There are a number of things that I feel must take place very soon.  I have gone over them before in various articles, but I will attempt to put them all together in this second part of Things That Must Come To Past. 

Monday’s update stated that there was a possibility that the E.U. would implement a two-speed plan for bringing in all twenty-five members.  This proposal is designed to usher in members in two stages so they can stay on track for elections in mid 2004. 

In short, the plan allows for those who are immediately able to meet all the requirements and statues of the constitution to go in under the first cycle.  The rest will come in at a later date.  They may still be given full membership rights, but with limited voting privileges.  You can bet those that go in the first wave will be the ruling countries and will make all the decisions for the E.U.  Personally, I really don’t believe there will ever be a second wave.  This could turnout to be the prophesied ten-nation kingdom of the antichrist (Daniel 7:24). 

Daniel 7:24 also states that there will be a coup in the E.U. that will see three of the ten kings rebel against the antichrist.  It’s hard to say when this will take place, but it’s possible it could happen during his rise to power at some stage in the first four seal judgments.  During this timeframe one-quarter of the world’s population will die.  When the antichrist comes on the scene it is generally believed he will come in peace, but not everyone will be persuaded. 

A second scenario of the coup could come at the middle of the tribulation period when he declares himself to be God (Revelation 13).  After this declaration, many nations may see him as a return of Hitler.  War will break out and these three kings will be put down.  The death toll due to this rebellion maybe a part of the one-quarter killed I mentioned earlier. 

I have heard some prophecy teachers say that Israel may agree to disarm (along with the rest of the Middle East) as part of an agreement with the antichrist.  As you’ve probably heard, many nations in these latter days are agreeing to international inspections (Libya, Iran, etc.) of their nuclear programs in exchange for better relations with the world community.  It’s not out of the question that the U.S. will soon put pressure on Israel to do the same.  For this betrayal God will destroy them  (U.S.) without remembrance (Revelation 17). 

But why would Russia attack Israel?  Granted, they’re not the best of friends but an attack would probably bring down the wrath of the U.S. and E.U.  Whatever the reason, the reward must be worth the risk because the Bible says it will be for the purpose of taking a spoil (Ezekiel 38:12).  Evidently, Israel will be a country of great wealth at some point in the latter days.  It is believed by many in prophecy circles that Israel will uncover the mother of all oil discoveries in the near future.  

Something else that I find fascinating are the reasons why the Lord will intervene in this battle.  One, to use this as an occasion to defeat Israel’s enemies (Ezekiel 38:16-21) and two, to bring glory to Himself.  The Bible further states it will be so “that the heathen may know Me” (Ezekiel 38:16b) and “thus will I magnify Myself, and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 38:23).  This could be the start of a great worldwide revival. 

One another thing, Ezekiel 38:19-20 shows a striking resemblance to Revelation 6:12-17 (sixth seal).  Could they be the same event? Take a look at each passage and see what you think: 

(God’s response to Russia’s attack on Israel)
[19] For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
[20] So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.  (Ezekiel 38:20) 

(The sixth seal is opened) 
[12] And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
[13] And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
[14] And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
[15] And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
[16] And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
[17] For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Revelation 6:12-17)

Remember, Israel is at peace in its land when the events of Ezekiel 38 take place, so I don’t believe it is probable that this could happen in the second half of the tribulation period.  

There has also been great debate over the fact that following this war Israel will burn the invaders weapons for fuel for seven years.  This really makes it difficult to place this event during the tribulation period since Israel will be betrayed by the antichrist midway through.  It is generally believed that the Jews will be forced to flee to the safety of Petra during the second half of the tribulation period.  

The temple could be rebuilt anytime between now and sometime early in the tribulation period.  Of course, there is debate as to when it will be built, but for the purpose of this article, the fact that it must be built is all we will address.  

The Bible says that at the midpoint of the treaty between Israel and the antichrist, he will cause the daily sacrifices to cease (Daniel 9:27).  At that point the antichrist will declare himself to be God.  One other point, Daniel 9:27 says that the antichrist “shall confirm a covenant with many” so it’s possible that this treaty will be with a group for which Israel will be a part of as opposed to just them.   

At this time, I’m leaning toward the war between Israel and the Russian-Arab alliance to take place during the time between the rapture and the tribulation period.  It’s possible that the rapture could take place, and shortly after, a peace treaty between the Arab’s and Israel could happen.  The big four, which would include the antichrist, would orchestrate this treaty and a Palestinian state would finally be created.  

But during the early stages of the treaty, the Russian-Arab alliance shocks the world and attacks Israel.   But God has planned this so He might show His power to the world.  He supernaturally intervenes and destroys the invading armies.  

To avoid this from happening again, the antichrist takes Israel under his wing of safety.  He also personally confirms a treaty with what’s left of the Arab world and Israel.  In exchange, he will pledge safety, security, and immediate recognition from everyone in the world community.  World acceptance is something Israel has longed for and finally they will have it.  This treaty will last for seven years and will actually bring real world peace for a short period of time (3 ½ years).  Though in the end, the antichrist will betray them. 

Of course, this is only a guess and still leaves a lot of questions that will ultimately have to be answered in God’s time.   

I hope this has answered many of your questions regarding what must come to past.

Pastor Malone