Crisis In Israel

Can the current Middle East situation be viewed as a dress rehearsal for the final battle of Armageddon, and how might the coming Antichrist exploit it for his own wicked agenda?

Many students of Bible prophecy see those Middle East events in the future transpiring as follows:

Jesus Christ returns and removes all His followers from the earth (1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-53)

The situation reaches a boiling point, resulting in Israel’s very existence to be in question. Note the O.T. prophet Zechariah’s words along this line:

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about . . . in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people . . . the people of the earth (shall) be gathered together against it. (Zech. 12:2, 3)

Suddenly when all hope for the Jewish people seems to be gone, a powerful Western leader (the Antichrist) suddenly steps in and, to astonishment of the world and to the relief of Israel, signs a seven-year peace treaty with that nation!

Some believe he will not only guarantee Israel’s security, but help finance their centuries’ old desire to rebuild their temple. Sadly, Israel will swallow this poison bait hook, line, and sinker. But after 3 ½ years he will break the treaty and attempt to destroy all Jews worldwide.

Finally, Jesus returns—this time to planet Earth—defeats His foes at Armageddon and institutes a one-thousand year reign of peace called the Millennium!

In light of all this, what should be the response of all followers of Christ? Simon Peter provides the answer: Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:14).