Understanding the term, Rapture

The term Rapture indicates a swift catching up or rescuing of God’s people prior to the outpouring of God’s wrath during the Tribulation. A time when Satan will greatly persecute the people of faith. The English term Rapture comes from 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4. The Greek text of the New Testament uses the word harpazo, and it means to seize upon with force or to catch or snatch up. The Latin translators of the Greek New Testament Bible translated that word, harpazo,  rapturo. The Latin, rapturo, became the root word for the English term Rapture.

Through the Rapture, God has caught up his church so that they would not have to experience the upcoming time of tribulations and wrath. John, the writer of the book of Revelation, said it this way, The church will be “kept from the hour of testing that shall come upon the world” (Revelation 3:10). Paul, writing of the quick and sudden nature of the Rapture wrote,

“Behold I show you a mystery we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye…for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised…and we shall be changed.”  

Writing to the Thessalonian Church, Paul wrote,

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”   (1 Thess. 4:16-17)

This is what Jesus said about the Rapture.

• “There will be two in the field, and then suddenly one will be left.”                     (Matt. 24:40)
• “There will be two women grinding at the mill. One will be taken, and one will be left.”  (Matt. 24:41)

In Luke 12 Jesus spoke of the importance of expecting His return. In Matthew 24 Jesus spoke of the need to be watching and waiting and ready for his return.

There are many allusions and references to the Rapture throughout the Bible. The fall Festival, the Feast of Trumpets, for example, foreshadows the Rapture. The phrases, no one knows the day or the hour and the thief in the night are associated with that ancient Festival, as is the blowing of the trumpet, the days of awe, and a new beginning for all humanity. All of these associations have Rapture and tribulation connotations.  

The Old Testament book, The Songs of Solomon, is about an unworthy bride being told to wait for the promised return of her wonderful Groom. However, she’s unfaithful, and when He returns, she is not ready. He comes like a thief in the night and she is left behind.  Jesus’s parable of the ten virgins and His teaching on the wedding banquet also reference the Rapture.

Scriptural Support for the Pre-tribulation Rapture View

Historically, there have been three prominent views regarding the timing of the Rapture. The I Am A Watchman ministry concurs with the majority of Bible scholars and teaches that the church will be raptured (caught up to be with Christ) at some point before the commencement of the seven-year tribulation period. Noted below is the Biblical foundation for that position.

• The Tribulation describes a period of suffering unsurpassed, “such as was not since there was a nation, no, nor shall be” (Dan. 12:1). The Tribulation period will be a time of wrath (Rev. 6:16-17,11:18; 14:19; Zeph. 1:15, 18). However, we see in 1 Thess. 5:9 that the Church is not appointed unto wrath, but unto salvation. The Rapture was the Lord fulfilling His promise to rescue from a future time of ‘wrath.’

The church will be “kept from the hour of testing that shall

come upon all the world.” (Rev. 3:10)

• Scripture notes that the Holy Spirit   1) dwells in the hearts of believers 2) holds back or restrains Satan and  3) will one day be taken away. The taking away of the Spirit/Restrainer points to the Rapture, as removing the Spirit will require removing committed Christians from the earth.

“And you know what restrains him [Satan] now…For…he [the Holy Spirit] who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.…”  (2 Thess. 2:6-7)

This taking away of the Spirit is linked to the removal of the Church and the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 supports the pre-tribulation view:

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this, we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 supports the pre-tribulation view:

“Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

• Many Scriptures note the “Jewishness” of Tribulation events profiled in the Bible. It is said to be the “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” it concerns “Daniel’s people,” a “false Messiah,” the city of Jerusalem, the twelve tribes of Israel, the “son of Moses,” and a “flight on the Sabbath.” The Church is not specifically mentioned in the book of Revelation after the judgments begin. The I Am A Watchman ministry taught that the Church was not specifically mentioned because it was to be raptured before of the Tribulation.
• Jesus’ teaching on the end times (Matt. 24) indicates that the timing of the Rapture is immediately after the ‘Birth Pains,’ and before the beginning of the Tribulation.

“Immediately after the distress of those days…he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds…“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken, and the other left. “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matt. 24:29-44)

Summary:

• The Rapture was foretold.

• The Rapture represents Jesus fulfilling His promise to come again (John 14:3; Acts 1:9) and rescue His people, the true Church, from the upcoming time of wrath (Rev. 3:10).

• The call is to:

• Believe in Jesus. Accept Him in your heart as Lord and Savior. Commit to follow Him (John 1:12, 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-10)

• Watch for His “glorious appearing” at the end of the 7-year Tribulation period (Matt. 25:13; 24:42).

• Beware the Antichrist. Do not take the Mark of the Beast.

• Be active—do the right thing, the right way, with the right heart, and don’t stop (Matt. 24:46; Gal. 6:90.

• Warn others—this is part of the “Great Commission” challenge (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 12:8-9; 1 Peter 3:15).

The Psalm 83 War

“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants. Do to them as you did to Midian…Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze…Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they will seek your name.

The prophecy

The Psalm 83 prophecy indicates that the ten nations and people groups surrounding Israel will conspire, form an alliance and plan to “destroy…the nation so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” As the text is more than 2600 years old, ancient designations are used to reference the hostile groups. Below is a listing of contemporary identifications:

• Tents of Edom = [descendants of Esau] Palestinian refugees & Southern Jordanians
• Ishmaelites = Saudi Arabians
• Moab = Palestinian Refugees and Central Jordanians
• Hagrites = Egyptians  
• Gebal = Northern Lebanese    
• Amalek = Arabs South of Israel  
• Ammon = Palestinian Refugees and Northern Jordanians   
• Philistia = Palestinian Refugees and Hamas of Gaza Strip   
• Inhabitants of Tyre = Hezbollah and Southern Lebanese   
• Assyria = Syrians and perhaps Northern Iraqis   
• Children of Lot = Moab and Ammon

The apparent outcome

Implied is the nations surrounding Israel will launch a first strike, but Israel, though outnumbered, will prevail. God will restore Israel (Ezekiel 37:1-10a) and empower Israel’s army (Ezekiel 37:10b), but the world will not perceive Israel’s victory as being supernatural (which is different than how Israel’s victories in the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog and Battle of Armageddon conflicts will be perceived). Many believe the Psalm 83 war includes (or precipitates) the destruction of Damascus and the expansion of Israel’s borders, and lays the foundation (Ezek. 38:11) for the Gog-Magog war profiled in Ezekiel 38-39.  

Why Psalm 83 is important

Many consider Psalm 83 to be a kind of marker to aid in understanding where the world is on God’s prophetic timeline. Those who hold that the Psalm 83 prophecy has not yet been fulfilled believe the events profiled in the Psalm precede and are connected to other prophecies. In a sense, Psalm 83 then is viewed as a principle domino which, when put in motion, facilitates the movement of dominos which stand in waiting. In this article, I will refer to the prophecies standing in waiting as SET A (see below).  Generally, those who hold that the Psalm 83 prophecy is already fulfilled look to another set of prophecies (SET B, see below) as being next in prophetic timeline.

A listing of SET A and SET B prophecies

  SET A prophecies include:

• The ten nations or people groups noted in Psalm 83 will attack Israel. The war will expand into Syria and Damascus will be destroyed (Isa. 17).
• The borders of Israel will be expanded (Ezekiel 23; Isaiah 19; Obadiah 19) to fulfill the covenant prophecy noted in Genesis 15:18.
• When threatened, Israel will launch a preemptive strike against Elam, an area of Iran (Jer. 39).
• With borders expanded and threats neutralized, Israel will feel secure and become the nation without walls referenced in Ezekiel 38:11.
• Motivated by the hope of “plunder” (Ezekiel 38:12) and enraged by setbacks (particularly in Syria and Iran), the Gog-Magog coalition will form and attack Israel from the north (Syria). This conflict is profiled in Ezekiel 38-39.
• God intervenes and supernaturally dispatches Israel’s enemies when Israel is in peril.
• Chaos in the region is quelled by a “peace covenant” (Dan. 9:27) between Israel and the “many.” This covenant is brokered by a new world leader who will later become known as the Antichrist.

  SET B prophecies include:

• • Damascus will be destroyed (Isa. 17).
  • When threatened, Israel will launch a preemptive strike against Elam, an area of Iran (Jer. 39).
  • Motivated by the hope of “plunder” (Ezekiel 38:12) the Gog-Magog coalition will form and attack Israel from the north (Syria). This conflict is profiled in Ezekiel 38-39.

• The prophecy regarding the sense of peace and security that Israel enjoys before the beginning of the Ezekiel 38-39 war may already be fulfilled (if peace and security are to be understood as confidence in their military strength, which is a possible interpretation).
• When Israel is in peril, God will intervene and supernaturally dispatch Israel’s enemies.
• Israel’s borders will expand (as noted in Ezekiel 23; Isaiah 19; and       Obadiah 19), but the timing is not clear.
• Chaos in the region is quelled by a “peace covenant” (Dan. 9:27) between Israel and the “many.” This covenant is brokered by a new world leader who will later become known as the Antichrist.
• It is possible the first three points happen almost simultaneously.

There are four primary schools of thought regarding the interpretation of Psalm 83:

1. Some believe Psalm 83 is not prophetic and was written relatively soon after battles noted in 2 Chronicles 20. This position holds that Psalm 83  memorializes past battles, not prophecies of future ones. However, as the battles in 2 Chronicles 20 involve less than half of the combatants listed in Psalm 83, most Bible scholars do not believe 2 Chronicles 20 completely fulfills the Psalm 83 prophecy.   
2. A small percentage of believers hold that Psalm 83 references the animosity nations have toward Israel (as opposed to a war with Israel). This position holds that though strongly implied, it is not explicit that hostile nations will attack Israel. They “growl,” they “conspire,” and they “plot…for the destruction of Israel,” but the text does not specifically note that nations attack. Therefore, this position holds that Psalm 83 is not a prophetic reference to war.
3. A growing number of believers hold that Psalm 83 prophecies were fulfilled in the 20th century. Those who hold this position (greatly advanced Amir Tsarfati and other notables) teach that the Psalm 83 prophecy was fulfilled during the war for independence (1948-49), during the 1967 war, or that the fulfillment of Psalm 83 prophecy occurred through a series of 20th-century conflicts. Individuals who hold this position believe the next set of prophecies to be fulfilled is noted in SET B.
4. The traditional position is that Psalm 83 prophecies are yet future. This position is held by teachers such as Bill Salus and Dr. David Reagan. The position holds that Psalm 83 is connected to border-expansion themed verses (such as Ezekiel 23; Isaiah 19; Obadiah 19 and Genesis 15:18) and references a profound well-coordinated attack by all ten nations and people-groups. Individuals who hold this position believe the next set of prophecies to be fulfilled is noted in SET A.

Conclusions

• • Points 3 and 4 (above) are the most likely interpretations of Psalm 83.
  • God has a plan, and His plan is perfect. God’s reveals his plan in the way and time He determines best.
  • Believers should monitor developments in the middle east and based on what is happening, anticipate what prophecies are about to be fulfilled.
  • Many of the prophecies noted in this document can be fulfilled rapidly, or simultaneously. World events can change quickly—current alliances are subject to change—former friends can become fierce enemies overnight. It is not wise to have strong opinions regarding it taking months or years for change to take place or prophecies to unfold.  

• Believers should remember that the Rapture can happen at any time. Tell others. Be ready.

The destruction of Damascus

(from and article titled, Damascus the Damned, by Joe Kerr, Managing Editor for the I Am A Watchman ministry).

Hold the emails. Look up the definition; it’s 100% accurate. Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, founded in the third millennium BC and over subsequent centuries has been part of 42 different states. Some have improved, and some have impoverished; the next will annihilate Damascus the damned.

Isaiah the prophet wrote, “A prophecy against Damascus: See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.” (Isaiah 17:1)

Other translations state: “the city of Damascus will disappear!” [NLT]; “Damascus will cease to be a city.” [ISV]; “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.” [Berean Study Bible]

The New American Standard Bible takes an ominous future tone: “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city.” The KJV uses the apt description of the city’s final state, calling it simply, “a ruinous heap.”

The Good News Translation isn’t such good news for Damascus. “The LORD said, “Damascus will not be a city any longer; it will be only a pile of ruins.”

The Contemporary English Bible puts it bluntly, “This is a message about Damascus: Damascus is doomed! It will end up in ruins.”   

Ruinous heap. Heap of rubble. Wasteland. Barren. Ruins.

The City of Jasmine has seen its share of extreme highs and lows, but what happens in the end that turns the world’s longest continuously inhabited city into a ghost town? More accurately, what wipes the town off the map? It’s not merely uninhabited; it’s “removed from being a city.”

Many famous tourist attractions are called ‘ruins’ and draw millions of visitors. They include: the Coliseum in Rome; Machu Pichu, Chichen Itza, Stonehenge, Ta Prohm – famous for its scenes in the film Tomb Raider; the Luxor Temple in Egypt; Easter Island, Petra, Pompeii, the Ajanta Caves in India and many others are in some cases literally just a few stones stacked up amidst tangles of jungle or carved rocks. They’re impressive, and they make us wonder how ancient civilizations built them. But in the end, they are ruins. The civilizations who built them are in most cases gone; extinct, exterminated, or non-existent.

We wonder what could have happened that made them vanish. In a few cases we know; Pompeii was buried under ash and lava when the volcano erupted. Other civilizations are just gone; their language, culture, and people are no longer here. There is no other way to put it – gone. Damascus will be gone as well. There is one major difference; we know it’s going to happen.

Damascus’ History

Damascus rose to prominence in the 11th century BC under the Aramaeans, but the city grew into a thriving metropolis by the 2nd century under Roman control. Damascus, the western terminus of the Silk Road, was a key trade and cultural center.

In 476 Damascus came under Byzantine rule and became renowned for its breathtaking beauty and splendor. Legend tells of the Prophet Muhammad, who on his journey from Mecca to Syria, observed Damascus in the distance, and turned away saying, “a man should only enter paradise once, and that is upon his death.”[1]

The Islamic Rashidun Caliphate conquered Damascus in 634, and it fell to the Umayyad Caliphate in 661, after which the city became Syria’s hub, and the city’s main mosque was erected. The flourishing Damascus, affluent and splendid, was declared the capital of the world’s largest empire, which at its zenith stretched from Spain in the west to Afghanistan in the east.

After the fall of the Umayyad Caliphate in 750, the Abbasid dynasty took control and moved Syria’s official capital to Baghdad. Damascus began a slow decline until the 12th century when it enjoyed another resurgence under the Zengid dynasty. By the 1500s, the city had fallen on hard times again and was captured by the Ottomans.

Damascus declined further under Ottoman rule; the economy stagnated, and the city became less and less relevant in both industry and influence. The Ottoman Empire collapsed in 1923, and languishing Damascus fell into French hands. It gained independence along with the rest of Syria in 1945.

Syria’s economy has been a volleyball match since its founding but tanked in the 1980s – real GDP per capita plunging over 20%. Limited recovery during the 1990s and 2000s brought some growth, but all that (and much more) has been unraveled by the brutal Syrian Civil War. The conflict, raging since 2011, has left Syria as a whole, and Damascus in particular, shattered, shelled and destitute, but still inhabited. And according to Isaiah, doomed.

Hope for Damascus

Is there hope for the city of Damascus? Simply put, no. God’s word never fails (Isaiah 55:11). His promises always prove true (Psalm 18:30). His guarantees are “yes and amen” (1 Corinthians 1:20). None of God’s prophecies have ever been wrong (Luke 24:44). The prophecy about Damascus will not be His first. The city will be destroyed. The place will become a heap of ruins, but unlike the places we listed before, no one will ever visit the place again. Why? We aren’t told exactly.

It could be a nuclear detonation makes it impossible for humans to live there. It could be that chemical attacks continue, and no one wants to live there. It could be that people evacuate the region because the war leads to another economic catastrophe and the city cannot function because people flee Damascus to find jobs, food, and safety. Like many small towns when industry moves, the town eventually dies. Regardless of the how, we know the what – “a ruinous heap.” And we know the why – God said.

What about the hope? Any hope for Damascus is the same as the hope you and I have – Jesus Christ.

• “…this hope of eternal life, which God Who cannot lie, promised before the beginning of time…” (Titus 1:2)
• “In His name, the nations will put their hope.” (Matt. 12:21; Isaiah 42:4)
• “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
• “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming.” (1 Peter 1:13)

The Future of Damascus

The immediate future of Damascus is dark and ominous. It is being poisoned by its own government. It could be invaded or re-invaded by Iran, or Russia, ISIS, or some group we don’t even know about. Radical groups seem to pop up weekly in the Middle East. Some believe Israel will destroy Damascus; either pre-emptive or in self-defense, or to drive out one of several other forces intent on using the city as a forward base to attack Israel.

We can’t say for sure. The Bible does not say, “Israel will blow up Damascus on July 28” (or any other date). We do know this – Isaiah was right about the birth and death of Christ, the rebirth of the nation of Israel, and many other events. He won’t be wrong about Damascus.

What Should Christians Do?

First, we should pray for the people who live in Damascus. John 3:16 applies to them as much as Mexico Africa or Nebraska. God loves the citizens who live there. He loves their children and families, no matter their religious or political affiliations. Salvation is available to all.

Pray for the oppressors of Damascus. As difficult as it is to imagine, God loves the people who are destroying the city and killing its residents. He loves unconditionally. If Assad, the current tyrannical leader of Syria, repents and asks Christ for forgiveness, he will be saved. More bizarre things have happened in history.

Numerous ancient kings decreed national repentance; some were believers in Jehovah, but not all. Josiah (2 Kings 23:25), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:1-3), Cyrus (Ezra 1:2), Ahasuerus (Esther 4:3), Darius (Ezra 6:25-27), Ahab (1 Kings 21:27), Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:1), Eliakim (2 Kings 19:2), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:12), and the unnamed king of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-7) all called for national repentance. Nothing is too hard for God.

In more recent times, (March 30, 1863) our own President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Prayer and fasting. He eloquently said,

“We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

Nations have turned to God before, it can happen again, and God would welcome them. Pray for the oppressors and haters of the citizens of Damascus. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is still in the Bible.

Raise your voice. If a bill or motion arises in Congress or the Supreme Court, or some referendum is circulated that empowers the UN to do something stupid; make a call to your representative, write an email, say something. Be involved, don’t just complain.

Peace plans come and go. Look it up, and you’ll find every American President for the last 70 years has a photo of him and the leaders of the primary Middle East nations. They’re always smiling and shaking hands because they just solved the Middle East crisis. Oddly, the next president had to solve it again, and again and again. Seriously, look it up. Every president back to and including Harry Truman: 12 US Presidents – have declared peace in the Middle East and taken credit for it. None lasted.

Finally, speak up for peace. I’m not talking about just any peace, I’m talking about the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and the “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7,8). Know Him, Know Peace. No Him, No Peace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is still the only hope for the world. Share it, teach it, post it, pray it.

Finish Well Watchmen.

The expansion of Israel’s borders

In Genesis 15,  we read that God made known to Abraham the boundaries of the future nation of Israel.

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates— the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.” (Genesis 15:18-21)

The boundaries were presented by God to Abraham in Genesis 15, affirmed to Isaac in Genesis 26, declared to Jacob in Genesis 28, and confirmed by Moses in Exodus 23:31. The Promised Land began to be possessed in the days of Joshua, it became a strong and unified nation in the Days of David, and its borders were expanded in the days of Solomon. However, the borders of Israel have never matched the vast footprint God noted in Genesis 15.

Some suggest that the borders of Israel will not expand much beyond post 1967 war borders until the Millennial Kingdom (which will come after the Tribulation period). However, a number of prophecies suggest that borders will expand as a result of war or military engagements—something that is not expected to be a part of the Millennial Reign of Christ. Many then, believe that the borders of Israel will expand and contribute to the sense of security the prophecy of Ezekiel 38:10 notes Israel will enjoy prior to the Gog-Magog invasion (which precedes the Battle of Armageddon and Millennial Kingdom). The two probable scenarios are   1) borders will be expanded as a result of Israel’s response to the attack profiled in Psalm 83 or 2) borders will be expanded in the subsequent battles which will include the destruction of Damascus (Isa. 17) and a devastating strike on an important military site on Elam (Iran, Jer. 49).

PASSAGES THAT NOTE THE EXPANSION OF ISRAEL’S BORDERS

• • Saudi Arabia:  “…I will stretch out my hand against Edom…I will lay it waste, and from Teman to Dedan [Saudi Arabia]  they will fall  by the sword. I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel…they will know  my vengeance, declares the Sovereign LORD.” (Ezek. 23:13-14)

• Jordan: “The days are coming,“ declares the LORD, “when I will sound the battle cry against the Ammonites [Jordan];  it will become a mound of ruins, and surrounding villages will be set on fire. Then Israel will drive out those who drove her out,” says the LORD.”  (Jer. 49:2)

• The region of Saudi Arabia and Jordan: Saudi Arabia and Jordan
  Turn and flee, hide in deep caves, you who live in Dedan [Saudi Arabia], for I will bring disaster on Esau [Southern Jordan]…”    (Jer. 49:8)
• Egypt:   “In that day the Egyptians…will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD Almighty raises against them. And the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians…” (Isaiah 19:16-17a)
• • Syria/Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city…The cities of Aroer will be deserted…The fortified city will disappear…the land will be a desolation…At evening time, behold, there is terror!  Before morning they are no more.” (Isaiah 17:1-3)
  • Individuals will be displaced: “Like a lion [Psalm 83 confederacy] coming up from Jordan’s thickets to a rich pastureland [Israel], I will chase Edom.”  (Jer. 49:19)
  • Egypt: “The land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt… In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will be speaking the language of Canaan and swearing allegiance to the LORD of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction. In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near its border.”  (Isaiah 19:17-19)

• The Arab world will be enraged: Oh, the raging of many nations— they rage like the  raging sea! Oh, the uproar of the peoples—they roar like the roaring of great waters!” (Isa. 17:12)

Conclusions

• God has a plan, and His plan is perfect. God’s reveals his plan in the way and time He determines best.
• The other documents in this folder profile what is projected to happen before and after the expansion of Israel’s borders. As there is some debate regarding the exact sequence of events, believers should monitor developments in the middle east and based on what is happening, anticipate what prophecies are about to be fulfilled.
• Many of the prophecies noted in the documents in this folder can be fulfilled rapidly, or simultaneously. World events can change quickly—current alliances are subject to change—former friends can become fierce enemies overnight. It is not wise to have strong opinions regarding it taking months or years for change to take place or prophecies to unfold.

What is Gog-Magog War?

Ezekiel 38-39 profiles how a large coalition of hostile forces, led by “Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal” (Ezek. 38:2-3) attacks Israel. The huge army attacks Israel from the north (seemingly, through Syria). The decisive  battlefield is on the “mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate” (Ezek. 38:8). The purpose of the invasion is to “plunder and loot” and destroy the people of Israel (Ezek. 38:12, 16).

When Israel’s destruction seems imminent, God intervenes and brings about a victory by sending torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on the advancing army (Ezek. 38:22). God’s hope is that through this clearly supernatural victory many will be brought to faith in Him. Ezekiel 38:23 notes, “I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

WHO OR WHAT IS GOG?

Gog and Magog are descendants of Noah and mentioned in genealogy listings in Genesis 10:2 , 1 Chronicles 1:5 and 1 Chronicles 5:4). The term used in Ezekiel 38 likely references the people groups associated with the descendants of Gog and Magog listed in Genesis 10. The Gog referenced in  Revelation 20  likely references the hostile and rebellious actions and spirit associated with those people groups.

THE TIMING OF THE GOG-MAGOG CONFLICT

The Bible provides clues regarding the timing of the Gog-Magog conflict, but not specific information. Ezekiel’s uses the general terms, “latter years” (Ezek. 38:8) and “last days” (Ezek. 38:16) in reference to the timing. This indicates that the 2600 year old prophecy could not be fulfilled prior to 1948—the year  Israel reestablishes itself as a sovereign and independent nation. Most believe that large sections of the book of Ezekiel present prophecies in chronological order. Ezekiel 36 profiles a displaced Israel (600 BC—1948 AD). Chapter 37 presents a revived or restored Israel (1948—). And as the last part of chapter 39 and chapter 40 present information on the Millennial Kingdom (which follows the Tribulation), it is through that chapters 38 through the first part of chapter 39 presents information on the period just before, or in the early part of, the Tribulation period.

THE NATIONS INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT
Ezekiel 38:1-6 notes the ancient names of the territories invading armies will come from. The list includes: Rosh, Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Gomer and Beth-togarmah. Most believe the contemporary designations are:

1. Magog = Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan (and possibly Afghanistan)
2. Rosh = Russia
3. Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah = Turkey (and possibly Azerbaijan, Armenia)
4. Persia = Iran
5. Ethiopia = Sudan
6. Put = Libya (and possibly Algeria and Tunisia)

Notably absent from the above list are the nations surrounding modern-day Israel. Some believe these nations are under Israeli control (as a result of the Psalm 83 war) at the onset of the Gog-Magog invasion. Others believe these nations are referenced in the phrase, “the many nations with you” (Ezek. 38:6b).  

The Leader
Ezekiel 38:2-3 notes that the leader of the coalition of nations that march against Israel is “Gog, prince of Rosh.”  It is likely that Gog is a reference to a title (such as Prince or General), or a symbolic term, associated with evil, rebellion, and violence.

DOES ROSH = RUSSIA?

The words ROSH or RUSSIA are not found in the New International Version, the King James Version, the English Standard Version and several other notable Bible translations of Ezekiel 38:3. The word ROSH is present in the New King James, New American Standard Version, Amplified Version, and the Darby translation of Ezekiel 38:3.   The variance in translations is attributed to how translators choose to to interpret the word “Rosh” or “Ros” (as a noun or as an adjective). In his book, Northern Storm Rising, Dr. Rhodes reports that the noun form points to a geographical area and the adjective points to a title or position (such as top, leader or chief). Accordingly, the NASV translators chose to translate noun form of “Rosh,” and the NIV translators chose to use the adjective form.  Both forms are acceptable, and it is likely that both meanings are apropos.

It is worthy to note that in the 5th century AD, the Byzantine Church noted that the people living in the area now called Russia were known as the Ros. Also,  Ezekiel 39:1-2 notes that the invasion would come “from the remotest parts of the north.” Cartographers note that the land far north of Israel is modern-day Russia.

The AFTERMATH

Israel is the undisputed victor though vastly outnumbered and outgunned. The stunning upset will be viewed as supernatural by Israel and many in the world. Through the nature of this victory God proclaims that He is the defender of Israel and desires all to enter into a relationship with Him.

The magnitude of the destruction wrought by God is staggering. Never in all of history will a victory be so decisive. Israel will bury dead for seven months, and weapons collected from the battlefield will provide fuel for the country for seven years (Ezek. 39:9-12).

CONCLUSIONS

• Believers should remember that the Rapture can happen at any time. It is possible, but not necessary, for the God-Magog war to take place prior to the Rapture or Tribulation. Do not wait for the Psalm 83 or Gog-Magog war to unfold before you get right with God. Ask for forgiveness and commit to live for Him today.
• Believers are to proclaim that prophecy declares what the future holds.  In every battle, God stands with Israel. With the fulfillment of every prophecy, the integrity of the Bible is validated. Through every trial and tribulation the Lord desires to prompt the willful to enter into a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.

The tribulation period

The world is approaching a notable period of history—the Tribulation period. The Bible references the Tribulation by many names; Daniel’s 70th week, the time of Jacob’s sorrow, the time of God’s wrath, etc. Jesus prophesied that it would be a time of unprecedented upheaval. Still, the Bible notes that in the midst of this dark season God will move. The Lord Jesus will come bringing His army of saints to win a great victory over the enemies of Israel, and rescue all believers who were saved during the 7-year Tribulation period.

Some believe Bible prophecies regarding judgments appear to indicate God is angry or mean. However, the  opposite is true. God is not angry—God warns whom He loves, and only as a last resort does He use drastic measures to prompt individuals to pursue a better path. This writer believes that if the world turned to Christ today, the prophesied future Tribulations would not occur. But God knows that humanity is willful, and knows the choices they will make. Therefore, the prophecies will come true. In the last seven years of our history, God will bring tribulation and wrath to the earth. Why? To bring humanity to repentance and receive His offer of salvation. This article provides a biblically-based overview of the Tribulations period events that are prophesied to come.

TRIBULATION PERIOD PROPHECIES (not presented in precise chronological order)

Israel will enter into a peace treaty: The Antichrist will impose a “covenant with the many” which will include Israel (Daniel 9:27; 8:23-25). It is this ‘covenant’ that initiates the seven-year Tribulation period.

Earthquakes: Great earthquakes will shake the world during the Tribulation period (Revelation 6:12, 8:5, 11:13, 16:18, etc.). Note: The years leading up to the commencement of the Tribulation period will be marked by an increase in higher magnitude quakes.

The third Temple will be built in Jerusalem: Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John refer to a Temple being in Jerusalem in the last days. This event is referenced in Daniel 9:27, 12:11; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess. 2:4; and Revelation 11:1-2.

Temple sacrifices will be reinstituted in Israel in the last days. Daniel 9:27; 12:11, and Revelation 13 reference this. The completion of the Temple and routine of daily sacrifices must be in place prior to the mid-point of the Tribulation.

Temple sacrifices will be forbidden: At the mid-point of the Tribulation period, the Antichrist will seize control of the Temple, abruptly end the daily sacrifices and proclaim himself to be God. (Revelation 13).

144,000 believers will be sealed by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit will ‘seal’ 12,000 Jewish believers from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. This is very likely a symbolic number representing a vast and perfect number of believers God uses to evangelize the world (Rev. 7). Along with these sealed witnesses will come two great prophets (Rev. 11:3-14). These prophets will preach with power for 42 months and then be put to death. Their deaths will be celebrated by many. Their bodies will lie in the street for three days, after which they will be miraculously resurrected and taken up into Heaven.

Revival: During the Tribulation, many will turn to Jesus (Revelation 7:9-17; Daniel 12:10; Zechariah 2:11; Isaiah 19:16-25).

Vegetation decimated: Revelation 8:7 notes that the first trumpet judgment will bring the destruction of 1/3 of all vegetation on Earth.

A meteor or comet falls into the sea: Revelation 8:8-9 notes that the second trumpet judgment facilitates something falling into the sea, and destroying 1/3 of life in all seas.

Wormwood: Similar to the second trumpet judgment, the third trumpet judgment facilitates celestial object falling to the earth causing fresh water to turn bitter (resulting in many deaths).

Reduction of light: The fourth trumpet judgment brings about a 1/3 reduction of light (from the sun, moon, and stars).

Tormenting creatures: The fifth trumpet judgment will bring scorpion-like creatures from the demon world. These creatures torment humanity, but they do not cause death. Some suggest that these creatures will not be able to torment believers in Jesus Christ.

Forced worship of Antichrist: 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13 note that the False Prophet will force all to worship the Antichrist. Failure to do so will result in starvation, ridicule, and death. Proof of allegiance to the Antichrist will include receiving a mark on the right hand or forehead. Without the mark one will not be able to legally buy or sell anything.

Sores on those who receive the mark: Revelation 16:1-2 notes that those who accept the mark of the Beast, signifying their worship of him, will contract painful sores (KJV reads, ‘boils’) on their body.

Refuge: Ancient Petra (located in Jordan) will become a place of refuge for believers (Isaiah 16:1-4; Matthew 24:16; Revelation 12:6,14).

A great army will advance from the east: The sixth trumpet announces the coming of a great army from the east (two hundred million men). This army advances toward Israel and leaves devastation in its wake (Rev. 9:13).

The Euphrates will be blocked or dried-up: The great river Euphrates will

dry-up, allowing armies from the east to advance toward Israel (Rev.16:12).

The Antichrist  will be wounded: Revelation 13 notes that the Antichrist will

suffer a fatal wound to the head, but will recover to the amazement of many—a happening which boosts his claim to deity.

Judgment on the Woman who rides the Beast: Revelation 17 (and Jeremiah 50-51) notes the judgment on this woman—also called the Whore of Babylon and Mystery Babylon. This is the judgment of a nation, not an individual.

Life in seas and rivers die: Revelation 16:3 indicates that remaining life in the sea dies as the second vial of judgment is poured out. The death toll is such that the oceans become as blood. The third vial of judgment brings about the death of life in the rivers (Rev. 16:4).

Scorching heat: The fourth vial of judgment brings scorching heat which causes misery and devastates vegetation.

Darkness: The fifth vial of judgment brings anomalous darkness and painful maladies, some translations read ‘plagues.’ (Revelation 16:10-11).

War: There will be a series of wars—the last great series of wars, are collectively referred to as the battle of Armageddon.

Victory: Though Israel will be surrounded and outnumbered by her enemies, God will intervene, and Israel will prevail in the battle of Armageddon. Satan and the False Prophet will be bound and thrown into the pit. Jesus Christ will begin His Millennial Reign and bring peace and justice to the earth. (Revelation 19-21).

The Antichrist will rise to power. Conflicts associated with the Antichrist are noted below:

• Although the Antichrist will rise to world power through cunning, deception, and diplomacy (Daniel 8:23), he will have to resort to military power to conquer the world.
• Revelation 13:7 notes that the Antichrist will ultimately achieve “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.” This authority will be achieved first through diplomacy and then through war. Revelation 6 records the outbreak of global war resulting in the deaths of one-fourth of humanity (Revelation 6:8).

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast (Satan’s Antichrist) rising out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, (The book of Daniel explains these represent ten nations he will rule) and on his heads a blasphemous name…The dragon (Satan) gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.” (Revelation 13:1,2)

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs (miracles), and lying wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

“It was granted to him to make war…and authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” (Revelation 13:7)

• Revelation 9 seems to indicate conventional, spiritual and nuclear war (nuclear because Rev. 8:7 states that the war will result in one-third of the earth being burned up, and Rev. 16:2-11 notes “loathsome and malignant” sores afflicting survivors). The wars noted in Rev. 6, 8 and will result in the deaths of more than half of humanity. The army from the east mentioned in Rev. 9 is comprised of “200,000,000 men.”
• Rev. 12  references spiritual warfare – past, present, and future.
• Rev. 12-13  notes concerted oppression of all who believe in Jesus, Jews, and all who will not follow the Beast.
• Some of the Jews in Israel will flee to a place in the “wilderness” where they will be supernaturally protected by God (Rev. 12:13-14). Many believe this hiding place will be the ancient city of Petra, located inside a box canyon in modern Jordan. There is good reason for this assumption because Daniel 11:41 notes the Antichrist will be prevented from conquering Jordan when it is part of an end time rebellion.
• Zechariah 13:8 indicates that the Antichrist will kill two-thirds of the Jewish people during the Tribulation.
• Revelation 12:17 notes that the Antichrist will also war against the “offspring” of Israel — namely, those “who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” This is a reference to those who accept Jesus as Lord during the Tribulation period.
• Revelation 7:9-14 pictures a great multitude of martyrs in Heaven. They are identified as “the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation…”
• Revelation 17-18 notes an attack on the Whore of Babylon (also called the woman who rides the Beast). This is a nation or geopolitical religious and economic system that perpetrates evil, but is antagonistic to the nations that support the Antichrist. Many believe Jeremiah 50-51 references God’s judgment on this entity.

“Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose…” (Revelation 17).

• Rev. 16-19 profiles the Battle of Armageddon. The armies of the Antichrist will be supernaturally destroyed by God. It appears that just as the armies from the East and the North arrive in the Valley of Armageddon, the Lord appears and slays the enemies by “the breath of His mouth” (2 Thess. 2:8).  Joel 3:16 notes that the Lord will “roar from Zion” and “utter His voice from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 10:16 notes that the result will be “a wasting disease.” Zech. 14:12 notes that there will be a plague that will cause the flesh of the soldiers “to rot while they stand on their feet. Their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.’’ Revelation 19 notes that the Antichrist and False Prophet will be bound and thrown into the lake of fire for 1000 years following this defeat.

CONCLUSIONS

• The Tribulation is not launched by a war, or the Rapture, but by the Peace Covenant referenced in Daniel 9:27. The Covenant will be brokered by the Antichrist, and will involve Israel and “the many.”

The battle of Armagedon

(and it’s relationship to the God-Magog invasion)

The term Armageddon is one of the best known (and least understood) four-syllable biblical words. Some suggest that the term Armageddon references a battle that is profiled in the book of Revelation, others suggest it references two or more conflicts, separated by a thousand years. Some argue that Armageddon does not refer to a battle at all, but to a location. Of those who believe it is a geographic location are two groups – one believes it is a valley, the other teaches it is a battle in the mountains. Others note that the Battle of Armageddon is linked to (and the same as) the conflicts mentioned in Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17, while still others link the Battle of Armageddon with the engagements mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39 (also called the Gog-Magog War).

This article will provide a biblical overview of pivotal battles and wars in prophetic passages of Scripture and how these battles and wars correlate with the Battle of Armageddon.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Satan loves confusion, doubt, and division. Those who do not know the truth are vulnerable to false teaching and can easily become discouraged when prophecies fail to unfold as bad teachers predict (as was the case which Jesus did not return in May of 2014, or October 2015). Believers in Christ are to know the teachings of Christ and be able to “correctly handle the word of truth”    (2 Tim. 2:15b).

THE APPROACH TO INTERPRETING KEY PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE

In recent decades there has been a push to view the Bible as allegorical. Many now hold that the Bible may impart a few generally positive guiding principles, but it certainly is not a living, Spirit-inspired message from God to be taken literally. Many faulty approaches to interpreting Scripture flow from this corrupt view. In researching this vital subject and writing this article, I followed the most common hermeneutic practices (procedures governing the interpretation of Scripture) established by conservative leaders of the historic Christian Church. These guiding principles include:

• A belief that the Bible is accurate, true, and inspired.
• A belief that major prophetic sections of the books of Revelation and Ezekiel are written in chronological order.
• A belief that Bible prophecy is specific and every detail of a prophecy must be fulfilled for the prophecy to be considered fulfilled. [For example, if a prophecy notes that 6 nations will attack Israel, and only 4 nations attack, that prophecy would be considered not yet fulfilled].
• A belief that some variance in detail does not negate the possibility of writers profiling the same event. [For example, the Gospel writers presented significantly different details when recording the events that took place on the Sunday following the cross. However, they are all correct and are all profiling the same event].

KEY TERMS Understanding what Bible prophecy notes will happen in the future begins with an understanding of key biblical terms. These include:

• Armageddon: The word appears only once in the New Testament (Rev. 16:16) and references the location of the last (and decisive) battle before the return of Christ and commencement of His Millennial Reign. This battle will conclude the seven-year Tribulation period. During this battle the armies of the Antichrist and False Prophet will be defeated by Jesus Christ. The Antichrist and False Prophet will be judged and thrown into the pit of fire, and Christ will then usher-in His Millennial Kingdom.
• Millennial Reign: The literal 1000-year period in which Christ will reign on a renewed earth in fulfillment of the Isaiah 9:7 prophecy. His Kingdom and reign will be marked by peace and righteousness. His subjects will include the saints, Tribulation martyrs, and believers who survived the Tribulation period. Please view this linked video teaching for additional information on this subject: https://vimeo.com/260667687
• The Gog-Magog War: In general, this references vast evil armies moving against Israel. The primary biblical reference point for this war is Ezekiel chapters 38-39, however, the terms Gog and Magog are also referenced in Revelation 20.
• Elam: An ancient reference to southwestern Iran (Persia).
• Gog and Magog: In Genesis 10, Gog is mentioned as an individual (a descendant of Noah), and his land is Magog. Gog can also be understood as a title, meaning leader. I.e., Gog is the leader of the inhabitants of Magog.

WHAT IS CLEAR

Though there is debate regarding the interpretation of some prophetic passages, the vast majority of Bible Scholars agree on the basics.

• The Psalm 83 War is NOT the Battle of Armageddon or the Gog-Magog War. The names of the nations or people groups attacking Israel, the scope of the battle, how Israel is victorious in the fight, and the aftermath of the battle are markedly different in the Psalm 83 War than in the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16-19) or the Gog-Magog War (Ezekiel 38-39).
• The Battle of Armageddon is profiled in Revelation 16-19.
• Ezekiel’s eschatological profile of future Israel is chronological. Chapter 36 prophecies promise a renewed Israel, chapter 37 prophecies note a restored Israel, chapter 38-39 prophecies notes an invasion against a restored Israel, and chapter 40 prophecies profile the Millennial Reign of Christ in Israel.
• The Bible notes that there are TWO battles involving Gog and Magog. There is conjecture regarding the timing of the first Gog-Magog conflict, but virtually all conservative scholars agree that this conflict is profiled in Ezekiel 38-39 and will precede the Millennium. The second Gog-Magog conflict will take place at the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ, and is profiled in Revelation 20:1-10.

WHAT IS NOT CLEAR Good Bible scholars are not in agreement on the following points regarding the wars.  

• Whether or not the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War is the same as the Battle of Armageddon profiled in Revelation 16-19. What follows is a comparative analysis of the two conflicts.

WHY SOME BELIEVE THE REVELATION 16-19 BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON AND THE EZEKIEL 38-39 GOG-MAGOG CONFLICT ARE THE SAME WAR.

• In both conflicts, vast armies attack Israel.
• In both conflicts, God intervenes and brings about the victory (which is different from the Psalm 83 War where Israel’s army, blessed by God, secures the victory).
• The depiction of God’s wrath in Ezekiel 38:19-22 resembles happenings associated with the Battle of Armageddon as profiled in Revelation 16. In both passages, God aids Israel by sending an earthquake, pestilence, and fire and hail fall from the sky.
• The Revelation 16-19 Battle of Armageddon directly precedes the Millennial Reign of Christ, which tracks well with the eschatological chronology in Ezekiel: in chapter 36 there is a promise to renew the land of Israel, in chapter 37 Israel is restored as a nation, in chapters 38-39, Israel is attacked but supernaturally protected, and in chapter 40 the Millennial Reign of Christ begins.
• The immediate aftermath of the wars is similar when comparing Ezekiel 39:17-20 with Revelation 19:17-20.
• The terms Gog and Magog are mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and Rev. 20.
• Historically, many have equated the Gog-Magog War with Armageddon.
• The devastating earthquake that flattens every mountain in Ezekiel 38 is very similar to the earthquake prophesied to take place during the Battle of Armageddon (see Revelation 16).

WHY SOME BELIEVE THE REVELATION 16-19 BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON AND THE EZEKIEL 38-39 GOG-MAGOG CONFLICT ARE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT EVENTS

• There seem to be more nations involved in the Battle of Armageddon than in the Gog-Magog conflict.
• In the Gog-Magog War of Ezekiel 38-39, it takes seven months to bury the dead, and Israelis utilize enemy weapons for fuel for seven years. As virtually all place the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Tribulation period (just before the beginning of the Millennial Reign of Christ), there does not seem to be an interpretation allowing for the burying of the dead over a period of months, or for using enemy weapons as fuel for seven years.  
• The purpose of God bringing victory to Israel in the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War is to bring Israel to repentance so that all acknowledge the Lord. The purpose of God moving to bring victory to Israel in the Battle of Armageddon is to deliver believers from the horrors of the reign of the Antichrist.
• In Matthew 24 and in Revelation 12, those who flee the wrath of the Antichrist run to the hills (a move encouraged by Jesus in Mark 13:14). However, the Gog-Magog War takes place in the mountains (which God will flatten via a supernatural earthquake). This seems to place the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War no later than the mid-point of the Tribulation.
• In the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War, the name of the leader of the armies advancing against Israel is Gog—in Hebrew, the numerical value of his name is 12. In the Battle of Armageddon, the leader of the armies advancing against Israel is the Beast—the numerical value of his name is 666.
• In Ezekiel 38-39, the battle takes place in the mountains of Israel. In the Revelation 16-19 Battle of Armageddon, enemy forces are vanquished in a valley (Joel 3:2) and a river of blood runs through Israel (Rev 14:20).
• The Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War occurs when Israel is enjoying peace and safety (“…a nation of unwalled villages…” 38:11). The Revelation 16-19 Battle of Armageddon takes place at the end of the Tribulation. At that time, the Antichrist is oppressing and threatening to destroy Israel, and some Hebrews have fled to the mountains of Petra (Revelation 12:6), at that point in history Israel will not live in peace and safety.
• The stated goal of the Gog-Magog invasion is to “take the spoil,” while the purpose of Armageddon is to destroy Israel once and for all.
• The primary direction of advancing armies in the Gog-Magog War is from the North—in the Battle of Armageddon enemies move against Israel from all directions.
• At the end of the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus Christ stands on the Mount Olivet—there are no references to a divine presence appearing in the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog conflict.

RESPONSES TO ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ABOVE  (see red font):

• There seem to be more nations involved in the Battle of Armageddon than in the Gog-Magog It is possible that Ezekiel 38 presents a partial listing of enemy nations (noting only key players or leaders of the engagement), and that the “every nation of the world” reference associated with the Battle of Armageddon is a general statement meaning many nations are involved in the attack. Neither passage provides conclusive evidence to argue for or against the view that the Gog-Magog War is the same as the Battle of Armageddon.
• In the Gog-Magog War of Ezekiel 38-39, it takes seven months to bury the dead, and Israelis utilize enemy weapons for fuel for seven years. As virtually all place the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Tribulation period (just before the beginning of the Millennial Reign of Christ), there does not seem to be an interpretation allowing for the burying of the dead over a period of months, or for using enemy weapons as fuel for seven years.   In the Gog-Magog War, the dead are buried. In the Battle of Armageddon, the dead are vaporized by the power of God or savaged by birds and wild animals. The differences regarding the dead and the fact that Israel will use weapons of war for fuel for seven years after the Gog-Magog War represents reasonably compelling evidence supporting the view that the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon are two separate conflicts.
• The purpose of God bringing victory to Israel in the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War is to bring Israel to repentance so that all acknowledge the Lord. The purpose of God moving to bring victory to Israel in the Battle of Armageddon is to deliver believers from the horrors of the reign of the Antichrist. Again, these differences represent reasonably compelling evidence supporting the view that the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon are two separate conflicts.
• In Matthew 24 and in Revelation 12, those who flee the wrath of the Antichrist run to the hills (a move encouraged by Jesus in Mark 13:14). However, the Gog-Magog War takes place in the mountains (which God will flatten via a supernatural earthquake). This seems to place the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War no later than the mid-point of the Tribulation. References to the location of the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon are general and do not provide conclusive evidence that these are two different conflicts. Those who argue that Armageddon must take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat must remember that the engagement will involve millions of soldiers, and that soldiers and equipment will likely occupy the entire region. Also, the word Armageddon means the mound (mountain) of Megiddo or “Mountain of Assembly.”
• In the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War, the name of the leader of the armies advancing against Israel is Gog—in Hebrew, the numerical value of his name is 12. In the Battle of Armageddon, the leader of the armies advancing against Israel is the Beast—the numerical value of his name is 666. The difference in how the key leaders are referenced (more than the difference in the numerical value of the names of the leaders) represents reasonably compelling evidence supporting the view that the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon are two separate conflicts.
• In Ezekiel 38-39, the battle takes place in the mountains of Israel—the battle does not seem to impact In the Revelation 16-19 Battle of Armageddon, enemy forces are vanquished in a valley (Joel 3:2), and a river of blood runs through Israel (Rev 14:20). As noted above, references to the location of the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon (and the inclusion of the detail about the ‘river of blood’) do not represent conclusive evidence that these are two different conflicts.
• The Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War occurs when Israel is enjoying peace and safety (“nation of unwalled villages” 38:11). The Revelation 16-19 Battle of Armageddon takes place at the end of the Tribulation, at a time when the Antichrist is oppressing and threatening to destroy Israel (and some Hebrews have fled to the mountains of Petra (Revelation 12:6) for safety. In the Hebrew text, the term “safety” can be understood as confidence. That is, though there is a threat of war (as there is today), Israel can be at peace and feel safe because they are confident in their military’s ability to check any threat against them. This is the primary counter-argument to those who teach that Israel will only live in peace and safety AFTER the Psalm 83 War and expansion of borders or AFTER they enter into a peace compact with the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27). Note: The phrases reference Israel’s sense of security can also be a prideful, mocking, sarcastic assessment of the attacker (meaning, they do not think Israel could withstand their powerful assault).
• The purpose of Gog-Magog invasion is to “take the spoil,” while the purpose of Armageddon is to destroy Israel once and for all. The distinction regarding motive represents compelling evidence supporting the view that the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon are two separate conflicts.
• The primary direction of advancing armies in the Gog-Magog come from the North—in the Battle of Armageddon enemies move against Israel from all corners of the globe. The different notations regarding the direction of the attack do not represent conclusive evidence that the Gog-Magog War and Battle of Armageddon are separate. The reference “from the North” can merely be a reference to the location of the base of the principal leader, the primary (but not sole) direction of the advance, or the direction that armies from the four corners of the earth will gather and begin their advance.
• At the end of the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus Christ stands on Mount Olives, but there are no references to a divine presence appearing in the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog.  Even though Ezekiel was writing before the birth of Christ, the distinction regarding the conclusion of these battles is significant enough to represent compelling evidence supporting the view that the Gog-Magog War and the Battle of Armageddon are two separate conflicts.

More about the term, Armageddon

The term Armageddon is based on the Hebrew phrase Har Megiddo which means, “Mount of Megiddo.” The word “Armageddon” is found only in Revelation 16:16: “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”  The term references the final battle of the Tribulation (Revelation chapters 16-20, Zechariah 14; Joel 3). Throughout history, Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley have been ground zero for battles that determined the course of history. More than 20 major battles have been fought there. The term has become synonymous with the future battle in which the Antichrist will lead the armies of the world in a vain attempt to destroy Jerusalem and the Hebrew people. In this decisive battle Israel will be greatly outnumbered and outgunned, but God will intervene and destroy those aligned with the Antichrist.

The Old Testament prophet Joel described the battle this way: “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel…Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears…Bring down your warriors, O LORD. Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great.” (Joel 3:2, 9–13).

The Antichrist will lead a massive army against Jerusalem. John writes: “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army” (Revelation 19:19. However, John did not only see Israel’s plight, he also saw their redemption. He writes: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war…And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”  Those who return to earth with the Lord are the believers in Christ who died prior His return. They are clothed in white, have glorified bodies, and are ready to share in the final victory and usher-in the Millennial Reign of Christ.

Many refer to the return of Jesus as the second coming or the glorious appearing (Titus 2:13). This is what the Apostle John said would happen:  “They [the world’s armies] will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

Zechariah the prophet wrote: “In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God…and it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12: 8-9).   

Zechariah also foresaw the aftermath of the war: “…the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.” (Zechariah 14:12)

Revelation 19 records the fate of the Antichrist:  “And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh” (Revelation 19:20–21).

When Christ returns, the earth will be cleansed and rejuvenated. The Bible records that the False Prophet and Antichrist are cast into the pit of judgment, unbelievers are removed, topography will change, new founts of pure water will spring forth, a new temple is established, and Jesus will reign in righteousness on the earth for 1000 years in what is termed, the Millennial Reign of Christ.

• Please refer to the article titled, The Millennium” for a profile of what happens during and after this time in history.

REASONABLE CONCLUSIONS

• The Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War is different from the Battle of Armageddon.

• Because the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog War will take place in the mountains (where God’s people will later take refuge), the battle will likely take place before the midpoint of the Tribulation.
• There will be TWO wars associated with the terms Gog and Magog. The first is the war is profiled in Ezekiel 38-39, the second is profiled in Revelation 20 and takes place at the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ.
• Believers should monitor developments in the middle east and based on what is happening, anticipate what prophecies are about to be fulfilled.

The millennium and the millennial reign of Christ

What is the Millennial reign of Christ and who will be in the Millennial Kingdom?   The Millennium and the Millennial Reign of Christ are referenced in Scripture more than 2000 times. Many view Revelation 20 as the principle (if not the sole) reference to the Millennium in the Bible. However, there are more references to the Millennium in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. Scholars note that there are more than 1800 references to the Millennium in the Old Testament and more than 300 in the New Testament. 85% of the books in the New Testament reference the Millennium. The Millennium and Millennial Reign of Christ are subjects that concern the future of the earth and believers in Christ. This article seeks to provide an informative, encouraging biblical overview of this prominent Bible subject.

Familiar references to the Millennial Reign of Christ:

Many familiar Scripture passages reference the Millennial Kingdom. These include:  

• Jesus referenced the Millennium in the Lord’s Prayer when He states: “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
• The prophet Isaiah referenced the Millennium in his Messianic prophecy: “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness.”  (Isaiah 9:6-9)
• In his vision of future kingdoms, the prophet Daniel foresees the Millennial Kingdom and writes: “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2:1-44)

References to the Millennial Kingdom flow through the Old and New Testaments. A sampling of Millennial Kingdom references arranged in categories follows:

WHAT THE MILLENNIUM WILL BE LIKE (according to the premillennial view)

Satan will no longer oppress the earth or God’s beloved

•  “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things, he must be released for a little while.” (Revelation 20:1-3)

The earth will be restored and renewed

•  “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17-25)
•  Jesus will reign as King (Isaiah 2:4; 42:1).
•  The world will be at peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; 32:18).
•  Jesus will serve as King and righteous judge: “He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Micah 4:3)
•  Satan will be bound (Rev. 20:1–3). All inhabitants will freely worship God  (Isaiah 2:2-3)

The earth will be at peace

•  “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, ‘The Lord our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

Believers who survive the tribulation will inhabit the new earth. Joining them will be tribulation period martyrs and believers who are currently in heaven.

•  Jesus will rule in love and with a “rod of iron” (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; 12:5; 19:15). Tribulation period believers will receive special honor (Matthew 25:23; Luke 19:16-19).
•  Surviving believers from the tribulation period will live in renewed mortal bodies during Christ’s earthly reign (Zechariah 14:16-21; Revelation 20:7-10). Longevity will be the norm.
•  Believers who are currently in heaven with Christ will reign with Him in this Kingdom (Daniel 7:18).
• “…For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”            (Revelation 5:9-10)
• These believers will possess the Kingdom. (Daniel 7:18-27)
• These believers will lead with Christ as their King. (Job 36:7)
• These believers will serve as judges, officers, and leaders. (Psalm 149; Isaiah 60:17)
• These believers will teach truth. (Psalm 37:29-31; Jer. 3:15)
• “…They shall be priests of God and Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)

Israel’s borders will expand.  Note:  This could happen as a result of the wars leading up to (or in the early days of) the tribulation.

•  The Land Covenant (Deuteronomy 30:1-10).    

  In the days of Joshua and the kings, Israel did claim some of the lands God promised to Abraham. However, Israel has never possessed all of the lands God promised in Gen. 15 and Num. 34:1-12. Consider these promises:

• On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, God promised: “To your descendants, I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to…the River Euphrates…” (Gen. 15:18-21)
• The prophet Ezekiel reminded Israel: “Thus says the Lord God: These are the borders by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions. You shall inherit it equally with one another; for I raised My hand in an oath to give it to your fathers, and this land shall fall to you as your inheritance. This shall be the border of the land on the north: from the Great Sea, by the road to Hethlon, as one goes to Zedad, Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which is between the borders of Damascus and Hamath), to Hazar Hatticon (which is on the border of Hauran). Thus, the boundary shall be from the Sea to Hazar Enan, the border of Damascus; and as for the north, northward, it is the border of Hamath. This is the north side.” (Ezekiel 47:13-17)
• Through the prophet Ezekiel God further promises: “On the east side you shall mark out the border from between Hauran and Damascus, and between Gilead and the land of Israel, along the Jordan, and along the eastern side of the sea. This is the east side. The south side, toward the South, shall be from Tamar to the waters of Meribah by Kadesh, along the brook to the Great Sea. This is the south side…The west side shall be the Great Sea, from the southern boundary until one comes to a point opposite Hamath. This is the west side. Thus, you shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel.” (Ezekiel 47:18-21)
• Through Moses God promised: “If any of you are driven to the farthest parts…from there the LORD your God will gather you…Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you…” (Deut. 30:4-6)

There will be a new Temple in Jerusalem.

•  “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem  shall…go up from year to year to worship the… LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.” (Zech. 14:16-21)    

Covenants will be fulfilled

•  As noted above (Genesis 15:18-21) God’s covenant regarding the land and future of Israel will be realized during the Millennial reign of Christ.
•  God’s covenant with David centers on how his heir would sit on the throne and rule Israel (2 Sam. 7:16). Jesus is the fulfillment of this covenant (which accounts for the recording of his genealogy via both His step-father (Matthew 1:1–17) and His mother (Luke 3:23–38). The Jews acknowledged the covenant when they laid down palm branches and their cloaks as Jesus rode into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–17). However, they wrongly expected Jesus to be a military and political leader that would liberate Israel from the Romans. They did not understand that 2000 years ago Jesus was preparing to establish a New Covenant, not fulfill the Davidic Covenant. That Covenant will be satisfied during the reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:4,6).    

God’s covenant as profiled through Jeremiah and Ezekiel

• The prophet Jeremiah wrote: “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33)

o   The prophet Ezekiel provides additional details: “You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:28)    

Life on earth will be different.

•  Longevity: “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old…they shall build houses and…plant vineyards and eat their fruit…” (Isaiah 65:20-22)
•  Docile animals: “‘…The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox…They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ Says the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:34-35)
•  Peaceful coexistence: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)
•  No War: “…They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks…nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Mic. 4:3). Isaiah 2:4 is a similar passage. There the prophet notes that not only will there no longer be war, but there will be no weapons, nor will battle strategies be taught.

The geography and geology of the earth will be different

•  “…I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing…the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” (Isaiah 65:17-19)
•  A great earthquake will divide Jerusalem into three parts (Revelation 16:18-19). The earthquake will occur when Jesus touches His foot on the Mount of Olives. Water will flow out from the city after the great earthquake (Zechariah 14:4-8). The new millennial temple will stand over this river (Ezek. 47:1-12).   
•  Jerusalem will be a prominent high point on Earth during the Millennium (Isaiah 2:2). The great earthquake at the Second Coming of Jesus will level mountains and make islands disappear (Revelation 16:20; Isaiah 40:4-5).
•  There will be a new fountain of living water: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1). Zechariah 14:8 notes where the waters will flow: “And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former (eastern) sea, and half of them toward the hinder (western) sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.” The living waters will flow out of Jerusalem in two directions, to the west to the great sea (Mediterranean Sea) and to the east to the Dead Sea (or Salt Sea). Also see Ezekiel 47:1-7.
•  This new fountain will impact the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea has no outlet and is seven times saltier than the oceans. No fish live in the Dead Sea at this time. Ezekiel 47:8-11 notes, however, that the waters of the Dead Sea will be healed:  “Then said he unto me, these waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that…there shall be a very great multitude of fish…”

Worship during the Millennial Reign of Christ:

•  Jerusalem will be a center for worship: “And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship…on them there will be no rain…” (Zechariah 14:16-19)

o  Ezekiel 40-48 notes that God will re-institute temple worship and sacrifices in the Millennium. Many believe the purpose for these sacrifices is to commemorate the sacrificial work of Christ… It will serve as a stark picture and solemn reminder of the penalty Christ paid in dying for our sins on the cross.

• “But in those sacrifices, there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”  (Hebrews 10:3)
• Gentiles will keep the Feast of Tabernacles (which was formerly a feast just for Israel). To do so, individuals will travel to Jerusalem in the fall to “worship the King.”  Ezekiel 43:7 notes: “And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne…[is] where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel…”
• It may be that the Feast of Tabernacles takes on a slightly different meaning during the Millennial Reign of Christ as the focus will no longer be Israel’s rescue from Egypt, but rather, how Christ has saved his children from all over the world. The prophet Jeremiah notes: “Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers” (Jeremiah 16:14-15).

What happens after the Millennial Reign of Christ?

•  War and final judgment: “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:7-10)
•  The great judgment and reward of the saints: “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

Summary:

Knowing the timing and scope of some future events may not be possible, but we can know that in the end good will vanquish evil, and Jesus will reign triumphant. Those who have committed their lives to him will share in his victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Until that time there will be unrest. There will be wars and rumors of wars and “troubles.” Are you ready? Will you commit to being ALL IN for Him (which means you are committed to making serving Him, growing in Him and witnessing for Him the priority of your life)?  God expects believers to be active in well doing (Galatians 6:9). Be encouraged: A great reward awaits those who strive to do the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, and with the right heart.