understanding the role of Israel, one will not understand Bible prophecy. Since the Bible already has a history of predictions that have been fulfilled, we should not be surprised that what it predicts about Israel's future events will also be fulfilled.
The Lord Has Guaranteed the Continual Existence of Israel
Numerous predictions have been made regarding Israel's future, many of which remain unfulfilled. One such prediction is that Israel will always endure as a nation, maintaining its unique identity and never losing its national character. The assertion is that Israel will perpetually exist as a distinct nation.
Thus says the Lord, "Who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar, the Lord of hosts is His name “If this fixed order departs from before Me,” declares the Lord, “Then the offspring of Israel also will cease from being a nation before Me forever.” Thus says the Lord, “If the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out below, then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done,” declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 31:35-37). CURRENT
The significance of Israel as "the key" to biblical prophecy suggests that the nation will continue to exist in the "last days," as it does presently. Consequently, it is not surprising that the Scriptures contain specific promises from the Lord regarding Israel's perpetual existence.
Israel Will Experience a Time of Great Trouble or Anguish
In the Book of Daniel, we read of a time of great distress, or tribulation, that the Jewish people will experience:
At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation (Israel), will arise. Then there will be a time (end times) of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued (Daniel 12:1 NLT). CURRENT
Therefore, this passage teaches that a time of great anguish, or tribulation, will happen to Israel at the time of the end.
Jesus Will Return When the Jews Accept Him as Their Messiah
Jesus made it clear that the time will eventually come when the people of Jerusalem, the Jews, eventually accept Him as the Christ, the Messiah.
"He said the following: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. FULFILLED
"For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’ (Matthew 23:37-39 NIV). FUTURE
In this context, the Lord predicted the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. Yet, Jesus also said something hopeful—the nation would see Him again when they acknowledged Him as their Messiah. Since the Lord is returning at the end of this age, the Jewish people must still exist at that time.
An End to Exile of Jewish People
While Jesus predicted that the people of Jerusalem would be led away as captives, He also predicted that this captivity would not last forever.
"The Lord said: They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away as captives among all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24 NET). FULFILLED
The Jewish people will be taken captive, and Jerusalem will be under the control of Gentile nations for a long time. Yet, according to Jesus, that Gentile control will come to an end someday. Indeed, the little Greek word translated, “until” tells us that the trampling down of Jerusalem will not last forever!
Jesus Will Return to the Exact Spot Where He Departed
As Jesus ascended into Heaven, after His resurrection from the dead, His disciples were told that He would return in the same way in which He left the earth.
"As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? FULFILLED
This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives (which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away)” (Acts 1:10-12 NET). FUTURE
Hence, the exact location of His return to earth has been given to us—the Mount of Olives—which is just outside of the city of Jerusalem.
His Return Will Be to Deliver the Jewish People
His return to the Mount of Olives is consistent with an Old Testament prediction of the Messiah’s coming.
"On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives which lies to the east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, leaving a great valley (Zechariah 14:4 NET). FUTURE
“On that day” refers to a future time—the time of the Messiah’s coming. We are told specifically that He will arrive at the Mount of Olives. Furthermore, this passage assumes that there are Jews in the last days who will live in Jerusalem and witness His coming. Hence, it is clear from these passages that when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth, He will come to Jerusalem—specifically to the Mount of Olives.
The Jews Will Still Be Celebrating the Sabbath
When Jesus was answering a question about the time of the end, He made this statement:
"But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath". FUTURE
Sabbath keeping was a specific commandment for the nation of Israel to observe. Indeed, no other nation does this. The fact that there will be Sabbath observance at the time of the end is another indication that there will be Jews in Israel who are practicing their ancient religion. Therefore, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the nation of Israel, still exist to the end of day.
Israel, The Living Miracle
The continued existence of the nation to this very day has been characterized by one miracle after another. On a natural level, there is really no explanation for this. About one hundred years ago, a biblical commentator explained it in this manner:
"Let us begin by thinking of some of those [prophecies] that have reference to the Jewish nation. The entire history of the Jewish race furnishes us with most remarkable examples of literal fulfilment of prophecy. These are far too numerous to be dealt with in detail, but it may safely be asserted that as a people they have borne witness all through the centuries to the authenticity and inspiration of Scripture, and to the certainty of the accomplishment of God’s will as revealed by the mouth of His prophets. This testimony cannot possibly be refuted (F.J. Horsefield, The Return of the King, Fifth Edition, Good Books Corporation, Harrisburg, Pa., 1920, p. 18).
Indeed, the testimony of the history of the Jews, as well as their survival, cannot be refuted.
Israel's Miraculous Return to Its Ancient Homeland in the “Last Days”
The passages include several specific predictions regarding the future of the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel will be removed from its homeland and scattered throughout the world. The Lord, however, made it clear that He had not cast off His people—they will still have a future! The Lord promised that He would bring them back one day. This return would involve all twelve tribes. This would take place in “the last days.” The return in the last days would be from a “second exile.” The land to which they are returning has been devastated by war. Once they come back to their land, they will never be uprooted. The Lord will do all of this as a testimony to His holy name. When this marvelous event occurs, the nations will then know that He is the Lord. Once they are back in the land, the time will eventually come when He will pour out His Spirit upon them.
The Scattering of the People
First, we have the predictions that the Lord will scatter His people for this second exile. This prediction, of the scattering of Israel, is found in both testaments. We read the following prediction in the Old Testament of what would happen to the nation if they turned their back upon the Lord:
"The Lord will raise up a distant nation against you, one from the other side of the earth as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, a nation of stern appearance that will have no regard for the elderly or pity for the young. They will devour the offspring of your livestock and the produce of your soil until you are destroyed. They will not leave you with any grain, new wine, olive oil, calves of your herds, or lambs of your flocks until they have destroyed you. . . This is what will happen: Just as the Lord is delighted to do good for you and make you numerous, he will take delight in destroying and decimating you. You will be uprooted from the land you are about to possess. The Lord will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship other gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, gods of wood and stone. Among those nations you will have no rest, nor will there be a place of peaceful rest for the soles of your feet, for there the Lord will give you an anxious heart, failing eyesight, and a spirit of despair" (Deuteronomy 28:49-51, 63-65 NIV). FULFILLED
The choices for Israel were simple. God would bless them as long as they obeyed, but He would punish them if they disobeyed. This would include scattering them to the ends of the earth.
After Jesus was rejected by the people of Israel, He predicted the people would be scattered:
"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled" (Luke 21:20-24 NIV). FULFILLED
Note the specifics of Jesus’ prediction. Eventually, Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies. When the people view this siege occurring, then it is time for them to get out of the city. For, at that time, the nation will be punished for their rejection of Him as their Messiah. Christ called it a time of “wrath and distress.” The Lord predicted that the inhabitants would be carried away as prisoners into all the nations and Jerusalem would be trampled on by the Gentiles.
God Has Not Cast Israel Off
While both the Old and New Testaments predicted the scattering of the people, Scripture also indicates that God had not entirely cast off His people. In other words, they still have a future in His plan for both time and eternity. The Apostle Paul wrote:
"I am telling the truth in Christ (I am not lying!), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed—cut off from Christ—for the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen, who are Israelites. To them belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises" (Romans 9:1-4 NET). FULFILLED
Note that Paul said these are the people who were given both the “covenants” and the “promises.” Later, in Romans Chapter 11, the Apostle wrote the following:
"So, I ask, God has not rejected his people, has he? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew! . . . I ask then, they did not stumble into an irrevocable fall, did they? Absolutely not! … For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: A partial hardening has happened to Israel (FULFILLED) until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved (FUTURE)" (Romans 11:1-2, 11,25 NET).
The nation has not been rejected by the Lord. The fall of Israel is not irrevocable. Paul concluded by saying that a “partial hardening of Israel has happened until” . . . in other words, it is not forever. Eventually, salvation will come to the nation! Therefore, Israel, as a nation, has not been completely rejected by the Lord.
They Will Return from a Second Exile
In another remarkable prediction, we read the following words that the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah. Here we have a specific prediction of the return of the people from a “second exile.” First, the prophetic words, “on that day,” are speaking of that future era—before the Lord will return to earth, and then set up His kingdom. Also, the fact that it is called a “second regathering” assumes that there will be a first. Remarkably, when Isaiah gave this prediction, a first regathering had not yet taken place! Furthermore, we find that this passage specifically predicts that this will be a worldwide regathering of the people of Israel. We are explicitly told that they will come “from the islands of the sea as well as from the four corners of the earth.”
"In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth" (Isaiah 11:11,12 NIV). FULFILLED
In addition, he mentions the specific countries from which the Jews will return. Thus, this will not be merely a local gathering of the people. Finally, and of utmost importance, it concerns the scattered from both Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians in 721 B.C., never to return. The southern kingdom of Judah experienced a seventy-year captivity in Babylon. Some of them returned to their homeland but the northern kingdom did not return at that time. This prediction specifically states that both Israel and Judah will return. Therefore, it speaks of a return that was never fulfilled in biblical times.
The People Will Never Be Removed
Once back in their land, the people of Israel will be back to stay. This is their final return to their ancient homeland. Indeed, once they are in the land, they will not be removed. The prophet Amos recorded the Lord saying:
"I will bring back my people, Israel; they will rebuild the cities lying in rubble and settle down. They will plant vineyards and drink the wine they produce; they will grow orchards and eat the fruit they produce. I will plant them on their land, (COMPLETED)and they will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God" (Amos 9:14,15 NIV). FUTURE
Regathering of the Restored Remnant
On May 14, 1948, Israel, as a modern state, came into existence. The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious, and political identity was shaped. Here they first attained statehood, created cultural values of national and universal significance, and gave to the world the eternal Book of Books. On the 29th of November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish State in Eretz-Israel. This declaration was signed by Ben-Gurion and other Jewish leaders. With it, the modern state of Israel miraculously came into existence!
“Then it will happen on that day that the Lord will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people, who will remain, from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And He will lift up a standard for the nations and assemble the banished ones of Israel and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:11-12). FULFILLED
Israel was Born or Re-established as a Nation in One-Day
“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came upon her, she delivered a son. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:7-8). COMPLETED
The Nation of Israel Will Return in Two Stages
After almost two thousand years of being absent, Israel is back in its ancient homeland. This is one of the greatest miracles of all history. It is important to realize that the Bible says that this return of the people of Israel to their land will be in “two stages.” First, many Jews, but not all of them, will return to the land of Israel on their own in unbelief of Jesus. As we noted, this has already occurred. FULFILLED There will also be a later return when the entire nation of Israel, though scattered worldwide, will be brought back to their ancient homeland. The Lord is the One who will accomplish this. FUTURE
However, before this second stage occurs, there will be three intervening events that will take place—the Great Tribulation, the national repentance of Israel, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the earth. The biblical evidence is as follows starting with the prophecy of "dry bones."
Three Intervening Events
1. The Return of the Jews in Unbelief
First, there will be a return to their ancient homeland in unbelief. We have seen this return predicted in Ezekiel’s prophecy. Furthermore, we have also seen the miraculous fulfillment of this prediction. Hence, stage one of their return is complete.
Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are all the house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy, and tell them, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says: Look, I am about to open your graves and will raise you from your graves, my people. I will bring you to the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, my people. I will place my breath in you and you will live; I will give you rest in your own land. Then you will know that I am the Lord—I have spoken and I will act, declares the Lord" (Ezekiel 37:11-14 NET). FULFILLED
The first stage, there will be the physical, or national, restoration of the people. This will take place when many of them, on their own, return to their homeland. This prediction is consistent with what the Lord had promised in the previous chapter of Ezekiel. The entire context of chapters 36–37 makes it clear that Israel’s national restoration will occur at the time of the end. Next, will be their spiritual restoration. Once they are back in their ancient homeland, after an unknown interval of time, they will be restored spiritually
2. The Time of Jacob’s Trouble
This second stage of their return is still future; and, before, this can take place, there will be an unprecedented time of trouble for them. The Bible indeed says that the nation of Israel will experience a time of unprecedented trouble in the future. This is known by various names in Scripture, one of them being, “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”
"How awful that day will be! No other will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it (Jeremiah 30:7 NIV). FUTURE
"At that time Michael, the great prince who watches over your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress unlike any other from the nation’s beginning up to that time. But at that time your own people, all those whose names are found written in the book, will escape. Many of those who sleep in the dusty ground will awake-some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting abhorrence (Daniel 12:1-2 NET). FUTURE
According to the prophet Daniel, at the time of the end, there will be a time of distress like no other. Indeed, it will be unparalleled.
It Will Be a Time of God’s Wrath
The predictions of the Old Testament are clear. Once the people return to their ancient homeland, they will eventually experience a time of unprecedented trouble.
"Then the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because you have all become dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. As silver, copper, iron, lead and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. I will gather you and I will blow on you with my fiery wrath, and you will be melted inside her. As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her, and you will know that I the Lord have poured out my wrath on you" (Ezekiel 37:17- 22 NIV). FUTURE
Jesus Confirmed the Coming “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (The Great Tribulation)
We find that Jesus Himself acknowledged that there will be a future “Time of Jacob’s Trouble,” the likes of which the world has never experienced before. He referred to it as “The Great Tribulation.
”When He was asked about the signs of His return to earth, He gave this warning: For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect (Jews) those days will be cut short" (Matthew 24:21,22 ESV). FUTURE
According to Jesus, unless the Lord intervenes, nobody will be saved. But for the sake of Israel, His chosen people, who will still exist at that time, He will intervene and save them from this unparalleled time of terror known as the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” or “The Great Tribulation.”
Israel Will Realize They Rejected Their Messiah, Jesus, and Repent
It is during this time of the Great Tribulation that the people will realize that Jesus is the Messiah. The Lord gave the following illustration of this through the prophet Hosea:
"I will be like a lion to Israel, like a strong young lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces! I will carry them off, and no one will be left to rescue them. Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me (Hosea 5:15,16 NLT). FUTURE
First, the Lord will punish the nation and then depart from them. He will not return until they admit their guilt and turn to Him in belief. Jesus said something similar:
For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ (Matthew 23:39 NLT). FUTURE
Once this national repentance takes place, it will begin to fulfill the prediction concerning the second stage of their return.
“I praise you, O Lord, for even though you were angry with me, your anger subsided, and you consoled me. Look, God is my deliverer! I will trust in him and not fear. For the Lord gives me strength and protects me; he has become my deliverer.” Joyfully you will draw water from the springs of deliverance. At that time you will say: “Praise the Lord! Ask him for help! Publicize his mighty acts among the nations! Make it known that he is unique! Sing to the Lord, for he has done magnificent things, let this be known throughout the earth. Cry out and shout for joy, O citizens of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel acts mightily among you!” (Isaiah 12:1-6 NET). FUTURE
During this time of great trouble, Israel will turn to the Lord for forgiveness.
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be as great as the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land will mourn, each clan by itself, with their wives by themselves: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, and all the rest of the clans and their wives (Zechariah 12:10-14 NIV). FUTURE
When this happens, the people will then be spiritually restored.
The Return of the Lord
The next event will be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the earth. After Israel repents, the Lord will return to the Mount of Olives in the city of Jerusalem.
"Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him" (Zechariah 12:3-5 NIV). FUTURE
We also should note that this will happen because of God’s grace:
"And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God. I will cleanse you of your filthy behavior. I will give you good crops of grain, and I will send no more famines on the land. I will give you great harvests from your fruit trees and fields, and never again will the surrounding nations be able to scoff at your land for its famines. Then you will remember your past sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did. But remember, says the Sovereign LORD, I am not doing this because you deserve it. O my people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done!" (Ezekiel 36:28-32 NLT). FUTURE
3. The Final Restoration of Israel, In Belief
The Lord will then gather all remaining people from the twelve tribes of Israel, from all parts of the globe, and bring them to the Promised Land.
"At that time the sovereign master will again lift his hand to reclaim the remnant of his people from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the seacoasts. He will lift a signal flag for the nations; he will gather Israel’s dispersed people and assemble Judah’s scattered people from the four corners of the earth" (Isaiah 11:11,12 NET). FUTURE
Hence, there will be a worldwide gathering of the people of Israel after the Lord returns—the fulfillment of the second stage of Israel’s two-stage return.
All Nations Against Israel
“And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ (Ezekiel 36:34-35). CURRENT
“Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth; and forms the spirit of man within him, “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” (Zech 12:1-3). CURRENT
A Continual Search for Peace in Israel
During the end times, Israel will be in a continual search for peace and safety.
The War of Independence
The Declaration of Independence by the State of Israel did not stem from a victorious war; rather, it precipitated one. Merely hours after the declaration, the nascent State of Israel found itself under attack by Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Despite these assaults, the efforts to obliterate the fledgling nation were unsuccessful. FULFILLED
The 1949 Armistice
The 1949 armistice sought to establish temporary borders pending further agreements between Israel and its neighbors regarding the country's exact boundaries. However, to date, no consensus has been reached on the definitive borders of Israel. FULFILLED
The Unification of Jerusalem in 1967
Moreover, the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 following the Six-Day War was met with widespread international disapproval. East Jerusalem was labeled "occupied territory," and the Jewish people were termed "occupiers," despite acquiring the land in a defensive move against imminent attacks from multiple fronts. The enduring quest for peace in Israel, since its establishment as a modern state, was foretold by ancient scriptures, signifying that we are in the end times. FULFILLED
The Confirmation of a Covenant
In the Book of Daniel, we read the following prediction of a coming world ruler who will make a covenant with the Jewish people at the time of the end:
"He (antichrist) will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation until the end that is decreed is poured out on him" (Daniel 9:27 NIV). FUTURE
This passage is key to comprehending the chronology of the "last days" events. It refers to a leader who will emerge in history at the end of time. This figure, referred to as the beast or the Antichrist, will establish a seven-year covenant with the Jewish nation. This event will initiate the countdown of prophecy, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ to Earth after seven years.
It Is a Covenant with Death!
Although the people of Israel will assume that this covenant will guarantee their safety, the Bible calls such agreements a “covenant with death.”
"Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand (Isaiah 28:18 ESV). FUTURE
Will There Be Peace and Safety? The Apostle Paul had the following things to say about this “peace treaty” which will characterize the world in the last times:
"Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NIV). FUTURE
Israel Will Only Have Peace When the Lord Returns
Though the nation of Israel will never be at peace in the last days, the Bible does indeed predict that a lasting peace is coming. The Lord predicts a time when Israel will be at peace with its neighbors.
"In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore" (Isaiah 2:1-4 NIV). FUTURE
Israel Will Build the Third Temple
The Bible does indeed predict another Temple will be built on the Temple Mount. Israel is God’s clock. The hour hand is the nation, the minute hand is the city of Jerusalem, but the second hand is the Temple Mount. Jesus said to the disciples:
"So when you see the abomination of desolation (Satan calling himself God) spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place in the temple (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short" (Matthew 24:15-22 ESV). FUTURE
Also, the Apostle Paul refers to the third temple:
"Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God" (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 NKJV). FUTURE
The Revival of the Language
“In the end, I will turn things around for the people. I’ll give them a language undistorted, unpolluted, Words to address God in worship” (Zephaniah 3:9). FULFILLED
The Resurgence of the Military
“In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, (Zechariah 12:6) FULFILLED
Refocusing on World Politics
“Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it. In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts, their God.’ (Zechariah 12:2-5). CURRENT
Reoccupation of Jerusalem
On God's Calander Jerusalem is the Center of the World
“While the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:6).
The temple mount is owned by Israel and monitored by Jordon. PARTIALLY COMPLETED
Israel Will Constantly Be in the World’s Spotlight
The Bible says that not only will the Jews exist at the time of the end, return to their ancient homeland, establish a modern state, as well as unite the city of Jerusalem under their rule, they will also constantly be in the world’s spotlight.
"I am about to make Jerusalem a cup that brings dizziness to all the surrounding nations; indeed, Judah will also be included when Jerusalem is besieged. Moreover, on that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy burden for all the nations, and all who try to carry it will be seriously injured; yet all the peoples of the earth will be assembled against it (Zechariah 12:2-3 NET). CURRENT
God Will Fight for Them
While the entire world will be against them in the last days, we must remember that they will have someone watching over them, protecting them, and eventually destroying their enemies—God Himself.
"What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NET). FUTURE
The answer, of course, is nobody.
The Nations Will Know That the Lord Is God
Though hated, outnumbered, and marked for destruction, Israel will again, miraculously survive through this coming period of Great Tribulation. Indeed, the Lord Himself has stated the eventual outcome of all of these threats against Israel.
"I will display my majesty among the nations. All the nations will witness the judgment I have executed, and the power I have exhibited among them. Then the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God, from that day forward" (Ezekiel 39:21,22 NET). FUTURE
Ezekial 38 & 39 INVASION
End Times Persecution of Jews
Russia and Allies Invade Israel. Russia (Magog) would rise as a military power and lead an attack on Israel to take away “great plunder”. Israel has discovered a huge natural gas reservoir (Leviathan) that could alter the geopolitical power balance in the Middle East.
Russian Allies on Israel’s Northern Border — Anti-Semitism in the Islamic world is rampant. According to the Koran and Hadith, Muslims are commanded to fight and slay non-believers in Jihad (holy war) unless they convert to Islam (Surahs 9:5 and 47:4; vol. 1b. 2, Hadith #24 and 35). Iran (Persia), Turkey (Gomer), Sudan (Cush), and Libya (Put) would also partake in this military attack (Ezekiel 38:1 – 39:16). 80% of this invading army will be destroyed on Israel's behalf by God. FUTURE
Accelerated Signs in Society
Lawlessness
“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12) CURRENT
Immorality
There is an epidemic of pornography, objectivation of women, children, and the elderly.
“Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of immorality.” (Revelation 17:2,3) CURRENT
Increased Materialism
“For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2). CURRENT
Increasing Violence
“And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man… Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth” (Luke 17:26 & Genesis 6:11-13). CURRENT
The Explosion of Cults & Heresy
A title for the Roman Catholic Pope is "Vicor of Christ" which means he represents Jesus on this earth. He can literally speak with the same authority as Jesus. This is a non-biblical heretical belief. According to Holy Scripture, God the Holy Spirit is Jesus' representative in the world. Please see my blog, a 7-part series on the Roman Catholic church examining whether it's Christian or Heretical blasphemy.
“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many” (Matthew 24:11). CURRENT
Increasing Knowledge
“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (Daniel 12:4). CURRENT
Increase in Hedonism
"Treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4). CURRENT
"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them" (Romans 1:27-32). CURRENT
Increasing Secular Humanism
"The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good" (Psalms 14:1). CURRENT
“For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2). CURRENT
Despair
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” (2 Timothy 3:1) CURRENT
Calling Evil Good and Good Evil
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) FULFILLED
Examples of calling "Good Evil" and "Evil Good" in the United States would be anything that denies God and His eternal truth:
Redefining Marriage to incorporate any human combination rather than male-female.
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage" (1 Timothy 4:1-3a).
Humans can determine gender and change from Male to Female and Female to Male.
"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genisis 1:27).
Calling sexual perversion good, healthy, and normal thus ignoring Biblical morality.
"Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest" (Ephesians 2:3).
The World calls Homosexuality loving and normal whereas God calls it a sin and an abomination.
'For this reason (lusts of the heart) God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error" (Romans 1:26-27).
There is no absolute truth, you make your own truth, or truth is relative.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).
Killing a baby or fetus for any reason is a woman's right. It's not murder it's a choice or freedom and rights given by the law of the land.
"There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Spiritual Signs
Negative
False Christs and Prophets
"And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:4, 5,11) CURRENT
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). CURRENT
Apostasy in the Professing Church
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4). CURRENT
Persecution of True Believers
“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name” (Luke 21:12-17). CURRENT
An Outbreak of Doctrines of Demons
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (1 Timothy 4:1,2). CURRENT
Denial of the Second Coming
“Know this first of all, that in the day’s mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4). CURRENT
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers!" (Psalms 1:1).
Denial of Creation by God
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:20-22). COMPLETE
Increasing Attacks on Jesus
“Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God (Jesus) made it evident to them” (Romans 1:19). COMPLETE
Increasing Attacks on the Bible
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). COMPLETE
Positive
An Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
“It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29). CURRENT
A Revival of Davidic Worship
“But also on that Judgment Day I will restore David’s house that has fallen to pieces. I’ll repair the holes in the roof, replace the broken windows, fix it up like new. David’s people will be strong again and seize what’s left of enemy Edom, plus everyone else under my sovereign judgment.” God’s Decree. He will do this” (Amos 9:11). FULFILLED
Worldwide Evangelism
The Great Commission calls all Christians to share their faith in Jesus. But, during the 7-year tribulation there will be a worldwide evangelism by the 144,000 Jewish men, the 2 witness, and an angel proclaiming Jesus from the sky.
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). FUTURE
Understanding of Bible Prophecy
“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome these events?” He said, “Go your way, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time” (Daniel 12:4, 8-9). CURRENT
The Revival of Messianic Judaism
“Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved;” (Romans 9:27) FUTURE
Signs in the Heavens
“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Luke 21:25,26). CURRENT
Wonders in the Sky
“I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire, and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered” (Joel 2:30-32). FUTURE
World Political Signs
There are many Political Signs taking place in the world ushering in the tribulation and after seven years Jesus’ Second coming. We have already seen that after the Rapture the antichrist (man of lawlessness) will appear and make a peace treaty with Israel and its enemies (Daniel 9:27).
First, the re-establishment of Israel as a unified nation. The nation of Israel, which has been divided into two kingdoms since the time of Solomon (950 BC) — Israel in the North and Judah in the South would be one united Nation in the Last Days.
“In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will together from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance” (Jer 3:18). FULFILLED
Unification of Israel
“Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree (Israel) and all the trees; as soon as they forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So, you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near” Luke 21:29-31). FULFILLED
Israel is Partitioned by Nations
In 1947, UN Resolution 181 planned the partitioning of Israel. Currently, the West Bank and Gaza have been separated into Jewish and Palestinian settlements.
“He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many and will parcel out land for a price” (Daniel 11:39). FULFILLED
Now we will look at a world in war and the wars and invasions that will take place against Israel. When this takes place the following prophecies will occur wars and rumors of wars, Arah hostility, Russia as a menacing power to Israel, Asian nations capable of fielding a 200 million man army, Kingdom Against Kingdom (civil wars and ethnic wars); Russia, China, Iran Allies on Israel’s Northern Border, the Reunification of Europe, destruction of Damascus in one day, and the establishment of a one-world, economy, religion, and government.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end” (Matthew 24:6). CURRENT
Arab Hostility Toward Israel
Currently, the Nation of Israel is surrounded by an Islamic ring of fire. These terrorist groups are all proxies of Iran. Iran and its proxies are committed to wiping Israel (little Satan) off the face of the earth, total annellation. (CURRENT).
After this, their goal is to destroy America (big Satan). This will fail, but, eventually, Russia will lead a coalition of nations, including Iran & Turkey), against Israel called (Ezekiel 38 – 39) war. At this time no nation will come to Israel's defense. God will come to Israel's defense and destroy 80% of this invading army. This all takes place at the end of the 7-year tribulation. FUTURE
Israel Would be Invincible
An invincible Israel makes no sense – unless you believe in the Bible. Since 1948, tiny Israel has been attacked in three major wars and several lesser wars. Yet despite being vastly outnumbered, they have defeated all attacking foes.
“For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it. These are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale? Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob (tribulation); yet he shall be saved out of it” (Jeremiah 30:3-7). CURRENT
Asian Nations Capable of Fielding an Army of 200 million
“And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released so that they would kill a third of mankind. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east” (Revelation 9:15-16; 16:12). CURRENT
Birds of Prey
It is a little-known fact that Israel is the bird migration capital of the world numbering in the billions. Thirty-four species of these birds are carrion or dead flesh-eating birds. The Bible prophesies that after these battles the dead flesh of Israel’s enemies will be eaten by birds.
“You will fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you as food to every kind of predatory bird and beast of the field” (Ezekiel 39:4). FUTURE
Kingdom Against Kingdom (civil wars and ethnic wars)
“For nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs” (Mark 13:8). CURRENT
The Reunification of Europe
(Daniel 2:41-44, 7:8, 24-25, and 9:26). FUTURE
Destruction of Damascus
Damascus in Syria is known for its extremely anti-Semitic views and is a shelter for many terrorist organizations who have publicly vowed to destroy Israel. The end times prophecy is that Damascus will be destroyed in one day, most likely by Israel.
“Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being and will become a fallen ruin" (Isaiah 17:1). This is what the Lord says: “For three offenses of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke its punishment, because they threshed Gilead with iron sledges. So, I will send fire upon the house of Hazael, and it will consume the citadels of Ben-Hadad. I will also break the gate bar of Damascus, and eliminate every inhabitant from the Valley of Aven, as well as him who holds the scepter, from Beth-eden; So, the people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the Lord (Amos 1:3-5). FULFILLED
One-world Government, Economy, and Religion (Globalism)
The Bible gives us a preview of what the world will look like in the last days. One of the obvious features we find from Scripture is globalism. In other words, a centralized worldwide system will be created that basically controls the lives of everyone everywhere, though it will be applied in different degrees by the various nations. Therefore, it will be one-world in the sense that everyone everywhere will participate in such a system whether or not they are united into one centralized governing body. This need for such a system will come about from a number of difficulties that humanity will face. They will include the following problems.
Poverty and Famines in the Last Days
The Book of Revelation speaks of both poverty and famines that will exist at the time of the end. We read about this in the Book of Revelation:
"Then when the Lamb opened the third seal I heard the third living creature saying, “Come!” So I looked, and here came a black horse! The one who rode it had a balance scale in his hand. Then I heard something like a voice from among the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat will cost a day’s pay and three quarts of barley will cost a day’s pay. But do not damage the olive oil and the wine!” (Revelation 6:5,6 NET). FUTURE
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places, there will be famines and earthquakes. (Matthew 24:7) CURRENT
Plagues (all over the world)
“And there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11) CURRENT
“This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and will devour the whole earth and trample it down and crush it. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will humble three kings. And he will speak against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time. But the court will convene for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever" (Daniel 7:23-26). FUTURE
Worldwide Economic System and The Mark of The Beast
The Bible says that an economic system will be created, which is worldwide in scope. Because of the problems of poverty and famine in this globalist world, it seems that some type of central economic system will be created, for among other reasons, to help those who are in need. We now have computer and laser technology for this mark that will be necessary to buy and sell.
“It also caused everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and bound, to be marked on the right hand or on the forehead. This meant no one could buy or sell unless they had the mark; that is, the name of the beast or its number. This will require wisdom to understand: Let the one with insight interpret the number of the wild beast, for it is humanity’s number 666″ (Revelation 13:16-18). FUTURE
While we know that a globalist world will be forced on humanity at the time of the end, this will be a complete affront against the God of the Bible.
Globalism Is a Blasphemous Attempt to Deny That God Set Up a Special Land for Israel
"Get up now, resume your journey, heading for the Amorite hill country, to all its areas including the arid country, the highlands, the Shephelah, the Negev, and the coastal plain - all of Canaan and Lebanon as far as the Great River, that is, the Euphrates. Look! I have already given the land to you. Go, occupy the territory that I, the LORD, promised to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants.” (Deuteronomy 1:7,8 NET).
Exponential Increase in Technology
One of the most amazing “Signs of the End” concerns something that seemed to be impossible until recently. Namely, the entire world can watch events in real-time. This will include a system in place that will monitor every financial transaction on the earth.
The Entire World Will Watch Certain Events In Real Time:
The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11)
"And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days.” These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die. They have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them. And their bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city that is figuratively called “Sodom” and “Egypt,” the city where their Lord was crucified. And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. All the people who belong to this world will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them. But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, “Come up here!” And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched. At the same time there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people died in that earthquake, and everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven" (Revelation 11:3-13 NLT). FUTURE
How Could Everyone See the Abomination of Desolation?
Another question concerns the prediction of the abomination of desolation. How would that be able to be seen by the people of the world? The abomination of desolation takes place in the Holy Place, the area of the Temple that is off-limits to everyone except the Great High Priest. Even then, he is only allowed into the Holy of Holies once a year. From Scripture, we know that when this future event takes place, this final Antichrist will then turn on the Jewish people in an attempt to annihilate them.
"So, when you see the abomination of desolation (Satan calling himself God) spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place in the temple (let the reader understand)" (Matthew 24:15). FUTURE
Also, according to Revelation 13, the cohort of the Final Antichrist, the false prophet, will cause everyone everywhere on the earth to take the number of this man, 666, on their right hand or their forehead. Nobody will be able to buy or sell without it. This assumes some type of global monitoring system.
Starlink could be the answer, being the world's first and largest satellite constellation that utilizes low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet. This technology is capable of supporting streaming, enabling the entire world to watch events in real-time.
Nuclear Weapons
“The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up” (Revelation 8:9). CURRENT
Television and Satellite Transmission
“For three and a half days people from every ethnicity, tribe, nation, and language will see their corpses, because no one is permitted to bury them. The entire world will gloat over them and celebrate and exchange gifts, because these two prophets had condemned those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 11:3-12). FUTURE
Robotics
“And through these startling miracles that he performed on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the world, telling the people to erect a statue in the image of the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet lived. The beast from the earth was empowered to breathe life into the image of the first beast so that it could speak and kill those who refused to worship its image” (Revelation 13:14-15). FUTURE
High-speed Transportation
"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (Daniel 12:4). FULFILLED
Population Explosion
"And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them" (Revelation 9: 15-16). and 16:12). HAPPENING
Rapid Disintegration of Society
“Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people. (2 Tim 3:1-4). CURRENT
"God never pours out His wrath without warning because He does not wish that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Jesus said that when we see all these signs come together, He will be “right at the door,” ready to return.
"Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door" (Matthew 24: 32-33).
God is warning us, and Jesus is ready for His Father’s command.
Come Lord Jesus Come
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We All Have the Same Dilemma, We're Dead in Sin
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