The Bible Prophecy Channel

Thursday 27 February 2020

Arab-Israeli war

First of all, there are numerous prophecies that speak of an Arab-Israeli conflict in the last days. These seven are remarkably similar: Psa 83; Eze 35; 36; Joel 3; Oba; Zec 14; Zep 2; 3; Amo 1; 2.

Each pictures an Arab attack upon Israel. While it is true that Psa 83 does not actually say that this attack will succeed, all of the other six do say so (consider Eze 35:5,15; 36:2-5; Joe 3:2,3,5-7; Oba 1:10-14; Zec 14:1,2; Zep 1:2,3; and Amo 1:3,6,9,11,13). And thus they supplement Psa 83's lack on this one point.
There is an amazing conformity as to the nations named in each of the seven prophecies: Psa 83 lists the most nations (ten in all: Edom; Moab, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Hagarenes, Ishmaelites, Philistines, Tyre, and Assur -- the number may be significant: cp Gen 15:18-21 and perhaps Dan 7:7 and Rev 12:3; 13:1; etc). But four of those ten (Edom, Moab, Ammon, and the Philistines) figure in almost every other of the seven passages. These names closely correspond to Jordan and the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) -- who have, according to their views, been dispossessed of their territory by an expansionist Israel.
In two of the prophecies (Joel 3 and Zec 14), the phrase "all nations" occurs. This has led many to suppose (mistakenly, we believe) that these passages parallel Ezekiel 38 / 39, and describe a mammoth Russian-led coalition from Europe and Asia and indeed (through perhaps the United Nations) from virtually all nations on the face of the earth. This misapprehension arises, we think, from two causes: (a) failure to appreciate the reasonable limitations, in the Bible, of such all-inclusive language; and (b) failure to consider the context: whereas Joel 3:2 and Zec 14:2 both use "all nations", Joel 3:11 and Zec 14:14 modify that phrase to mean 'all nations round about'. Furthermore, each of Joel 3 and Zec 14 actually name only Arab nations in the Middle Eastern area.
Considering some of the nations involved (see #2 above), it is evident that the Arab nations will fight Israel in order to reclaim their land, which they believe to have been stolen from them. But, even more precisely, Psa 83 and Eze 36 state their objective to be the reclamation of the ancient high, or holy, places (Eze 36:2) -- or the "houses of God" (Psa 83:12). Most likely, this means the ancient Temple mount, where now stands the Moslem Dome of the Rock. It is interesting that, though they are but a small minority in Israel, there are fanatically religious Jews bent on the destruction of the Moslem "abomination" and the subsequent erection of a new Jewish temple on its former site. Will some such act be the spark to set off the final Arab-Israeli conflagration?
Each of these seven passages predicts the manifestation of Divine glory to defeat Israel's conquerors and to reveal the true God of Israel to all men. It may be argued that such prophecies have already been fulfilled in Old Testament times or perhaps in 1948 or 1967. Many Bible prophecies have more than one fulfillment. But surely the language in these passages is intended also to describe, in the final and most perfect fulfillment, the arrival in glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of his Father's glorious millennial (ie 1,000-year) kingdom: "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth" (Psa 83:18). "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake... So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain" (Joel 3:16,17). "But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance... and the kingdom shall be the Lord's" (Oba 1:17,21).
Whereas most of the nations enumerated are the immediate neighbors of Israel, Psa 83:8 seems to present Assur (or Assyria: cp Zep 2:13) in a very important role: "Assur also is joined to them; they have helped the children of Lot [ie Moab and Ammon]." The verse suggests that what had been threatened before (but never achieved) is finally made possible through the invaluable assistance of Assyria. Thus, what Edom and Moab and Ammon have been unable to accomplish -- when helped merely by Syrians and Arabians and Palestinians -- they at last accomplish with the intervention and help of the greater power from the northeast. And this is in keeping with the facts of history also. The early history of the nation of Israel contains several incidents in which David and Jehoshaphat, among other kings, defeated their immediate Arab neighbors and even expanded their territory (2Sa 5; 8; 10; 12; 1Ch 11; 18; 19; 20; 2Ch 20). But, later, when (first) Assyria and (afterward) Babylonia came as northern power leaders of these same Arab nations, then at first two-thirds and finally all of Israel and Judah (including Jerusalem) fell (2Ki 17:1-6; 2Ch 36:11-21; Zec 13:7-9). We suggest that we are in the midst of another fulfillment of this very sequence. It is true that in 1948 and 1956 and 1967 and 1973 Israel has defeated her closest Arab neighbors and has extended her dominion into their lands. And this Israeli supremacy has become so much a part of Christian "legend" and "lore" that many now find it unthinkable that the "clever" Israelis could ever lose to the "bumbling" Arabs. But history -- Divine history -- tells us that, what "Moab" and "Ammon" and "Edom" (Jordan?) and Syria could not do on their own, "Assyria" and "Babylon" (Iraq?) could help them to accomplish!
This defeat of Israel by Moslem/Arab nations is plainly marked out (in 5 of the 7 selected passages) as the very last defeat of Israel before an extraordinary fulfillment of Israel's hope: "Neither will I cause men to hear in thee [ie the mountains of Israel] the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more" (Eze 36:15). "Then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no stranger pass through her any more" (Joel 3:17). "There shall be no more utter destruction" (Zec 14:11).

Significantly, we have not listed the Gogian invasion of Eze 38/39. Why? In ct with these seven prophecies, Eze 38/39 has an almost totally different cast of characters. These are by and large an outer ring of Moslem nations encircling the inner ring listed in Psa 83, etc. Thus Ezekiel's vision should probably be relegated to the time immediately after Christ has defeated the first Arab wave and established his kingdom. (Note the relevance of "dwelling safely" in Eze 38:8,11,14 -- cp with Eze 28:25,26; 34:25,28; Zec 14:11; Jer 23:5,6.)

There are numerous other passages that describe a final Arab-Israeli war resulting in defeat for Israel -- a defeat which will be the very last suffered by Israel before her deliverance by Christ at his return. The constraint of space allows no more than the listing of a few such passages, with brief comments:

Psa 60 (cp with Psa 108:6-13): Moab, Ammon, and Philistia first scatter Israel, and then are trodden down by Divine power.

Isa 13 -- 23: Ten "burdens" upon, among others, Babylon (Iraq?), Philistia, Moab, Damascus (Syria), Egypt (where many Jews have been carried captive -- cp Isa 19:20-25 with Zec 14:2), Dumah (or Edom), Arabia, and Tyre (Lebanon).

Isa 34: Retribution upon an Arab enemy (called "Edom"), because of "the controversy of Zion".

Jer 25: Certain nations are singled out to drink of the cup of the Lord's wrath -- ie Egypt, Philistia (modern Gaza), Edom, Moab and Ammon (Jordan), Tyrus and Zidon (Lebanon), and Arabia along with the king of Babylon. The first fulfillment of this prophecy was God's punishment of those nations that assisted Babylon in the overthrow of Jerusalem. Are we on the verge of a repetition of history?

Jer 44 -- 51: Extended prophecies of judgment upon Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus (Syria), Kedar (Arabia), and of course Babylon (cp Jer 25 above).

Rev: Whatever else Rev might mean (and there are various possibilities, and quite prob more than one fulfillment), it is surely noteworthy -- in light of all the foregoing -- that the Book pictures:

"Figs dropping from a fig tree" (cp Luk 21:29-31) at the end of a series of judgments (Rev 6:13). The fig tree is a common symbol for Israel (Hos 9:10; Luk 13:6-9).
A great "army" of locusts coming out of the Abyss (the Arabian Desert?) (Rev 9:1-11). (Note that, in Heb, "locust" = arbeh, or "Arab"; and see Joel's prophecy of a locust invasion of Israel.)
A great destroying power bound at the Euphrates River -- which flows directly through modern-day Iraq (Rev 9:12-21).
Jerusalem being trodden down by its enemies (Rev 11:1-19). This is equivalent to Luk 21:24 and prob the same as Zec 14:1-3. (Cp the great earthquake of Rev 11:13 with Zec 14:4,5.)
A great Beast (who is a man: Rev 13:18; cp esp Nebuchadnezzar in Dan 4:16,25,32,33!), with ten horns (cp Psa 83:5-8 and Gen 15:18-21), blasphemes God and kills His people (Rev 13:1-18).
Finally, great judgments are poured out upon the river Euphrates (Rev 16:12), and Babylon falls (vv 17-21).
The last chapters picture the final and complete victory of a renewed Jerusalem over her vicious enemy Babylon.

Such details are fascinating, in light of quite current events. They should stimulate us to keep our minds open, in the days ahead, to what may be exciting new insights of Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our lifetime!

Our Interpretation Of Prophecy Does Matter

Our Interpretation Of Prophecy
Does Matter

It may appear that it does not matter how we interpret prophecy, for how can prophetic events affect our way of life and our salvation? If we look carefully into the Bible, however, we find examples indicating that it does matter how we view Bible prophecy.

One clear example is found in Matthew 24 where Jesus warned the Jews about the coming invasion of the Romans into Jerusalem. Jesus said:

"So when you see the desolating sacrilege spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to take his mantle." (Matthew 24:15-18)

To the Jews that were living at that time, this was a very important prophecy because the Roman army later surrounded Jerusalem and the Jews who understood the words of Jesus fled from the city and were saved. Those who did not correctly understand this prophecy stayed in the city to be trapped by the Roman army and die in the siege that followed.

Another clear example is found in the Jews' rejection of Jesus. If the Jewish people had correctly understood the Old Testament prophecies which indicated that their Messiah would have to suffer and even die before he could reign as king, then they would not have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Tragically, most of the Jews did not understand Bible prophecy correctly, since they expected the Messiah to overthrow the Romans in their day and then establish the kingdom in Israel. Their wrong understanding of prophecy caused them to reject Jesus Christ!

Certainly from these two examples we can see how necessary it is for us to have a correct understanding of Bible prophecies. We also live in an age when we are looking for the Messiah to come and establish his kingdom. No one desires to be in the position where he or she might reject Jesus when he comes because of an incorrect understanding of the prophetic events related to his second coming. Yet the framework has already been laid throughout Christianity for most Christians to do exactly that. A sudden and rapid change has recently occurred within most Christian churches that has completely altered their prior understanding of the events at Jesus' second coming. Many of these churches and their leaders have abandoned the original teachings of their founders on this subject and have replaced them with the belief that a satanic man (the future Antichrist) will control the world for 7 years just prior to the return of Jesus. This false teaching is preparing millions of Christians throughout the earth to reject Jesus at his return because they will be convinced, by the things he will do, that he is "the Antichrist" and will oppose him.

Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return THE SMITING AND HEALING OF EGYPT

Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return

THE SMITING AND HEALING OF EGYPT
Previous talks have suggested the following sequence:
• Christ’s return.
• The resurrection and gathering of responsible to Sinai.
• The judging of those brought together.
• The bestowal of rewards or banishment from Christ’s presence.
• The marriage of the Lamb.
• The Call to Israel scattered abroad through Elijah and his associates.
• The disciplining of the Arabs.
Habakkuk 3:7-8 suggests that following the disciplinary action against the Arab nations,
punishment will be administered upon the rivers and sea. These rivers are the Euphrates
and Nile, and in this prophecy represent the Powers of the north and south. The power
of the south points to Egypt, and the context of this chapter suggests that Christ will
move first against Egypt, and then against Russia at Jerusalem (Hab. 3:14).
The future destiny of Egypt is outlined in detail in Psalm 68:30-33 and Isaiah Ch. 19. We
propose an exposition of those passages of Scripture.
PSALM 68:30-33
This is a Messianic Psalm as is shown by Paul's quotation of it (see v.18; Eph. 4:8), and
his application of it to Christ.
VERSE 30
"Rebuke the company of spearmen" - Note margin. The "reeds" refer to the Nile, and
identifies the "beasts of the reads" with Egypt. Moffatt renders: "Check that brute of a
Nile power." The ancient oppressor of Israel will be smitten and healed.
"The multitude of the bulls with the calves of the people" - Moffatt renders: "The bullocks
and steers of pagans." "Bullocks" and "calves" point to animals for sacrifice, and
therefore to the "worship of the people" or of pagans. Thus to false worship. This will be
rebuked by Christ. He will first rebuke the ancient oppressors of his people, and then the
false worship which they introduced.
"Till every one submit with pieces of silver" - A piece of silver was the price of
redemption as under the Law (Exod. 30:11-16), which pointed forward to the work
effected through Christ (1 Pet. 1:18). In the context of the Psalm, the expression refers to
the acceptance of Christ on the part of the people; they are converted to him.
"Scatter thou the people that delight in war" - Pointing to the establishment of universal
peace by Christ (Isa. 2:2-4).
VERSE 31
''Princes shall come out of Egypt" - Egypt's rulers shall ascend to Christ in Jerusalem.
These rulers will constitute the glorified saints (Rev. 5:9-10).
"Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto God" - Ethiopia was a remote country in the
days of the Psalmist, pointing to the most remote parts turning to Christ.
VERSE 32
"Ye kingdoms" - All nations ultimately subdued unto Christ (Isa. 60:12).

ISAIAH CHAPTER 19 •
The Smiting and Healing of Egypt
A remarkable prophecy setting forth in detail the future work of Christ in Egypt. (Note the
expression: "In that day” - Vv.16,18,19 etc.).
INVASION – V.1
In this verse the invasion of Egypt is predicted which will take place "in that day" (v.16),
and then from Vv.2-15, the conditions in the land itself are described such as will exist
before the invasion.
VERSE 1
“The burden" - Heb. "Massa," something that weighs heavy upon an object, and therefore
should be lifted up off it.
"Egypt" - Heb. "Mitzraim." Mitzraim was a son of Ham (Gen. 10:6), showing that Egyptians
are not Arabs. The word signifies "oppressors," and is in the plural because there was an
upper and lower Egypt. The ancient name of Egypt by the inhabitants was Chimi,
signifying "black."
"Yahweh rideth" - He rides as if to war, speaking of His belligerent manifestation in the
saints (Zech. 14:3).
"Swift cloud" - A detachment of the multitudinous Christ (Matt. 24:30; Rev. 1:7;
Matt. 26:64). Clouds are formed by the action of the sun upon the waters of the earth,
and which, separating a minute portion that is drawn into the heavens in the form of a
cloud, returns through the action of lightning to the earth in the form of refreshing rain.
The symbology is maintained throughout Scripture* For the waters, see Isa. 57:20;
Rev. 17:15; for the Sun, see Mal. 4:2; for the falling rain, see Deut. 32:3; Ps. 72:6. For the
general covenant see Gen; 9:11-15.
"Shall be moved" - Heb; "Nuwah," "to waver," and also to be removed; The religious
leaders of Egypt will be in dire fear at the invasion, and their fear" will be well founded,
for they shall ultimately be removed from their positions.
"The heart" - The strength, courage, vigor of the nation.
"Shall melt" - The whole nation shall be in a state of mortal fear at the succession of
events that will" overtake it, and the remarkable invasion on the part of Christ and the
saints, the "swift cloud" of this verse, or the "saviour" of v.20.
EGYPT UNDER GOG - Vv.2-4
These verses describe the state of Egypt brought under the influence of the "cruel lord"
and "fierce king" of v.4, who is identified with the king of the north of Daniel 11:40-45.
There is a foreshadowing of the events suggested in this chapter discernable in Egypt
today.
VERSE 2
"I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians" - This suggests a state of internal strife
and civil war culminating in the subjection of the nation to a foreign invader (v.4). This
internal strife could be produced by the development of an anti-Russian party in Egypt,
leading to the Russian attack of Dan. 11:42-43.
"Kingdom against kingdom" - The Septuagint renders this: "nome against nome." Egypt
was originally divided into 42 nomes or districts.

VERSE 3
"The spirit of Egypt shall fail" - The margin renders this "shall be emptied." Egypt’s spirit
shall be poured out or wasted. It shall be exhausted with contention and in anticipation
of the impending defeat and subjugation. Thus it will fall to Russia (Dan. 11:42).
"Destroy the counsel thereof" - The margin renders this as "swallow up." The counsel of
their wise will be in vain. The verse represents Yahweh as doing this, because it will be
He Who will draw Russia down south (Ezek. 38:4).
"They will seek: to the idols" - The Hebrew word suggests that which is vain or good for
nothing. Egypt will probably seek the help of the Moslem world, but it will be in vain.
"The charmers" - The same expressions are used in Isa. 8:19, and there they occur to
describe the apostate Christian world. Egypt will probably appeal to such but in vain.
VERSE 4
"Give over" - See margin: "Shut up" with the implication "to surrender."
"Cruel" - The Hebrew implies "severe, stern," thus making demands that must be obeyed.
"Lord" - The Hebrew is in the plural: "Adonim" – Lords. The lords in question are the
military leaders of the confederated host of Gog.
"Fierce" - Heb. "az" - strong, harsh, rigorous.
"Saith the Lord" - Heb, "Adon" - Lord, ruler. This ruler will be alone capable of delivering
Egypt.
EGYPT’S ECONOMIC DISTRESS - Vv.5-10
VERSE 5
“Fail” - Heb, "Nashath" - to dry up. Egypt’s commerce shall fail (cp. Dan. 11:45).
"The river" - Local trade.
VERSE 6
“And they shall turn the rivers far away” - Rotherham renders: "And rivers shall stink.”
Heb. Cheyne - stagnate. The normal currents of life shall stagnate. The word "rivers"
refers to the branches of the Nile.
"The brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up" - Rotherham renders: "The canals
of Egypt be shallow and waste." This relates to the artificial canals by which the land is
irrigated. In the national calamity foretold in this prophecy, even the normal requirements
of daily living will be neglected.
VERSE 7
"The paper reeds" - Rotherham renders: "The meadows,"
"Brooks" - Rotherham: "Nile." The Hebrew word signifies "river" and is often used to
identify the Nile and its collat trenches. The meadows depending upon the inundation of
the Nile remain incultivated. As a result there will be famine in Egypt.
"Mouth" - Heb. "Peh." - the mouth as a means of blowing. This relates to the place where
waters of a stream are discharged into another - probably into irrigation canals.
"Wither" - Panic and confusion at the time of this great national crisis shall cause people
to neglect their every-day duties.

VERSE 8

"Brooks" - The word here is in the plural and describes the various streams of the Nile.'
The national calamity will cause men to cease from their labours with the result of
famine conditions.
VERSE 9
"Confounded" - Heb; "Boosh" - to be pale (see Roth.). Fear shall bring to an end all
industry.
"Networks" - See margin: "White works" .i.e. cotton.
VERSE 10
"Purposes" - See marg.: "foundations." The very foundations of the nation shall be
destroyed. The rich or those in authority shall be broken and crushed (Roth.).
"All that make sluices and ponds for fish" – Roth.: "All who make wages be bowed down
in soul." R.V. renders: "All they that work for hire shall be grieved in soul." The laboring
class shall be affected in the general calamity.
Thus:
• V.5 - Commerce shall cease.
• V.6 - Egypt shall be isolated and food shall become scarce.
• V.7 - The fields remain uncultivated.
• V.8 - Fishing ceases, aggravating famine conditions.
• V.9 - Industry closes down.
• V.10 - Rich and poor are involved in the calamity.
EGYPT'S POLITICAL FOLLY -Vv.11-15
(cp. Jer. 32:20; Psa. 68:30).
VERSE 11
"Zoan" - Sig.: "Traveller." This was once a royal residence.
"Brutish" - i.e. irrational. The wisdom of Egypt was once proverbial (1 Kings 4:30;
Acts 7:22), but in opposing Israel, Egypt has been stupid. The brutish (fleshly) person
understands not the Divine purpose (Psa. 92:6; 94:8).
"Ancient kings" - The prophet mocks her ancient power, wisdom and prestige.
VERSE 12
"Purposed upon Egypt" - Cp. Vv.23-25; Ps. 68:30; Hab. Ch.3.
VERSE 13
"Fools" - The word signifies "evil, silly, deluded," from a root "to be perverse," This is
shown in their traditional Anti semitism.
"Noph" - Sign.': "to move." This was the ancient Memphis of the Greeks. It is called
Moph in Hos. 9:6. It was one of the chief cities of ancient Egypt, the royal seat of
Psammetichus.
"They have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof" - Roth.
renders: "They who are the cornerstone of her tribes, have led Egypt astray" i.e. her
rulers.
VERSE 14

"Hath mingled" - Cp: Amos 3:6. How has Yahweh done this? By controlling the
circumstances that produced it - Israel in the land. Intoxicated by envy and hatred, Egypt
has revealed a perverse spirit which has led to her own undoing.
VERSE 15
"Work" - Heb: "Ma'aseh" - an action. Egypt will be completely caught (Dan. 11:43) so that
there will be nothing that one can do to extricate the nation from the problem.
"The head or tail, branch or rush, may do" - This includes all classes of society (cp.
Ch.9:14).
The next section of the prophecy outlines how Yahweh will bring about the
conversion and healing of Egypt.

Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO CHRIST'S RETURN

Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return

Title: EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO CHRIST'S RETURN

The events in sequence from Christ's return are as follows:
1. Christ's personal coming to Sinai.
2. The resurrection of the dead and. the gathering of them with the living to Sinai to
Judgment.
3. The Judgment of the Responsible — Life Eternal to the righteous, rejection and.
death to the rejected.
4. The Marriage of the Lamb to his perfected Bride — fraternisation at Sinai apart
from the world.
5. Meanwhile the world is left to its own resources. Complete and utter spiritual
darkness falls upon it (Isa. 60:1-2).
6. Russia, having occupied Turkey, consolidates its power therein, forging the Gogian
confederation, and setting up the Image of Daniel 2. This results in the "peace and
safety cry" being proclaimed (1 Thess. 5:1-2).
7. The Gogian confederacy then sweeps south in a lightning attack on Egypt, which
will fall to Russia, and will be occupied by Gog.
8. Tidings "out of the east and north" will cause Gog to leave an occupation force in
Egypt, and withdraw his main forces to Jerusalem (Dan. 11:45).
Tidings out Of The East And North
The former comprise the remarkable events taking place in Sinai (east of Egypt), whilst
the latter probably relates to the efforts of the Western Powers to consolidate their
power in Jerusalem to resist the attack of Gog. He understands the nature of the latter
threat, and. ignoring the first (which he does not quite comprehend), sets siege to
Jerusalem. He is here, ultimately, destroyed by Christ and the saints (See Dan. 11:45;
Dan. 8:25).
This Middle East attack by Russia will inaugurate the "time of trouble" for Jewry
(Jer. 30:67; Ezek. 47).
CHRIST'S WORK IN SUBDUING THE NATIONS
(1) - Elijah's work
In conjunction with his associates, he will go forth to the Jews scattered abroad to
proclaim to them that Messiah has returned, and that they should make their way back
to the Promised Land. As this Land will be involved in war, they will resist the Jews
returning thereto, and they will have to fight their way back.
Elijah is sent out BEFORE Armageddon (Mal. 4:5; Zech. 14:1), but the Jews will not return
until AFTER Armageddon, for the land must be cleared to receive them.
(2) -Christ's first work of conquest: Subduing the Arabs
Christ's work of conquest is outlined in Habakkuk 3. Verse 6 shows him surveying the
work of conquest and planning the work before him.
Verse 7 declares: "I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of
Midian did tremble."

These are Arab territories. Midian is well known in that relationship.
What about Cushan?
There was a Cushan associates with the Arabs. Sheba and Dedan were descendants of
both Abraham and Cush, evidently through intermarriage (Gen. 25:3; 1 Chron. 1:9).
Moses' Midianitish wife is called a Cushite in Num.12:1.
There are therefore three areas relating to Gush in the Bible:
a. That in the north associated, with the Gihon (Gen. 2:13);
b. That referred to by Habakkuk 3, and adjacent to ancient Midian - i.e. in the
Arabian Peninsular.
c. Modern Ethiopia referred to in Dan. 11:44; Ezekiel 38.
The Cushan of Habakkuk 3, therefore, relates to the Arabian peninsular.
Why are their tents in affliction, and. the curtains of Midian tremble?
We shall show that it will be due to the conquest of Christ.
But first, let us emphasise that the prophecies relating to Edom should NOT BE
CONFUSED WITH THOSE REIATING TO THE ARABS.
The Edomites were to be completely destroyed; the Arabs are to find an honoured place
in the Kingdom of God.
Abraham's prayer on behalf of Ishmael (Gen. 17:18) will then find its fulfilment
(Gen. 21:13).
Isaiah 60:6-7 predicts that they shall worship at Jerusalem, and shall "shew forth the
praises of Yahweh" (v.6), and their offerings shall "come up with acceptance upon Mine
altar" (v.7).
This is in accordance with Isaiah's prophecy relating to Arabia (see also Psa. 72:9).
ISAIAH'S ARABIAN PROPHECY - CH. 21:13-15
Verse 15
"In the forest" — The Arabian Peninsula is noted for its aridness, its desert, not for its
prolific growth and forests. But the future will see forests instead of desert. Why?
Because of vast changes in the land that will be brought about (it seems) by the
tremendous earthquake that will alter the land when Christ appears at Armageddon
(Zech. 14:5). See Isa.43:20, and note Bro. Thomas’ comments in "Eureka" vol. 3, p.598.
See Isa. 42:11 - "Kedar" is an Arab tribe.
The "inhabitants of the Rock" relate to Petra. The prophecy speaks of vast changes in
the character of the land and people.
"In Arabia" — The R.V. renders this as "at evening" (cp.v.12), and in Jewish reckoning, the
"evening" is the beginning of a new day (Gen. 1:5). If the RV is to be accepted, therefore,
the term could relate to the Millenium (2 Pet. 5:8).
Though Christ will subjugate the Arabs shortly after he emerges from Sinai, the
completion of the work of restoration will not be finalised, and the desert will not have
produced its forests, until the Millenium commences, some 40 years later.
"Shall ye lodge" — Here is a difference in the character of the people. Instead of being
travelling bedouin, or nomads, as today, the Arabs will be induced to occupy settled
abodes in the Arabian peninsula which shall then flourish with growth. They will no longer
occupy the Promised Land, which is to be given exclusively to Israel (Gen.15:18). The fact
that they will "lodge" in that place suggests a settled condition which is a great contrast
to the present nomadic existence of the Arabs.

"Ye travelling companies of Dedanim" — This likens this prophecy with that of Hab. 3:5.
A son of Cush (Gen. 10:7), and a son of Keturah (Gen.25:3) settled in this part, and gave
his name to this country. The description "travelling companies" indicates the bedouin
nomads.
Verse 14
"The inhabitants of the land of Tema" — This is the Teman of Hab.3:3,7, and relates to
the "south", the present land of the Arabs.
"Brought water and bread" — The RV renders: "shall bring" — pointing forward to the
future. This is an act of kindness (Deut. 23:4), contrasting with the present hostile attitude
of Arabs (cp. Gen. 16:12). This change of attitude on the part of the Arabs doubtless
caused by the disciplinary action of Christ (Isa. 42:11; 43:19-20; Hab. 3:7) in subduing
them. Doubtless, the terms of capitulation will be the demand on his part of a change of
heart by the Arabs towards the Jewish people. Thus, to the amazement of the Jews
fleeing from the attack of Gog, they will be met with kindness by the once-hostile Arabs.
Verse 15: "They fled" — This is Israel, fleeing from the attack of Gog, in which two-thirds
are going to be cut off and. die (Zech.13:8).
Following upon this disciplinary action, the Arabs will submit to Christ, will be ultimately
educated, in the Truth, transferred to their fertilised Arabian peninsula and ultimately
ascend to Jerusalem to worship before the King (Zech. 14:16; Isa. 60:6-7).
Thus, the Arabs will be subdued and converted to Christ.

THE MILITARY DEFEAT OF RUSSIA

1. THE MILITARY DEFEAT OF RUSSIA -- In Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 the prophet describes the invasion of Israel by Russia's army. Though Russia is not mentioned specifically, the names given: Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal exactly correspond to the geographical area of Russia at the time Ezekiel wrote.

"Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophecy against him . . .'' (38:2, NASB)

According to the prophecy, Russia will attack the young nation of Israel -

". . . in the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land where people were gathered from many nations upon the mountains of Israel . . . You will advance . . . you will be like a cloud covering the land . . ." (38:8-9)

In the midst of an apparent victory, Russia will meet with sudden destruction. God working and manifested through Jesus and the immortalized saints, will defeat the invading Russian army.

". . . when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, says the Lord God, my wrath will be roused . . . I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain upon him . . . torrential rains and hailstones, fire and brimstone. So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. (38:17-23, see also 39:1-6)

2. A NEW COVENANT TO BE MADE WITH ISRAEL -- Following the destruction of the Russian army, the Jews in Israel will realize that it was Jesus who saved them from certain annihilation and will recognize him for the first time as their Savior (Zechariah 12:10-14). A new covenant will then be made by Jesus with the Jews -

"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah . . .'' (Jeremiah 31:31)

"I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will he their God, and they shall he my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord sanctify, Israel, when my sanctuary is in the midst of them for evermore." (Ezekiel 37:26-28, see also Jeremiah 32:36-41 and Romans 11:25-27)

3. THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE TN JERUSALEM -- In Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48 and again in Zechariah 14:20-21 there is a clear indication that the temple first built by Solomon, rebuilt by Nehemiah and destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans, will be reestablished in Jerusalem. It will be situated on Mt. Zion, and animal sacrifices will again be offered by the people.

"And on that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "Holy to the LORD." And the pots in the house of the LORD shall be as the bowls before the altar; {21} and every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be sacred to the LORD of hosts, so that all who sacrifice may come and take of them and boil the flesh of the sacrifice in them. And there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the LORD of hosts on that day." (Zechariah 14:20-21, see also Isaiah 56:7)

4. JESUS TO REIGN FROM JERUSALEM AS KING OF THE EARTH -- Fulfilling the promise God gave to David 3000 years ago (2 Samuel 7:8-16), Jesus will establish Jerusalem as the capital of his world-wide government and reign on the restored throne of his father David.

"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, {33} and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33, see also Isaiah 9:7)

All nations and people will look to Jerusalem as the source of God's teachings and will visit the city to learn of His ways. If any of the people refuse to go up to Jerusalem, punishment will be brought upon them.

"It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, {3} and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:2-3, see also Jeremiah 3:17 and Zechariah 14:16-19)

5. PEACE WILL BE RESTORED ON THE EARTH -- Once Jesus has established himself as King over the earth he will bring about a time of peace throughout the world, between all countries.

"He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and 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." (Isaiah 2:4, see also isaiah 9:6 and Zechariah 9:9-10)

Sunday 8 December 2019

Gnostic Doctrine: The Gnostic Prophecies

Gnostic Doctrine: The Gnostic Prophecies: Gnostic Prophecy Esoteric Knowledge of the End Times or Gnostic Eschatology Many people think that Gnosticism is beyond prophe...

Tuesday 27 August 2019

The
Prophecy of
OBADIAH
Compiled by
BRO. M. D. STEWART
For Bible Marking and Class Study
Acknowledgements
• LOGOS PUBLICATIONS
• BRO. H. P. MANSFIELD
• COMPANION BIBLE
Detroit Christadelphian Ecclesial Library • 14651 Auburndale, Livonia, Michigan, 48154
OBADIAH
The Structure and Contents of the Prophecy
...Time
Probably just prior to the Babylonian captivity.
Approximately 600 years B.C.
...Author
Obadiah - His name means, servant or worshipper of
Yahweh. As such he becomes a very fitting type of Christ.
Very little Is known of his origin or life apart from the
fact that he belonged to the kingdom of Judah.
...Subject matter
Prophecy relates to the punishment of Edom for its cruel
and unbrotherly conduct towards Judah. It also types the
soon coming universal judgments on the Gentiles as Yahweh
is revealed in power and great glory; fulfilling his
eternal purpose of Numbers 14:21; Daniel 2:44. This time
will also find Israel secure in the promised land,
possessors of the first dominion which will have come to
the daughter of Jerusalem. Micah 4:8; Zech. 8:23; Matt.
19:28.
Divis
A.
B.
ions
VV.
VV.
VV
VV
VV
VV
VV
VV
VV
1 - 16
17 - 21
. 1 - 2
. 3 - 4
. 5 - 6
. 7 - 9
.10 -14
.15 -16
.17 -21
Edom - Destruction
Israel - Restoration
Yahweh's Purpose
Deceived by Self
Devastation
Deceived by Others
Immediate Cause - Edom1
Extermination
Israel's Restoration
s sin
Note this Great Truth:
No one can curse Israel with impunity, Gen. 12:3
No one can harm the city of Jerusalem without paying
the supreme penalty, Zech. 12:2,3-
-1-
PROPHECY OF OBADIAH
___________________________
Verse by Verse
Verse 1 The vision - The prophecy is something Obadiah literally saw. Originally
prophets were called seers, 1 Sam. 9:9. Obadiah is now commissioned to
speak what he saw. This is the Word of God. 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16
Lord God - Adonai Yahweh = He who will be lords or rulers.
Concerning Edom - The Edomites descended from Esau (Gen. 3&:1»8-9)» and
were therefore Israel's brethren as they were both the sons of Isaac.
They have always been bitter enemies, Amos 1:11. They type those nations
fitted for destruction.
Rumour - Report or tidings
Ambassador - Yahweh's ambassador who in this instant was Nebuchadnezzar,
king of Babylon, Jer. 25:9-11 - servant of Yahweh. Ezek. 30:24 - sword
of Yahweh.
The heathen - Nations
Verse 2 Small among the heathen - When God's power is contrasted with that of flesh
they will see how futile is man (compare Jer. 49:14-16).
Verse 3 Thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock - Edom or Idumea was rocky
mountainous country and many of its inhabitants dwelt in caves and holes
dug out of the rocks in the hills. The city of Petra was in Edom. This
area was considered by the inhabitants to be virtually inaccessible to
invading armies and this added much to Edom's pride of heart.
Verse 4 Exalt thyself as the eagle - Yahweh answers their boasting and compares
them to the eagle which makes its nest in Inaccessible rocks impervious
to attack.
Among the stars - This refers to the confidence they placed in the ruling
powers of Babylon, Isa. 14:12-13. Cp. future, Matt. 24:29
Verse 5 Thieves. . . grapegatherers - Thieves would steal only sufficient for
their purpose and would leave something. Grapegatherers would leave some
grapes for the gleaners but Edom was to be left bare, absolute annihilation.
Verse 6 Searched out - Rendered by Ginsburg "stripped bare."
Hidden things- R.S.V. translates this "treasure" I.E. Edom was to be
stripped bare and completely robbed of all its treasures. This was to be
Yahweh's punishment.
Verse 7 Al1 the men of thy confederacy - Edom had allied herself with Babylon but
her confidence in this nation was short lived. It satisfies the principles
of justice, that the very nation which the Edomites had urged on to destroy
Jerusalem should in turn be used by Yahweh to punish Edom.
Verse 8 Mount of Esau - Literally, Mt. Seir. Seir and Esau have same meaning -
"Hairy or rough." It is a very fitting application to Edom as a nation.
Contrast the mountains of Dan. 2:35; isa. 2:2.
Verse 9 Teman - The southern district of Idumea, Hab. 3:3
-2-
Verse 10
Cut off by slaughter - Edom's punishment commenced with Nebuchadnezzar, but
was finally wiped out by the Romans in A.D. 70.
Violence against thy brother Jacob - The prophecy of Obadlah depicts the
final outcome of the age-old controversy between the sons of Isaac.
Edom's name is the first mentioned because of Esau's desire for that red
thing (red pottage A.V.). His name was changed from Esau (hairy and
rough) to Edom (red). This is an important principle for the word
translated red is ADOM.
Hebrew
Adorn
Adom
Edom
Dam
A.V. Trans.
Man
Adam
Red
Blood
Meani ng
Red
Red
Red
Red
Esau sinned, here he was called Edom because he demonstrated his nature
of Adam and as such his final punishment will be completed by the sacrifice
of his typical descendents (Gog, Russia) by the shedding of blood (DAM).
Cp. Ezek. 39; Isa. 63:1-3; Isa. 34:5-8; Ezek. 35:1-6. Note the important
reference to blood (DAM) in these last three verses.
Cut off for ever - Contrary to some present day commentators this verse
clearly indicates that Edom has been obliterated forever.
Verse 11 Thou wast as one of them - When Babylon marched against Jerusalem and the
city was breached, Edom also attacked as an enemy and a stranger. In
this, Edom had rejected the ties of brotherhood with Jacob and
therefore had no claim upon Yahweh"s mercy.
Verse 12 Neither shouidest thou have rejoiced - When Jacob was taken captive Into
foreign lands and as a stranger entered strange lands, Edom rejoiced,
opening their mouth loudly and tumultuously against God's people. Now
Yahweh would mock at Edom.
Verse 13 Thou shouldest not - As Edom helped to desecrate the holy things of Yahweh,
so Yahweh would bring calamity upon Edom.
Verse 14 To cut off those of his that did escape - Edom helped to hunt the afflicted
by cutting off those who fled from the face of the invader.
VERSES 15 - 21 - PROPHECY AGAINST LATTER DAY EDOM (the sin power of the
Gentiles), illustrating the sacrificial punishment of the Gentiles at the
triumph of Zion.
Verse 15 The day of the Lion - The day of triumph for the conquering lion of the
tribe of Judah. Compare Joel 3:14; Mai. 4:5; Zech. 14:1.
Al 1 the heathen - Heathen = nations. The prophecy is now enlarged and Edom
is now presented as a type of the Gentile nations. (Cp. Amos 9:11-12;
Acts 15:15-17) In Acts 15:15-17 James substitutes "Gentiles" for Edom.
Verse 16 All the heathen drink - Cp. Isa. 63:1-6 which contains a similar prophecy.
Isaiah saw the victor of Edom from Bozrah, helping Israel, with his
garments dyed red (Adom) with his blood (Dam) of the slain.
Verse 17 Upon mount Zion shall be deliverance - From a scene of destruction and
punishment, Obadiah turns to a vision of glorious deliverance. This is
the burden of all the prophets of Israel, Joel 2:32; Isa. 46:13; Isa. 2:
2-4. This should be our burden also.
Verse 18 And the house of Jacob - The restored and glorified nation of Judah
constituting the nucleus of God's kingdom.
-3-
And the house of Joseph a flame - Exek. 37:16-19 shows Ephraim's house of
Joseph. Zech. 9:13 shows the work of Ephraim as Yahweh's arrow and
Judah his bow, referring to the regathering of Israel as they fight
their way back to their land through the Gentile countries.
The house of Esau for stubble - Obadiah sees the Gentile nations under the
title "house of Esau," as the combustible material which will be burnt by
the flame of Ephraim which constitutes the fire in the "house of Jacob."
Not be any remaining - Utter destruction. Cp. Dan. 2:35,44
The Lord hath spoken it - The voice of authority - the divine seal -
absolute certainty.
Verse 19 They of the south - The redeemed host, the cherubim of God. Christ and
his brethren in militant manifestation proceeding out of Sinai: Hab. 3:3>
Psa. 68:17-18; Deut. 33:1-2; Song of Solomon 3:6.
Shall possess the mount of Esau - Esau or Edom lay to the south east of
Palestine. Philistia was to the south west. Ephraim and Samaria were
to the north. Gilead was to the east.
Verse 20 Shall possess that of the Canaanites - Cp. Gen. 12:6; 13:7 with Zech. 14:21.
The word Canaanite comes from a root Kana, signifying "to bend the knee,"
hence to pretend humility and thus a trader, it is thus rendered in the
R.S.V. in Zech 14:21. Canaanites were a people cursed of God, Gen. 9:25*
They are a fitting type of the spiritual traders - the ecclesiastical
merchants of the world, Rev. 18:11. These will be destroyed and Israel
shall become the head and not the tail, Deut. 28:13; Zech. 8:23. Thus
Israel pushes in every direction, demanding a place to dwell.
All of these territories were then in the hands of enemies, so we see
again God's promise of the ultimate triumph of Israel.
Verse 21 Saviours - These immortal saviours with the Lord Jesus Christ at their
head will discipline and educate the Jews, thus turning ungodliness from
Jacob, Rom. 11:25,26.
CONTRASTS REVEALED IN THIS PROPHECY
Esau Jacob
Edom Israel
Arid Wei 1 watered
Barren Productive
Repu 1 s i ve P1 eas i ng to the eye
Red L i mes tone Wh i te sands tone
Gog of the land of Magog The -herubim of glory

A Warning to Protestants

In the final vision of the apostate Church in Revelation 17, John was shown not only one harlot church, but an entire family, as is depicted in the phrase "Mother of Harlots'' (v.5). This infers that there would be other churches besides the Catholic Mother which would go astray from God. We find the fulfillment of this prophecy in the general movement among Protestant Churches today to turn back to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

During the 16th century, the Protestants broke away from the Catholic Church over disagreements on specific doctrines. Protestant leaders at that time, such as William Tyndale, John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, and many others, recognized the true identity of the harlot church as revealed in Revelation. They publicly denounced the Papal system which often resulted in the persecution, torture, and even death of these Protestants. Since the Catholic Church was so openly exposed it needed a new interpretation of Revelation which would apply the symbols to someone else, and thereby take the heat off the Papal system.

The first one to come up with the solution was Ribera, a Spanish Jesuit Priest, who published his Apocalyptic Commentary in 1585 AD. Ribera solved the problem by applying the majority of Revelation to a seven year period in the future, just before the second advent of Jesus Christ, during which a "future Antichrist' would rule for 3-1/2 years.¹ This interpretation purposely left the Papal Church out of the picture and allowed Protestants to once again look favorably upon the Catholic system.

At first, the Protestants recognized the error of Ribera's interpretation, but gradually through the years this GREAT DELUSION of a "future Antichrist'' begun by Ribera has swept through many Churches. Today we find that Protestants have blindly accepted this "future Antichrist" lie without realizing the background of its origin. They no longer know the true identity of the harlot system, but have drastically changed their beliefs so that they are moving back toward the teachings of the Catholic Church which they originally denounced, and are seeking to become associated again with their Mother. Thus the final state of Christianity before the second coming of Jesus Christ is symbolized as a family of harlots who have gone astray from God and his word.

Revelation 17 - The Harlot on a Beast

Another Look at Revelation 13

Once we know the identity of the apostate system, we can go back and take another look at Revelation 13 with more understanding. The beast of the sea represents a later development of the Roman Empire after the Dragon of chapter 12. At the end of the fifth century the western section of the Roman Empire began breaking up and was divided into 10 barbaric nations (the 10 horns of v. 1). The seven heads (v.l) represent seven forms of government1 which ruled the empire throughout its existence. The sixth form of government (the sixth head), which was Roman Imperialism, was wounded (v.3) when the Gothic people captured and ruled the empire from about 490-530 AD. This ''mortal wound'' was healed when the Goths were overthrown and a Roman Emperor again took the throne. At that time, the military power of the empire (the dragon), which was centered in Constantinople, gave its authority (v.4) to the new Roman Emperor.

The comparison of parts of this beast to a leopard, bear and lion (v.2) indicate that the influences of these previous human empires would be found in this Roman dominion and that it would encompass the geographical areas of the former empires. The mouth which was given to the beast (v.5) represents the Papacy (the line of Popes) which did the official speaking for the empire. By command of the Papacy, the Catholic Church persecuted everyone who would not join, especially those who protested against its false teachings. The Papacy had this authority over the Roman world for 42 months, which is the same period as 1260 days. Using the principle that one day represents one year, the 1260 days equal 1260 years, beginning about 606 AD when the Papacy first received world political power, until 1866 when it lost that power.

The Beast of the Earth

Some time about 800 AD, the Roman world underwent a major change when the Holy Roman Empire was formed, and this is depicted in symbol as the beast of the earth (Revelation 13:11).

The Holy Roman Empire had two rulers (the two horns), the emperor who ruled the government, and the Pope who ruled the Church. At first they shared the power, but eventually the Papacy took over the political power and the emperor was reduced to a puppet. This take over by the Papacy is represented as "the image of the beast" of the sea because, in effect, the Pope revived the old Roman Imperialism with himself as the emperor. For many years the Pope had control over those who could buy and sell, and he sought the death of anyone who would not worship him. The priests of the Church marked all its members with a cross (the mark of the beast) on their foreheads, and the priests themselves are marked with a cross on their right hands when they are ordained.

The number 666 corresponds to the numerical value of the Greek word "lateinos" which means "the Latin (man)".1 This is the word referred to because Latin not only related to the Roman Empire, but has specific reference to the Roman Catholic Church itself. Latin was the common language of the Roman Empire and was later adopted by the Church as its official language for hundreds of years. Therefore, "lateinos" was an appropriate word to describe the Empire in general, and more especially the Roman Catholic Church itself.

Revelation 17 - The Harlot on a Beast

When we come to Revelation 17, we find a later development in the Roman world and the apostate Church. The Catholic Church is represented as a harlot sitting upon a beast which has seven heads and ten horns (vs.l-3). The fulfillment of this prophecy is to be found in our own day, when the territory of the Roman Empire (the beast) is dominated by the Catholic Church (the mother harlot). The false Church is clothed in purple and scarlet, and decorated with all gold jewels and pearls (v.4) showing an outward form of godliness, but missing the "hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious'' (1 Peter 3:4). The woman's title of "Babylon the great" (v.5) further identifies her, because in verse 18 John was told at the time he was given the Revelation, "the woman that you saw is the great city which has dominion over the kings of the earth.'' At that time there was only one city that had "dominion over the kings of the earth", and that city was ROME, which soon became the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Identity of the Apostasy

When we look through the pages of history we find that no religious system fits this description except the Roman Catholic Church with its leader, the Pope. Consider the following evidence:

The Church rose out of the Roman Empire in 320 AD when the Roman Emperor Constantine became converted to Catholicism and with him, the majority of the Roman world.
The Church gained support and rose to be a great world power for 1260 years with its Pope ruling like an emperor, during the years 606-1866 AD.¹
The leaders of the Church (the Popes) have taken their seat in what they call the "temple of God" (actually St. Peter's in Rome), and proclaimed themselves to be God on earth. The very title "Pope" comes from the Latin word "papa" which means "father"², and Jesus warned us to "call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven." (Matthew 23:9). Thus the Popes and priests have taken upon themselves a title which only God deserves.
The Popes have not only blasphemed God by allowing themselves to be called "Pope", but have also allowed and encouraged such titles as "our Lord God the Pope"³, "the Holy Father"⁴, and the "Vicar of Christ"⁵ to be used of themselves. The Roman Catholic Priests are also blasphemers of God in that the very name which they like to be called (''Father'') is specifically forbidden by Jesus Christ to be used of any man on earth because God is our Father (Matthew 23:9). Furthermore, according to a decree from the Council of Trent, priests are to be "called not only angels, but also God"⁶, which blasphemes the God of heaven all the more!
The Church has believed and taught for centuries the incarnation of Christ, and that the Son of God had a pre-existence as a spirit. These two doctrines of the Church separate Christ from his body of flesh and their end result is that the Son of God did not come "in the flesh."
For centuries the Church persecuted, tormented and even killed thousands of the people who would not join. There were times when it tortured and slaughtered anyone found reading the Bible. When men began translating the Bible into the common language of the people, the Church called them heretics and sought to burn or drown them. The pages of history are full of examples of men and women who were persecuted, tortured and even killed by the Church as it made "war on the saints and conquered them."⁷
The Church and its leaders remain to be overthrown by Jesus when he returns. Since Jesus has not returned yet, we cannot look to history for the fulfillment of this event. But we know from the Word of God that the false religious system must be destroyed so that Jesus can replace it with his own system and establish the Kingdom of God.

For a more detailed account of how closely the Roman Catholic Church fits the characteristics in Scripture of the great apostate Church, the reader is encouraged to look into some of the many books available on the history of the papal Church.⁸

BACK

Footnotes:
1. Robert Fleming, The Rise and Fall of Rome Papal, (London: Houlston & Stoneman. Paternoster Row, 1849), pp. 45-46. (First edition printed in 1701 ) . Grattan Guiness, Light For the Last Days, (London: Morgan & Scott, 1918), pp. 207-208. E.B. Elliott, Horae Apocalypticae, (London: Seeley's, 1851), Vol. IV., pp. 276-280.
2. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, (William Benton, 1971), Vol. II, p. 1765.
3. Canon Law, Extravagans, quoted in F. Walker et all., Watchman! What of the Night?, (Bristol: F. Walker, The Dawn, 1942), p. 51
4. Henry Halley, Bible Handbook, (Chicago, 1956), p. 880.
5. Loraine Boettner, Roman Catholicism, (Philadelphia, The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1962), p. 127.
6. Ibid., p. 51.
7. The Rise and Fall of Rome Papal, p. 34. Cardinal Lepicier, The Stability and Progress of Dogma, (1910), p. 202. Bible Handbook, p. 898. Charles Gulston, No Greater Heritage, (London: The Paternoster Press, 1960), p. 210.

8. Robert Fleming, The Rise and Fall of Papal Rome. Henry Halley, Bible Handbook. G.H. Pember, Mystery Babylon the Great, (London: 1941). Leopold Ranke, The History of the Popes, (London: 1853). James Begg, The Whole Evidence Against the Claims of the Roman Church, (London; 1855). Joseph Priestly, A History of the Corruptions of Christianity, (London, 1871). John Bain, The Developments of Roman Catholicism, (London). Albert Close. The Divine Programme of the World's History, (London: The Protestant Truth Society, 1916).

1 & 2 John - The Word "Antichrist" in Scripture

The only actual occurrences of the word "antichrist" in the Bible are found in John's letters.

"By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, {3} and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already." (1 John 4:2-3)

"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist." (2 John 1:7)

According to the inspired words of John, everyone who does not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came "in the flesh" is a member of antichrist! John wrote these words because there were people in his day claiming that Jesus was a spirit who only used a body for 33 years and then discarded the body when he died¹. Tragically, there are still people today who believe and teach that Jesus was a pre-existing spirit who took on a body for his life on earth and then left the body when it was killed. The apostle John says that this is antichrist teaching because it separates Jesus from his body and teaches that Jesus did not really come "in the flesh'', since according to these people, he could exist without the body.

The truth of the matter is that Jesus was born of a human mother, with God as his father (Luke 1:34,35; 2 John 3). Because his mother was human, Jesus inherited a nature like ours which can be tempted to sin (Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15), and like everyone since the days of Adam he inherited mortality (Romans 5:12-14). The body of Jesus was exactly like ours and he could no more leave his body than we can leave our own. When the body of Jesus died, Jesus himself died and remained dead for three days (Acts 2:23-32; Matthew 16:21). After that, Jesus (including his body) was resurrected and his body was changed to flesh and spirit instead of flesh and blood (Luke 24:36-43; Acts 2:24,32). Jesus himself said after his resurrection:

"See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." (Luke 24:39)

In this way, the Bible explains to us that Jesus Christ did actually come "in the flesh". God warns us in his Word that to separate Jesus from his flesh is deadly wrong, for this is the teaching of antichrist.

Notice how the Bible uses "antichrist" to describe anyone who does not teach that Jesus Christ really came "in the flesh''. There actually is no such thing in the Bible as one "future Antichrist", because antichrists were already in existence during John's day and many more arose during the following centuries. Antichrists are also in existence NOW since there are many false prophets today who do not teach that Jesus Christ came "in the flesh". Therefore, it is completely unbiblical to speak of one "future Antichrist" and this alone should teach us to beware of the "future Antichrist" theory.

2 Thessalonians 2 - The Man of Sin

In 2 Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul warned all believers that Jesus would not return and the saints would not be gathered to meet Christ until an apostasy developed which would oppose God.¹

Paul refers to this apostasy as "the man of sin" and "the son of perdition" (v.3). who would take God's position by sitting in the temple of God and proclaiming himself to be God (v.4) ! This "mystery of iniquity" was already at work in Paul's day (v.7), but it would not be revealed until a later time. When Jesus returns he is to slay and destroy the apostasy so that the Kingdom of God can be established (v.8).

Notice how Paul's description of "the man of sin" related to certain characteristics of the beast in Daniel and Revelation. All three accounts speak of a power which would arise, related to the Roman Empire, that would oppose God and the true believers. This power would continue to exist until Jesus returns to destroy it for ever.

Footnote:

1. According to the word of God the apostasy would develop and the "man of sin" be revealed before the coming of Christ to gather his saints. Paul writes "concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him'' (2 Thessalonians 2:1), and then goes on to warn us, "Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day (the day of the coming of Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him) will not come unless the rebellion (apostasy) comes first, and the man of sin is revealed" (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Most people today who believe in a "future Antichrist" turn this order around so that they expect the "man of sin" (who they call the "future Antichrist") to be revealed after the coming of Christ. Once again the "future Antichrist" concept leads to a wrong understanding of Biblical passages which in the end will cause Christians to reject the Lord Jesus Christ when he returns.

Revelation 13 - Prophecy of Four Beasts

Revelation 13 then goes on to describe a later development in the Roman Empire. A beast arises out of the sea, once again with seven heads and ten horns (v.l), which relates this beast to Daniel's fourth beast and the dragon in Revelation 12. This beast is "like a leopard, its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth" (v.2). It appears to have a mortal head wound (v.3), but the wound is healed and the dragon gives his authority to the beast (v.4). A mouth is given to the beast (v.5) and it has power to persecute the saints and to blaspheme God for 42 months (vs.5-7).

In the description of this beast we find the prediction of a power to arise that would rule the world and persecute the true believers for 42 months or 1260 days, which again represents 1260 years. This power would speak haughty and blasphemous words against God and his dwelling, and carry out wars against God's saints to conquer them. Since this beast also has seven heads and ten horns (v.l), it must be related to the fourth beast in Daniel 7 and the dragon of Revelation 12, which both refer to the Roman Empire.

Revelation 12 - The Dragon

The Seven Headed Dragon of Revelation 12

Keeping in mind God's revelation through Daniel, we now turn to the Revelation of Jesus Christ. At some point around 96 AD, while John was on the Island of Patmos, he received the Revelation from an angel of God. In the first two verses of chapter one, we are told that it was given to show things that "must soon take place." In other words, the Revelation was given to predict events that would begin occurring about the time John copied it down (96 AD) Furthermore, he was also shown other major events that would occur throughout history from that time until the second coming of Jesus Christ and the setting up of the Kingdom of God. The very first description in Revelation 12 of a woman in heaven, clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and crown of 12 stars on her head indicates to us that events in this and other chapters cannot be taken literally. Back in the first verse of chapter one we are clearly told that the Revelation was "signified", which means it was given in signs or symbols. Therefore we should expect to find many symbols used throughout the Revelation and we must carefully look into their meaning.

Women in the Bible are sometimes used to represent religious systems (see 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23; Isaiah 47:7-9; Ezekiel 16). Therefore, the "woman" in Revelation 12:1 can be taken to symbolize the Christian religious system after the time of John. The "male child'' of verse 5 then, would be a great Christian leader brought forth to rule the world. If we look back in history to 320 AD, we find the great historical event described in Revelation 12. The Roman Empire at this time was ruled and dominated by pagans. A great leader arose named Constantine, who was converted to Christianity. His goal was to conquer the Roman Empire and he determined to make it Christian. However, the pagan military power of the empire strongly resisted him as depicted in symbols by "the Dragon and his angels" (the pagans) fighting against "Michael and his angels" (the Christians). Eventually Constantine, in the name of Christ, defeated the pagans and the entire Roman Empire almost overnight was converted to Christianity.