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May 26, 2003
Analysis: Israel weighing EU membership
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030521-112245-2333r
You have to read the above article. Again, it was sent to me by one of my readers. The writer of the article is a UPI writer by the name of Martin Walker. I have to give him high marks on his analysis of why Israel should become a member of the European Union.
I won't write his article word for word but I will be taking quotes that he has brought to light that I find very similar to what men of God have been saying (their interpretation of the scriptures) for years. Take a look at some excerpts from a few well-known prophecy experts first.
In William Kelly's book, Notes On Daniel (written pre-1960), he describes the final form of the New Roman Empire (E.U.) and its structure:
"There will be, before the age closes, the most remarkable union of two apparently contradictory conditions-a universal head of empire, and separate independent kingdoms besides, each of which will have its own king; but that one man will be the emperor over all these kings."
Dr. John Walvoord writes in his book Prophecy (1993) speaking about the antichrist and his relationship with Israel in the last days:
"Once this ruler gets control of all ten countries, he will be a political strong man in the Middle East and will impose a peace treaty on Israel as predicted in Daniel 9:27. While Scripture does not record the details, apparently this treaty will include establishing Israel's borders and will direct the relationships with the countries surrounding Israel. Israel will bask under the protection of this ruler and the nation will be able to relax her present-day military protection."
In J. Dwight Pentecost's book Things To Come (copyright 1958), he makes a startling and prophetic declaration about the future. He writes:
"According to Daniel 9:26-27 the prince of the Roman empire will make a covenant with Israel for a seven year period. This covenant evidently restores Israel to a place among the nations of the world and the integrity of Israel is guaranteed by the Roman powers. This is not only an attempt to settle the long standing dispute among the nations as to Israel's claim to Palestine, but also a satanic imitation of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant which gave Israel title deed to the land. This action is pictured by John (Rev. 6:2) as a rider going forth to conquer, to whom sovereignty is given by peaceful negotiations." (Things To Come, Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI, pp. 342-343).
These are just a few examples of what men of God have been predicting for decades based on the Word of God. William Kelly has described the formation of the kingdom of the antichrist and it has striking similarities to the present day European Union. Unfortunately, the book for which I took the quote did not supply a date, but that book was written in the 50's.
I have said in past articles that the E.U. would be the kingdom of the antichrist and he would make a covenant with Israel for seven years. This leads to the topic of this article, why the world believes it makes sense that Israel join the European Union.
From Martin Walker's article above he believes it makes perfect sense. He writes:
"For Israel, EU membership would mean an end to the regional isolation it suffers, and a strong security guarantee, along with all the economic advantages of the vast EU market. Joining the EU would presumably mean joining the euro, shielding Israel from the kinds of currency crises that have hit the shekel since the intifada battered its important tourism industry.
The EU and Israel already have a formal Cooperation Agreement, ratified by the Knesset, Israel's parliament, three years ago. Its provisions include regular political dialogue, liberalization of trade in goods and services, the free movement of capital and competition rules, the strengthening of economic cooperation on the widest possible basis and cooperation on social and cultural matters. (Israel has long taken part, for example, in the annual Eurovision Song Contest.)
The Israeli foreign minister's statement also coincided with a report by the Washington-based Cato Institute think tank, which suggested an important geopolitical aspect to Israeli membership."
Do you see an eerie parallel between what Bible scholars have been saying for decades and what modern day secular writers are proclaiming? Is this a coincidence or is this the union that the Bible predicted in Daniel 9:27 over 2000 years ago?
I find it interesting that many who are close to the process feel that an important step for Israel for entrance into the E.U. is the resolve there conflict with Palestine. Walker further writes:
"Signaling to the Israelis and the Palestinians that a peaceful resolution to their conflict could be a ticket for admission into the EU, would be more than just enticing them with economic rewards," the Cato report said. "Conditioning Israel's entry into the EU on its agreement to withdraw from the occupied territories and dismantle the Jewish settlements there, would strengthen the hands of those Israelis who envision their state not as a militarized Jewish ghetto but as a Westernized liberal community."
The resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict will be a major step forward to E.U. membership. I believe this is why Israel has suddenly taken an about face in the peace process. In fact, here are the headlines in today's news:
Sharon, Abbas Plan Mideast Peace Meet
Bush Going To Mideast To Advance Peace
It is my belief that Israel will give up land for peace to resolve this conflict in order to pave the way for E.U. membership. At this point, not everyone in the E.U. is excited about the prospect of Israel becoming a member, but when the antichrist takes charge everything will change.
In Walker's article he writes that E.U. membership could take up to a decade, but I believe that the antichrist will speed things up and he will promise full membership in seven years.
In the meantime, they will be granted a temporary membership in which will come all the benefits of full E.U. membership. This will include full military support and trading privileges, economic aid, adoption of a very stable currency (Euro), and worldwide recognition that comes with E.U. membership.
The peace plan will also at some point include Israel's right to rebuild their temple. The antichrist may twist the arm of the Palestinian leaders to achieve this. The E.U. has a tremendous amount of clout with Palestinian leaders since they are by far their largest economic supporter.
Although I believe peace with the Palestinian's and entrance into the E.U. are equally important in the world of prophecy, it will be E.U. membership that will spark the beginning of the tribulation period (in my opinion). But E.U. membership will not be accomplished without peace with Palestine.
I hope this has provided some insight into the future. Continue to keep your eyes on the E.U. as the peace process move forward.
Pastor Malone