November 30, 2010
I've been putting off writing what I feel may happen in the Next 24 months, but I feel it is time to put into perspective what has been happening in current events. I will also be doing a little speculating.
First of all, let's take a look at what has happened during this final generation that the Bible foretells.
Prophecy number 1: After 2,000 years of exile Israel has returned to its homeland which was predicted in Matthew 24:32-24. That's already happened.
Prophecy number 2: In the last days, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Russia and a few other Middle East countries will team up on tiny Israel (Ezekiel 38 & 39). Many of these countries are already allied together.
Prophecy number 3: The Bible predicted in the last days the world would be heading toward a one world government (Revelation 13:2-8). As countries continue to align and cooperate the next step will be world unification.
Prophecy number 4: The Arab peoples will claim the land of Israel which God gave to their brothers, the Jews. The prophet Ezekiel says this claim will be made in the end times (Ezekiel 35:5,10; 36:2,5). That has happened.
Prophecy number 5: The Bible predicted in the last days that a nation from the East would march across the Euphrates River with a standing army of two hundred million soldiers (Revelation 9:13-19). This could only happen in our generation. The only country that can raise a standing army of that magnitude is China.
These are just a few of the many Bible prophecies slated to take place in the last generation. I am convinced that we are living in that final generation.
I believe the groundwork for the eventual peace agreement with Israel is already on the table as the Bible states and is waiting to be confirmed by the antichrist (Daniel 9:24-27). As they continue to fight over details of the plan one day the antichrist will sort it out in a way that both sides will agree.
But before that, I believe the rapture will take place. I also believe that there will be a period of time that will fall between the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation period.
Remember, the tribulation period probably will not immediately begin after the rapture occurs. I am of the belief that there will be a falling away from the faith before the antichrist comes on the scene. Many believe that this falling away (II Thessalonians 2:3) will happen in the last days before the rapture occurs. I personally hold to the view that once the rapture occurs, the Holy Spirit will be taken as well since He resides in the hearts of believers.
During the time He is gone from the earth Satan will be given full reign. He will be unfettered and will choose the man who will be his antichrist (chosen as Judas was). Satan will cause the Antichrist to rise quickly through the political ranks and eventually sign a peace/protection agreement with Israel.
Here are some of the conditions I believe will be a part of the agreement. Israel will give back some if not all of the disputed land the Arabs lost during the 1967 war. Palestine will be granted statehood. Jerusalem will be split down the middle with the eastside becoming the Palestinian capital and the west side becoming the Israeli capital. Both Israel and Palestine will gain world recognition and be invited into the international community warmly.
What's Next?
At this time, I believe we are coming to the end of the dispute over the peace plan, but negotiations will stumble in the dark until the Antichrist comes on the scene and solves the problem. I don't believe that Christians will be here to see the signing (raptured) and it's anyone's guess to how long it will be before the antichrist comes to the forefront. When he does sign the peace agreement that will mark the beginning of the tribulation period. But until that time comes you can bet the region will be a hotbed of violence and homicide bombings.
The falling away will start the minute Christians are gone, which will give birth to the apostate church and thrust it into the world spotlight. The false prophet will head this church up. At the same time, Satan will empower the antichrist and his meteoric rise to power will begin. The antichrist and the false prophet will make up two of the three parts in Satan's godhead.
Even though Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet will be unrestrained they will be working within God's timetable. It should also be mentioned that the rise of the Antichrist will go hand in hand with the rise of the false prophet and the apostate church. This world church will prove to be a very important part of the Antichrist's kingdom.
In closing, we as Christians know that the rapture could happen at any moment. No further prophecy's need to be fulfilled. When that event takes place it's only a matter of time before the Antichrist comes into the picture plunging the world into a period of tribulation unlike the world has never seen. The world will change dramatically when that happens.
Although the Holy Spirit will be working on a limited basis after the rapture (Bible), He will indwell the 144,000 witnesses at the beginning of the tribulation period. He will do His working through them just as He did through the early church. Needless to say, many people will be saved during the time (Revelation 6:9-11).
Here is a short video that gives you a likely scenario of what could happen following this peace signing (12 Events That Will Immediately Take Place Following The Rapture).
Also see my tribulation period survival guide
Also see A Biblical Perspective And Survival Tips On How To Survive The Tribulation Period
I hope this has shed a little light on these end times and the days that lie ahead.
Terry Malone
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