WHAT BIBLICAL EVENT MARKS THE START OF THE 7-YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD?

*Originally written on 3/17/2010. First blog post for this blog. Updated on 3/25/2018.

Daniel 9:27 NIV declares, "He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."

The "he" mentioned in Daniel 9:27 is widely accepted to refer to the prior verse, Daniel 9:26, which says, "...The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." This refers to the Romans who destroyed Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple after Jesus Christ was "cut off". 

This interpretation of Daniel 9:26-27 is confirmed by other passages like Daniel 2:40-43 (which refers to a "divided kingdom", a Revived Roman Empire), Daniel 8:8-12 (refers to the coming of the Antichrist from Alexander the Great's ancient Grecian Empire and also refers to the abomination of sacrifice during the Great Tribulation by the Antichrist), Matthew 24:15 (Jesus Christ specifically refers to Daniel's prophecy of "the abomination that causes desolation...") and Revelation 13:1-2 (refers specifically to the Revived Roman Empire).

The "he" in Daniel 9:27 is likewise widely accepted to be the Antichrist who will arise from the Revived Roman Empire. Daniel 8:8-9, among other passages, further narrows the place of the Antichrist's origin to be in the ancient Greek Empire, which was also in the eastern part of succeeding Roman Empire. The Greek Empire was built by Alexander the Great. After Alexander died, four of his generals divided up his empire as follows:

• Cassander took Greece/Macedonia,
• Lysimachus assumed Turkey or Asia Minor,
• Seleucus took what includes modern-day Syria, Iran and Iraq, and
• Ptolemy took Egypt.

THE EVENT described that marks the beginning of the 7-year Tribulation period is widely seen as when the Antichrist signs a peace treaty between a revived state of Israel, which currently exists, and its neighbors. This accomplishment would likely give the Antichrist wide acclaim and could lead to or enhance his rapid ascension to power.

And why will such a "covenant" be such a "big deal"?.....

Since Israel was established as a new nation in 1948, it has been at war, in a state of war, or in a state of uneasy peace with its neighbors. Also, many attempts for peace have been tried but no lasting peace has been achieved, at least between Israel and all of its neighbors. Carter, Clinton, Bush, Obama...all failed!

I would speculate with biblical support that the Antichrist will make peace after a major war, which would make his peace efforts to be perceived as an even greater coup. Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 both refer to major attacks on Israel by her neighbors or nations in the area. It could be these wars that will provide the basis for the Antichrist's rise to fame, according to Daniel 9:27, "he will confirm a covenant with many..."

A SYNOPSIS OF THE POPE'S APOSTASY AND BLASPHEMY

Recently, the Pope popped off again with his antichrist nonsense glorifying communism while he also equated Isis' efforts to violently spread terror around the world with Jesus Christ's Great Commission to spread the Gospel around the world. Utter blasphemy !

The following is a link to a great summary of the Pope's apostasy and blasphemous statements during his papacy :

Unsealed.org, an article called "the Wolf" :

This passage from II Thessalonians 2:3 about the signs of the coming of Jesus Christ seems relevant to this story:
   "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come, until the rebellion*** occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction." 

*** The passage refers to "the rebellion"". This is what Pope Francis (aka Jorge Bergoglio)  is helping to usher in, an apostasy against the truth, the true faith and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. This article is a great summary of the examples of Mr. Bergoglio's apostasy and blasphemies. 

Roman Catholics need to consider these facts and consider who is their Lord, Jesus Christ or Mr. Bergoglio, a false prophet .

THE POWER OF THE ANTICHRIST !

*Originally posted on December 8, 2010. Revised on December 7, 2013.

WHAT POWERS WILL THE ANTICHRIST HAVE ?

Using the following biblical support, here are a list of the Antichrist's powers, according to the book, "God's plan for Man":

• A) To blaspheme God and speak boastfully (Daniel 7:8, 11, 20 and 25; 11:36; Revelation 13:5-6),
• B) To overcome the saints (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 7:9-17; 14:13; 15:2-4) ,
• C) To overcome the Jews (Daniel 7:21; 12:7; Revelation 13:7,15),
• D) To conquer many nations (Daniel 7:8, 20-24; 11-36-45; Ezekiel 38, 39) and rule them as he will(Revelation 13:7),
• E) To destroy Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17:12-17),
• F) To overcome and kill the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7),
• G) To change times and laws (Daniel 7:25),
• H) To cause peace in the Middle East, to protect the Jews as long as he desires, and also to succeed in destroying them for a period (Daniel 9:27; II Thessalonians; Revelation 11:1-2),
• I) To work counterfeit signs, wonders and miracles (Daniel 8:24; II Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 13:1-18 and 19:20),
• J) To cause deceit to prosper and consider himself superior (Daniel 8:25; John 5:43; II Thessalonians 2:10-12; Revelation 13:1-18),
• K) To control money and riches in his own realm (Daniel 11:38-43),
• L) To do according to his own will (Daniel 11:36),
• M) To control worship and religion (Daniel 11:36; II Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 14:9-11: Revelation 16:21) ,
• N) To control the lives of all men in his realm (Revelation 13:12-18),
• O) To control kings as he wills (Revelation 17:12-17),
• P) To make all the other nations fear him (Revelation 13:4),
• Q) To fight against Christ, although ultimately he will be crushed by Jesus Christ (Daniel 8:25; Revelation 19:11-21) ,
• R) To reign 42 months (Revelation 13:5)

***Adapted from the book, “God’s Plan for Man” by Finis Jennings Dake

THE PURPOSE OF THE ANTICHRIST

*Originally written June 11, 2010.

The Antichrist is ordained by God as:

●A judgment from God for a people who refuse the truth. According to II Thessalonians 2:9-12 notes, “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”

●A curse of God for wicked behavior. More specifically the curse may be related to the world’s treatment of Israel. God’s promise of Abraham noted in Genesis 12:3 still applies, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse…” Recently, the global reaction against Israel’s attempt to board a provocative flotilla heading for the Gaza Strip met with nearly global condemnation, while even the USA was silent. In light of Iran and North Korea’s behavior this represents a clear double standard and a curse against Israel. It is this type of global behavior that will cause the Almighty to honor His Word and curse the world for its hatred of Israel. The coming Antichrist will represent a fulfillment of this curse.

WHAT EVENTS WILL PRECEDE THE COMING OF THE ANTICHRIST?

*Originally written on March 20, 2010. Additions April 23, 2018.

The following are some events that appear to be required or likely to occur before the Antichrist is revealed according to the Bible:

A) A revived Roman Empire of sorts will arise. Daniel 7:24a describes "...ten kings who will come from this kingdom" (the Roman Empire is described in Daniel 2:33, Daniel 2:40-43, and Daniel 7:23). Daniel 7:24b goes on to say, "After them (referring to the ten kings just mentioned above) another king will arise (describing the Antichrist), different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings." 

Revelation 17:12 describes the same ten kings preceding the Antichrist. Revelation 17:13 NIV further clarifies their purpose, "They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast (aka the Antichrist)."

B) Serious wars, terrorism and natural disasters will occur according to Matthew 24:6-8, termed "...the birth pains" by Jesus. This appears reasonable because the Antichrist will gain wide acceptance, at least for one reason, because he will bring peace and safety according to Daniel 9:27, I Thessalonians 5:3 and Revelation 6:1-2. "Peace and safety" will be clamored for by the people at the time of the Antichrist, so it would seem that it would be lacking up to that point.

C) It would seem that the USA would lose its super power status to the "ten kings" referred to in Daniel 7:24a. This could occur by a foreign invasion, cyber-attack, an EMP attack, nuclear attack, or through an economic catastrophe brought on by excessive debt, among other reasons.

D) Increased wickedness among the people of the earth described in Daniel 8:23 as, "...when rebels have become completely wicked..." and in II Thessalonians 2:10-12 as, "...and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness" (also see Matthew 24:12).

The malicious hatred of President Donald Trump in 2018 due to his bold stands for America and righteousness; stubbornness in the face of a lack of evidence about alleged Russian collusion; and other petty, malicious attacks against his Cabinet officials shows that "attitude problems" are growing among the people of the earth. On a personal level, I find it difficult to have even a basic conversation with some "attitudinally challenged", arrogant people, often resulting in contention about insignificant matters or being maliciously accused for a misunderstanding, at best! II Timothy 3 describes such End Times' behavior!

E) Accompanying the increased wickedness will be a general global apostasy or rebellion against truth, the Bible, Jesus, and the true church according to Psalm 2:1-6 and II Thessalonians 2:3. 

Because these wicked people hate and curse Israel and Christians (Genesis 12:3), the judgment of the Great Tribulation will come upon the world, "...and whoever curses you I will curse." This is currently being evidenced in a global backlash against Israel for their alleged mistreatment of the Palestinians and rampant persecution of Christians around the world.


F) The Bible also says in Joel 2:28-29 NIV that a great revival will occur, "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people, your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." It is frankly unclear to me if this will occur before the Antichrist arrives or during the Great Tribulation. It is possible that the great apostasy and great revival could happen simultaneously.

G) Also, technology and travel will increase greatly, according to Daniel 12:4 KJV, "...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." 

AND CONCERNING THE TEN KINGS....

***Originally written in July 2014, reposted in 2017 and again in April 2018.

"The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast." Revelation 17:12 NKJV


Who are the ten kings Revelation 17:12 refers to?

Before answering, let me share a few verses from the book of Daniel. Confirming Revelation 17:12, and also showing how the book of Revelation fulfills, and is intertwined with, the book of Daniel, these verses speak of the same ten kings, albeit in a slightly different way:

• In Daniel 2:33, Daniel describes this empire to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, "its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay." 
• In Daniel 2:41-42, Daniel describes this empire further, "Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided...And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile."
• In Daniel 7:7b NKJV, Daniel himself had a vision. The part of his vision referring to this empire: "...It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns."  (The 4th beast described by Daniel to Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:31-43)

These "ten horns" are also known as the Revived Roman Empire, which the aforementioned passage declares will arise at the end of this age, just before the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ! As these verses note and most commentators agree, this empire will likely mix democracies shown as "clay" and dictatorships shown as "iron" together. Today, this is what we see: democratic republics in Europe and dictatorships in parts of the former parts of the Roman Empire, notably Turkey.

And now let's go back to Revelation to show the same Revived Roman Empire yet again since the Bible confirms itself with different passages:

• Revelation 17:10 described seven major earthly kingdoms throughout history. It is widely held that their common thread is that they all oppressed Israel at different periods in history, "There are also seven kings. Five have fallen (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia & Greece), one is (the Roman Empire was presently in power during John's writing of the Book of Revelation), and the other has not yet come (the Revived Roman Empire, aka the 10 Kings of Rev. 17:12-13). And when he comes, he must continue a short time." 
• Revelation 17:11, which can be confusing refers to "the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth". Chuck Missler, in his excellent YouTube teaching on Revelation 17, says that this shows the Roman Empire originally, and in its later revived form. This is a reasonable interpretation and is consistent with related passages. 

How then should we reconcile the four beast kingdoms Daniel describes with the seven kingdoms mentioned in Revelation? First, Daniel combines the two manifestations of the Roman Empire into one kingdom, which is obvious. Additionally, Egypt and Assyria were not part of the four kingdoms noted in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, outlined in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar was the central character in his own dream. Perhaps the Egyptian and Assyrian empires may have been omitted to avoid "offending" Nebuchadnezzar. More likely, perhaps they would not have been considered worthy in the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar since they were in the past so God didn't include them in the King's dream.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE of REVELATION'S TEN KINGS?
The Bible answers this question very simply. In Revelation 17:13, "These are of one mind, and they will give their authority for one hour as kings with the beast."  One hour means a short period of time, which is consistent with Revelation 17:10.  The leaders of these 10 kingdoms will essentially become puppets of the Antichrist, willingly giving their authority to him.

Also, Revelation 17:14 notes, "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) will overcome them..."  


WHERE DOES THE ANTICHRIST FIT IN WITH THESE 10 KINGS?
Revelation 17:13 says these 10 kings give their authority to the beast. Daniel 7:8 notes, "I was considering the horns, and there was another horn,  a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots..."
Revelation 17:11 describes this relationship as the Antichrist being the 8th kingdom, who is also of the 7th, "The beast (the Antichrist) that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition." 

WHEN WILL THEY ARISE? WILL THE USA BE INCLUDED?
Signs of the times seem to point to...soon! My personal thought is no, the USA will not be included, but the USA may be influenced by the Revived Roman Empire of the 10 kings.  The USA, after all, was not part of the original Roman Empire. It seems reasonable this revived empire may arise after the USA's power is diminished. 


WHAT AREAS WILL BE PART OF THIS REVIVED EMPIRE?
    If this is to be a truly revived form of the Roman Empire, we would look to the original Roman Empire's boundaries which included most of Europe and parts of Asia, including Syria. The rise of Isis in 2014 in Iraq and Syria with its violent hostility against Christ and Christians could foreshadow this type of character being present in the Revived Roman Empire. We also see a rising Anti-Semitism in Europe and appeasement of Islam in many parts of Europe. 
   However, J. Dwight Pentecost, in his book, "Things to Come" makes a good argument that the boundaries of the Revived Empire may well exceed the original Roman Empire, including the Americas, as well.

IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN ISLAM AND THE ANTICHRIST?

* Originally written May 8, 2010, revised April 2018.

First a little background, Islam claims to be descended from Abraham. Abraham was the natural father of Ishmael, the father of the Arabs, a “great nation” according to Genesis 21:18. Ishmael was the son of Hagar, Abraham’s wife’s slave girl. Ishmael was the father of 12 warrior or hostile tribes (Genesis 25:13-18).

However, at an old age Abraham finally gave birth to God’s promised son. He was named Isaac from his geriatric wife, Sarai after a long wait. It was through Isaac that the promise of God’s blessing would continue. Isaac is a portrait of God’s grace while Ishmael is a portrait of human effort.

After Isaac was weaned, Ishmael began to mock him. At this, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away by Abraham. It is this conflict, rooted in jealousy, that is the root cause of tension between God’s people and the Muslims even until today. I would maintain that it is probable that just as Jesus Christ came from the line of Isaac so the Antichrist may come from the line of Ishmael. 

It should be noted that Ishmael was the father of the Arabs per Genesis 21:13. Islam came through the false prophet, Mohammed. Most Arabs are Muslim, but not all, noteworthy are the Coptic Christians in Egypt.

In addition to the historical roots, there is also a fundamental religious connection. I John 2:22 states, “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.” This is the essence of Islam, denying the divinity of Jesus Christ.