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An Open Letter to Those Who Have Been Taught That the Church Has Replaced Israel
Note: The following is a most relevant open letter which is important to all within the Body of Christ to read. Our prayer is that you will read carefully and understand God’s Holy View of Israel in these end times when the Jewish people are again beginning to suffer hatred throughout the world.
An Open Letter to Those Who Have Been Taught That the Church Has Replaced Israel
Dear Brother or Sister in Christ,
If you are a member of a Catholic or mainline denominational church, you have probably been taught something called replacement theology (and perhaps you don’t even know it has that name). Replacement theology leads those who have adopted it to believe that Israel is no longer God’s people and that the modern regathering of the Jews in their historical land is theologically meaningless. Please know this is an error, and I write this letter to alert you to it so you can study God’s Word and reach your own conclusion.
Replacement theology, sometimes called supersessionism or fulfillment theology, is a doctrine stating either that the Church took Israel’s place as God’s people when Israel rejected Jesus as its Messiah or that the “old” Israel was set aside in favor of a “new” Israel, the Church, upon Jesus’s first coming. No matter how it got there, the Church is now God’s people and the beneficiary of the promises God made Israel in the Old Testament. Consequently, Jacob’s blood descendants have no unique destiny, and modern Israel’s existence has no significance. Because replacement theology is often woven into otherwise sound teachings on redemptive history, many believers aren’t even aware that it is a separate doctrine with its own name. Nonetheless, replacement theology is enshrined in Catholic dogma and runs rampant in mainline denominations, even among those that otherwise take the Bible seriously.
Replacement theology raises troubling implications about God’s character, not the least of which are: if God revoked his promises to Israel, what keeps him from revoking them again, and does God really change not (as Malachi 3:6 says)? Many who have been taught replacement theology have not considered these implications. Perhaps you have, too, but have dismissed them out-of-hand or rationalized them away, possibly because they are too dreadful to imagine. Unfortunately, ignoring the implications does not make them go away.
Rather than addressing these (and other) broader implications, this letter will instead tackle the assumption that lies at the very heart of replacement theology: did Israel really forfeit its blessings? Did God really forsake or move past Israel? Fortunately, if you read the Bible without bias, it gives a clear answer.
One point is worth making before proceeding: I don’t have the ability or the moral duty to force you to reject replacement theology. Only the Holy Spirit can convict. All I can do is call relevant scripture to your attention and invite you to check it out yourself. That is what I will now do.
To keep this letter short and clear, I will rely only on two passages: Isaiah 6 and Romans 11. (If you are a Reformed believer, you tend to read Revelation figuratively, because you have been taught that it is “apocalyptic literature.” I will therefore deliberately avoid Revelation’s many passages affirming Israel’s destiny, knowing that you will be unwilling to read Isaiah and Romans figuratively.) I will cite the King James Version, but any good version will do.
Isaiah 6 contains the well-known “Here I am. Send me” passage in which Isaiah volunteers to convey a message God has for his people:
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (Isaiah 6:8-10)
God informs his people not only that they are hardened (deaf, blind and without understanding) and he is the one hardening them, but also that he has hardened them to delay their repenting and being healed. Note that God does not tell them why he wants a delay.
When the disciples ask Jesus why he speaks “to them” in parables in Matthew 13, he quotes this passage of Isaiah 6:
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:” (Matthew 13:11-14)
Paul also quotes this same passage of Isaiah 6 in Acts 28, reminding the local leaders of the Jews that they are hardened.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Acts 28:24-27)
Paul then discloses the reason why God hardened Israel, delaying its repenting and being healed:
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. (Acts 28:28)
According to Paul, God hardened Israel so the Gospel could be taken to the Gentiles.
However, Isaiah 6 continues after the passage quoted in both Matthew 13 and Acts 28. God has more to say to Isaiah about his people. Returning to Isaiah 6, after hearing God’s decree against his people, the prophet begs God for an answer in verse 11, and God gives it to him:
Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate. And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in [the land] shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. (Isaiah 6:11-13)
God promises that he will lift Israel’s partial hardening during or just after a widespread devastation. This may be a great war, even a nuclear war given the extent and degree of damage. However, it may be a direct act of God, acting in wrath. Only he knows.
Why then did Jesus and Paul’s quotations from Isaiah 6 stop short of verses 11-13? The answer is that they were speaking in the First Century. Isaiah 6:11-13 would be fulfilled in the future. They were only talking about Israel’s hardened condition in those days, and not about when it would someday repent. Remember, Jesus was only answering a question from his disciples as to why he was teaching in parables, and Paul was only making the case for taking the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Now, let’s look at Romans 11, in which Paul answers the question his earlier chapters in Romans begged: if Christ is the answer and the law is not, what about the Jews, to whom God had given the law? Has God turned his back on Israel?
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. (Romans 11:1-4)
The answer is an emphatic “God forbid!” God will save an elect remnant of Israel, and God will save them by grace, not the law. To keep the Gentiles from being feeling superior to the Jews, Paul goes on to say:
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (Romans 11:11-15)
Then, after describing how the holy firstfruits of lump of dough renders the whole lump holy, how a holy root can render the entire tree holy, and how branches grafted onto a holy tree become holy, even branches that had previously been cut off, Paul reveals a mystery in verse 25:
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)
Though he does not outright quote Isaiah 6:11-13, he affirms the promise God made in those verses to end Israel’s hardening. The mystery Paul reveals is that the partial hardening of Israel’s elect will end when the “fulness of the Gentiles be (has) come in.”
It is important to note that none of these passages are talking about the Church. God has never hardened the Church. He has only hardened Israel, and only temporarily, for the express purpose of taking the Gospel to the Gentiles and building a Church that encompasses all peoples, nations, and languages. This he did at Israel’s great expense, but he will resurrect and magnify Israel because of it. Consider the supreme irony: God hardened Israel to benefit the Gentiles, and so many churches have returned their thanks to Israel by teaching replacement theology.
God’s reply in Isaiah 6 and Paul’s teaching in Romans 11 raise two questions: when will this widespread devastation occur, and when will the fulness of the Gentiles come in? The Bible gives no clear answer; God wants us to depend on him alone for the timing.
However, we can be sure of this – God will restore the elect of his people Israel. That unambiguous Biblical truth, stated explicitly both to Israel in the Old Testament and the Gentiles of the Church in the New Testament, exposes replacement theology as bad doctrine. Now it’s up to the Holy Spirit and informed believers to purge the Church of this sad error.
If replacement theology now troubles you as much as it does me, please do me a favor. Consider giving a copy of this letter to a brother or sister who has been mistaught. You will be helping them and doing a good work for God’s kingdom.
Anti-Semitism and the Fig Tree
The chants ring ominously from college students on the East Coast: “There is no place to hide; Israel is committing genocide.”
College students on the West Coast shout in unison: “There is no place to hide; we want Jewish genocide.”
These and variations of anti-Semitic chanting, obviously orchestrated and coordinated, are increasing throughout colleges and universities across the United States. The attacks unleashed against Israel on October 7 have seemingly unleashed hatred reminiscent of 1939 Nazi Germany.
Students in the East Coast incident above were attacking a college library where Jewish students were hiding in fear, while violent banging on locked doors was accompanied by the above choruses and the further demand: “Let us in! Let us in!”
One young Jewish woman stated that she was told by those at her university—by a professor, I take it—that she should take off all of her jewelry with Jewish symbolism. Anything—like the Star of David—that would mark her as a Jew shouldn’t be worn so the pro-Palestinian protesters wouldn’t be triggered.
Another young woman said she was told by a college official that she should perhaps go into the attic while the pro-Palestinian mob was ranting, trying to get into the library. The girl asked why she, in the United States of America, should have to hide in an attic rather than be totally safe in a room with windows and the freedom to move about unafraid.
The library in question is now disdainfully being called the Anne Frank Library—referring, of course, to the young girl who hid from the Nazis during the persecution of the Jews in Germany during Hitler’s regime.
We who have studied Bible prophecy over many years have understood that Israel is destined to be at the center of the wrap-up of human history while Christ’s Second Advent approaches. As a matter of fact, a good number of us—despite the objections of many in seminaries who see no relationship of Israel to the fig tree parable—have concluded that Jesus’ Olivet Discourse prophecy concerning the fig tree is significant in framing the general time when we will recognize the nearness of His Second Coming.
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. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. (Matthew 24:32–35)
The fig tree in Jesus’ parables is considered by many to represent the nation Israel. I believe this is especially true in the case of the Matthew 24 Olivet Discourse reference. And, like the Lord said, we should recognize how near He is to returning; He is right at the door when we see these things come to pass.
Jesus earlier said in that same discourse:
When you see all these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your head, for your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:28)
We’ve gone over time after time all the things Jesus was predicting for the very end of the Church Age. And here He talks about the chief sign of them all: the fig tree—the nation Israel—being front and center when all these things take place.
I previously posted an article titled “The Zechariah Effect.” The prophet said Israel would become “a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone” to all the nations of earth. There is no doubt in the mind of anyone who hasn’t been deliberately hiding from today’s news that Israel and anti-Semitism are dominating all news media. The mainstream forums—i.e., The New York Times, Washington Post, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc.—are mostly calling for Israel to back off from punishing the Hamas in Gaza. They are most generally calling for a ceasefire of some sort. Absent from their reports is much about the bloody atrocities inflicted by Hamas upon innocent Israelis and even visitors from America and other countries.
The following puts into vivid perspective how quickly things are shaping up to produce that “Zechariah effect.”
Since Hamas initiated a brutal and barbaric terrorist attack against Israel and the Jewish people on October 7th, many Americans—Jewish and not—have mourned alongside the world’s only Jewish state and have understood the necessity of a swift and decisive military counterattack. But in the green quads and ivory towers of American academia, a very different reaction has been brewing. For the past two decades, the David Horowitz Freedom Center has shone a rare spotlight on the genocidal Jew hatred emanating from our college campuses. Student organizations like the Hamas-funded and Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Students for Justice in Palestine have infiltrated our universities and turned them training grounds for the next generation of jihadists. In the wake of Hamas’s barbarism, its slaughter and mutilation of innocent Jews, its campaign of rape and torture and beheading, we can now bear witness to the effects that two decades of Jew-hating pro-terror propaganda have wrought in our institutions of higher learning.
At Harvard, arguably America’s most prestigious university, over 30 student organizations signed onto a statement declaring that they “hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.”
Not to be outdone by Harvard, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Brown University released its own statement (co-signed by the Graduate Labor Organization and Teaching Assistant Labor Organization, as well as 25 additional organizations) stating that: “We, the undersigned, hold the Israeli regime and its allies unequivocally responsible for all suffering and loss of life, Palestinian or Israeli.”
At Cornell University, SJP held a rally to “Stop Israel’s Annihilation of Gaza.” History Professor Russell Rickford who spoke at the rally declared Hamas’s barbaric attack which included the rape of women, the beheading of babies, and the deaths of entire families as “exhilarating.” (“Universities Celebrate the Mass Murder of Jews-American Academia Has Descended into Barbarism,” Sara Dogan, Frontpage, October 26, 2023)
My good friend, James Michael Hile, summed up exactly where all this is showing we stand on God’s prophetic timeline:
After observing the coming to life of “the fig tree and all the trees” after World War II and during the second half of the 20th century (1950-2000), we can be assured, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the events that take place just before Jesus’ return are nearing fulfillment. This means His coming is “near, right at the door.”
According to Jesus’ words, when “the fig tree and all the trees” put forth leaves (come alive), we are to absolutely and confidently “know” the Kingdom of God is near, and the generation that is living at that time “will not pass away until all is fulfilled.” The preponderance of scriptural and global evidence is overwhelming that we are the generation Jesus was talking about. (“The Mysterious Prophecy of the Trees,” Michael Hile, https://www.raptureready.com/2023/07/12/the-mysterious-prophecy-of-the-trees-by-michael-hile/ )
Who is the Eighth Kingdom in the “End Times?” The Rise of the Four Great Beasts – By Michael Hile
The desire of some in authority to control the people, property, prosperity, piety, public and private behavior of others has been the goal of many kings, dictators and despots for millennia; at least since the ill-fated tower of Babel was built by Nimrod (Gen. 11:1-9). The interest in a global government accelerated after World Wars I & II and especially after the first half of the 20th century (1950-present), with many nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) becoming active.
One of those organizations, the Club of Rome, was formed in 1968 and, a few years later in 1973, they released a report revealing their goal of dividing the world into ten political/economic regions that would bring the entire world under a single form of government, aptly called a “New World Order.” [1]
The 10 regions are: North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Rest of Developed World, Latin America, Middle East, Rest of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and China. The same plan was included in a book published by the Club of Rome called Mankind at the Turning Point. [2]
The interesting point about the Club of Rome’s proposal, is that the books of Daniel and Revelation tell us that the final gentile kingdoms before Christ’s return (seventh and eighth) will be a global form of government that will initially have 10 kings (10 horns) (Dan. 7:7, 23-24; Rev. 17:10-11). Ironically, these 10 kings, at their beginning, will not have kingdoms (Rev. 17:12) but may be responsible for 10 regions on the earth; perhaps like the 10 regions in the Club of Rome’s proposal.
The Four Great Beasts in Daniel
Daniel, in his dream and visions, during the first year of the reign of Belshazzar (553 B.C.), described four great beasts (kingdoms) that will be present during the “end times” (Dan. 7:4-7, 11-12, 23-24).
“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings.”
“I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’ “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it”
“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (Dan. 7:1-7).
One reason we know the four great beasts (Dan. 7:4-7) will be active during the 7-year tribulation (Dan. 9:27) is their presence (leopard, bear and lion) when the kingdom of Antichrist rises to power (Rev 13:1-8). Another reason the four beasts will be present in the “end times” is because they will all be judged on the earth by the Ancient of Days immediately after the tribulation (Dan. 7:9-12; Matt. 24:29-31).
The Precursor of Global Government
Daniel’s vision of these last two gentile kingdoms (seventh and eighth) before Christ’s return is initially portrayed as a fourth beast (Dan. 7:7), which is also the seventh king (kingdom) mentioned in Rev. 17:10. The eighth king (beast, Antichrist) will rise to power soon after the seventh king (kingdom) becomes established (Rev. 13:1-8, 17:10-11). The words “king” and “kingdom” are used interchangeably since the two terms are interconnected.
The fourth beast (kingdom) described in Daniel 7:7 with “10 horns” and the “composite beast” (kingdom) pictured in Revelation 13:1-2 with “7 heads and 10 horns” will be the two final global kingdoms (seventh and eighth) that rule the earth during “the time of the end” (Dan. 12:4-10). The word “composite” refers to having “distinct parts.”
The coming world government (seventh) that is being planned by the global elite is forecast to be in place by the year 2030; however, the Covid-19 crisis accelerated the process so that the globalists may only be a few months or years away from beginning to achieve their dreams. The United Nations has stealthily revealed their plans on their web site that is called “The Sustainable Development Agenda.”
“The “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDG) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.” [3]
The World Health Organization (WHO) may play a major role in development of the ten regions by using health as a global justification for imposing laws, rules and guidelines on the citizens of the world. [4] The World Economic Forum (WEF) with its “Young Global Leaders” program is also playing a big part in the move towards globalism by embracing health and environmental issues as reasons to justify control of the world’s population. [5]
The First Phase of Global Government
The first phase of global government, which may soon be coming on the earth, is described in Daniel’s dream and visions that he had over 2500 years ago (Dan. 7:1-28). It is depicted as a fourth beast that would come forth out of “the great sea,” and it would end up controlling the whole world (Dan. 7:7, 23). This fourth beast kingdom is also the same as the seventh king (kingdom) mentioned in Rev. 17:10. The fourth beast kingdom will be a dystopian type of society with a totalitarian form of government, and it will have 10 horns (i.e.10 kings) (Dan. 7:23-24).
“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (Dan. 7:7).
Different names have been given to the movement towards global government that we see developing today. One of the most prevalent names is the “New World Order” The fourth beast kingdom, after it becomes operational, will end up dominating the whole world. Soon after the 10 horns (kings), which may represent 10 regions on the earth, gain control of the earth, another little horn (prince) will rise to power and conquer 3 of the 10 kings.
“Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings” (Dan. 7:23-24
The fourth beast kingdom, which is the same as the seventh king (kingdom) in Rev. 17:10, appears to be in its rudimentary form today. The European Union (EU) is already fully functional, and plans are in the works for a North American region, South American region, etc. The “Declaration of North America” (DNA) signed on January 10, 2023 is a preliminary document that facilitates increased cooperation between Canada, the United States and Mexico. [6] [7]
The fourth beast kingdom, alluded to in Daniel, will be world-wide in scope and may be similar to the 10 geographic divisions recommended by the Club of Rome. Some countries, such as Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and others may not cooperate with the globalist plan. When the “New World Order” becomes operational, it will probably be controlled by a coalition and consensus of the global elite.
Some of these Globalist organizations are the United Nations , UN; World Economic Forum, WEF; International Monetary Fund, IMF; Council on Foreign Relations, CFR; Bank for International Settlements (BIS), Trilateral Commission, TC; World Health Organization, WHO; Club of Rome; Bohemian Grove and Bilderberg Group.
The next phase of globalism requires the merger of the first three beasts (lion, bear and leopard) (Dan. 7:4-6) with the fourth beast (Dan. 7:7) which has 10 horns (10 kings). This merger of the first three beasts (lion, bear and leopard) with the fourth beast will produce the “composite beast” that is “like a leopard” with “the feet of a bear” and “the mouth of a lion” that has “seven heads and ten horns” (Rev. 13:1-2).
The “Four Great Beasts” merge to become the “Composite Beast”
After the first phase of global government (seventh kingdom) is put in place, it will be operational for a short period of time (Rev. 17:10) before it transitions into the final gentile kingdom (eighth) that will rule the world before Christ returns and sets up his Millennial Kingdom for 1000 years (Dan. 2:34-35, 41-45, 7:19-27; Rev. 13:1-18, 17:11-14, 19:11-21, 20:4).
We know from Daniel’s dream that all four great beasts will be present in the “end times” when they are judged by the “Ancient of Days,” immediately after the tribulation (Dan. 7:9-12, 22, 26-27; Matt. 24:29; Rev. 19:19-20).
In some mysterious way, the fourth beast of the “end times” in Daniel 7:7 will need to morph into the “composite beast” of the “end times” described in Revelation 13:1-2, that John saw “rising up out of the sea.”
How does the fourth beast in Daniel’s prophecy with 10 horns (10 kings), but no head attributed to it, morph into the “composite beast” in Revelation which has seven heads? Perhaps the solution to this mystery is that the “composite beast” described in Revelation 13:1-2 having seven heads, ten horns and ten crowns is a more advanced form of the fourth beast kingdom that is described in Daniel 7:7.
In order to get “seven heads and ten horns,” like the “composite beast” in Rev. 13:1-2, the heads of the lion, bear and leopard (Dan. 7:4-6) must be merged into the fourth beast (Dan. 7:7). If you add up all the heads from the lion, bear and leopard (plus the four additional heads of the leopard), and they are merged with the fourth beast (Dan. 7:7), the fourth beast now has “seven heads and ten horns” which is the same as the ‘end times” “composite beast” found in Rev. 13:1-2 and the “scarlet beast” described in Rev. 17:1-7.
The Second Phase of Global Government
As mentioned earlier, the fourth beast kingdom in Dan. 7:7, that has 10 horns (10 kings) but no heads, is the first phase of global government on the earth (seventh kingdom) that will have 10 kings (regional leaders), but they will not rule over any kingdoms (Dan. 7:23-24; Rev. 17:12). This world-wide global government that does not have a head (no single leader), will be a loosely held coalition of global leaders that will be given limited authority by the global elite.
After the initial phase of global government that has 10 kings is established (fourth beast, seventh king) (Dan. 7:7; Rev. 17:10), the next phase of globalism will involve the merger of the first three beasts (Dan. 7:4-6) in Daniel’s dream and visions (lion, bear and leopard) into the fourth beast that has 10 horns (10 kings) (Dan. 7:7). The second phase of global government, that John saw on the island of Patmos over 600 years after Daniel’s dream, will be a more advanced form of the fourth beast in Daniel 7:7. It is described in Rev. 13:1-2 as a “composite beast” that has “seven heads and 10 horns.”
“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.
Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority” (Rev. 13:1-2).
After the seventh kingdom (New World Order) is put in place by the global elite, the eighth kingdom, which will be ruled over by Antichrist, will rise to power and will take control of the seventh kingdom (10 horns, 10 kings) (Dan. 7:7-8, 19-21, 23-25; Rev. 13:1-18). The “composite beast” in Rev. 13:1-2 which is controlled by Antichrist, is also the same as the eighth king (kingdom) mentioned in Rev. 17:11.
The ten horns that have received no kingdom will receive power as kings for “one hour” with the beast. Perhaps the mention of the 10 crowns in Rev. 13:1 symbolizes the temporary period of time the beast (Antichrist) gives the 10 kings power for “one hour.” Whether “one hour” is literal or not, it probably represents a short period of time.
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast (Rev. 17:12-13).
Around the middle of the seven-year tribulation, the eighth kingdom controlled by the Antichrist, will impose his will upon the whole world. The Antichrist will then exercise his authority for the next 3 and ½ years (Matt. 24:15-22; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; Rev. 13:3-18, 17:10-14). After the tribulation has ended, the Antichrist and his armies will assemble in “the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon,” in the land of Israel in order to fight against the Lord God Almighty (Matt. 24:27-31; Rev. 1:8, 16:16).
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:12-14).
All four beasts will be judged after the 7-year tribulation, and the beast and false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Ironically, the fourth beast (Antichrist) will be judged before the first three beasts (leopard, bear and lion). The first three beasts will lose their dominion (authority, power and territory); however, their lives will be extended “for a season and a time” (Dan. 7:9-12, 22, 26-27)
“And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Rev. 19:19-21).
The Time to Prepare for the Future is Now
Although it may appear that the forces of evil are winning today and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future, we have read the back of the Book (Bible), and we know who wins in the end! After the 7-year tribulation has concluded, the Lord will return with His armies (saints and angels) to judge the four great beasts and the enemies of God, before establishing his eternal kingdom which will last for 1000 years (Millennium) (Dan. 7:9-12, 26-27; Rev. 19:19-20, 20:4).
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses” (Rev. 19:11-14).
As believers and followers of Christ, what should be our priorities in the coming days as we see many of the “end times” prophecies starting to converge in our generation?
Bible prophecy was not given to “scare us” as some may believe. Rather; Bible prophecy was given to “prepare us” for what is coming in the future. Bible prophecy also testifies to the sovereignty of God, who knows everything (omniscient); even the future (Isaiah 46:9-10).
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:23-25).
It is important not only to run the race but also finish the race in good standing with the Lord so he will say to each of us: “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matt. 25:14-30).
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2).
Jesus told His disciples that the judgments coming on the earth would happen suddenly, like a trap that closes quickly on its prey. He predicted that many would be caught off-guard, and cautioned them not to be distracted by overindulgence, desires of the flesh and the daily cares of this life (worldly pleasures). Jesus’ advice to the terminal generation living at the close of this age was to watch for “the signs of the times” pointing to His return and pray that we would be “kept from the hour of Temptation” that would “come upon all the world” (Rev. 3:10).
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34-36).
♦♦♦ Endnotes:
[1] The Club of Rome—Committee of 300, https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/esp_sociopol_clubrome09.htm
[2] 10 Kingdoms – The Abolition of Sovereignty, https://www.discerningtheworld.com/2012/01/31/10-kingdoms-the-abolition-of-sovereignty/
[3] The Sustainable Development Agenda, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/
[4] World Health Organization, Dates of constitutional meetings, https://apps.who.int/gb/gov/en/dates-of-meetings-eb_en.html
[5] How can workplace health equity lead to a fair and just society? , https://www.weforum.org/
[6] The White House , Declaration of North America (DNA), January 10, 2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20230111030619/https:/www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/10/declaration-of-north-america-dna/
[7] Key Deliverables for the 2023 North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS), January 10, 2023,
(Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures are from the New King James Version—NKJV)
The End Is Not Yet
“World War III has begun.”
I’ve heard this statement from many sources lately—a good number of them have come from secular pundits like radio talk-show hosts and news commentary panelists. However, more and more, such declarations are coming from Christians who look at the issues and events of the day in light of Bible prophecy.
Indeed, things popping in the Middle East are more than enough to cause the entire world’s population to become angst-ridden. It does look as if the genie’s bottle of global war might have been uncorked.
Again, it isn’t the secular news commentators who elicit my interest in the World War III talk. It is the growing number of declarations by the Bible prophecy watchers that draws my attention.
And I mean no disrespect to or undue criticism of the writers, speakers, and broadcasters of Bible prophecy who are ratcheting up WW III talk. They’re my colleagues and brothers in Christ–even though we may disagree on some aspects of prophecy yet future, such as whether the Rapture will be pre-Tribulation or whether the Rapture will in fact occur at all. (I like to appropriate ol’ Dr. J Vernon McGee’s apothegm in those cases: “They have a right to be wrong. But if they want to be right, they should come along with me.”)
Better put, that great preacher declared they should come along with the Bible’s take on the issues. And that take is that a Rapture is coming–before the Tribulation (Daniel’s seventieth week) that leads to all-out global destruction, culminating in that greatest of all conflicts, Armageddon.
That the WW III talk among communicators within the Bible prophecy community is ramping up can be seen in the following excerpt taken from a well-known contemporary writer:
Right now, we are all witnessing some of the most pivotal moments in all of human history. For a long time, I warned my readers that a great war would be coming to the Middle East. In fact, I specifically warned that it would be one of “the 3 wars of the apocalypse”. I didn’t expect the Great Middle East War to arrive quite so quickly, but here we are. Once thousands of missiles start flying back and forth, none of our lives will ever be the same again. We are literally watching an apocalyptic scenario play out right in front of our eyes, and it is all going to begin once Israeli forces move into Gaza…
So here we go.
This is it…
Sadly, there is no way out now.
The clock is ticking, and the Middle East will soon erupt in flames…
We knew that this was coming.
Now it is here.
But even at this late stage, most of the world still has no idea what is coming next… (“Here We Go – The IDF Is Given the “Green Light” as U.S. Forces in the Middle East Come under Fire,” by Michael, October 19, 2023, Rapture Ready News)
The writer does a stellar job of filling in reportorial elements making up his apocalyptic view that there is now no way out. He presents important news of prophetic interest taking place. His reporting on what’s been happening in the conflict surrounding Israel is on the money. He is a very good reporter on things important to the stage being set for fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
I disagree totally with his assessment that there’s no way out, but do agree with his statement: “But even at this late stage, most of the world still has no idea what is coming next.”
My disagreement with his assessment in its totality is based upon the biblical truth that we know this isn’t the time of all-out war on earth, because Jesus foretold:
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:6)
The Lord then went on to tell about all that must happen up to and including humankind’s final war. He, in His ascended glory, filled out the conclusion, then, by giving John, His beloved disciple and the writer of Revelation, the full scope of the wrap-up of human history.
Most folks absolutely do not know what is coming next, as the writer says. That includes believers (true Christians) who never consider God’s rescue plan for them. That also includes the writer of the above article, who denies the biblical truth of the pre-Trib Rapture. He believes, according to all I’ve learned from his writing, that believers will go through those seven years of horror.
So, while prospects for war are daunting, as we scan the future landscape, we can be assured that “the end is not yet.” We are, in fact, looking directly into the future with Christ’s Words: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of war.” With the murderous wars in Ukraine, the bloody war in the Middle East, and the rumors of World War III front and center, proof abounds of where we stand on God’s prophetic timeline.
Yet, again, “the end is not yet.” The Holy Spirit is still in God’s business of restraining the evil intents of Satan and humankind.
Those who study and believe God’s Word–His entire Word—know what is coming next: the Rapture. We know this, because we are not appointed to wrath (Revelation 3:10). And the seven years of Tribulation will be God’s wrath poured upon a rebellious, anti-God world of earth dwellers. World War III is indeed going to happen as part of that judgment and wrath.
Be Rapture Ready so that you won’t experience even one moment of that terrible time.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Tom Horn—My Tribute
It just doesn’t feel or sound right to say, “I’ll miss Tom Horn.” His powerful presence seems thoroughly melded within my very being, so I can’t imagine him not being a part of my life.
Tom and I were knit together by Holy Spirit orchestration in warm, brotherly friendship that transcended mere occasional contact. We rarely were afforded the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings. We were too immersed in our work, which prevented frequent casual conversation. We labored in the same Heaven-directed way that was solitary and yet symbiotic.
That isn’t to say that we were in any way at the same level in our labor for the Lord. Tom’s brilliance—his dynamic drive and accomplishments—far exceeded my own. But he considered me an equal in our work, and graciously expressed his elevated opinion of my abilities often and without pretentious flattery.
Tom was a truly God-gifted man of immense stature, and he excelled in every undertaking he engaged in, from my perspective. And my perspective has its genesis at the moment he, his wife, Nita, and I met many years ago in Denver at a private publisher meeting. My impression then was that I was in the presence of an exceptionally creative individual with a vision for establishing new ventures in Christian communications.
Boy, is that an understatement! Tom, from that meeting forward, began building a God-centered media…I want to call it “empire,” but Tom wouldn’t like that terminology. He would want me to say that he worked to do media in ways not previously undertaken, in directions not ordinarily gone. Something like that…
Our friendship grew from that meeting, and I was privileged to be among his first published authors once Defender Publishing was established at Crane, Missouri. And I was blessed to be invited to do what I recall being the first TV program taping when he had established SkyWatch TV. Gary Stearman, as I recall, interviewed me for that broadcast.
Tom and I have done many books and TV programs together over the succeeding years, and all of his and Nita’s personal family and others at their ministry are family to me. So Tom’s passing into Glory is only a very temporary parting. We will one day pick up where we left off around that Great Supper of the Lamb get-together our Heavenly Father has prepared for the Lord Jesus and His Bride, the Church.
Knowing I will be again with Tom and our many fellow laborers in God’s work is yet another reason I keep looking up with great anticipation, as commanded by our Lord:
And when you see all these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your head, for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)
My perspective of Tom Horn as a champion of faith and a creative innovator of Christian media is far overshadowed by the beautiful picture drawn in words by Tom’s children. I won’t share that here with you, but offer that if you get a chance to read that tribute, the words of love for their father will clutch wonderfully at your deepest sense of the dad-child relationship God meant for humanity when He created the family.
I present here a few details of Tom’s life his family generously allowed me to share.
*****
Tom Horn
February 28, 1957–October 20, 2023
Tom Horn entered his eternal reward and the arms of Jesus after a lifetime of ministry and service. Thomas Ray Horn was born on February 28, 1957, in El Mirage, Arizona, to Clarence Edward Horn and Virginia Lee (McLaughlin) Horn.
In the late 1980s, Tom’s focus shifted to writing books in which he courageously tackled many challenging and somewhat controversial questions relating to theological views on topics such as extraterrestrial activity, the implications of Genesis 6, biblical prophecy, and multiple other subjects that many ministries are not in a position to take on.
Tom’s life was spent working, while he used his “off hours” to accomplish other things. True to this form, during the early season of Tom’s authorship career, he served at a large camp and conference ministry in Oregon while writing on the side. It was during this chapter that Tom and Nita were able to work, for the first time, with a ministry known as Royal Family Kids’ Camp—a foundation that ministers to children in the foster care system and those rescued from multiple forms of trafficking and abuse by exposing them to a fun-filled week of summer camp, where they are able to experience personal growth and empowerment while being introduced to the concept of a God who cares about them. Immediately, this population of marginalized souls captured the hearts of both Tom and Nita, who looked particularly forward to this group’s return each year for their time at this avenue of service.
When Tom “retired” from working at the camp and conference ministry, he continued writing—an endeavor that, by now, had become nearly full-time involvement in Christian media. He and Nita launched Survivor Mall, an online store that financially supplemented Tom’s ability to write full time, and they relocated to Missouri with plans of buying some property and a few horses, and taking a slower approach to life as they enjoyed their senior years. Around this same time, Defender Publishing was established, followed several years later by SkyWatch TV. Through a series of unexpected life twists, Tom and Nita, together, realized that their retirement chapter on a quiet ranch in Missouri would be better utilized as a summer camp facility dedicated full time to ministering to the same marginalized populace of children who had so captured their hearts before: Royal Family Kids’ Camp and sister ministry Teen Reach. From this, Whispering Ponies Ranch was built, which to this day carries Tom’s legacy, his passion, and his continuing mission to make the world a better place by helping abused children heal and find God’s love.
Over the years, Tom penned many best-selling books, including Forbidden Gates, The Wormwood Prophecy, Exo-Vaticana, Zeitgeist 2025, Shadowland, Abaddon Ascending, and, most recently, Before Genesis with Donna Howell and his upcoming release, We Are Legion.
Tom is survived by his wife, Juanita F. Horn, and his three children and their families. These include daughter Althia Anderson, son Joe Horn with wife Katherine Horn, and daughter Donna Howell with husband James Howell. Tom is survived by eight grandchildren: John Anderson, Kathryn Anderson, Kate Horn, Nita Horn, Joe Howell, Althia Howell, Rebecca Horn, and name-sake grandson, Thomas Horn.
The Zechariah Effect
Much attention was given to a documentary series I was asked to participate in. I believe the year was 2009 when I was filmed for the project the History Channel called The Nostradamus Effect.
My novel, released at that time, The Rapture Dialogues, was one reason they wanted to have me comment on the Rapture as part of their ongoing presentation of the sixteenth-century astrologer, apothecary, physician, and reputed seer, Michel de Nostradamus.
The world gives this ancient soothsayer the status of prophet while denying, for the most part, the true prophets of God’s Word. So I and another pre-Trib prophecy observer were more than happy about the opportunity to place truth from the Bible in that series. And, I must say, to their credit, so far as I can determine, the History Channel didn’t edit out what we discussed on camera.
It is truth that we must have in order to warn the world and edify the Body of Christ regarding things to soon come upon a planet destined for God’s judgment and wrath.
Israel, as we’ve seen many times from studying God’s Word and observing history, is critical to getting understanding. That is, God’s chosen nation is the key to where the generation alive now stands on God’s prophetic timeline. Never has that been more true than when digesting the massively important developments involved in the attack on the Jewish state on October 11, 2023.
While the pundits—and even politicians, in some cases—are going to Nostradamus to try to find out what’s happened and where things are going in this Israel-vs.-their-Islamic-enemies war, I am pleased to present what a true prophet of God foretells regarding where we stand at this moment in seeing prophecy unfold.
Zechariah, I propose, provides us a profound look at exactly that:
The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (Zechariah 12:1–3)
When Israel was suddenly and viciously attacked earlier this month by Hamas forces—whose unspeakably evil terrorists murdered even pre-born infants, severed babies’ heads, raped girls and women in front of parents and husbands, slaughtered those parents and husbands, and took girls and women captive to continue their horrors—much of the mainstream media, particularly in the US, was relatively silent. As a matter of fact, the main rants coming from the media were calls for a ceasefire to stop Israel’s retaliation against Hamas while IDF forces made Gaza a land of smoking carnage.
Then, the anti-Israel media and all their complicit ilk, including US representatives, got their opportunity to turn it all against the Jews. A Baptist-run hospital in Gaza was supposedly hit directly by a missile explosion. I say “supposedly,” because it turned out later that an adjacent parking lot was the most affected by the explosion.
The cries were a cacophony of rage against Israel. And the rage was almost instantaneously echoed throughout much of the rest of the world–particularly the Islamic world. The following gives perspective:
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that intelligence sources indicate it was an Islamic Jihad terrorist group rocket that hit a Gaza hospital, killing hundreds, as opposed to an Israeli strike as first claimed by international corporate media and terror group Hamas. The IDF provided video to support their claims.
“Following an analysis by the IDF’s operational systems, a barrage of rockets was launched toward Israel, which passed in the vicinity of the hospital, when it was hit,” the IDF said in a statement posted on X. “According to intelligence information from a number of sources we have, Islamic Jihad terrorist organization is responsible for the failed rocket launch that hit the hospital.”
In the immediate aftermath of the blast, it was reported that upwards of 500 Palestinians had been killed with the number expected to rise. U.S. corporate media and some Members of Congress were quick to condemn the Israeli military, citing Hamas claims that it was an Israeli airstrike that hit the hospital. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said, “Bombing a hospital is among the gravest of war crimes.” Omar insinuated that it was the IDF that orchestrated the attack. CNN and MSNBC both reported that an Israeli airstrike was responsible for the deadly blast – repeating the claims made by Hamas.
Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau, also appeared to uncritically accept Hamas’s narrative. “The news coming out of Gaza is horrific and absolutely unacceptable. International humanitarian and international law needs to be respected in this and in all cases,” Trudeau said shortly after the news broke.
“The barbaric terrorists in Gaza are the ones who attacked the Gaza hospital, not the IDF,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pushing back against corporate media that was quick to blame his country’s military. “Those who cruelly murdered our children, murder their children as well.” (“A Jihadist Rocket Aimed at Israel Hit the Gaza Hospital, Killing 500+, Says IDF,” William Upton, The National Post)***
Even the Biden administration–definitely not on the side of Israel, it has proved by its actions—was forced by the massive amount of evidence to admit that it was an errant missile fired by the Islamic Jihad, a terrorist group affiliated with Hamas, that struck the hospital parking area. Despite the terrorists of Gaza killing more than 1,300 Israelis and committing untold atrocities, the president gave the Gaza government $100 million in “humanitarian aid,” which will no doubt go straight to Hamas (the so-called elected governing agents) for rebuilding their weaponry.
Israel has done nothing more than defending themselves by attacking their attackers, yet the world of anti-Israel forces continues to blame them. This blame comes from even some of the leaders within the US government and around the world.
Zechariah’s prophecy is truly beginning to set the stage to come. Israel will become that “burdensome stone and cup of trembling” the prophet foretold.
We can be assured of this based upon things developing so rapidly that it’s hard to try to keep up.
For example, a recent Harvard-Harris Poll indicates that 51% of college students in the United States believe Israel deserves the attacks by Hamas because of Palestinian oppression by the Jewish state.
Last week in New York City, a throng of college-age students marched, wearing masks and shouting “Intifata!” Interlaced within their chanting were the words: “There is only one solution!
To those who are aware of historical precedent, the chanting eerily rings in the ears of memory.
This smacks of Nazi Germany and the likes of SS General Reinhard Heydrich, who led hatred against the Jews at the January 1942 Wannsee Conference that came up with the Final Solution.
Many believe war in the Middle East, with Israel at the center, is the first salvo of what will become WW III. I disagree. That last war of humankind that will end at Armageddon with Christ’s return (Revelation 19:11) will have its genesis following the covenant Antichrist will “confirm,” according to another great prophet, Daniel (Daniel 9:26–27).
I believe things will keep moving toward the apparent start of that dreaded final war, but that the most spectacular event of all history will preempt plans of the globalists to provoke conflict that will have people of the world crying for “peace and safety.”
The Rapture is that great event, I believe God’s Word promises. The Rapture will provide escape from the “Zechariah Effect,” which brings cursing upon a world that curses Israel and will bring all anti-God rebels to Armageddon. Here is how to be part of God’s family and go to Jesus when He calls all believers to Himself:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus , and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Who is the Seventh Kingdom in the “End Times?” New World Order Coming – By Michael Hile
Somewhat concealed in the 17th chapter of the book of Revelation is a mystery that lists numerically all the kingdoms that have had controlling authority over Israel from Pharaoh in Egypt (1876-1446 B.C.), when Israel (Jacob) led his family down to Egypt because of the famine (Gen. 46:1—47:12), until the coming of Antichrist, who will usurp authority over all the nations and kingdoms of the world (Dan. 7:19-25; Rev. 13:1-18, 17:10-14).
Are we beginning to see the formation of a worldwide government that was revealed to John on the island of Patmos when he wrote down “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” almost 2000 years ago? (Rev. 1:1, 19, 17:10-11). Did John’s vision about eight kings mention the “seventh” and “eighth” historical kingdoms that would exist at “the time of the end” when the final gentile kingdom would be in existence; just before Christ returned to establish his millennial kingdom? (Dan. 2:44-45, 7:14, 18, 22, 27, 12:4-10; Rev. 17:7-14, 19:11-21).
“Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:9-14).
There are eight major kings (and kingdoms) alluded to in the book of Revelation that have in the past ruled over the Middle East and specifically the nation of Israel (also Judah) when they were in their land; or, they will have dominion over Israel and their territory in the future (Rev. 17:10-11). Those kingdoms are (1) Egypt, (2) Assyria, (3) Babylon, (4) Medo-Persia, (5) Greece, (6) Rome and two future kingdoms (seventh and eighth) (Rev. 17:10-13). The words “king” and “kingdom” are used interchangeably since the two terms are interconnected.
Rome, under the leadership of Pompey, gained control of Jerusalem in 63 B.C., and the Roman Empire was still in control of Jerusalem over a hundred and fifty years later during the time when John penned the book of Revelation on Patmos (c. 95 A.D.). [1] The western leg of the Roman Empire with its capital in Rome, collapsed around 476 A.D., and the eastern leg with its capital in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), survived till 1453 A.D. [2]
After the Roman Empire ended (sixth kingdom), a long period of time transpired that will not end until the two, future “end time” kingdoms (seventh and eighth) begin to make their appearance on the world scene (Rev. 13:1-18, 17:10-14). Another way of looking at this: We are living during the time period between the legs of iron (sixth kingdom) and feet and toes composed of iron and clay (seventh kingdom) that made up the “Great Image” (statue) in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, which the Prophet Daniel interpreted for the king in 603 B.C. (Dan. 2:1-49).
The coming global government which appears to be forming in the world today (seventh kingdom), will once again result in Israel’s being subjected to global influence by their adversaries (Rev. 17:10-13). These two coming kingdoms (seventh and eighth) will be worldwide in scope, and they will both be active in the “end times” (Dan. 12:4-10; Rev. 17:10-11).
According to the Scriptures (Rev. 13:1-2, 17:10-11), the development of a global government system (seventh), will need to be operational at some point in the future; because, soon after it becomes functional, it will provide a platform for the Antichrist and False Prophet to rise to power (eighth kingdom) (Rev. 17:10-11).
The Mystery of the Eight Kingdoms
An interesting clue from “The Revelation” that was given by Jesus through His angel to the Apostle John, in chapter 17 of the book of Revelation, reveals the two final kings and kingdoms (seventh and eighth) that will usher in a global government system that will one day rule the whole world (Dan. 7:23-24; Rev. 7-8, 11-12,-17).
“There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition” (Rev. 17:10-11).
The “five fallen” are (1) Egypt, (2) Assyria, (3) Babylon, (4) Medo-Persia and the (5) Grecian empires. The “one is” was the (6) Roman Empire present during John’s vision. The other “that has not yet come” will be short lived and is the (7) current global government (New World Order) we may see beginning to form today (10 horns, 10 kings, 10 regions, etc). The “beast that was, and is not…and is” will be the future (8) Antichrist’s kingdom that will take control of the seventh kingdom (New World Order) that will be merged (Dan. 7:4-7) to form the “composite beast” described in Rev. 13:1-2 that has “seven heads and 10 horns” (Rev. 17:8, 11).
Who are the Eight Kings?
The five kings or kingdoms (five have fallen) — The five kings or kingdoms that were “fallen” when John received his vision around 95 A.D. are Egypt (Pharaoh?), Assyria (Ashurbanipal?), Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar), Medo-Persia (Cyrus) and the Grecian Empires (Alexander the Great) (1876-1446, 740-301 B.C.). [3]
The sixth king or kingdom (one is) — The sixth king (kingdom), that was present during John’s life span (Domitian) when he was writing the book of Revelation, was the Roman Empire, which included parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East (189 B.C.-476 A.D.—Western leg; 1453 A.D. —Eastern leg) [4]
The seventh king or kingdom (and the other has not yet come [while John was alive]. And when he comes [still future today], he must continue a short time.) — The seventh king or kingdom appears to be the world government we see beginning to form today (New World Order, The Great Reset, Fourth Industrial Revolution, etc.).
If that is the case, we may be seeing the initial formation of the 10 regions (10 horns, also 10 kings) (European Union (EU), North American Union, etc.) that will rule for a short time and have limited authority in the world before Antichrist rises to consolidate his power.
The identity of the 10 horns (10 kings) is still not certain, since other competing groups have formed. BRICS, a geo-political group, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is also meeting regularly, and other countries are expected to join their consortium in the future.
The eighth king or kingdom (The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition) The eighth king (little horn, Antichrist, etc.) who starts out as a prince (Ezek. 21:25, Dan. 9:26, 11:22), will rise in authority and power to become a king (Dan. 8:23-25). After defeating three of the 10 kings, he will take control of the seventh kingdom (Dan. 7:8, 20, 24; Rev. 13:1-8, 17:8, 11).
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast [Antichrist]. These [10 kings] are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast” [Antichrist] (Rev. 17:12-13).
The 10 horns (10 kings), which we may see forming today, that do not have kingdoms, will be given some regional authority that is global in nature, and they may become active shortly before the 7-year tribulation begins, but especially after the tribulation begins.
After the 10 kings (without kingdoms) give “their power and authority to the beast” (Antichrist), sometime during the first half (3 and ½ years) of the 7-year Tribulation, “they (10 kings) receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast” (Rev. 17:12). One hour with the beast, whether literal or symbolic, is probably a short period of time.
After the 10 kings have destroyed the world’s religious system, described as a woman riding on the back of a beast (seventh global government) (Rev. 17:15-16), Antichrist takes control of the world’s religious and political system from the 10 kings (10 horns) and quickly consolidates all 10 regions of the globe into his worldwide kingdom (Rev. 17:12-13). The time when these events take place is probably around the middle of the 7-year Tribulation.
From that time forward, Antichrist (the beast, eighth king and kingdom) will serve as the main global, political and religious leader for the last three and ½ years, and he will rule and subject the whole earth to a period of tyranny where “no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Rev. 13:16-17). The Antichrist (first human beast) will demand worship from everyone in the world and will be assisted by the False Prophet (second human beast) who will force everyone to worship the first beast or the image of the beast or be killed (Rev. 13:8, 11-15).
The Quest for a World Leader
Are we close to seeing the implementation of the two final “end times” kingdoms (seventh and eighth) that will usher in a one world government system and a one world ruler who historically has been referred to as the “man of sin” and the “Antichrist?” (2 Thess. 2:3; 1 John 2:18).
Paul-Henri Spaak (1899 – 1972), a former Belgian Prime Minister who was one of the principal architects and founding fathers of the European Union (EU), when faced with serious economic problems that had mushroomed within the EU, made the following, chillingly “prophetic” remark about the need for a new European leader:
“We do not want another committee, we have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such man, and be he god or devil, we will receive him.” [5]
Paul-Henri Spaak’s prognostication about the future will one day eerily come true; however, it will not be what he expected; but rather, it will result in a Pandora’s box full of war, enslavement, subjugation and worship of the “man of sin” and the devil, that Mr. Spaak longed for (2 Thess. 2:1-12; Rev. 13:3-17).
As problems in the world intensify in number and frequency and become more complex (Psalm 2:1-12; Luke 21:34-36), like birth pangs on a woman with child (Matt. 24:6-8; 1 Thess. 5:1-3), the world will not seek after God (Jesus Christ); but rather, they will choose the devil’s man of the hour (little horn, man of sin, beast, Antichrist, etc.). The “dragon” will “give him his power, and his seal, and great authority” (Rev. 12:3, 9, 13:2).
The pervasive use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital currencies (CBDC), digital passports, global IDs and other technologies that are being developed today, will allow the infamous world leader, who is probably alive today, to create a virtual digital prison from which no one will be able to escape. The fate and consequences of those who choose to follow the beast (Antichrist) and False Prophet can be found in John’s apocalyptic book (Rev. 14:9-13).
Many prophecies that will take place during “the day of the Lord” are beginning to assemble themselves on the world stage and cast their shadows backward into today’s news headlines. As the day of our redemption draws near, each of us should be asking ourselves: Am I “watching” for the Lord’s return, and will I “be ready” when He returns “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (Luke 21:34-36, 1 Cor. 15:52, Rev. 3:3)?
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
♦♦♦
(Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures are from the New King James Version—NKJV)
Endnotes:
[1] Debate on the Date of the Book of Revelation, Dr. Mark Hitchcock and Mr. Hank Hanegraaff, December 10, 2007, https://www.pre-trib.org/item/14-debate-on-the-date-of-the-book-of-revelation)
[2] A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, Gleason L. Archer, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, c. 2007, page 140.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] EU architect would welcome God or the Devil, https://www.christianstogether.net/Articles/319656/Christians_Together_in/Christian_Life/Christians_and_Politics/EU_architect_would.aspx
Gog-Magog and Rapture
There is much questioning, speculation, and worry about exactly what the ghastly attack on Israel by Hamas means in terms of Bible prophecy. What it all means with regard to the Rapture seems the prime focus of concern.
Is this the beginning of the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39? Is the assault the beginning of a Psalm 83 war? And, added to the subject is the question of Isaiah 17:1. Will Damascus meet its total destruction as part of things about to unfold, since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others within the IDF and Israeli defense officials have vowed immense retaliation?
I certainly don’t have the answers—at not least from a 100-percent knowledgeable perspective. But we can definitely postulate a bit based upon a studied view of God’s Word that involves future fulfillment of prophecy.
We who believe in dispensational truth and accept the premillennial, pre-Trib view of things to come know that what’s happening is not coincidental. It all points to exactly where things should be if the world is at the very end of the Church Age, or Age of Grace.
We also have a number of other signals pointing to the end of this dispensation—signals that the stage is being set for fulfillment of prophecies about what will immediately precede Christ’s Second Advent:
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- The globalist minions are trying to bring into being the New World Order, which, we as pre-Trib advocates know, will eventuate in bringing Antichrist to the world stage.
- These same minions are bringing to bear, in addition to AI and surveillance instrumentalities, a new monetary system of digital control involving computer-satellite technologies that will give the man of sin the control Satan wants to exert over the peoples of earth.
- Diabolist nations of history yet future are shaping up for their end-times roles. Russia and China, for example, seem to be stepping into their destructive roles described in Ezekiel and Revelation.
- Wickedness and violence are ramping up, making cultures and societies around the globe like they were in the days of Noah and of Lot—while business goes on, particularly here in America, pretty much as usual.
- Religious amalgamation proceeds, melding—with the blessings of Pope Francis—into a common, end-times religious model of some sort that is yet to be determined.
- All the while, there is a falling away—an apostasy—amongst some of the mainstream denominations within Christendom. (I use the word “Christendom” because I’m not referring to Christians, but to those with a false façade of Christianity.)
So, while things are coming together in the Middle East—surrounding and totally involving God’s chosen nation—thrown into the milieu of developments is every other prophetic indicator for the wrap-up of history just prior to Christ’s Second Coming. All ingredients for Daniel’s seventieth week are shaping up for the time Jesus said will be the worst ever (Matthew 24:21).
All of this considered, my own thinking about developments in this ongoing devastation in Gaza is governed by Jesus’ prophetic statement that I believe is perhaps the most important involving matters leading to the Tribulation (Daniel’s seventieth week): The Lord’s words that all things will be like they were in the days of Lot (Luke 17:28–30).
By this, I mean that when an event as devastating as the destruction of all of Israel’s enemies takes place, all semblance of “business as usual” will be out the window. The world will change spectacularly for the worse during that destruction and all that will follow, according to Daniel 9:26–27.
Seven years of hell on earth will begin to rage, and all “business as usual” will be lost in the chaos.
So, while the things we see developing now are profoundly troubling, the end is “not yet”—as Jesus put it in His Olivet Discourse. There remain wars and rumors of war leading to the final dispensational era called the “Great Tribulation” or the “time of Jacob’s trouble”—the last three and a half years of Daniel’s seventieth week.
I’m convinced that although we believers might be here to see considerable war-making, we won’t be on earth to witness the end of the things we see going on now in the land that’s destined to host the Gog-Magog war and Armageddon.
Like Lot and his daughters, we will be taken (the Greek word paralambano) by force from this sphere slated for God’s judgment. The “force” that snatches believers from the hour of God’s wrath will be our Savior’s call: “Come up here!”
Here yet again is how to hear that call:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Genesis 6 Sickness
In thinking on this commentary, it occurred to me that Genesis chapter 6 came into view when Khaled Mashal, former leader and a founding member of Hamas, called for war not just against Israel but against the entire world. He demanded that all of the Muslim nations surrounding the Jewish state come together and begin attacking in all-out jihad.
But he said it wouldn’t stop there. The entirety of Islam must take over the world, using all the violence, death and mayhem that could be mustered. The holy prophet Muhammad had long ago ordered such an action to fulfill Allah’s wishes, Mashal says. Those wishes included world conquest so peace and joy could then reign on earth.
This brought into view thoughts that I believe are most relevant at this moment regarding God’s prophetic timeline. Here are Jesus’ words predicting how things will be when He next intervenes into the affairs of wicked, rebellious humankind:
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26)
So what was going on that caused the Lord to completely destroy all flesh on earth except for Noah and his family? Genesis provides the answer:
And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (Genesis 6:13)
Can we doubt with any degree of certainty that, over the past years, we’ve witnessed developments hinting strongly that the world is becoming like it was in those antediluvian times? Can we doubt that we’re seeing corruption that seemingly rivals that of the days of Noah? Just within the past two weeks or so, we’ve seen growing violence, as understood from the words of Mashal, who wants all-out jihad not just against Israel, but against all people who resist Mohammad’s call to Islamic world domination.
A former Muslim terrorist who is now a Christian was the first to expose the contents of Mashal’s demand for increased jihad. Brother Rachid, as he is called, gave the following as some of the Hamas founder’s desires.
1. To show anger, especially next Friday [October 13, 2023] in Muslim countries and also among Muslim Diaspora around the world; he called it “the Friday of Al-Aqsa flood”, he said this will send a message of rage to Zionists and to America.
2. He asked for financial help from all Muslims around the world; to help with their money, he called it “Financial Jihad”. He asked Muslims to give to the fighters of Gaza in order to compensate them for the destruction.
3. He asked political pressure, from Muslim leaders and Muslim nations, to stop Israel’s military invasion of Gaza.
4. The most important thing: He asked all Muslims around the world to carry Jihad by their souls; to fight and be martyrs for Al-Aqsa. He wants Muslims to fight against the Jews, starting with Muslims who live in the countries surrounding Israel: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt (but also other countries), to go to the borders and try to enter, each by his own means. He said: This is the time for Jihad to be applied on the ground rather than just in theory. He asked the Mujahedeen to go in long caravans to spell their blood on the land of Palestine. (“Hamas Leader Calls For Global Muslim Uprising In ‘Day Of Rage’ On Friday, Report Says,” Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge, October 11, 2023)
The Genesis 6 sickness spreading by the likes of Mashal and other wicked minions are front and center at this advanced moment on God’s prophetic timeline:
Scenes of indescribable horror in which infants and babies were slaughtered — with some beheaded — in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza in southern Israel by Hamas terrorists were reported by international media on Tuesday morning.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took dozens of foreign reporters to witness the site of the massacre on Tuesday. Charred homes stood in the background as smoke wafted in the air and the bodies of dead civilians and terrorists still littered the ground.
The journalists, under the protection of dozens of Israeli soldiers, toured the site with cameras rolling.
“It’s not a war,” Gen. Itai Veruv, head of the IDF’s Depth Command, told reporters. “It’s not a battlefield. You see the babies, the mothers, the fathers in their bedrooms, in their protection rooms, and how the terrorists kill them … It’s a massacre.”The scene recalled some of the darkest chapters in Jewish history. Israeli officials have called Hamas’ surprise invasion of Israel over the weekend — in which Kfar Aza was one of the hardest hit areas — one of the largest massacres of Jews since the Holocaust. (“ ‘It’s a Massacre’: Babies Reportedly Slaughtered by Hamas Terrorists in Kibbutz Avatar,” by Algemeiner staff)
The Genesis 6 sickness has infected not just those who would wage atrocities against the Jews. The evil has spread to every culture on earth—including our own here in America. (Consider, for example, the many millions of babies in their mothers’ wombs who have been murdered through abortion, their bodies torn apart in the process.)
I believe Jesus’ “days of Lot” prophecy (Luke 17:28) spoke to the way things are in America today just before the Rapture. It is the Lord’s prophecy of coming destruction on a specific locale, like Sodom and Gomorrah in those ancient times. Thus, while His “days of Noah” (Luke 17:26) prophecy was about the way things are quickly developing worldwide—as witnessed by Mashal’s call for global jihad. Violence indeed is filling the whole earth!
Dr. David Jeremiah addressed to some extent this matter recently:
A rainbow. Animals marching two-by-two. A famous boat ride.
This is the happy picture so many of us have from childhood of the biblical story of Noah. But the message behind the story is much more serious—a depiction of God’s judgment raining down on a sinful world…with a critically important prophetic connection!
Jesus warns His followers, including you and me today:
So…are we living in those “days of Noah?”
The short answer is yes—our world today is just like Noah’s before the flood.
Jesus warns His followers, including you and me today:“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”—Matthew 24:37-39
Just like the ark that Noah was building could have been seen for miles, the warning signs for this generation are all around us. The clouds are gathering. Distant thunder is rumbling. And the door to salvation stands open. For now.
But despite warnings, people do not expect judgment. Noah’s neighbors did not expect a flood—and neither do yours.
Deep down, most people—if they give any thought to eternity at all—tend to think they will have a chance at the last minute to say or do the right thing to secure their place in God’s kingdom.
But the Rapture doesn’t work that way. It will be instant and irreversible.And on that day, when God shuts the door as securely as He shut the door on the ark, no amount of knocking, pounding, or pleading will open it.
This is why you and I must be ready.
And why we must do everything possible to give our families, our friends, and our world every opportunity to enter in now—before it’s eternally too late! (Dr. David Jeremiah, Turning Point, October 12, 2023)
(I highly recommend Dr. Jeremiah’s new book on the Rapture: The Great Disappearance. You can find it at Davidjeremiah.org.)
Here is how to be ready before that ark door closes—the only way to be Rapture ready:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
The Silence of the Shepherds
By Jan Markell
It is true—the headlines, photos, and videos coming out of the current Mideast conflict are not seeker-sensitive. They won’t make church attendees feel good. Talking about the sensitive situation won’t fit into any church-growth strategy. It won’t encourage anyone to become purpose-driven. It could even create divisiveness.
So, I should not have been so thrown when I began to get e-mails from across the country stating variations of the following:
Jan, I was very dismayed that the church we attended did not even make mention of what was going on in Israel on Sunday, October 8. Nor did the topic arise on Wednesday night—though there were several mentions of the Houston Astros game . . . . .
No One Can Say They Didn’t Know
Has there not been wall-to-wall coverage on all media outlets, day and night, for days? Can anybody claim they didn’t know? There were demonstrations demanding that we should “gas the Jews.” The scenario could expand to a Mideast war. Some are saying World War III is at hand. We have evil at a new level on display.
And yet the silence of some shepherds is deafening!
Evangelical Foolishness
I checked the website of the largest evangelical organization—the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Wouldn’t they have a banner headline calling on us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Actually, their banner was all about racial justice.
Scrolling down, they have a blurb in an article written that Israel should not act out of revenge and that they should support the dignity of all people affected. Note to the NAE: Terrorists have no dignity. They are evil. They are demonized.
Know What You Believe!
Are pastors, churches, and denominations silent because of their theology? Perhaps it doesn’t fit with the current scenario? Perhaps they believe the church is the new Israel (Replacement Theology). Perhaps they are Amillennial, and Israel is a bit inconvenient. This belief encompasses many Protestants and all Catholics.
Outfits like Bethel Church in Redding, CA, believe in Dominionism—that is, that the church will save the world and then they establish the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. The literal restoration of Jerusalem is not important. The church supersedes the calling of Israel to be a light to the nations!
Silence in the Face of Evil is Evil!
But there is still human disaster and suffering at play here! Bonhoeffer said, “silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” How can you be silent?
If every church in North America were to meet for special prayer, could an unspeakable disaster be averted?
Can we set aside theology and pray—from the pulpit—for the salvation of the Jews and Muslims? Don’t these esteemed church leaders know that is the only path to true peace? Many Jews and Muslims are secular and, thus, are open to the gospel.
You’re Grafted In!
May I remind all pastors and evangelical leaders that because of the Jews, we have our Bible, the prophets, the apostles, and our Messiah. In fact, “salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) Gentiles are “grafted in” to the Jewish olive tree. (Romans 11:11-31)
This is an appeal to pastors to not keep silent. Help your flock understand that Christians are often the greatest friend Israel has. At the very least, instruct them on how to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6). Do you know there is then promised a blessing: They shall prosper who love thee?
That sounds like church growth could happen as a blessing from God!
How odd of God to choose the Jews,
But not so odd as those who choose
The Jewish God, but spurn the Jews.
Terry James Prophecy Line 