Europe Without America

A Prophetic Realignment

Recent news reports show that Europe is preparing for greater military independence from the United States, raising the possibility of a significant shift in NATO’s structure. Bible prophecy in Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 17 describes a latter-day European confederacy aligned with a northern power identified with Russia, while Britain and the United States stand apart. These geopolitical developments represent steps toward the prophetic arrangement Scripture outlines.

The rise of militant Europe

For more than seventy-five years, European security has rested upon one fundamental assumption: that the United States would stand behind it militarily. NATO has been the central pillar of that arrangement and American military power has underwritten peace in Western Europe since the end of the Second World War.

Yet that assumption is now being openly questioned. President Trump has made it clear, America will not prop up Europe. 

In one report by The Guardian from the 9th of February 2026 entitled “Munich Security Conference: Europe prepares for life without US backing”, it was reported that:
“The message from Munich was clear: Europe must assume America may no longer be its ultimate security guarantor.”

Similarly, in another February 2026 article from BBC News entitled “Europe must prepare to defend itself without the US, leaders warn”, it was stated that:
“European leaders are increasingly concerned that the US security guarantee can no longer be taken for granted.” The same report noted that there is now “serious discussion in Brussels about developing a fully autonomous European defence capability.”

On the 10th of February the BBC ran another report entitled “Macron urges Europe to start acting like world power” it was reported the French president had said “Are we ready to become a power? This is the question in the field of economy and finance, in defence and security, and in our democratic systems.”

In another article, published by Politico under the title “EU defence chief: Europe must build force to replace US troops”, EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius was quoted as saying: “Europe must be ready to take full responsibility for its own defence if the US reduces its presence.”

Taken all together, these reports suggest that Europe is contemplating a future in which American military dominance on the continent is no longer assumed. Whether this shift develops slowly or rapidly, the direction of travel is clear: Europe is preparing for greater strategic independence. It is focused on creating its own defence force.

For the Bible student, such developments are not merely political; they are prophetic.

The Northern Power in Ezekiel 38

The prophecy of Ezekiel 38–39 describes a confederacy of nations that invades Israel “in the latter days.” The leader of this confederacy is described as: “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.”

This invasion takes place after Israel has been regathered to the land and is dwelling in relative security. The nations listed include Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer and Togarmah.

The Bible student can identify these names with peoples north and east of Israel – particularly in the regions of Russia and Europe.

But how are those identifications made?

Magog and the Scythians

One of the key historical witnesses in this discussion is Flavius Josephus. Josephus was a first-century Jewish historian, born in AD 37, who wrote extensively about Jewish history and the ancient world. His work Antiquities of the Jews sought to explain Jewish history to a Greco-Roman audience. As someone living much closer to the biblical era and familiar with ancient traditions and history, his identifications are significant for historical geography.

Josephus wrote: “Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians.”

The Scythians were a powerful group of peoples who inhabited the vast territories north of the Black Sea. Classical writers such as Herodotus describe Scythia as stretching from the Danube River in Eastern Europe across to the Don River and beyond. In other words, their territory covered much of what we now recognise as Eastern Europe and southern Russia.

If Josephus is correct then Magog corresponds to the ancient Scythian world. That places Magog squarely in the region of Eastern Europe and southwestern Russia. The territory of modern day Ukraine being at the heart of it.

Rosh, Meshech and Tubal

Ezekiel describes Gog as “chief prince” (or, as some translations render it, “prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal”). The identification of “Rosh” has long been associated, with the historical roots of Russia.

Historical records from the ninth and tenth centuries refer to a people called the “Rus,” who operated in the regions of modern Russia and Ukraine. Byzantine and Arab writers mention them by name. Over time, the name “Rus” developed into “Russia.” While linguistic debates exist, the historical continuity of the name is notable.

Meshech and Tubal are generally identified with ancient peoples living in the regions south of Russia, around the Caucasus. Classical sources refer to tribes such as the Moschi and Tibareni in those areas. Over time, migrations northward contributed to the population of the Russian lands. Even the name “Moscow” has often been linked, historically, with Meshech.

Thus the core leadership of the Ezekiel 38 confederacy – Gog of Magog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal – aligns geographically with the territories of Russia and its surrounding regions.

Gomer and Western Europe

However, the confederacy in Ezekiel 38 does not consist only of eastern peoples. It also includes “Gomer” and “all his bands.”

Josephus identifies Gomer with the Western Galatians. Classical writers describe how the Galatian peoples migrated into Western Europe. Over time, these groups became associated with the regions that now include France and parts of Germany. Standard historical references have connected Gomer with the early Celtic and European branches of these peoples. In other words, Gomer represents Western Europe.

When Ezekiel lists both Magog (Eastern Europe/southern Russia) and Gomer (Western Europe), the implication is that Europe, broadly speaking, forms part of the latter-day confederacy.

Europe is not depicted as resisting Gog. They are led by him and are within the northern military alliance when it invades Israel.

THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

Revelation 17 and the European Beast

The book of Revelation adds another important piece to the picture. In Revelation 17, we read of ten kings who: “have one mind and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”

It has long been understood that the Beast of Revelation represents a revived Roman or European political system. The ten kings are European powers who unite and consolidate authority.

The striking detail is that they “give” their power. The image is not necessarily one of violent conquest but of political alignment and consolidation. A unified European bloc, operating with one mind, is entirely consistent with the structure described in Ezekiel 38.

If Europe becomes more strategically independent and internally cohesive, the framework for such unity becomes easier to envisage.

The prophecy indicates that these European powers will become under the control of the Russian authority in the latter days. 

Tarshish and the Anglo-Maritime Powers

Ezekiel 38:13 mentions “the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof.” These powers do not join Gog’s invasion. Instead, they question it: “Art thou come to take a spoil?”

As we have done many times here in Bible in the News, Tarshish can be identified with the maritime trading power of Britain – and her “young lions” – political offspring nations, including the United States.

The implication is that these Anglo-maritime powers stand apart from the Russian, European-Gogian confederacy. They do not participate in the invasion of Israel, but neither do they prevent it.

If Europe ultimately aligns under a northern Russian power, then Britain and America must, in some way, stand outside that arrangement. Precisely how such a separation occurs is not specified in prophecy. Scripture describes the final alignment, not the diplomatic or militry pathway.

However, if the United States reduces its military footprint in Europe, and if Europe moves toward independent defence structures, the structural separation that prophecy requires becomes more conceivable. The scene is being set for the Russian Gog to enter the world scene, dominate Europe and take up his destiny as the head of the enemies of Israel.

Observing the Direction

It would be wrong to claim that every political development equals direct prophetic fulfilment. Bible prophecy should not be forced onto daily headlines – but at the same time, prophecy does describe a particular end configuration:

– Israel restored to the land.
– A northern power leading a confederacy.
– Europe included in that confederacy.
– Anglo-maritime powers standing apart.
– All nations ultimately gathering against Jerusalem.
– Divine intervention through the return of Christ.

Israel has been regathered. Europe is reconsidering its military architecture. Russia remains the dominant military force to Europe’s east. America is publicly debating the extent of its European commitment. We do not know the precise sequence of future events. But the direction of travel is worthy of attention.

Conclusion

The post-war order that shaped the modern West is not guaranteed to endure indefinitely. Alliances shift. Power balances change. Nations reassess their priorities.

The Bible asserts that, in the latter days, a northern confederacy will move against Israel, and that God will intervene decisively.

Europe will indeed part of that confederacy – as Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 17 suggest – then changes in European military identity are not merely political curiosities. They are steps, gradual or otherwise, toward the arrangement Scripture describes and the restoration of God’s Kingdom on the earth.

The prophet has declared God’s words: “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)

History is moving toward that moment. And the wise will be watching.

By Matt Davies Bible In The News

God’s Plan for the World

MIDDLE EAST and WORLD PEACE
What a shock the events of the last 100yrs have been!

The dream of progress and peace has faded. Two terrible world wars with countless regional wars, millions of slain and untold damage and suffering, have been followed by the development of the mostly frightfully destructive weapons ever invented.

The varying solutions in which the “wise men” of this world have trusted in have all been exposed as false.

Despite greater education there has not been any higher moral standards displayed by the world at large, in fact the opposite would be more true, widespread growth in dishonesty, greed, violence and crime.

The Christian religion, far from converting the nations, is in decline all over the earth.

Democracy in politics has not proved the magic cure for social evils that was expected.

Finally – cruellest blow of all – science has proved a frighteningly double-edged weapon.

Far from being an era of peace, this “civilised” last century has become an age of strife and violence. No wonder the attitude of so many people is one of pessimistic resignation.

Furthermore there seems little any one can do.

Now what has Bible prophecy to say about all this?

It has a clear forecast of the “last days”, “the time of the end”, when the career of mankind in the earth will come to a critical point. It is not a picture of continuing progress and peace, but rather of world in trouble and fear. The clearest and most striking example of this is found in what Jesus says to his disciples, when they asked him what would be the sign of his return to the earth and of “the end of the world”. He tells them first about the fate of the Jewish people:

“They (the Jews) shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles (the nations), until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24).

He went on to provide a number of signs to these last times of trouble;

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;  Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28)

Now this is a brief description of what we have already considered in Bible Prophecy concerning Israel. The Jews were to be driven as captives into all nations: Jerusalem was to be subject to Gentile powers. Note that Jesus implies a limit to this: “until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled”. We have seen the beginning of this in our own days: Jerusalem is no longer dominated by “foreign” powers – it is under the control of Israel itself.

The Prophecies Concerning Israel
These are the richest of all, both in the detail of their predictions and in the abundance of the historical confirmation of their truth whereby we have witnessed there fulfilment over the last 100yrs. We shall confine ourselves to the simple facts concerning Israel’s remarkable destiny.

The Old Testament records for us how God made distinct promises to Abraham (about 1800 B.C) which meant, among other things, that his descendants would become a people (Israel) who would take possession of the land of Canaan, later called Palestine. About 1400 BC the people of Israel were brought out of Egypt at the Exodus under Moses, and 40 years after began to take possession of the land promised to them.

But while they were still in the wilderness, before they entered the land, they were solemnly warned by God through Moses of the fate which would overtake them if they turned away from their God to worship idols and imitated the ways of the pagan Canaanites. The 28th chapter of Deuteronomy is a most remarkable prophecy – and was a terrible warning – of the calamities which would come upon the Israelites if they were disobedient.

The reader is recommended to read the whole chapter for himself. Here we have space only to outline the main features:

“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments . . . the Lord shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known . . . And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all the nations whither the Lord shall lead thee . . . The Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even to the other . . . And among these nations shalt thou find no ease . . .” (Deuteronomy 28:15, 36-37,64-65).

Again, the prophecy is quite clear. Israel was to be scattered among the nations, there to live in very uncomfortable circumstances, the object of scorn and contempt. How forcibly their history has proved the truth of these words! The scattering of the Jews throughout the world began in the days of the Assyrians in the 8th century BC The process continued through the Babylonians in the 6th century.

After a partial return from Babylon in the days of the Persian kings, a community of Israelites lived in their land from about 500 BC to the days of Christ, successively dominated by the Persians, the Greeks and their successors, and finally by the Romans. In AD 70, 40 years after the crucifixion of Christ, there occurred the most terrible devastation of all. The city of Jerusalem was sacked by Roman armies because of rebellion; the temple was burned and the Jews were scattered as captives over the Roman world. There they have been found ever since, literally “from one end of the earth to the other”.

And they have indeed, until very recent times, found “no ease”. Suffering persecution and at times extermination- the pogroms in Russia in the 19th century and Hitler’s policy of genocide in the 20th are only the most recent examples – the Jews have everywhere been subject to vilification and derision, so much so that their survival as a recognisable race is one of the marvels of history. Again, we note the fact that this prophecy of Israel’s fate has remained true for over 2500 years. Who could have foreseen that, despite all the scattering and the persecutions, the Jews would remain for centuries a recognisably distinct race, right up to the present day?

But there is more . . . But the most incredible feature of the prophecies about the destiny of Israel is yet to be told, for the prophets also clearly foretell an unexpected change in Israel’s fortunes.

Consider, for instance, these predictions through the prophet Jeremiah, delivered nearly 600 years before Christ:

“For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah . . . and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it” (30:3)

“Now therefore thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel . . . Behold, I will gather them out of all the countries, whither I have driven them, in mine anger . . . and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: and they shall be my people and I will be their God . . .” (32:36-38)

“I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity . . .” (33:7)

Again, there is no doubt about what the prophet is saying. The process of Israel’s scattering and persecution is to be reversed. The Jews are to return to the very land from which they were expelled over 1900 years ago, and to dwell there in comparative peace. The three brief quotations from Jeremiah, given above, could be multiplied many times over by similar declarations from Isaiah and Ezekiel.

We have little need to go into great detail to show how these prophecies of Israel’s restoration have been most accurately fulfilled. The Zionist Movement was active among the dispersed Jews in many countries in the late 19th century. The establishment of Palestine as a National Home for the Jews in 1917 led to a rapid increase in their numbers in the Land. When this provoked the hostility of the Arabs, the Jews fought off an attempt to suppress them in 1948, and established their own Jewish State.

This was enlarged in 1967 after a second attempt in the Six Day War; as a result Israel recovered much of their ancient historical territory, and Jerusalem became the capital of their State under their own rule, for the first time in 2500 years. In short, the emergence of an independent Jewish State in the Middle East has been a most unexpected development. Less that 100 years ago no political observers would have thought it possible.

We are not here concerned with the “politics” of the situation. We are concerned solely with Bible prophecy. There are other things the Bible has to say about the Jews. The prophets tell us, for instance, that there is to be a great crisis in the Middle East, and that Israel will be brought to repentance before their God. Only then will the prophecies of a final restoration and peace come to pass.

But prior to Christ’s Return to establish a true and last peace there will be a period of Peace in the Middle East of this Bible Prophecy is quite clear.

Peace must come to the Middle East prior to Christ’s Return and the Battle of Armageddon, the Bible is very clear on this as Ezekiel 38 shows.  Ezekiel 38 describes the Battle of Armageddon and the situation Israel at that time and it says that when Gog and Magog (Russia and Europe) come down to invade Israel will be a land at peace with “unwalled villages” which is a long way from anything we have seen so far.  This is what we read…

The word of the Lord came to me: ² “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him ³ and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. ⁴ I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. ⁵ Persia, Cush ^x and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, ⁶ also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.

¹⁰ “ ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. ¹¹ You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. ¹² I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.”

So one of the key outcomes we can expect to see from the recent wars is more Arab countries joining the Abrahamic Accords and settling for Peace and Prosperity instead of war.

This has been Presidents Trumps goal from his first term when he established the Abrahamic Accords, will he now bring Peace to the Middle East.

But this Peace shall not last, only the Peace that comes with the Return and Rule of Christ will last as Psalm 72 expounds:

Psalm 72

A Psalm for Solomon.

¹  Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.

² He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. ³ The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. ⁴ He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. ⁵ They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. ⁶ He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. ⁷ In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. ⁸ He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. ⁹ They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. ¹⁰ The kings of Tarshish (Britain) and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba (Saudi Arabia) and Seba (Oman and UAE) shall offer gifts. ¹¹ Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. ¹² For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. ¹³ He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. ¹⁴ He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight. ¹⁵ And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. ¹⁶ There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. ¹⁷ His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

¹⁸ Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. ¹⁹ And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Learn here about God’s Purpose with the Earth

The Battle of Armageddon and the Uprise of Antichrist

Will Antichrist arise to conquer Jerusalem, claim the rulership of the world, and plunge humanity into an orgy of war, bloodshed and evil unparalleled in the history of mankind?

The Return of Christ: Basic Teaching of the Bible

The personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory, to take up his great authority, and reign on earth as king, is a basic doctrine of the Bible. Hundreds of references to it are made therein and these are set forth in clear language, the meaning of which should be beyond dispute.

Consider the following predictions:

“This same Jesus, which is taken up from you (Apostles) into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

“Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you; whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:19-21).

“God hath appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man (Christ) whom He hath ordained: whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:19-23).

The teaching of the second coming of Christ permits believers to look beyond the troubles of today, to a glorious future when the evils and frustrations of the present will be replaced by a righteous administration that will bring “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.”

The Doctrine Distorted

Unfortunately this doctrine, so plainly taught in the Bible, is misunderstood and misinterpreted by some who would carry its message to the world. In consequence, its teaching is distorted with the result that often a grotesque, irrational outline of coming events is set before the public.

Two books before us as we write do just that. One is entitled There’s A New World Coming by Hal Lindsey, and the other is Armageddon by J. Wolvoord. Both books advance a similar theory relating to the doctrine of the second coming, a theory that perverts the actual teaching of the Bible. Unfortunately, such books are so widely advertised as to become best-sellers. For example according to the publication notice, some 700,000 copies of the former book were sold in the seven months following October 1973 alone and there have been many 1,000’s more additional editions since then. At $2.95 per copy this represents a rich reward of over $2,000,000, which however, we would not begrudge the author if only the sound truths of Scripture were set forth.

Instead, in both books, a mistaken idea of Christ’s coming is outlined, which, as we will show, could have the effect of those who are swayed by it actually opposing Christ when he does appear.

Between them the books set forth the idea that Antichrist is about to arise, and will set up his power in Jerusalem. He will then claim to be the king Messiah, and abolishing the Jewish religion, will build a Temple, and command the worship of humanity. Both books then refer to the return of Christ, and the “rapture,” that they claim will follow alleging that he will convey his true believers to heaven.

In fact, the Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to accomplish that which they claim Antichrist will do: set up his power in Jerusalem, demand the allegiance of mankind, and build a Temple for the universal worship he will establish. He however, will reign on earth, not return to heaven (Isa. 24:23; Zech. 14:9; Rev. 5:9-10).

The books referred to above largely draw upon the teaching of The Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, to establish their theory.

Therefore, in considering the teaching advanced, we aim to answer five questions:

• What is the basic message of the Book of Revelation.?
• Who or what is Antichrist?
• What does the mystical number 666 refer to?
• When and where will Armageddon be fought?
• How will we be personally involved at Christ’s coming?

The Basic Message Of Revelation

Revelation is a prophetic book of symbols. This is shown by its introduction. The first verse declares:

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servant things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Rev. 1:1).

This teaches that the book is designed to outline future events leading to Christ’s second coming, and that its contents were both sent and signified by Christ.

The statement is important. It proclaims that the book is largely symbolical; its teaching is set forth in sign language, which is the meaning of signified.

Unfortunately, this important introduction is frequently ignored, and many miss the meaning of the book by giving literal meanings to symbolical statements.

The book pictures burning stars falling to the earth; fiery mountains being plunged into sizzling seas; a woman giving birth to a son in heaven; a dragon with a tail so huge as to fling a third of the stars above on to the earth.

These are all literal impossibilities; though as symbols they can be aligned with prophetic, historic developments.

Moreover, this same book contains key explanations. to such mysterious figures, sufficient to determine the meaning of such. We read such explanatory notes as the following:

“Here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains. . .” (Rev. 17:9). “The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Rev. 17:15).

So Scripture compared with Scripture enables one to come to a clear understanding of The Revelation, and to understand the plan of prophecy that moves throughout the book.

When this is not done skilfully, unfortunate and serious mistakes follow.

The basic teaching of the Book of Revelation is consistent with the rest of the Bible, and relates to the return of Christ. It proclaims that he will return personally and visibly to the earth:

“Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Rev. 1:7).

This is consistent with the statements cited earlier. But why should “all kindreds of the earth wail” because of the presence of Christ? Because there will be a general recognition of lost opportunities in relation to it. People everywhere will regret that they have been so led astray with false teaching concerning Christ, or have so opposed the influence of the Bible, as to turn their backs upon its truth, and so deny themselves the hope it presents.

As to those who worship God in truth (see John 4:24), they will be elevated as co-rulers with Christ in his earthly administration, and will inherit eternal life. Christ declares:

“He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations” (Rev. 2:26).

“Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev 22:12).

Consider carefully this last statement of Christ’s in the light of general religious teaching. Most claim that they will go to heaven for their reward.

Not the Bible! It plainly teaches that “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5); and here Christ states that he will come with his reward. The doctrine of the immortality of the soul is not taught in Scripture, which plainly reveals that the promised inheritance is eternal life upon the earth.

Christ comes to bring to an end the reign of flesh, and set up his own rule from Jerusalem. Hence his promise to his followers that he will give them “power over the nations.” For reference to the earthly reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, consider the following:

“And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” . . . “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:18,15).

Analyse these statements of Scripture. Notice that the resurrection is aligned with a time when the nations are in an angry and belligerent attitude with each other, and the possibility exists of men destroying the very earth. Consider that for the first time in history man has the means to do that through nuclear war. Even today he is busy destroying the earth by polluting it. The return of Christ alone will prevent the destruction of civilisation, and will be followed by his world wide reign on earth in conjunction with his true followers. The Revelation states:

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).

See how clearly this last book of the Bible, consistent with its general teaching, proclaims:

• The personal, visible return of Christ;
• The resurrection and bestowal of eternal life on his followers;
• The establishment of Christ’s return on earth;
• The subjugation of all nations to his rule.

This glorious message of hope for a sinning, sorrowing, quarrelling world is the basic message of the Bible as well as of the Book of Revelation.  It is summed up in the statement:

“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed: the kingdom shall not be left to other people (its rulers will be immortal); but it shall break in pieces and consume all kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Dan. 2:44).

Who or What Is Antichrist

The subject of Antichrist makes headline news from time to time in some quarters. The alleged future of a fictional character given this title has assisted the sales of Hal Lindsey’s popular books. It is generally assumed that The Revelation refers extensively to Satan under that name.

But the term Antichrist does not occur in The Book Of Revelation. It is a title given by John to a false religious system that was active in his day, over 1900 years ago!

The Bible predicted that there would be a decline in the true teaching of Christianity. Paul writing to Timothy prophesied:

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word . . . with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables . . .” (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

Again:

“Let no man deceive you by my means: for the day of Christ shall not come except there come a failing away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sineth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).

The Apostle thus predicted a falling away from the faith, through which there would arise one claiming infallibility, and false pretensions to divinity.

The papacy does that. In 1870 a decree was issued from the Vatican proclaiming the infallibility of the Pope; which codified the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope is virtually worshipped by the adherents of the church, and displays himself with all the pomp and glory of divinity.

In context with the statement above, the Apostle claimed that the seeds of error were already working in his day, though its full manifestation was hindered by the opposition of the pagan Roman authorities of the time (cp. vv. 7-8). When paganism is removed, he predicted:

“Then shall that wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.”

Paganism received its political death-blow in A.D. 312 with the elevation of Constantine, claimed by the Papacy to be “the first Christian emperor.” This change of government in Rome brought about the establishment of Roman Catholicism, an event predicted by Paul in the references cited above. The Apostle showed that the apostasy that would arise would continue until the coming of Christ who would put it down once and for all.

The apostate system that arose, which claims the title of Christian, but in fact denies the principles of Christ is what the Apostle termed Antichrist. Its workings were manifested over 1900 years ago, so there is no need to await the uprise of it today, as is claimed by H. Lindsey, J. Walvoord, the Roman Catholic Church, and others.

The term Antichrist is used in the Bible only by John, and is used by him to describe those who deny the saving truths of the Gospel. Hence:

“Every spirit (the word is used in the sense of teaching – cp. John 6:63) that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the world” (1 John 4:3).

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 7).

We submit that Antichrist is the Roman Catholic Church, and that it is the satan (a word meaning opponent) and devil (a word translated false accuser – 2 Tim. 3:3) of all who hold the truth. It sets forth false teaching in the name of Christ, and many of its doctrines the Protestant churches have since embraced.

Hence it teaches the doctrine of the Trinity – three Gods instead of one; the immortality of the soul – intangible life in heaven instead of an immortal bodily existence on earth; the church as the Kingdom of God – instead of Christ’s reign from Jerusalem; the devil as a fallen angel, instead of a synonym for human nature (Heb. 2:14); and so on.

In the past the church has exercised dictatorial control doctrinally, politically and economically. It will do so in the future, only to be overthrown by Christ at his coming, as Paul taught (2 Thess. 2:8).

The Meaning Of 666

Associated with the alleged uprise of Antichrist in the near future is the interpretation of the mystical number 666 referred to in Revelation 13:18. The verse reads:

“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred three score and six.”

The Greek text of the Bible has only three Greek letters c x z instead of the number 666. Unlike the English language, the letters of the Greek language have a numerical value, and are used for numbers as well as letters forming words.

Accordingly, this mystical number is interpreted to mean Satan’s Messiah, on the grounds that c Chi and x Xi are the signs of Christ, or Messiah, and that Sigma z is the sign of Satan. Therefore, it is reasoned, 666 represents one who will arise at the time of the end, and claiming to be Messiah or Christ, actually will be an emissary of Satan.

We dispute the interpretation. A more logical explanation, and one that is given support by Scripture as well as being endorsed by commentators since Apostolic times, is to align the word with the term Lateinos. The numerical value of the Greek letters that make up this word also total 666, as follows:

L(30)a(l)t(300)e(5)i(IO)n(50)o(70)s(200).

Lateinos signifies the rule of the Latins, a reference to the Roman Catholic Church, with its emphasis upon Latin, the official language of the Church,

Modern Antichrist Revealed

Antichrist, therefore, denotes a false religious system, claiming the name of Christ, but denying his teaching and principles.

We claim that Christendom today is such a system as that.

In Revelation 17 it is depicted as a whore, an unfaithful woman. This is an appropriate description of a false religious system, for the true followers of the Lord are likened as being espoused as a chaste virgin unto Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2).

This false religious system is given the title of Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth (Rev. 17:5). A little thought will reveal how Appropriate this title is to Roman Catholicism. It is noted for its “mysteries;” its doctrines have been identified with those of ancient Babylon superimposed with the title Christian; and it claims to be a mother church, with the Protestant Churches represented as her rebellious offspring. Speaking of the Babylonish influence on Roman Catholicism, and the influence of the latter on Protestantism, the historian Gibbon declared in Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (Ch. 47):

“During the ten centuries of blindness and servitude, Europe received her religious opinions from the oracle of the Vatican, and the same doctrine, already varnished with the rust of antiquity (i.e. dating back to ancient Babylon) was admitted without dispute into the creed of the reformers who disclaimed the supremacy of the Roman pontiff . . . the synod of Chalcedon still triumphs in the Protestant Churches . . .”

His words describe the mother and her unfaithful daughters of Rev. 17. Moreover, this same system is said to have universal influence for she is described as “sitting upon many waters” (v. 1), which are defined as representing “peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues” (v. 15).

It is described as having great political power, for “the kings of the earth have committed fornication” with her (v. 2). This is characteristic of Rome.

Rome is noted for its wealth, and this is provided for in the symbolism. She is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour (the colour of the priestly vestments), and decked with gold, precious stones and pearls” (v. 4). As evidence of the wealth of Catholicism, visit the Vatican, or almost any church.

The same system is also noted for its persecuting vigour. It is represented as being “drunken with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (v. 6). The persecuting power of the church has been a feature of history. The Inquisition and the Jesuits have played their dreadful part to that end. When power has been with the church it has used it in the most brutal and tyrannical manner.

To summarise the symbolism of this chapter, we have the following representation:

• A whorish woman – an unfaithful religious system;
• Title: mother of harlots – A mother church claiming offspring;
• Dominating many waters – universal influence;
• The paramour of kings – political power;
• Decked in colour and gold – outstanding wealth;
• Drunken with blood – noted for persecution

All the indications point to the Roman Catholic Church as the Organisation referred to. And this is established beyond all doubt by two other points of identification. The “woman” is represented as sitting on a beast possessing seven heads, and the explanation is given: “The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth” (v. 9). Again, “The woman which thou sawest is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (v. 18).

What ecclesiastical system is identified with a city built on seven hills, and exercising world dominion in the days when the Revelation was given to John in A.D. 96? The answer is Rome!

Every indication, every mark of explanation, points to Roman Catholicism as being the system referred to in this chapter, with the title: “Mystery, Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots.”

The theory publicised by Hal Lindsey and others that claims that Antichrist will set himself up in Jerusalem as king and demand the allegiance of the world actually originated from Roman Catholic sources.

This happened when the early Protestant Churches broke away from Catholicism and then correctly identified Catholicism as this system of Antichrist.  As a result the Roman Church had to come up with another interpretation of these prophecies.

As a result they claimed that this Antichrist, motivated by satan, will “rebuild the Jewish temple in Jerusalem,” and “renew the ancient forms of worship prescribed in the Law of Moses.” He will set his power up as ruler in the Middle East, and command the religious and political allegiance of mankind, but “the new world ruler will reveal himself as Satan’s substitute for Jesus Christ, sometimes called Antichrist” (Armageddon by J. Walvoord, p. 96).

Now the Bible clearly teaches, that when the Lord Jesus returns, he will set up his power in Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-3), will command the allegiance of mankind, and will re-build the ancient Temple, the plans and specifications of which are outlined in the eight closing chapters of Ezekiel’s prophecy. Referring to the future work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the prophet Zechariah declares: “He shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory; and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (Zech. 8:13).

But the theory of the imminent rise of Antichrist, which is sweeping the religious world today, claims that the future ruler of Jerusalem will be satan’s emissary, and as such should be opposed.

The effect of this theory will be that when Christ does appear as king in Jerusalem, and call upon the nations to acknowledge his position and submit to his authority, they will refuse to do so. This will mean that he will be compelled to reduce them to his rule by force. Therefore, referring to nations in association with mystical Babylon the Great, The Revelation declares:

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:15).

The false theory concerning Antichrist will cause the nations to resist Christ; but by the exercise of divine power on his part, they will be subdued and compelled to submit to his righteous rule.

What Is Armageddon?

Reference to Armageddon as such is found in only one place in the Bible (Rev. 16:16), though allusions to the battle then to be fought are frequent in its prophecies.

The prophecy regarding Armageddon also predicts that an agitating democratic (the “three unclean spirits like frogs”  (Rev. 16:12-14) that came out of the French Revolution) spirit will go forth to all nations generating a warlike attitude among them leading to “the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14).

At such a time, Christ returns secretly, as a thief, to the world. The appeal to his followers is couched in the following terms:

“Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments” (Rev. 16:15).

Then follows the statement:

“And he gathered them into a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon. . . .”

Armageddon is the site of this crucial world conflict. The nations will be gathered for war, and Christ will intervene to scatter the armies, and establish his power.

But where and what is Armageddon?

Notice that the statement is made that the term must be interpreted “in the Hebrew tongue.”

This is very significant, for it is only in modem times that Hebrew has been resurrected from a dead to a living tongue. It is the language of modem Israel, and the statement implies that at the time that the prophecy is fulfilled, Hebrew would be again a modern language – as it is today.

Armageddon in Hebrew is comprised of three words: Arema (a heap of sheaves) gai (valley) dun (judgment). The word, therefore signifies A heap of sheaves in a valley for judgment.

This is significant, for the great crisis of the nations, at which Christ will appear in power and glory, is described in such a manner. The nations are represented as being gathered as sheaves for reaping in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment) just outside Jerusalem (Joel 3:2,11-13). The prophet commences his description with significant words (Joel 3:1-2):

“Behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah (the Jewish people) and Jerusalem (the city), I will gather all nations and bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat. . .”

The modern world has witnessed the beginning of the fulfilment of this prophecy. In 1917, the Turks were driven from Palestine, and the Balfour Declaration invited Jews to return thereto, which they shortly afterwards commenced to do. Fifty years later, in 1967, in the Six Days War, the city of Jerusalem fell to the Israeli forces, and for the first time in two thousand years, Jews again ruled their ancient capital.

At that time, declared the prophet, God would gather all nations to the valley of Jehoshaphat, a valley to the northeast of Jerusalem. The testimony of Joel is in accordance with that of Zechariah 14:2:

“I (God) will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. . . . Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle” (vv. 2,3).

It is obvious to all thinking people that the Middle East is the critical point of international relationships. There, the Western nations confront Russia and her confederate armies as described in Ezekiel 38. So delicate is the situation that the antagonism engendered could flare into a conflict that would involve the whole world.

Certainly, neither side can permit the oil-rich countries of the Middle East to become completely dominated by one side or the other, and so dependent is the world upon the black-gold of its deserts, that such prophecies as Joel 3 and Zechariah 14 cited above, are no longer mere possibilities, but are urgent probabilities.

The interests of the nation’s cause them to intrigue with the countries of the Middle East now whilst politicians warn that it is the future powder keg to World War Three.

Meanwhile, preparations for war increase until they have reached staggering proportions of the world’s income. The words of the prophet are heard throughout the earth:

“Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles: Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men war draw near (i.e. to Jerusalem v.1); let them come up; beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong” (Joel 3:9-10).

How true these words are in describing modern national policies. On all sides, among nations small or great, guns are being supplied rather than butter. It is computed that two thirds of the world’s population go to bed each night hungry, but still more and more of the world’s wealth is used for the manufacture of weapons of destruction. At one time, Russia was able to supply more destitute nations with foodstuffs, particularly grain from her vast resources; but today the Soviet is concentrating upon the arms race and looks to other nations for food. She is figuratively “beating plowshares into swords, and pruninghooks into spears,” and proclaims to the whole world, “I am strong!” This was not the case at the beginning of World War 1, when for a considerable time, the tiny nation of Finland held at bay the Soviet Union with all its weight of manpower.

The same prophet describes how that the armies of the nations will be gathered to the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Jerusalem) as sheaves in a valley for judgment (Jehoshaphat signifies Judgment of God). This is Armageddon: the representative armies of the nations gathered as a heap of sheaves in a valley for judgment. Jerusalem will constitute the crucial point in a war that will involve the whole world. The city will fall (Zech. 14:2), and it will seem as though the success of the Russian armies will be without doubt, when suddenly, and unexpectedly, God will intervene through His son the Lord Jesus:

“The Lord shall roar out of Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake; but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion (in the person of His son), my holy mountain; then shall Jerusalem be holy” (Joel 3:16-17).

Ezekiel describes the same invasion of the Middle East by hostile armies which shall “in the latter days,” come “out of the north parts” against “God’s people of Israel” (Ezekiel 38:15-16). Not only is the time given – the latter days, but the very conditions of the Middle East are predicted. Israel is described as inhabited by a people “gathered out of the nations;” the land is described as “desolate places now inhabited” (vv. 8,12).

These terms describe the land of Israel today. Moreover, the invading army that is said by the prophet to descend “out of the north” can be identified with Russia. The description of the commander-in-chief as “the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal,” is better rendered according to the Hebrew (and see the Revised Version) as Prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. “Rosh” is the earliest form of Russia; “Meshech” can be identified with Moscow; and Tubal can be aligned with Tobolsk of Siberia.

It is obvious today that the eyes of Russia are centered upon the Middle East, and that the future of this country and of the Jewish People constitutes a bone of contention that will ultimately erupt into world war. The Bible predicts this, aligns it with Armageddon, and reveals that Christ, having resurrected and given eternal life to his faithful followers, will manifest himself to the world at that time and will intervene to establish his authority in the earth:

“It shall come to pass at that same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that My fury shall come up in My face … and I will 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” (Ezek. 38:18,23).

Christ’s Future Work

When Christ returns, he will accomplish that which many people today are teaching Antichrist will do. He will set up his power in Jerusalem; will proclaim himself as King and Saviour; and will rebuild the Temple to provide a basis for the unifying and universal worship he will establish in the earth.

Isaiah describes the result of his activities at that time:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:2-4).

Unfortunately, the Lord will receive opposition in that day, because of the propagation of the theory attributing this action to Antichrist, and so undermining the Truth.

Your Personal Involvement

A responsibility therefore rests upon all people of goodwill to search out the truth concerning the purpose and will of God. We appeal to the reader to give earnest consideration to the Bible and what is taught in the Bible alone, and to free his mind from theories that would blind him to the facts of the situation.

Fulfilling prophecy today clearly indicates that Christ is at the door. Christ is to return, to raise from the dead and give life eternal to those who have lived according to his will; to change the political and moral character of the world; to unite all mankind in a common understanding of truth, and to draw them together in a unifying worship at a Temple to be erected in Jerusalem (see Zech. 14:16).

A wonderful and grand opportunity is open to all who are prepared to identify themselves with him now, to share his glory of the future. This requires a personal effort, both to understand and to do what he requires. The commission given to his disciples epitomises what is necessary. He told them: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel, he that believeth and is baptised shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).

You owe it to yourself and your family to look into these things, to determine what is the truth of the Bible and to prepare yourself and your family for Christ’s Return to Judge this world in Righteousness.

Acts 17:31

“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Christ is Coming Soon!

Who do you trust – Nostradamus or the Bible?

Why is there renewed interest in Nostradamus and the Bible? And can we trust either to tell us what the future holds?

In the Aftermath of Horror

There have been many consequences of the events of September 11. 2001, from the galvanizing of the Middle East peace talks to a shortage of gas masks. More recently, acts of terrorism have become common place in Russia, Spain and the Middle East. Many people have tried to find answers to what these terrorist attacks mean for them on a personal level. Most notably sales of the prophetic writings of Nostradamus, and also of the Bible, have rocketed.

For the first time ever, “Nostradamus” became the most popular word entered in Internet search engines: “Robert Carroll, who runs the Skeptic’s Dictionary Website, reported… ‘I usually have about 300-400 hits a week on the Nostradamus entry. I’ve had 140,000 in the past three days'” (Roland White, The Sunday Times, 30.09.01)

Why, then, is there renewed interest in Nostradamus and the Bible? And can we trust either to tell us what the future holds?

 Who was Nostradamus?

Michel de Notredame (Nostradamus) was born in 1503 to a French Jewish family who had converted to Christianity. He studied medicine and astronomy, and rose tofame when he gained a measure of success in treating plague victims in Aix and Lyons in 1546.

At the age of 44 he began to dabble in the popular art of prophecy, going on to write around 1200 short, four lined prophecies. Obviously these predictions must be fairly vague, as it is simply impossible to go into any degree of detail in just four lines.

Nostradamus gained much credibility when Catherine de Medici, wife of Henry II, believed that he had predicted her husband’s death. His fame continues to escalate

One of Nostradamus’ Most Famous Prophecies

Most of Nostradamus’ followers are united in their interpretations of the following prediction:

At night they will think that they have seen the sun,

When they see the pig-like half-man,

Noise, shouts, battles seen in the heavens:

Brute beasts will be heard speaking.

Just pause for a moment and ask yourself some specific questions about this prophecy:

• Who is the message from?
• Who is the message to?
• For what reason is the message being given?
• What does it mean?

The prophecy is so vague there is no answer given to the first three questions. As to what this actually means, it seems to suggest that: it will look like the sun is shining at night time; there will be some sort of battle; and animals will talk. What on earth could this mean? Well the interpreters of Nostradamus, believe that this forecast found its fulfillment in aerial battles, from the first and second world wars, to the present raids on Afghanistan.

The sun at night would be the flashes of anti aircraft missiles; the pig-like half-man would be the pilot with his helmet and oxygen mask; and, finally, the brute beasts heard speaking would be the pilots talking into their radios.

A concluding point to make at this stage, is that it is obviously nigh on impossible to state beforehand what Nostradamus’ prophecies actually mean. His interpreters often make claims that a prophecy has been fulfilled after certain events have taken place.

When the interpreters try to predict the future using these prophecies, their predictions do not come to pass. According to Roland White, one Nostradamus scholar predicted the following events:

• The world would end in 1999;
• Prince Charles would be crowned in 1994;
• Prince William would take the throne before the age of 18.

We all know that these things have not happened. Can you honestly still trust Nostradamus?

Nostradamus and September 11

Almost immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, an E-mail was circulated highlighting the following prediction:

In the year of the new century and nine months

From the sky will come a great king of terror

The sky will burn at forty five degrees.

Fire approaches the great new city

In the City of York there will be a great collapse,

Two twin brothers torn apart by chaos

While the fortress falls the great leader will succumb

Third big war will begin when the big city is burning.

The first line was thought to indicate the month of September 2001 – the month of the attacks. In terms of line two, the hijacked planes obviously came from the skies. “Forty five degrees” was thought to have been a reference to New York – with its line of latitude of forty degrees. The “twin brothers” were thought to be the twin towers of the trade centre, and so on. Pretty conclusive stuff hey? Nostradamus must have known what he was talking about…..

Well, maybe we would give him some credence – but, and it’s a very big but, the E-mail was a hoax. One of Nostradamus’ quatrains does have a reference to “45 degrees” and the “great new city” but that’s where the similarity ends.

To crown it all, the final four lines are not from Nostradamus at all. They were written five years ago by Canadian High School student, Neil Marshall. In his paper Critical Analysis of Nostradamus he explains the “infinite monkeys principle”:

“If I make say a thousand prophecies that are fairly abstract, for example: ‘In the City of God there will be a great thunder, Two brothers torn apart by chaos, While the fortress endures the great leader will succumb’, [then some are bound to come true, as they could be interpreted in many different ways].”

The terrorist attacks on New York have proved Marshall’s thesis to be true.

The Verdict on Nostradamus

So then, a summary of what we have seen so far is now needed:

• We do not know who Nostradamus’ prophecies are from;

• We do not know who the message is being given to;

• We do not know why the message is being given;

• It is virtually impossible to interpret Nostradamus’ prophecies in advance of the event which they are said to predict. Interpretations are usually made to fit afterwards;

• Neil Marshall’s “infinite monkeys principle” has been proved true: the laws of probability dictate that if anyone makes a thousand or so vague prophecies, then some of them are bound to “come true”.

Bible Prophecy

By stark contrast, Bible prophecy is completely different from Nostradamus’ vague predictions. The Bible gives very detailed and specific prophecies about people, places, and nations. The Bible’s prophecies are fulfilled against all odds. One such prophecy will be studied here to prove the point.

Attention has been drawn to the fact that the Bible has accurately and repeatedly predicted that the Jews would be:

• Scattered: Deuteronomy 28 v 64 (fulfilled in AD 135 by the Romans),
• Persecuted: Deuteronomy 28 v 65 – 67 (fulfilled down the ages, and most notably by Hitler),
• Regathered: Deuteronomy 30 v 1-5, Ezekiel 37 v 6, 13; 38 v 23 (fulfilled in 1948 when the state of Israel was once again declared),
• Have ongoing conflicts with the Arabs: Ezekiel 36, Obadiah, Psalm 83.

It is this third point which will be focused on – the regathering of the Jews to the land of Israel after almost two thousand years of dispersion. It must be emphasized that no other nation in history has been: driven out of its homeland, persecuted wherever its people went, and finally regathered to its original homeland after a period of nearly 2000 years. Other nations which have been driven out of their lands, or their empires have been defeated, and they have simply ceased to exist. When did you last meet a Roman, a Babylonian or a Phoenician? You never have, and you never will, for these nations have gone the same way as the dodo. But not Israel. Israel is unique.

Jeremiah 16

A few verses from this chapter will demonstrate key points about Bible prophecy:

“‘However, the days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when men will no longer say, ‘as surely as the LORD lives who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ but they will say, ‘as surely as the LORD lives who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the North and out of all the countries where he banished them.’ For I will restore them to the land that I gave to their forefathers… Then they will know that my name is the LORD'” (Jeremiah 16 v 1 4-16, 21).

If we ask the same questions which we asked about Nostradamus’ prophecies, the answers are now much more satisfactory:

• Who is the message from?
• Who is the message to?
• For what reason is the message being given?
• What does it mean?

The message, Jeremiah claims in verse 14, is from God. The message is given to Jeremiah to give to the Israelites (v 1, 10). The message is given to them so that they will know that God does exist, and is in control of their futures (v21: “Then they will know that my name is the LORD”).

As for the meaning of the passage, this is very clear. The Jews would be brought back to the land of “their forefathers”, namely Israel. This happened in the last century, when, against the laws of probability, the nation of Israel was once again declared in 1948.

Which seems the more trustworthy so far? Nostradamus or the Bible?

Made to Fit?

The point was made that Nostradamus’ followers often try to make his prophecies fit events after they have happened. This is not true of the prophecy which we have just looked at. In 1849, after reading passages like Jeremiah 16, a Bible student wrote the following words:

“There is.. a… restoration of the Jews before the manifestation [i.e. return of Jesus]… The… colonization of Palestine will be on purely political principles; and the Jewish colonists will return in unbelief of the Messiahship of Jesus, and of the truth as it is in him..” (John Thomas, Elpis Israel, 1849).

The writer of these words clearly expected the Jews to return to Israel, or Palestine as it was then known. He did not claim to be a prophet, he merely stated what the Bible had clearly said would happen. Note that he wrote these words almost one hundred years before the state of Israel was established, and well in advance of the Zionist movement.

Unlike Nostradamus’ interpreters then, Bible students are often able to accurately say what will happen before it happens. This is not due to any skill of their own, but because many Bible prophecies are so very specific, detailed and clear.

So Who Do You Trust?

Nostradamus cannot be trusted, but the Bible can. The reason God gives us so many predictions is that when we see that they have happened (as is the case with the restoration of Israel) we will believe that God exists.

Not only this, but the fulfillment of these prophecies gives conviction to believers, and also warns unbelievers to repent before it is too late. The Bible clearly tells us that we must be baptized to be saved (Jn3 v 5, Mk 16 v 16). For Jesus will soon return to judge the world and set up God’s kingdom of peace (Acts 1 v 6 – 11; Acts 17 v 30 – 31).

Why do so many people so readily believe that Nostradamus has the key to the future? Could it be that if we believe Nostradamus then we do not need to change our behaviour or life-styles in any way? Yet, if we believe the Bible there is a moral imperative – we must change our lives and put God first.

Sadly, then, many people choose to ignore the Bible, and refuse to consider overwhelming evidence (countless fulfilled prophecies; archeological evidence; scientific proof; internal coherency; and personal experiences) that it is the Word of God.

Please look into this further – for David, one of the kings of ancient Israel, did not lie when through him God said:

• “You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16 v 11).

If you would like to find out more about the Bible’s message for you, then please go to our website and explore the True Bible Teaching concerning the Purpose of Almighty God with this earth and your opportunity to be a part of it.

God’s True Purpose with the Earth and Mankind

The Merchant of Tarshish (Britain)

EU-UK Trade war looms as Britain Scraps Parts of Withdrawal Agreement

The EU has launched legal action against the UK as Britain “overrides” Protocol

For months now rumours have been circulating that the British government was planning to scrap parts of the EU-UK withdrawal agreement which it signed up it after the 2019 General Election. This agreement is a legally binding agreement and was seen to be the foundation of the UK-EU relationship going forward after Britain’s departure from the European Union.

The government signed up to the agreement that placed a customs border between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland, which has angered the unionist community in Northern Ireland.

Brussels has warned against any departure from the agreement, and said that it would be a declaration of a trade war if Britain were to make this step.

Well this week it happened. It was announced last Monday that the government was introducing legislation that would “override” aspects of the agreement, allowing goods to be transported from mainland UK to Northern Ireland without the checks the UK agreed to in the protocol. This has prompted fury in the EU, with Brussels claiming that it is a breach of international law. Not only has the EU threatened legal action, they have taken it. EU Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic said there was “no legal or political justification whatsoever for unilaterally changing an international agreement”, saying “lets call a spade a spade, this is illegal”. He added that the EU had “no choice” but to launch legal action.

Philippe Lamberts, a MEP in Brussels said that the EU’s patience had been tested “to the extreme by Boris Johnson”.

Commentators see a real risk of a trade war between the EU and UK as the political squabbles and court battles continue.

But how have we come to this point? Theresa May, shortly after the 2016 EU Referendum gave a speech where she said:

“Our vote to leave the European Union was no rejection of the values we share. The decision to leave the EU represents no desire to become more distant to you, our friends and neighbours. It was no attempt to do harm to the EU itself or to any of its remaining member states. We do not want to turn the clock back to the days when Europe was less peaceful, less secure and less able to trade freely. It was a vote to restore, as we see it, our parliamentary democracy, national self-determination, and to become even more global and internationalist in action and in spirit.

We will continue to be reliable partners, willing allies and close friends. We want to buy your goods and services, sell you ours, trade with you as freely as possible, and work with one another to make sure we are all safer, more secure and more prosperous through continued friendship.

We are leaving the European Union, but we are not leaving Europe.

And that is why we seek a new and equal partnership – between an independent, self-governing, Global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU.”

Now although these things might be in the hearts of men and women, we know that “the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men”.  The UK government could work to continue sharing values with the EU, they could work to be close friends and allies with the EU, they could seek to remain part of Europe while leaving the European Union, but unless God wills these things the plans of men will be frustrated.

Ezekiel 38, referring to the time when the land of Israel will be attacked by Gog’s host, which includes the states of the European Union, records that:

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

And so what we see is that the Tarshish Power, Britain, will not only be standing apart from the European nations, will not only be outside the European Union’s foreign policy, but will standing their accusing them of attacking the nation of Israel for monetary gain. This is not the language of people who share the same values, this is not the language of close friends and allies, this is the language of rivals. Britain will be condemning the action of its European neighbours, but powerless to stop them from taking the land of Israel.

We also see the prophet Ezekiel refer to “the merchants” or traders of Tarshish. This is particularly interesting when we hear of a trade war between the UK and EU. Today Britain exports over £250 billion worth of goods – making up 42% of all UK exports. The EU exports over £300 billion worth making up half of all the UK’s imports. At the moment the EU is one of the merchants of Tarshish – in fact it is the biggest single trading partner of this country – but perhaps this is about to change. By the time we come to the battle of Armageddon the merchants of Tarshish will be the gulf states and the commonwealth, not the EU.

The looming trade war between the EU and UK will force the UK to extend it’s trade links with other nations around the world and more permanently solidify the separation that we have already seen between the continent and the UK.

And so as we see these things coming together let us be reminded that our father in heaven controls the events in this world, it is not in man to direct his steps, and so how sure can we be that not only does he control the big things in this world, he is also in control of the smaller things in our lives. In him we live and move and have our being. So let us fear not the things that come upon this world, but lift up our heads in hope, knowing our redemption draws nigh.

By Paul Barnes www.bibleinthenews.com

Russia Europe Israel and Gas

Is Israel’s gas something Russia would come to take as spoil?

As Russia continues its aggression in the Ukraine it turns off the gas to parts of Europe. Europe responds seeking to ban Russian oil completely with plans underway to also ban Russian gas by the end of the decade. As all this unfolds, Israel eyes up the opportunities.

The coming invasion of Israel by Russia

The prophecy of Ezekiel 38 teaches us that, before the Lord Jesus Christ returns, a confederacy led by Russia (v2) comes down from the North and attacks Israel. 

The prophecy indicates that one of the reasons they do this is to take a “spoil” (v12 &13). 

This is also mentioned in the parallel prophecy of Zechariah 14. Speaking of the same events God, through the prophet tells Israel that:
“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle…” (Zechariah 14:1-2).

The word translated spoil is the Hebrew word “šālāl”. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon tells us this means “prey, spoil, plunder, booty”. In other parts of the Bible it is used to describe desirable commodities taken in war – things such as garments, gold and silver (Joshua 7:21) ornaments (Judges 8:24, 25), flocks and herds (1 Samuel 30:20) and even people (Deuteronomy 20:14 and Judges 5:30).

Bible students have long wondered what this “spoil” is that will bring down Russia into Israel and we wonder if we are starting to get a glimpse of what this might be as we witness the problems with energy in Europe and the response by opportunistic Israel.

An aggressive Russia

This week in our news we have witnessed the horrors of war. The spotlight has again been on Russian aggression in the Ukraine. Amongst other stories there has been a lot of attention on the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol where a few hundred Ukrainian soldiers who were defending Mariupol had retreated. This week it was reported that Russian troops had stormed the area.  Communications with the last Ukrainian defenders were lost amid fears Russia was using thermobaric warheads. It is thought that the Russians are a seeking major victory’s ahead of the 9th of May Victory Day military parade in Red Square in Moscow which celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Despite Western media painting Russia out to not being as powerful as first thought, we are still witnessing the aggressive growing military might of the Rus in the “latter days” as predicted by prophecy.

The energy crisis

Recently we’ve seen Russia use another aggressive tactic. EUNews ran a headline on the 27th of April which read: “EU accuses Russia of ‘blackmail’ as it cuts gas tap to Poland and Bulgaria”. The article reads: “European leaders on Wednesday branded Russia’s announcement it is cutting off gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria as “blackmail” and praised EU solidarity as neighbouring countries step in. Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned gas company, informed both EU countries on Tuesday that it would halt gas supplies after they refused to pay for the deliveries in roubles — a measure Moscow imposed on so-called “unfriendly” foreign buyers in response to sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. About half of Poland’s imported gas comes from Russia, according to Forum Energii, a think tank. The share rises even further for Bulgaria which gets at least three-quarters of its gas imports from Russia. Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen labeled Gazprom’s decision as “yet another attempt by Russia to use gas as an instrument of blackmail” in a statement on Wednesday morning. She added that it is “unjustified and unacceptable” but sought to strike a reassuring note, stressing that the 27-country bloc is “prepared for this scenario” and has “put in place contingency plans for just such a scenario and we worked with them in coordination and solidarity.”

Apparently, the gas was again turned back on by Russia. But the warning shot was fired. Energy is being weaponised by Russia.

On Wednesday European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the intent to cut itself off from Russian oil. “Today we will propose to ban all Russian oil from Europe. We will phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year.” She announced.

There have also been discussions about Europe ceasing to buy Russian gas. This is a much harder challenge as Europe is so reliant on Russian gas. Apparently plans are afoot for EU to soon unveil plans to end Russian gas imports by the end of the decade.

Israel’s opportunity

All of this uncertainty is being eyed with great interest by Israel who, over the last few decades has discovered and begone to extract gas from vast gas fields discovered off its shoreline in the Levant Basin.

In an article published on March 29th by Reuters entitled “Israel-Turkey gas pipeline discussed as European alternative to Russian energy” the following was reported “A Turkey-Israel gas pipeline is being discussed behind the scenes as one of Europe’s alternatives to Russian energy supplies, but it will take complicated manoeuvring to reach any deal, government and industry officials in both countries say. The idea, first conceived years ago, is to build a subsea pipeline from Turkey to Israel’s largest offshore natural gas field, Leviathan. Gas would flow to Turkey and on to southern European neighbours looking to diversify away from Russia.”

On the 12th of April The Times of Israel ran an article entitled “As EU eyes stopping Russian fuel imports, Israel sees an opening for its natural gas”. In it it stated: “As Europe aims to wean itself off Russian fossil fuel because of the Ukraine invasion, Israel hopes to help fill the gap with gas from its offshore reserves… Israel could build one or more pipelines, potentially via Greece or Turkey, or increase the quantity of gas piped to Egypt to be liquefied and shipped off, say officials and experts.”

Conclusion

So we wonder. Is this the thing which might eventually bring down Russia to Israel? If the Israelis get their gas pipe in place it makes them a permanent competitor to Russia in the energy markets of Europe. Although Europe and Russia are at loggerheads at the moment Bible prophecy proclaims they will unite at some point in the future because the European people of Magog and Gomer are led by the Russians in Ezekiel 38 – and when that happens pipelines coming from Israel would suddenly become a target which stands in the way of Russian ambitions.

The scene would be set for the “evil thought” of the invader to “come and take a spoil”.

But how things will exactly pan out we do not know. All we know is that we are in the “Latter days” the nations are being moved into position as the prophets have told us they would, and events are leading up to the return of Zion’s king.

So, we watch and we wait for the time when:
“the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” Zech 14:9

By Bible in the News wwwbibleinthenews.com