I posted a first message on this subject, for the church of Christ to WAKE UP, in August 2013. The body of Christ, the church, must take this message to heart NOW, be sober-minded, and seek Him with contrite heart. Time is short for the church here in America. National elections will be held in two weeks. But, a political solution to the present situation in our nation is NOT the solution. God is our only solution.
Previously, I spoke of increased opposition to all things Christian occurring in this nation. There is increasing hatred of Christianity. This hatred is approaching critical mass; now permeating our society and government. This situation will continue, increase and not end any time soon without repentance.
The church of God, the body of Christ, consists of participants and believers. Participants attend church once a week (if that often), sing praises to God while at church, go home, go to work, go online, play video games, go shopping, and watch sports. GOD WANTS AND HONORS BELIEVERS, NOT PARTICIPANTS. Participants are like unpleasant smoke in His nostrils (Is 65: 5); a luke-warm substance He will spit out of His mouth. (Rev 3: 16)
A believer is one who sighs and cries/groans (Ez 9: 1-6) seeing all the abominations swirling around us in in America in our ever-darkening anti-Christian, secular society. A believer sees what is happening and prays intercessory prayers in the name of Jesus for forgiveness of our nation, and for forgiveness as individuals who have missed the mark in their own lives. Participants do not see the darkness and the changes coming upon us, or if they do notice, they shake their heads (at most) and think, "well, what can I do?" Participants are NOT believers. Which are you?
Are you shocked? Are you outraged? Do you have a clue?
The prevailing message in the church today spoken each Sunday by church leaders, both pastors and priests, is that God is love and that Jesus loves you. This is true, but we need more to grow spiritually. Some leaders are also preaching, falsely, that things will get better soon -- just hang in there. This is not true. No such thing will happen without repentance. Some are preaching the prosperity message of "just claim God's promises that He will make you rich, etc." This is nonsense.
Jesus said to seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and HIS righteousness, and then (and only then) everything you NEED (not everything you want/covet) will be given to you. (Mat 6: 33) The major part of seeking God and His kingdom is personal repentance. The body of Christ CANNOT change anything without this first step. In fact, judgment (separating believers from participants) will begin first, and I believe has begun, IN THE CHURCH and will intensify. (1 Pet 4: 17; Ez 14: 6)
Many of you may not believe this or want to hear this. WHY NOT? Could it be because you have been dumbed-down as a Christian through endless sermons on Sundays which never amount to much more than kindergarten basics for Christians? Such sermons are just "milk", as Paul said. (1 Cor 3: 2)
Do you have faith to survive Ebola? Do you have faith to survive a nuclear attack? Do you have faith to survive a famine with the power grid down and/or martial law in place? Do you have faith to survive tremendous civil unrest, accompanied and caused by food shortages, gasoline shortages, and ATM/bank cash shortages?
Is your heart ready for this? Because if it is not, PREPARE NOW.
You may wonder why or how God would judge us, America. After all, God helped establish America. Right?
Some
years ago, I was taught by a great teacher of the bible that "God is not
judging America" and that he will never judge America. His statement was based on his belief that God is
not judging individuals these days, since all judgment and punishment
for all sin had been placed upon Jesus (which it was). This teacher
also tells us (correctly) that God's grace is upon each of us who have
accepted Jesus as our Lord (master), Savior and Redeemer.
BUT,
God is indeed judging NATIONS, including America. (See, Ps 9:17, God tells us that all nations that turn from Him will be sent to hell). God has been judging nations since nations
have existed, including Israel who God likened to the "apple of His eye", and this is a pattern for any nation which once embraced God and His blessings and then turns a calloused eye to Him once prosperity in that nation causes complacency. God never changes.
Israel (which is an example for us, and for any nation) was constantly judged by God for straying from God. It is a sin, yes a sin, which God WILL NOT overlook forever. God does not change. He is merciful, He warns, He brings increasing judgments, He warns again, He even brings great prosperity after these warnings and judgements because it is the goodness of God that He uses to bring people, HIS people, to repentance.
This verse of scripture is often used as a tool in evangelism to bring a non-believer to accept Christ as Savior and Lord. (Rom 1:18 - 2: 11) But if you read the entire scripture cited here in its context in the Book of Romans, it tells us that God brings righteous judgment against all who live lives without concern for their sinning and without repentance -- whether they be a non-believer or a "participant" church member. A true believer knows this, and lives to be holy -- asking for forgiveness and repenting when they miss the mark. A believer seeks God DAILY and asks that He guide them and counsel them. A believer trusts in Him on a daily basis in order to live a life seeking God and relying on Him to get through anything that comes along at home, at work, or in traffic. Indeed, for such a person, God will guide them and get them THROUGH it. I do NOT say or intimate that God will make sure you never encounter trials or trouble. Jesus tells us that in the world we WILL have troubles, but we are to remember that He has overcome everything and will help us overcome as well -- if we trust in Him and follow Him. (John 16: 33)
If
anyone reading this is unsure of God's heart toward any nation who turns
from Him, your uncertainty should be gone. What God said regarding
His judging such nations, as recorded by Old Testament prophets, is also
for us today. God punishes, yesterday and today, all such nations.
(See, also Ez 14: 12-20, regarding God's judgment on a land having
persistent unfaithfulness toward Him.)
In
Jer 18: 7-10, God speaks about any nation which sins against Him and
the nation which does, or does not, repent of that sin. Beginning in
verse 7 God speaks, "The instant I speak concerning a nation and
concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it." (Emphasis added)
So, how much more do you think it
breaks God's heart to see a nation such as ours turn from Him, a nation
that was ONCE UPON A TIME faithful to Him? A nation, similar to the
nation of Israel, which He founded and blessed and has set apart to be a
light to the rest of the world? We indeed have brought light to the
world through our sharing of the Gospel, but now we are bringing
darkness and death to the world through our sharing of liberal, ungodly
moral conduct and values.
My
brothers and sisters in Christ, unless we the church, believers and participants, humble ourselves,
pray, seek His face and TURN from out wicked ways God has NO CHOICE but
to judge our nation and to destroy it. He is just and must bring justice.
Read Jer 51: 7-14. This describes America's destruction, as does much of Jer 50 and 51. Read Rev 18. This describes America's destruction. So does Is 47. There are more scriptures also describing the coming destruction, but these portions of scripture give specific clarity. America IS the Mystery Babylon of Rev 18 and the "daughter of Babylon" of Is 47 and Jer 50 & 51.
However, 2 Chron 7: 14 also
gives us a way out. It says that if God's people (the believing church, not the
unbelieving ungodly secular individuals, some of whom are leaders of this
nation) humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, God will hear us from heaven, forgive our sins and HEAL OUR LAND!
Without
the leadership of our nation participating in such repentance by
acknowledging these wrong immoral activities, putting an end to them and
requesting God's forgiveness, the church must "go it alone" and be
strong in its repentance, seek Ps 91 protection, and request that our nation's leaders also
acknowledge the need for a national repentance -- to save our nation.
But, those of God's true church of believers, the Philadelphia church of Rev 3, are
the only ones promised an escape from coming judgment. (Rev 3: 10) I am NOT talking about a mythical "pre-tribulation rapture" of the church. This is not Biblical nor promised by God. (See my blog regarding no pre-tribulation rapture, based on scripture which disproves such a myth.)
Jesus said that we should be watchful, vigilant, and "pray to escape the things that will come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21: 36) It is the
Philadelphia church of God, true believers who have chosen the narrow
and difficult way to live a holy life free from sin and who repent who
will be saved. An unrepentant nation or individual is doomed. A repentant church of believers (a group of called-out ones of God) will be saved.
Our
once-great nation blessed by God Almighty is being scrutinized by the
Almighty and is ripe for destruction. The stench of the immoral ungodly
activities of those in our nation, and condoned by our nation's
leadership, including many clergy, is clearly in His sight and is reaching, and one may argue
has already reached, the breaking point.
In fact, God speaks about a nation, a nation which was once Godly, founded by God, which has turned from God and begun to worship idols. This nation, a spiritual Babylon, is America. God has begun the judgement of America with the fall of the World Trade Center twin towers on September 11, 2001. This is discussed at length by Jonathan Cahn in his book "The Harbinger", and refers to the Is 9: 10 prophecy regarding "the bricks have fallen, etc." and what it portends for America. If you are unfamiliar with that prophecy, please Google it and investigate for yourself.
In God's continued and increasing judgment, our economy was hit -- in September 2001 and again in September 2008. Unless we as a nation repent, we will be hit again and MUCH HARDER in September 2015.
Additionally, a part of the prophecy in Jer 51 of the spiritual Babylon which is America is being fulfilled. In Jer 51: 14, God tells us that he will fill up our nation with men as numerous as locusts who will "raise a shout" against us. This has begun. The open border in the southern United States has allowed numerous individuals to enter this nation, who are hell bent on one thing -- the destruction of America. Whether they come here to cause chaos through beheadings (we have already witnessed this in this nation), through suitcase nuke "dirty bombs", through diseases, through anarchy, etc., we indeed are being filled with people seeking to bring our nation to its knees and to destroy it.
Now, I can
hear some of you thinking that I have gone too far -- that God will
never judge our nation and that what I am saying is not only unpatriotic
but blasphemous! Dear reader, I do not apologize for this message.
But, I do want to edify and instruct you and not just pound my
proverbial fist and lament over what I see happening in our nation
today.
We as individual Christians and members of
the Body of Christ are not powerless. In fact, Jesus only acts for us WHEN WE PRAY TO THE FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS that He help us. We need to pray, to speak to our pastors, to our priests, and to our lay leaders. Church
leadership must shepherd their sheep to repentance and preparation of the heart -- NOW. Time to prepare, to change hearts, to change the future of our nation, is running out. Without repentance, God will give us what we deserve -- destruction of this nation and captivity for believer, participant and unbeliever alike. God will indeed bring a sword (via our own government, or a foreign instrumentality) against this nation -- against believer, participant
and unbeliever alike.
I pray that you seriously
consider this message and act accordingly. Your liberty and freedom to
operate peaceably as a Christian in this nation is at risk. Your life
on this earth and the lives of your family members and friends are at
risk.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP, PREPARE YOUR HEART, PRAY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY, AND TO SEEK THE LORD WITH TRUE REPENTANCE (turning from your sinning ways).
Do this, and God will indeed hear you and help you if you seek Him with all your heart, ask for His forgiveness (which He will graciously give you) and REPENT.
Time is short.
2014 - True Believer
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Friday, October 24, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
The Coming Assyrian (Muslim) Antichrist -- Part III -- His Activities, Characteristics, Timing & Purpose
In this Part III, our final portion of our study, we examine some
of the activities to be carried out by the coming Antichrist, the extent of his
reign, God’s purpose for him, the timing of events associated with his coming, and
other scriptural references to the coming Antichrist.
When the AC comes, what will he do?
Activities & Characteristics of the Coming Antichrist
When the AC comes, what will he do?
Daniel 11 describes a series of kings which will arise on
the world scene after Darius the Mede.
At the time of this prophecy, Darius was king of the Media/Persian Empire
which had conquered the Babylonian kingdom.
The first verses of chapter 11 makes it clear that king Darius was
ruling over the captives of Judah
at that time. After king Darius, there
were to be three more kings who would rule over the Media/Persian kingdom (Dan
11: 2).
After these kings a Greek king would arise (Dan 11: 3, 4)
who would have great power and dominion before his kingdom would be broken into
four portions. History indicates that
this was Greek king was Alexander the Great, whose kingdom was indeed broken
into four major portions at his death.
We discussed this previously in Part II of our study in regard to the
prophecy of Dan 8 and the geographic origin of the coming AC.
The narrative in Dan 11 then describes additional future kings
of the North and kings of the South, and other individuals, which appeared in
history subsequent to the demise of the Media/Persian Empire. Much of the Dan 11 narrative describes
various battles and actions taken by the Kings of the North and Kings of the
South who would arise after the then-existing King Darius of the Medes who was,
in a sense, the first King of the North of Dan 11.
Winding through the text down to Dan 11: 20 we see a future
King of the North who is to impose taxes on the land of Israel
(the “glorious kingdom”). Some scholars argue
that this taxing king was Seleucus III of Syria. Others argue that it is an authority figure
who has not yet come, and may be one of the 10 horns (leaders) of Rev 17: 12
who will share power for a brief time with the beast AC in the kingdom of the
coming AC and will then be subdued by the AC as he ascends to rule over the
worldwide government (kingdom), as described in Dan 7: 8, 20 and 22. In either case, the King of the North who imposes
the taxes on Israel
clearly precedes the coming AC.
It is the final King of the North who comes after the taxing
king who is the coming AC, the “vile person” who does not receive the honor of
royalty. So, whether there is a 2,000
year gap between taxing king and the coming AC, or whether the coming AC arises
to power and subdues him directly, Dan 11: 21 begins a description of the
coming AC.
Some Jewish writings teach that Antiochus Epiphanes IV
(approx 215–164 BC) fulfilled the role of the “vile person” King of the North of
Dan 11: 21 who stops the daily sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem.
For reasons given below, Antiochus IV did not fulfill this prophecy of
Dan 11: 21-45 as the final King of the North and is simply a type or pattern of
the coming AC. At best, it can be argued
that Antiochus IV merely partially
fulfilled the role and actions of the “vile person”, the final King of the
North, by fulfilling at most that which is described in Dan 11: 21-35, which
leaves Dan 11: 36-45 to be fulfilled by the coming AC.
According to historians, in about 175 BC Antiochus Epiphanes
IV began his rule over the Seleucid Empire (a geographic area of one of the
four “notable horns” of Dan 8, discussed previously in Part II of this study). The Seleucid Empire included Palestine
(modern Israel) and Jerusalem. Antiochus harassed the Jews mercilessly and
infringed upon their practice of Judaism.
He effectively ended worship in the temple in Jerusalem after he entered the temple and
burned a pig on the sacred alter. By
doing so he desecrated and defiled the temple, thereby making it unclean for worship.
In response to his actions, a group of Jews known as the
Macabees (plural of the Hebrew word for hammer) rose up and began to fight the Seleucid
soldiers using guerrilla tactics. They
eventually prevailed in defeating the Seleucids and driving them from Palestine. Thereafter they cleansed the temple,
rededicated it, and reestablished animal sacrifices and worship to God in the
temple.
There are obvious problems with the Jewish interpretation of
Dan 11: 21-45 as having been fulfilled by Antiochus. The Rashi interprets Dan 11: 40 (the final
battle of the King of the North against the King of the South and the attack of
the land of Israel by the King of the North) as
occurring during the time of the end when the redemption of the Jewish people occurs. However, since the Jewish people have not yet
been redeemed, this prophecy still awaits fulfillment in the last days when
Jesus returns. The final redemption of
the nation of Israel will
occur at that time when Jesus will put an end to the Battle of Armageddon and
will “save the tents of Judah
first.” (Zech 12: 7) It is only when
Jesus returns to destroy the coming AC, the final King of the North, that the complete
prophecy of Dan 11: 21-45 will be fulfilled.
Analysis of
Scripture for Characteristics of the Coming AC
What follows is a non-exhaustive list of the characteristics,
intentions, and activities of the coming AC.
As we get closer in time to the public unveiling of the AC, these items
will begin to match up perfectly with current events.
1. He participates in an affirmation/strengthening of an
existing covenant involving Israel
(Dan 9: 27; Job 41: 4) At this point his
identity may still be unsure, since multiple parties will be involved in this
affirmation process.
2. He rises to power
quietly with just a few and intrigues many.
He becomes strong once he assumes control of the worldwide government (Dan
11: 21-23; Dan 8: 9)
3. He has fierce /
stern features (Dan 8: 23)
4. He is vile,
despicable person (Dan 11: 21; Nahum 1: 14; Job 51: 24)
5. He is a liar (Dan
8: 12)
6. He promotes deceit (Dan 8: 25)
7. He conceives sinister plans (Dan 8: 23; Dan 11: 23; Nahum
1: 11; Ez 38: 10)
8. He is controlled by Satan himself or one of his high
ranking demons or fallen angels (Gog) (Rev 13: 4; 2 Thes 2: 9; Ez 38: 3; Ez
39:1)
9. He is given authority of the worldwide government by its 10
leaders (Rev 13: 8; Rev 17: 13; Dan 7: 7-8, 23-24; Dan 11: 39; Dan 2: 42)
10. He subdues three of the 10 leaders as he ascends to
power, or shortly thereafter (Dan 7: 8, 24)
11. He never rules over central and southern Jordan (Dan 11:
41)
12. He shows his true evil heart after entering into an
alliance of nations, presumptively for peace, then acts deceitfully and breaks
the peace terms of the formerly confirmed covenant. He overwhelms armed forces before him,
including the “prince of the covenant” with whom the alliance was made (Dan 11:
22-23; Job 41: 4)
13. He highly values military strength and promotes his own god,
which is not the god(s) worshipped by his fathers (Dan 11: 37-38; Ez 38: 15;
Job 41: 9-33)
14. He devises military plans against strong defenses and
attacks them viciously to gain the wealth they protect (Dan 11: 24, 38-39; Rev
13: 4)
15. He prospers and performs great conquests, for 42 months
(Rev 13: 4-5; Dan 8: 24; Dan 11:22)
16. He schemes against and attacks the King of the South
(KOS – Egypt?)
with a great military force (Dan 11: 25)
17. He defeats the KOS with the help of insiders who betray
the KOS (Dan 11: 25-26)
18. He returns to his own land from the land of the KOS with
plunder taken from the KOS. On the way to his country he will
enter/attack Israel
(therefore, Israel is between KOS
and his home country) (Dan 11: 28; Is 10: 24)
19. He shares and distributes his plunder and spoils from
his conquests of rich regions among his followers/sympathizers, (Dan 11: 24; Ez
38: 12)
20. After some time
he returns to again attack the KOS, but warships from nations opposed to him off
the coast in the Mediterranean thwart his efforts, which enrages him (Dan 11:
29-30)
21. After his efforts are thwarted, he retreats to his home
country. Along the way, his anger causes
him to come again against Israel
and cause destruction (Dan 11: 30; Is 10: 24; Ez 38: 16; Ez 39: 2)
22. He gives favor to
those who flatter him and who oppose Israel. He allows them to rule over others on his
behalf. Meanwhile he imposes harsh laws (a
yoke) on Jews in Israel
and stops the daily sacrifice. He enters
the newly constructed temple in Jerusalem
and places there an “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel the prophet
and by Jesus (2 Thes 2: 4; Rev 13: 14; Mat 24: 15-16; Mark 13: 14; Is 14: 25;
Is 10: 27; Jer 30: 7; Nah 1: 13Dan 8: 11; Dan 11: 30-32, 39)
23. He exalts himself
mightily above every god and speaks pompous things and blasphemies against Almighty
God (2 Thes 2: 4; Dan 7: 8; Dan 8: 11, 25; Dan 11: 36-37; Job 41: 34)
24. The setting up of the Abomination of Desolation initiates
the 3.5 year period of the Great Tribulation spoken of by Jesus, which period includes
severe “natural” catastrophes and severe persecution of Jews in the land of
Israel (Mat 24: 15-21)
25. His appearance in the temple precedes by about 3.5 years
the coming of Jesus Christ, the rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ and the
resurrection of the just (2 Thes 2: 1-3; 1 Thes 4: 15-17; Dan 12: 1-2)
26. He confiscates
the property and wealth of many who have insight and understanding of the true God. He also kills and imprisons some of them, but
they will nevertheless teach and instruct many about God (Dan 11: 33)
27. He persecutes the Jewish people and God’s saints around
the world during the Great Tribulation for 3.5 years after he enters the temple
in Jerusalem (Rev 12: 13, 17; Rev 13: 7; Dan 7: 21, 25; Dan 8: 24; Dan 11: 30;
Is 10:24)
28. He divides land for gain and allows those who flatter
him to do likewise (Dan 11: 39)
29. He speaks blasphemies against God (Dan 7: 25; Dan 11:
36; Is 52: 5; Rev 13: 5, 7)
30. He and the False Prophet initiate a worldwide monetary
and payment system which must be used by anyone desiring to transact business. The system requires a certain mark on the
right hand or forehead of a person (Rev 13: 16-17)
31. He and the False Prophet bring about a worldwide
“religion”, which is actually the worship of Satan (Rev 13: 4-5, 12)
32. The False Prophet performs many great lying signs and wonders
and deceiving miracles. He even calls fire
to come down from the sky, which deceives even some of those who claim to be
followers of Jesus Christ (2 Thes 2: 9-11; Rev 13: 13-14; Mark 13: 6, 22; Mat
24: 5, 11; Luke 21: 8)
33. He and the False
Prophet cause those who fail to worship the coming AC and/or his worldwide
government to be killed by being beheaded.
He has beheaded those who will not take the mark on their right hand or
forehead (Rev 13: 15; Rev 20: 4; Rev 6: 9)
34. He has a number or symbol associated with him of “666”
(Rev 13: 18)
35. He has no regard for the “desire of women” (Dan 11: 37)
(gay? staunch abortionist?)
36. He destroys the mighty (Dan 8: 24; Rev 13: 4)
37. He destroys the prosperity of many (Dan 8: 25)
38. He intends to change times and law (Dan 7: 25)
39. At some time he sets up his headquarters in the
mountains of Israel near Jerusalem (Dan 11: 45)
40. The KOS attacks him at
time of the end, and he counter-attacks with a vast military force (Dan 11: 40)
41. He defeats Egypt and takes its gold and other
wealth, and is helped by the Libyans and Sudanese (Dan 11: 42-43)
42. He is allied with Iran
and some northern Africa nations, including Libya
and northern Sudan
(Dan 11: 43; Ez 38: 5-6)
43. While attacking Egypt, he hears fearful news of
approaching armies from the east and north and goes out to confront them (Dan
11: 44)
44. He possibly initiates WWIII, where 1/3 of people on
earth will die (Rev 9: 18) Otherwise, WWIII will occur prior to his reign over the worldwide government, most likely prior to Daniel's 70th week.
45. He has God’s two witnesses (Enoch and Elijah) killed in
the streets of Jerusalem
just before Jesus returns (Rev 11: 3-15)
46. He rises up to fight against the Prince of Princes – Christ
Himself (Dan 8: 25; Rev 17: 14; Rev 19: 19)
47. He is defeated and is destroyed without human means by the
Word of God, Jesus Christ, when Jesus Christ returns to earth while Jerusalem
is surrounded by armies during the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16: 16; Rev 19:
20; 2 Thes 2: 3, 8; Dan 7: 11, 26; Dan 11: 36, 45; Joel 12: 20; Is 10: 26; Is
14: 25, 33; Is 31: 8; Ez 38: 18-23; Ez 39: 4, 5, 11; Micah 5: 5; Nahum 1: 15)
Extent of the Reign of the Coming AC
Some argue that the coming worldwide government will only control one quarter of the earth. They base their argument on a single verse in scripture found at Rev 6: 8, which describes how death, the rider of the green horse (Greek word here, pronounced “chloros” means green), and Hades (or hell) which follows, will have power (authority) over one fourth of the earth to kill using sword, hunger, death, and the beasts of the earth. This verse simply describes that the death, famine, pestilence, etc caused when the 4th seal is opened will occur only over one quarter of the earth – not that the extent of the reign of the coming AC is limited to one quarter of the earth.
As a matter of proper interpretation, no doctrine should be created out of a single Bible verse. To do so is almost always problematic. It is best to let the fullness of scripture reveal the truth. Rev 13: 3 tells us that “all the world marveled and followed the beast.” Revelation 13: 7 describes how “authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” Additionally, Rev 13: 12 informs us that the second beast, the False Prophet, will cause “the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast.” (Emphasis added) Clearly, these verses show that the coming AC will indeed attempt to control the entire world and have the authority to do so. Again, his authority will not be limited to one quarter of the earth.
The activities associated with the first four seals described in Rev 6: 1-8 are, I believe, preliminary events which lead up to the establishment of the worldwide government of the coming AC. A “need” for a world government will increase and grow in stages, as the earthly disasters that are associated with the opening of seals two through four show increasingly greater destruction. No doubt, the wars, economic collapse, food shortages, famines, disasters, diseases and deaths which occur from events associated with the opening of seals two through four are so devastating to the people of the world that they eagerly turn to a government, even a worldwide government, to give them relief from the situation.
The coming AC who will come to power will not be easily or quickly recognized by many for the true evil man he is. He will rise to power quietly. He will no doubt promise a stop the wars, the famines, the terrible world economy, and other things along those lines. He will probably be a smooth talker and promise things the people of the world ache to hear.
The people of the world will no doubt fall in love with his rhetoric. Daniel 11: 21 confirms that notion, and describes how the coming AC shall come in peaceably to take leadership of that government by intrigue, with a small number of people. People will be fascinated with him. Rev 13: 2 tells us that his rise to power will be assisted by Satan, the red dragon of Rev 12: 3 who has seven heads and 10 horns, showing that Satan is behind evil world empires and evil leaders. The rise to power by the coming AC will be assisted by another beast which arises, the False Prophet of Rev 13: 11, who will be a religious “sidekick” and cheerleader for the coming AC.
Before the coming AC takes complete control of the worldwide government, it will
be ruled and controlled for a while by ten leaders, which are represented by
the 10 horns of the seven-headed beast of Dan 7, Rev 12, Rev 13 and Rev
17. Some time after the 10 leader worldwide
government forms, the coming AC will rise to power among them. Perhaps he will replace one of the 10 leaders. In any case, he will thereafter remove three
of the 10 rulers and thereafter take sole control of the worldwide
government. These actions by the coming
AC are described in Dan 7: 8 and 24, and Rev 17: 12-13.
Timing of Events Associated With the Coming Antichrist
The coming AC will likely be associated with a group of
nations which affirms or strengthens an existing covenant, to which covenant Israel is a
party. (Dan 9: 27; Job 41: 4). The exact
identity of the coming AC may not at that time be specifically known since that
group will likely have many participants.
This affirmation of the covenant begins Daniel’s 70th week (7
years of 360 days each), set forth in Dan 9: 27. Jesus will return to earth to bring in His
kingdom and defeat the armies of the coming AC gathered at Jerusalem at the end of that week of years.
As a parallel, Islam looks for their 12th Imam,
their savior the Mahdi, to arise during a time of war, world conflict and
chaos. His characteristics are eerily
similar to those of the coming AC of the Bible who will likely rise to power
after a major war and/or worldwide economic catastrophe.
The coming AC will publically reveal himself to the world at
the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th week of years, 3.5 years before Jesus
returns, and 3.5 years after the affirmation of Israel’s covenant, when he enters
a newly built temple in Jerusalem and declares himself to be the Messiah, the
Son of God, or God Himself. (2 Thes 2: 3-12; Dan 9: 27; Dan 11: 31, 36) It is at this time that the Great Tribulation
spoken of by Jesus (Mat 24: 15-21) begins.
Referring to the image above, let us consider certain events described in the book of Revelation. Rev 12: 1-2 describes how John saw a great sight in heaven of a “woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth” to a male child. Some (mostly Catholics) believe this represents Mary, the mother of Jesus, giving birth to Jesus. Others believe this represents the 12 tribes of Israel (the nation of Israel) giving birth to Jesus (cf, Gen 37: 9 – Joseph’s dream of the sun, moon, and 11 stars (his 11 brothers) bowing to him). Still others believe this represents the Church of Jesus Christ giving birth to a “new man” (cf, Eph 2: 15 – representing Jew and gentile as one new man in Christ).
Rev 12: 3-5 makes clear that the child is Jesus (v. 5 – He is to rule all nations with a rod of iron; See also Ps 2: 9; Rev 2: 27; Rev 19: 15) and that Satan (the red dragon) wants to destroy Him (which he thought he had done at the cross). But the male child was taken (caught up) to heaven to the throne of God (Jesus’ ascension into heaven after His resurrection; Luke 24: 51).
By analysis, the Church cannot be the woman, since it cannot give birth to a child which had not yet created the Church. It seems clear that the male child who is born and who is to rule the nations with a rod of iron is clearly a description of Jesus.
Interestingly, though I am not a Catholic, I believe that this image, at least in a sense, could represent both Mary and the nation of Israel. Verse 6 describes how “the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” After Mary gave birth to Jesus, she fled to Egypt with Joseph to escape King Herod’s order to have killed all male children age two and younger in and around Bethlehem. (Mat 2: 13, 16) Many scholars believe that Jesus was in Egypt for about three years or so until the death of Herod. Perhaps Mary being kept safe with Jesus in Egypt for 3.5 years is a partial fulfillment prior to the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy when the nation of Israel is kept safe during the final 3.5 years of the Great Tribulation.
This vision described by John in about 90 AD, however, cannot be a prophecy of Jesus’ birth, since His virgin birth had already occurred almost 100 years earlier. This notion is also given support in Rev 4:1, where Jesus calls John up to heaven through the “open door” to see things which were to occur in the future after Jesus delivered to John the seven letters to the seven churches described in Rev 2 and 3. Since Rev 11-13 describe events which will take place beginning at the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th week, it seems likely that Rev 12 is indeed describing the safe-keeping of the nation of Israel during the Great Tribulation.
Rev 12: 13-17 shows us how Satan will persecute during the Great Tribulation both the woman (i.e., the nation of Israel, a betrothed wife of God cf, Jer 2: 2; the betrothed who then became adulterous cf, Ez 16:32; but who will be renewed at the end of time as a perfected bride (the New Jerusalem) which will come down from heaven cf, Rev 21: 1, 2, 9, 10) and the rest of her offspring (i.e., the Church of Jesus Christ – the Israel of God, Gal 6: 16, who obey God’s commands and have the testimony of Jesus Christ).
The woman (the nation of Israel) will be given a physical means of escape to “her place in the wilderness”. According to Rev 12: 11, God does not promise the church protection from death. Those in the Church must stay “in Christ” to overcome by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and are commanded not to love their lives to the end.
The remnant of the nation of Israel which flees to safety from the coming AC at the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th week (the beginning of the Great Tribulation) will be supernaturally protected by God (Mat 24: 15-21; Rev 12: 6), but the Church of Christ is not given such a promise. Instead, the Church is told to remain strong in Christ (Eph 6: 10), to endure persecution (cf, Rev 13: 10; Rev 14: 12), and to overcome and face death without failing to keep and to obey God’s word (Rev 12: 17) in order to receive the ultimate prize of eternal glory. (Eph 3: 14; Rev 20: 4)
On September 23, 2017, a very rare alignment of the sun, the moon, a few planets, and the constellation Virgo (the virgin) will appear in the sky. Here is a link to an article which succinctly describes this coming event. Many others similar articles can be found online.
Referring to the above image, this rare sight in the heavens shows that the planet Jupiter (the king) will emerge seemingly as being “born” from the “womb” of the virgin (Virgo) who is clothed in the sun, with the moon at her feet, and twelve “stars” over her head. This particular alignment last occurred in the heavens around the time of the birth of Christ in about 4 BC. So, is God giving us a signal of something significant which is coming upon us? Is Daniel’s 70th week not far off?
God’s word tells us in the Book of Genesis that God gave us the sun, the moon and the stars for "signs" and "seasons", as well as for light. The Hebrew word (אוֹת - oht) translated as "sign" can also mean "signal." The Hebrew word (מוֹעָדִים - moed) translated as "season" literally means an "appointed time." (See, Gen 1: 14) So, as depicted in the coming 2017 alignment in the heavens, God seems to be sending us a clear notice that an "appointed time" is upon us – a unique time in history.
Perhaps the sign in the heavens tells us that Daniel’s 70th week will commence in September 2017. Most likely, this date does not indicate the mid-point of the 70th week since as of this writing in early 2014 we have not yet begun the 70th week. There appears to be no affirmation yet of a covenant which involves Israel, which is necessary (cf, Dan 9: 27) to begin Daniel’s 70th week. I make no prediction of any time for its commencement; however, as evidenced by God’s coming “timing signal” in the sky, it cannot be far off.
It is conjecture, but perhaps the placement of Rev 12 in the book of Revelation shows us the timing of the fall of Satan from heaven (God’s presence) and that it will occur at about the midpoint of the 70th week. This would precipitate Satan being cast down to the earth, along with his fallen angels. In turn, this event would likely cause the coming AC to be given power by Satan (Rev 13) and perhaps become possessed by Gog (a demonic spirit or fallen angel). The coming AC would then enter the temple in Jerusalem and declare himself to be God. This event begins the Great Tribulation, with persecution of the nation of Israel and Christians worldwide.
We now look at God’s purpose for the coming AC.
God's
Purpose for the Coming AC
That God be glorified.
When Jesus returns to defeat the coming AC and his armies gathered at Jerusalem, the nations
will see that He is the only true God. (cf, Ez 38: 16, 20, 23; Ez 39: 21, 23;
Zech 14: 9, 16)
To make known His holy name (YHVY) to His people in the land of Israel when Jesus returns. To show them that He is their God and that He
is in their midst. (cf, Ez 39: 7, 22; Is 10: 24; Is 52: 6)
To end His punishment of the entire house of Israel (all 12 tribes), to show Israel His loving mercy, and to pour out His
Spirit on the whole house of Israel
when Jesus returns. (cf, Zeph 3: 15; Ez 39: 29;
Joel 2: 29; Dan 11: 30; Rev 13: 13)
To punish the wicked, by using the coming AC as God’s “rod
of anger” on earth. (Is 10: 5)
To separate to Himself those who are the true worshippers of
God from those who will let themselves be deceived and believe the lies of the
coming AC and worship Satan by following the coming AC. (cf, John 4: 23-24;
1Pet 4: 17; 2 Thes 2: 11; Rev 3: 16)
To purify and refine through trial, persecution, affliction
and tribulation His holy ones who are the saints of the true church of God –
the Philadelphia church (Rev 3: 8) – which will create for Jesus, the coming
King, a pure bride for Himself. (2 Cor 11: 2)
We conclude our study of the coming AC with a non-exhaustive Appendix list of some scriptural references to the coming AC. I pray that you ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom on how to conduct yourselves in these last days to prepare your hearts for what is to come upon the earth, according to God's Word.
We conclude our study of the coming AC with a non-exhaustive Appendix list of some scriptural references to the coming AC. I pray that you ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom on how to conduct yourselves in these last days to prepare your hearts for what is to come upon the earth, according to God's Word.
Appendix: Scriptural References to the Coming
Antichrist
Below are various portions of scripture which give us
information about the geographic origin, characteristics, activities, and
intents of the coming AC. Relevant portions
are highlighted to illustrate the reference to the coming AC.
Is 10: 24-25, 27 – (after speaking about the remnant of
Israel returning and God making “a determined end in the midst of the land
(Israel)”) therefore, says the Lord God of hosts: “O My people who dwell in
Zion, do not be afraid of
the Assyrian; he shall strike you with a rod and lift up his staff
against you, in the manner of Egypt; for yet a little while and the indignation
(AC activities against Israel) will cease, as will My anger in their
destruction; it shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken
away from your shoulder and his yoke from your neck and the yoke will be
destroyed because of the anointing oil
Is 14: 25-26 – I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My holy mountains
tread him underfoot; his yoke shall be removed from them and his burden removed
from their shoulders; this is the purpose that is purposed against the whole
earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations
Is 19: 23 – in that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria (King’s highway?) and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptians into Assyria and Egyptians will serve with the Assyrian
Micah 5: 5-6 – when the Assyrian comes into our land and when he
treads in our palaces then we will raise against him 7 shepherds and 8 princely
men; they shall waste with the sword the land of Assyria and the land of Nimrod
(N. Iraq) at its entrances; thus He (the Lord) shall deliver us from the Assyrian when he comes
into our land and when he treads within
our borders
Nahum 1: 11, 15 – from you (Assyria) comes forth one who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked counselor … for the wicked one shall no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.
Is 16: 3-4 – hide the outcasts, do not betray him who
escapes, let My outcasts
dwell with you O Moab, be a shelter to them from the face of the spoiler
Jer 31: 1-2 – At the same time (latter days, end of chapter 30), says the
Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel
and they shall be My people, Thus says the Lord: the people who survived the
sword found grace in the wilderness (Petra??)
– Israel
when I went to give him rest
Ps 55: 20-21 – He has put forth his hands against those who
were at peace with him, he
has broken his covenant, the words of his mouth were smoother than
butter but war was in his heart, his words were softer than oil yet they were
drawn swords
Dan 8: 9-11 – and out of one of them (the 4 notable horn
remnants of the Greek kingdom) came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, the
east, and toward the Glorious Land (Israel);
he even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host (of heaven) and by
him the daily sacrifices were taken away
2 Thes 2: 3-4 – let no man 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
(destruction), who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or
that is worshiped, so he sits as God in the temple of God as God
Dan 8: 23 – and in the latter time of their kingdom (4
remnant Greek kingdoms) when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king will arise having fierce
features; he shall destroy the mighty and also the holy people (Israel);
he shall exalt himself in his heart; he shall even rise against the Prince of
Princes (Jesus); he shall be broken without human means
Is 19: 4 – the
Egyptians I will give into the hand of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule
over them
Dan 7: 23-25 – the 4th beast shall be a 4th
kingdom on earth; it shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in
pieces; the 10 horns are the 10 kings who shall arise from this (4th)
kingdom, and another shall
arise after them (from them); he shall subdue 3 kings; he shall speak
pompous words against the Most High
Dan 11: 21-38 – and in his (taxing king’s) place shall arise
a vile person; with
a force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and
also the prince of the
covenant (person not the AC?); forces mustered by him shall stop the
daily sacrifices and place there the abomination of desolation; he shall exalt
and magnify himself above every god and speak blasphemies against the God of
gods
Mat 24: 15-16; Mark 13: 14 – therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation
spoken of by Daniel the prophet standing in the holy place (where it ought not)
then let those in Judea flee to the mountains
Rev 13: 1-8 – and I saw a beast rising up out of the sea (humanity,
typically Gentiles) having 7 heads and 10 horns; all the world marveled and
followed the beast; they worshipped the beast; he was given authority to
continue for 42 months; he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God; it was
granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them
Rev 19: 19 – and I saw the beast, the kings of the earth and their armies
gathered to make war against Him who sat on the horse (Jesus) and against His
army
Job 41: 1-34 – (the description and attributes of the “great
Leviathan” from the
sea is analogous to the “beast” rising out of the sea of Rev
13) (v. 34) He is king over all the children of pride
Amos 7: 1 (Greek LXX Septuagint)
– thus has the Lord shown me, and behold, a swarm of locusts coming from the
east (Muslim army led by the coming Muslim AC), and behold one caterpillar, king Gog (demon spirit controlling the coming Muslim AC)
Ez 38: 2-6 – son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog,
the prince (Rosh) (chief, ruler) of Meshech and Tubal and prophesy against him;
Persia, Ethiopia and Libya
are with them; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far
north (perhaps Turkey, southern Russia; Hebrew – “north recesses”) and all of
its troops
Dan 11: 40, 43 – at the time of the end the king
of the South shall attack him (AC); also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his
heels
Ez 38: 5 – Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them (i.e., with the army of
Gog), all of them with shield and helmet
Ez 38: 17 – Thus says the Lord God, “Are you he of whom I have spoken in former days by My
servants the prophets of Israel,
who prophesied for years in those days that I would bring you against them?”
Ez 39: 1-2 – prophesy against Gog and say “behold, I am against you O Gog, the prince of
Meshech and Tubal, and I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up
from the far north and bring you against the mountains of Israel
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Wednesday, March 26, 2014
The Coming Assyrian (Muslim) Antichrist -- Part II -- His Names & Descriptions, Who is Gog?
In this Part II of our study, we examine the Gog of Ez 38,
39 and how Gog is related to the coming Antichrist. We also examine various names given in
scripture to the coming Antichrist which give clues to his character, origin
and other attributes.
In Part III of our study, we examine some of the activities to be carried out by the coming Antichrist, the extent of his reign, God’s purpose for him, the timing of events associated with his coming, and other scriptural references to the coming Antichrist.
For reasons I hope to detail in a future blog, I feel confident to state unequivocally that the battle of Armageddon referenced in Rev 16: 16 and the battle of Gog/Magog referenced in Ez 38, 39 refer to the same battle, which is the last days battle for Jerusalem. Many teach that these battles are distinct and that they take place years apart from one another near opposite ends of Daniel’s 70th week. This battle will take place in the days leading up to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ who will return to earth and destroy the invading armies before they destroy Jerusalem and wipe out His remnant of the nation of Israel who will be trapped in Jerusalem by the invading armies.
In Part III of our study, we examine some of the activities to be carried out by the coming Antichrist, the extent of his reign, God’s purpose for him, the timing of events associated with his coming, and other scriptural references to the coming Antichrist.
Is the Gog of Ez 38, 39 the Coming Assyrian AC?
For reasons I hope to detail in a future blog, I feel confident to state unequivocally that the battle of Armageddon referenced in Rev 16: 16 and the battle of Gog/Magog referenced in Ez 38, 39 refer to the same battle, which is the last days battle for Jerusalem. Many teach that these battles are distinct and that they take place years apart from one another near opposite ends of Daniel’s 70th week. This battle will take place in the days leading up to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ who will return to earth and destroy the invading armies before they destroy Jerusalem and wipe out His remnant of the nation of Israel who will be trapped in Jerusalem by the invading armies.
In Ez 38, 39 God identifies Gog as being associated with the
invading armies which are coming against the land
of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. In Ez 38: 14, Gog is identified with the coming
AC. Through Ezekiel He poses a
question: “Are you
he of whom I have spoken in former days by My servants the prophets of Israel,
who prophesied for years in those days that I would bring you against them?” (Emphasis added)
To whom is God referring? He is referring to none
other than the coming AC. But, the question remains - is Gog the coming AC?
The name Gog shows up nowhere in
scripture apart from Ez 38, 39 and Rev 20, unless we consider the Septuagint
(LXX) translation of Amos 7: 1 (discussed in more detail below). Apart from the LXX translation of Amos 7, no other
prophet of God in the Old Testament specifically names this same Gog in any
prophecy. Since God does not lie, His
statement found in Ez 38: 14 that He had already spoken about Gog through His other prophets (plural) must refer to
other descriptions and names used by other prophets which refer to the same person or entity. Ez 38 and 39 tell us that Gog is
a person or entity who comes on the scene during the last days to lead an army to destroy Jerusalem.
Many of God’s other prophets have also written about the last days and a coming evil person who will persecute and attempt to destroy the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Amos, Zechariah, and Zephaniah, to name a few, have written about these coming events and a coming evil leader. We shall investigate the names and descriptions they have given to this coming evil person.
Many of God’s other prophets have also written about the last days and a coming evil person who will persecute and attempt to destroy the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Amos, Zechariah, and Zephaniah, to name a few, have written about these coming events and a coming evil leader. We shall investigate the names and descriptions they have given to this coming evil person.
Throughout the Old Testament we
find various descriptions of evil men who are types and patterns of the coming
AC figure. In Part I of this study we
discussed one of these in our discussion of Dan 9 (i.e., Antiochus Epiphenes IV). As another example of a pattern of the coming
AC, in 2 Kings 18: 13 – 2 Kings 19: 37 and other scripture we find a
description of the intents and actions of King Sennacherib of ancient Assyria (more
on him later) and how he plotted evil against the nation of Israel. He invaded the land of Israel,
then captured and carried away most of the remnant of the 10 northern tribes who
lived there. He then dispersed them
throughout the lands of his Assyrian kingdom to the north and east of Jerusalem.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of various names, titles and descriptions
given by Old Testament prophets and New Testament writers which clearly refer
to the same coming AC giving us clues as to his origin, character, and
activities. Only the prophet Ezekiel
specifically mentions “Gog”, as we discussed above, yet these various
descriptions refer to the same dark entity or individual who will wreck havoc
on the nation of Israel
and the world.
-
The Antichrist: (1 John 2: 18, 22; 2 John 7; Mat
24: 23-24) John is the only writer in the
Bible who uses this exact title for this coming worldwide government leader. The coming AC will likely deny that God
(YHVH) the Father and Jesus the Son are one, and that they are both God
Almighty.
-
The Assyrian:
We learned in Part I of our study that Dan 2, Dan 8, Dan 9, and Micah 5 speak
of the coming AC, and that he will be an “Assyrian.”
Historical King Sennacherib was a
type and pattern of the coming AC. Many
passages in scripture refer to this King Sennacherib of ancient Assyria of the early 8th century BC, who was ultimately
defeated by God. (cf; 2 Chron 32; Is 36: 1; Is 37: 8, 17, 21, 36, 37; 2 Kings
18: 13 – 2 Kings 19: 37) King Sennacherib
placed a yoke or heavy burden on the people of the 10 northern tribes of Israel when he
invaded in approximately 701 BC and took most of those 10 tribes away as
captives. He thereafter dispersed them
throughout his Assyrian kingdom.
Meanwhile, King Hezekiah of Judah saw the destruction and evil that King
Sennacherib was imposing on the 10 northern tribes and feared that he might
invade Judah
also and destroy it. Hezekiah prayed to
God for deliverance and protection of Jerusalem
and the people of Judah. God heard his prayer and an angel of the Lord
destroyed the army of Sennacherib in a single night (2 Kings 19: 35-36). After this, Sennacherib returned home to Nineveh, the capitol of Assyria,
and was soon murdered there by two of his sons (2 Kings 19: 37).
God will also destroy the coming
AC, but this time without using human agents.
When Jesus Christ returns, He will defeat the armies of the coming Assyrian
AC and will destroy him in the lake of fire which awaits him. (Rev 19: 20)
There are passages in scripture
which describe an end time Assyrian AC who will invade Israel with the intent to destroy Jerusalem. (cf, Is 10:
12-34; Is 14: 25; Is 30: 30-33; Is 31: 8-9; Is 52: 4; Micah 5: 5-6). The description of how this future Assyrian
AC is destroyed by God on the mountains of Israel (Is 14: 25) closely resemble
the description of God’s destruction of the army of Gog / Magog (Ez 38: 18 - Ez
39: 20).
As the armies of historical King
Seenacherib were destroyed by God, the armies of the coming Assyrian AC will be
destroyed by God on the mountains and the open fields in the land of Israel and
around Jerusalem (Ez 38: 21, 39:5).
-
The Beast: (Rev 13; Rev 17: 3-16; Rev 19: 20; Dan
9: 27) The coming AC who will rule the
coming worldwide government during Daniel’s 70th week.
-
Destroyer of Nations: (Is 10: 7) God will use the coming AC to judge and to
punish and destroy many ungodly nations. (Compare, “Rod of My Anger”, below).
-
Gog: (Ez 38; Ez 39) description of the evil spiritual entity
which will influence the coming AC. He
is the “prince”
of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal and leads a confederation of armies against the
land of Israel
and Jerusalem. (The LXX translation of Amos 7: 1 mentions Gog
as a “caterpillar” who is king and leader of an army of invading “locusts” which
is to come against the land
of Israel. More on this later.)
-
He of Whom I Have Spoken: (Ez 38: 17) Generic term for the coming AC.
-
King Having Fierce Features: (Dan 8:23; Rev 13:
4) A descriptive name for the “little horn”
of Dan 8: 9 who will arise in the last days from one of the four “notable
horns” (kingdoms) of Alexander’s Empire.
He will stop the daily sacrifices in Jerusalem and will persecute the saints of
God. His power will come from Satan.
-
King of Assyria: (Is 10: 12) The coming AC is the final King of Assyria, who is a very arrogant and prideful man who will come against a "godless nation" (Israel??) and will cause much destruction there, though it is actually God who is using him to do so. (See, Is 10:5-12)
-
King of the North: (Dan 11: 21) The coming AC is the final King of the North
of Daniel 11. Dan 11: 21 tells us that
the coming AC will “seize the kingdom by intrigue” (the kingdom of the north)
and will then act deceitfully while warring against many nations, destroying
and stealing from them, and attacking the people of God inside and outside of
the land of Israel. (More on his exploits later.)
-
Leader of the Northern Army: (Joel 2: 20) God’s destruction of this Northern Army
closely parallels the description of God’s destruction of the army of Gog found
in Ez 39: 11, where God drives that army into the area of land near the Dead
Sea where He destroys it and it is buried there. Dan 11: 38-39 and Rev 13:4 tell us that the
coming AC, as the King of the North, has great military might and uses it
against other nations and their strong military defenses.
-
Leviathan: (Job 41; Is 27: 1; Ps 74: 14; Ps 104:
26) Chapter 41 of the Book of Job speaks
about a beast in the sea (Rev 13: 1) called Leviathan which is an allegorical
description of the coming AC and many of his characteristics, attitudes and activities
which echo descriptions found elsewhere in scripture which pertain to the
coming AC.
Below are representative verses of chapter 41 of the Book of Job which pertain to the coming AC. Under each relevant verse is one or more verses of scripture found elsewhere in the Bible which have a description very similar to that being described in Job 41.
In reference to the “Leviathan” of
Job 41, God asks Job the following questions:
o Can
you pierce his jaw with a hook? (v. 2)
§
I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaw,
and lead you out (Ez 38: 4)
o Will
he make supplications to you? Will he
speak softly to you? (v. 3)
§
He shall come
in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (Dan 11: 21)
§
He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with
him. He has broken his covenant. The words of his
mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet they were
drawn swords. (Ps 55: 20-21)
o Will
he make a covenant with you? (v. 4)
§
He shall confirm a
covenant with many for one week (Dan 9: 27)
o
Will you leash
him for your maidens? (v. 5)
§
The city shall be
taken, the houses rifled and the women ravished. (Zech 14: 2)
o
Will your companions make a banquet of him? (v. 6)
§
Speak to every
sort of bird and to every beast of the field:
“Assemble yourselves and come gather together from all sides to My sacrificial meal which I am
sacrificing for you.
A great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams and lambs, of goats and bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan.
You shall eat fat till you are full, and drink blood till you are drunk at My sacrificial meal which I am sacrificing for you. You shall be filled at My table with horses and riders, with mighty men and with all the men of war,” says the Lord God. (Ez 39: 17-20)
A great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams and lambs, of goats and bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan.
You shall eat fat till you are full, and drink blood till you are drunk at My sacrificial meal which I am sacrificing for you. You shall be filled at My table with horses and riders, with mighty men and with all the men of war,” says the Lord God. (Ez 39: 17-20)
§
I saw an angel
standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds
that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains,
the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and
the flesh of all people, free
and slave, both small and great.” (Rev 19: 17-18)
§
Be silent in the
presence of the Lord God, for the day of the Lord is at
hand. For the Lord has prepared a
sacrifice, He has invited His guests.
And it shall be in the day of the Lord’s sacrifice that I will punish the princes and the king’s
children, and all such as are clothed with foreign apparel. (Zeph 1: 7-8)
§
For God is my King from of old … You broke the heads
of Leviathan in pieces, and gave
him as food to the people
inhabiting the wilderness (Ps 74: 12, 14)
o
Can you fill his
skin with harpoons, or his head with fishing spears? Lay your hand
on him, remember the battle. Never do it
again. Indeed,
any hope of overcoming him is false. Shall one
not be overwhelmed at the sight of him?
No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up… I will not
conceal his limbs, his mighty power, or his graceful proportions. Who can
remove his outer coat? Who can approach him with a double bridle? Who can open
the doors of his face with his
terrible teeth all around? His rows of
scales are his pride, shut up
tightly as with a seal… On earth there is nothing like him which is
made without fear. (vv. 7-10, 12-15, 33)
§
And they
worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is
like the beast? Who is able to make war
with him?” (Rev 13:4)
§
Nimrod, a type
of AC, began to become a mighty hunter on the earth. (Gen 10: 8-9) He challenged God by gathering all men to
exalt and make a name for themselves by building a large tower to glorify not
God, but themselves. The name Nimrod
comes from a Hebrew word meaning rebel or rebellious. Nimrod was the first Assyrian world leader. The coming AC will be the final Assyrian
world leader.
§
He shall honor a god of fortresses, and
a god his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with
precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a
foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and
advance its glory (Dan 11:
38-39)
§
In that day the Lord with His severe
sword, great and strong, will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent; Leviathan
that twisted serpent. And He will slay
the reptile that is in the sea.
(Is 27: 1)
o
He beholds every
high thing. He is king over all the children of pride. (v. 34)
§
How you are
fallen from heaven O Lucifer, son of the morning. How you are cut down to the ground, you who
weakened the nations. For you have said in
your heart:
I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.
Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. (Is 14: 12-15)
I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.
Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. (Is 14: 12-15)
§
I was considering
the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them,
before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there,
in this horn, were eyes like
the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous
words… He
shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the
saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the
saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a
time. (Dan 7: 7, 25)
§
And out of one of
them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward
the east, and toward the Glorious
Land. It grew up to
the host of heaven; and it cast down some
of the host and some of the
stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host … he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of
princes, but he shall be broken without human
means. (Dan 8: 9-11, 25)
§
Then the king
shall do according to his own will. He
shall exalt and magnify himself above
every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper
till the wrath has been accomplished.
For what has been determined shall be done. He shall regard
neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god, for
he shall exalt himself above them
all. (Dan 11: 36-37)
§
In that day you
shall not be shamed for any of your deeds in which you transgress against
Me. For then I will take away from your
midst those who rejoice in your pride,
and you shall no longer be haughty in My holy mountain. I will leave
in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the
Lord. The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness
and speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth. (Zeph 3: 11-13)
§
For from within, out of the
heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, … wickedness, deceit, … blasphemy, pride, ... . All these evil things come from within and defile
a man. (Mark 7: 21-23)
-
Little Horn: (Dan 7: 8, 20; Dan 8: 9, 21-23) In
Dan 7, we see a “little horn” which arises up among 10 existing horns (kings)
on the head of a terrible end time beast (kingdom) which arises upon the earth. It describes how three of those 10 horns fall
because of the “little horn.” The “little
horn” of Dan 8 arises out of one of four existing “notable horns” (kingdoms)
which existed after the fall of Alexander’s Greek Empire and is itself representative
of a “king having fierce features”, discussed above.
-
Man of Sin / Man of Lawlessness: (2 Thes 2: 3-4) the lawless one; the Satan-possessed coming AC
who will exalt himself to be equal to God.
-
One of Whom I Have Spoken in Former Days: (Ez
38: 17) As we discussed above, Israel’s prophets of old prophesied about a last
days coming AC who would come against Jerusalem
and the land of Israel seeking destruction.
-
Prince Who is to Come: (Dan 9: 26) We examined this topic in Part I of our
study. This verse is helpful to discern the
ethnic origin of this coming AC.
-
Rod of My Anger: (Is 10: 5) The coming AC will be used by God to punish and
to destroy the ungodly on earth. (Compare,
“Destroyer of Nations”, above).
-
Son of Perdition / Son of Destruction: (2 Thes 2: 3) The
Greek word translated perdition or destruction is the word "Apollyon” which means
destroyer. In this verse it is used in
a context which refers to a state of eternal damnation.
-
The Spoiler: (Is 16: 4) Describes a time when
refugees from the land of Israel will be sheltered in the land of Moab
to escape the “Spoiler.” Dan 11: 41
describes how the land
of Moab will escape his hand and not be under the control of the coming AC, the final King of the North of
the last days.
-
Vile / Despicable Person: (Dan 11: 21; Nahum 1:
14) The Hebrew word used in these verses
denotes an unpleasant person who is morally corrupt in a context of an end time
coming AC.
-
Wicked Counselor / Wicked One: (Nahum 1: 11,
15) This prophecy was written in about
615 BC. It is not, as some argue, a mere
historical description of what the Assyrian Empire did to the 10 northern
tribes of Israel
in the early 8th century BC.
Rather, this is an end time prophecy which refers to a future wicked
person to be from and ancient land of Assyria who will place bonds and a yoke upon
God’s people, which yoke will be destroyed and bonds will be broken when Jesus
returns to earth (v. 13).
-
Yoke Giver: (Jer 30: 7-8; Nahum 1: 13; Is 14:
25; Is 47: 6) A phrase which describes
the coming AC who will place a yoke, a heavy burden, on the people in the land
of Israel, as did King Sennacherib, the historical King of Assyria. This yoke will be destroyed by Jesus at His
coming.
Ezekiel 38, 39 Analysis
Let us now examine Ez 38, 39 to
determine the nations and/or groups of peoples who will come with the AC
against the land
of Israel.
Ez 38: 3 and Ez 39: 1 is often translated such that Gog is the
“prince of Rosh,
Meshech, and Tubal.” Other translations
have Gog as: “chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.”
After studying a very detailed analysis of Hebrew words and Hebrew
grammar specific to these very verses, in a 2003 book by Dr. Jon Mark Ruthven
entitled, “The Prophecy That is Shaping History – New Research on Ezekiel’s
Vision of the End”, I am convinced that the correct translation of these verses
should be: “prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal”, and not “chief prince of Meshech and Tubal”.
Some today associate “Rosh” of Ez
38: 2 with the people and the nation of Russia
and “Meshech” with the people who once lived in the land around the modern
Russian city of Moscow. Furthermore, they associate “Tubal” with a
geographic region which ranges from the southern end of the Ural Mountains in
south central Russia and projects
northward into north central Russia.
The people groups who are Rosh,
Meshech and Tubal are thought to be those which have migrated to locations in Russia today from lands within what is now Turkey, Georgia,
Armenia, and Azerbaijan. In ancient times, these lands were within the
bounds of the fullest extent of the ancient Assyrian Empire (see map below), which is
consistent with our hypothesis that the coming AC will be an Assyrian.
The maps above indicate possible land areas where those
three people groups lived in ancient times. Today, these land areas are within modern Turkey, and in Georgia and Azerbaijan (those areas just south of the Caucasus Mountains, an east-west
range of steep mountains which separate Georgia and Azerbaijan to the south
from Russia to the north). Other than Russia (except for the province
of Chechnya in southern Russia), all of
these countries today have mostly Muslim populations who practice Islam.
It is unclear whether the people groups mentioned in Ez 38:
2 as being associated with Gog (prince of Rosh, Meshech, Tubal) represent modern
Russia or Turkey, but it
seems very likely since these nations have legitimate military forces. These people groups may otherwise or represent
people of the modern nations located northeast of Turkey
and south of the Caucasus Mountains, which are Georgia,
and Armenia. This scenario seems unlikely since these
small nations are not very wealthy nor do they have much in the way of a
standing military.
A review of numerous texts,
writings and maps on the subject convinces me that the exact location of the
three people groups of Ez 38: 2 is not possible today. I have no doubt, however, that once events in
the world take shape and line up more and more with the descriptions found in
Ez 38, we will know the exact identity of these people groups. Their exact identity today is still clouded
and confused through many migrations of peoples having similarly sounding names
throughout history throughout the Mideast and central Asia.
In any case, Ez 38: 2-6 makes clear that Gog will lead a
group of people (Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, together with
Togarmah and Gomer) from somewhere north of Israel against the land of Israel in the last days. This group will be joined by Persia (Iran;
Ez 38: 5) to come against the land
of Israel.
Let us examine Ez 38, 39 to determine whether the Gog described
therein refers to the coming AC or to someone or something else. Ez 38: 1 and Ez 39: 1 record God telling Ezekiel
to prophecy (speak) against Gog for various reasons. I have uncovered the following slightly
differing translations of the Hebrew words which follow the word “Gog” in those
verses to help understand better what God is saying.
We have the following translations:
"Gog and the land
of Magog" (Greek LXX Septuagint);
"Gog (toward the) land
of Magog" (Masoretic text);
and
"Gog from the land of Magog" (NKJV).
Gog is associated with the land
of Magog. Whether or not Gog is a ruler from the land
of Magog is unclear. But, it is clear that Gog and the people of the land of Magog will join forces and come down against the land of Israel, led by Gog.
We look to Rev 20: 8 for additional help. That verse tells us that both Gog and Magog will come again against Jerusalem after the 1,000
year earthly reign of Christ. In the
Greek, in Rev 20: 8 the definite article “the” precedes “Gog” and “Magog,” which
yields: the Gog and the
Magog. Therefore, to be consistent with
what Rev 20: 8 is telling us in the Greek, I believe the thrust of the Hebrew
of Ez 38: 1 refers to two specific individuals
or specific people groups. Gog may
indeed be confederated or otherwise associated with the land of Magog,
but Gog is not the same “person” or “people group” as Magog. Magog is the origin of the people of Magog.
In any case, Gog will align with a confederation of groups
of northern peoples, whether or not they dwell in the same land or nation
today, to come up against Israel
for the purpose of attacking and taking its spoils in the last days.
We need to examine whether this Gog is the same person who
is the coming AC.
I suggest that Gog is not
the actual AC, but is a malevolent non-human spirit entity which will influence
and control the actions and intents of the coming human AC. This conclusion is consistent with Rev 20: 8
which requires Gog to appear on the scene again after the 1,000 year reign of
Christ, which is 1,000 years after the human AC has been tossed alive into the
lake of fire and destroyed (Rev 19: 20).
It appears likely that Gog is the evil spiritual
force behind the coming invasion of Israel
which will bring armies from parts of the world north of Israel. Gog is not a flesh and blood human being. Perhaps Gog is none other than Satan himself
or one of his high ranking fallen angles or demon spirits.
As further evidence of Gog being a spirit being, the name Gog
also appears in the Greek LXX Septuagint translation of the Book of Amos (Amos
7: 1). This version of the Old Testament
existed at the time Jesus walked the earth with His disciples and was used by
Jewish leaders of the time. I found
nothing to indicate that Jesus ever commented on that verse to correct it or
ever mentioned that it was incorrect. In
Amos 7: 1 of the LXX, Gog is named as a caterpillar king over a swarm of
"locusts” which come from the east to invade the land of Israel. Prov 30: 27 tells us that “the locusts have
no king.” So if natural locusts have no
king then Ezekiel 38, 39; Rev 20: 8; and Amos 7: 1 (LXX) must be describing a non-human spirit “king” named Gog.
Does this sound absurd?
The apostle Paul tells us in Eph 6: 12 that we do not struggle “against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Emphasis added)
Dan 10: 13 tells us plainly that the angel sent by God to speak with Daniel could not get past the “prince” of Persia until “Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help him.” The angel further explains in verse 13 that he (the angle) had difficulty until Michael (a more powerful archangel) showed up to help him and that he had been “left alone there with the kings of Persia.” (Emphasis added)
The Hebrew word for “kings” is pronounced meh'·lek and denotes a single king and not plural kings. In any case, the context of Dan 10: 13 demonstrates that the spirit “kings of Persia” which thwarted the angel are not flesh and blood kings, but is likely they are demonic spirits which are more powerful than the “prince” who also withstood the angel.
Another example in the Bible of a non-human ruler is found in Ez 28: 11-19, where a lamentation against the “king” of Tyre refers to Satan himself and not to an earthly flesh and blood king of Tyre.
Similarly, in Is 14: 12-21 in the midst of a discourse about the actual flesh and blood “king” of Babylon these verses suddenly begin to describe the fall of Satan. The verses also describe how God will destroy those earthly humans who are following Satan at Christ’s coming, and how God will eventually destroy Satan also.
From this Biblical analysis, it seems conclusive that Gog is indeed a
non-human malevolent spiritual force behind the invading troops which will come
against Israel from the north (Ez 38: 2-4, 6) and from Persia (the locusts of Iran)
in the east (Ez 38: 5). Gog will be
destroyed at the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ. (Rev 20)
As an interesting side note, Abul A’la Mawdudi, one of
Islam’s most prominent scholars of the 20th century, used the word “abyss” in
his book written for non-Islamic people concerning the beginnings of Islam.
(“Towards Understanding Islam”, 8th ed. Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia:
National Offset Printing Press, 1986) The
book was written to introduce English-speaking people to the basics of
Islam. Therein, Mawdudi informs his
readers that Mohamed and his message came out of “Arabia
– the Abyss of Darkness.” These words appear in bold print as a
sub-heading under the title page of the book.
One could argue that Mawdudi unwittingly identified the
religion of Islam as “the Abyss of Darkness.”
In Rev 9: 1 the word “abyss” appears in relation to the sounding of the
5th trumpet. Many English versions
of the Bible instead use the phrase “bottomless pit”, but the Greek word used
actually means “abyss.” This non-Biblical
source may indeed be evidence to corroborate our hypothesis that the coming AC
will likely be an “Assyrian” which indicates he is from lands where Islam is
practiced today.
In various writings of Islam praise is given to the locust
for being able to destroy the enemies of Islam, but not vegetation. This also lines up with the sounding of the 5th
trumpet, where in Rev 9: 4 the “locusts” are commanded to not harm the
vegetation (the grass, trees, or any green thing). Could this Rev 9 Islamic invasion be the same
as the invasion of Iran (Persia)
forecast in Ez 38: 5? It appears most
likely.
In Part III of this study we will examine the activities, timing, extent of reign, and purpose of the coming AC and other attributes in greater detail.
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