Will AI Power the Mark of the Beast System? Examining the Tech Behind End-Times Prophecy

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly advances, many people are starting to ask: Could AI be the Antichrist? Could AI be the False Prophet? Or even Mystery Babylon?

The short, Bible-based answer: No. AI is not the Antichrist, the False Prophet, or Mystery Babylon. But it almost certainly will be one of their most powerful tools.

Here’s a breakdown of each key end-times player—and how AI is likely to fit in.

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1. The Antichrist (The Beast from the Sea – Revelation 13:1-10)

Who He Is:
The Antichrist will be a literal, physical human being—a political leader with charisma, speech, will, and moral accountability. He will be energized by Satan and will eventually demand global worship.

Why We Know He’s Human:

• 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 calls him "the man of lawlessness... the man doomed to destruction" who will "exalt himself over everything that is called God."

• Daniel 7:8 describes him as having "eyes like a human and a "mouth that spoke boastfully."

• Revelation 19:20 says he will be "thrown alive into the lake of fire"—a fate that presupposes a living, conscious, morally responsible being.

How AI Will Factor In:
The Antichrist will likely use AI for global governance, military surveillance, speech control, economic systems, and to enforce loyalty through the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-17).

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2. The False Prophet (The Beast from the Earth – Revelation 13:11-18)

Who He Is:
The False Prophet is also a human individual, described as a second beast who leads the world in religious worship of the Antichrist and performs counterfeit miracles to deceive the masses.

Why We Know He’s Human:

• Revelation 13:12-14 shows that he "exercises authority, performs great signs, deceives the inhabitants of the earth, and causes fire to come down from heaven." These are conscious, willful acts of spiritual deception.

• He speaks, acts, and directs worship—functions that require personal will and moral agency.

• Like the Antichrist, he is later "thrown alive into the lake of fire" (Revelation 19:20)—a punishment reserved for living, sentient beings, not software.

How AI Will Factor In:
The False Prophet may use AI-based technologies to create false signs, manipulate global media, produce hyper-realistic deepfakes, and manage digital worship systems that point people toward the Antichrist.

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3. Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17–18)

What It Is:
Mystery Babylon is described as a worldwide spiritual, economic, and political system—symbolized as a woman riding the beast. It represents false religion, global economic control, and moral corruption on a global scale.

Why We Know It’s Not AI:
Mystery Babylon is described as a system, a city, and a spiritual stronghold, not a technology or a single entity. While it may use technology (including AI) to further its reach, it is the end-times world system of rebellion against God, not the technology itself.

How AI Will Factor In:
AI will likely serve as the technological infrastructure that powers Mystery Babylon’s global surveillance, financial systems, ideological control, and information suppression.

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4. AI: The End-Times Tool—Not the Entity

What AI Is Not:
AI is not a person. AI is not the Antichrist, not the False Prophet, and not Mystery Babylon. It is a created tool—software and hardware built by humans, with no soul, no consciousness, and no moral accountability.

What AI Will Be Used For:
AI will be the control grid, the "digital nervous system" that the Antichrist and the False Prophet will leverage to enforce global worship, restrict commerce, track dissent, and carry out unprecedented levels of deception.

This won’t just be your everyday chatbot or translation app. The system in view will likely involve quantum computing, advanced machine learning, facial recognition, biometric tracking, and centralized global data networks—all working together, similar to how the Internet connects the world today, but on an even more intrusive and controlling scale.

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The Great Deception – And AI’s Possible Role:
One of the most sobering warnings about the end times comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11, which speaks of the "Great Deception":

"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness 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..."

Origin of the Great Deception:
This end-times deception comes from Satan, is allowed by God as judgment, and is administered through supernatural signs and persuasive lies, culminating in the world’s worship of the Antichrist.

How AI Could Be Involved:
AI could become a key tool in executing the Great Deception by:

• Generating false miracles using deepfake videos, synthetic audio, and visual effects.

• Creating hyper-realistic "proof" of Antichrist’s divinity through fabricated signs (fire from heaven, fake resurrections, etc.).

• Spreading state-controlled propaganda globally in real-time, drowning out the truth.

• Powering AI-driven avatars or holograms for the "Image of the Beast" described in Revelation 13:15, which appears to speak and cause people to be killed.

While the spiritual source of the Great Deception is Satanic, the delivery mechanisms may very well include AI and global communication technology.

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Final Thoughts: Engage AI Wisely, Stay Rooted in Truth

Like the internet, AI is becoming part of everyday life. It’s not practical to avoid it altogether, especially for businesses, ministries, or even personal communication. Just as most companies today can't operate without an internet presence, we too will continue to use AI tools responsibly and with discernment.

But we should also remain vigilant. As these technologies advance, it’s clear that AI is laying the digital groundwork for the global system described in Revelation, and could very well become a major delivery mechanism for the Great Deception that leads many astray.

Christians should use technology without putting faith in it, staying rooted in God's Word, watching the times, and keeping our ultimate hope in Christ—not in human innovation.

Luke 21:36:
"Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

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A Summary of End-Times Events

1. Events That Have Already Happened or Are Happening

These events have already set the stage for the end times:

A. The Rebirth of Israel (1948)

• Ezekiel 37:21-22 – God promises to bring Israel back as a nation.
• Isaiah 66:8 – Prophecy of a nation being born in a day.
• The return of Israel is a key sign of the end times, as many prophecies concerning the Tribulation and Second Coming require Israel to exist.

B. The Increase of Birth Pains (Matthew 24:4-8)

• Jesus describes signs of the last days:
  • Wars and rumors of wars
  • Nation rising against nation
  • Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes
• These are seen as birth pains, increasing in frequency and intensity leading up to the Tribulation.

C. The Rise of Globalism (Revelation 13:7, 13:16-17)

• The world is moving toward centralized control (economically, politically, and technologically).
• AI, digital currencies, and surveillance technology may set the stage for the Antichrist’s system.

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2. Future End-Times Events

A. The Rapture of the Church (Imminent)

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers who will be caught up.
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – It will happen in an instant, at the last trumpet.
• This event removes the Church from the earth before God’s judgment in the Tribulation.

B. The Rise of the Antichrist & the Peace Covenant (Daniel 9:27)

• The Antichrist will emerge as a global leader and confirm a 7-year covenant with Israel.
• This officially begins the Tribulation Period (Daniel’s 70th week).

C. The Seven-Year Tribulation (Revelation 6–19)

• A time of divine judgment and deception:

  1. The Seal Judgments (Revelation 6) – Antichrist’s conquest, war, famine, death, martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
  2. The Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8-9) – Hail, fire, sea turns to blood, demonic locusts, and more.
  3. The Bowl Judgments (Revelation 16) – Final outpouring of God’s wrath.

• The Abomination of Desolation (Mid-Tribulation, Matthew 24:15, Daniel 9:27)

  • The Antichrist breaks his peace covenant and declares himself as God in the Jewish temple.

D. The Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19:11-16)

• At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus returns with His saints to defeat the Antichrist at the Battle of Armageddon.
• The Antichrist and the False Prophet are thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20).

E. The Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:1-6)

• Jesus establishes a 1,000-year reign on earth.
• Satan is bound during this time, and Christ rules from Jerusalem.

F. Satan’s Final Rebellion & Defeat (Revelation 20:7-10)

• After the Millennium, Satan is released and deceives the nations.
• God destroys the rebellion, and Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire forever.

G. The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)

• The unsaved dead are judged and cast into the Lake of Fire.
• This is the final judgment for all who rejected Christ.

H. The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

• God creates a new, perfect creation.
• New Jerusalem descends, and believers dwell with the Lord forever.

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Final Thoughts

This overview gives a high-level timeline of how biblical prophecy unfolds. The Rapture is the next prophetic event, and the world is rapidly moving toward the conditions needed for the Tribulation.

The Rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, Israel

Although it does not exist today, the Jewish Temple is undoubtedly an important part of end times Bible prophecy, and we can easily point to relatively recent events to see how it is shaping up to become a major event.   Several significant places in prophetic scripture refer to the temple.  

At this point in time, it would be nothing short of a miracle for the rebuilding of the temple to happen, given all the unrest and conflict concerning the Temple Mount right now between the Israelis and Palestinians.  Yet, statistically, we have a much greater chance now than has ever been possible because in 1967 Israel took control of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War.  

Of course, just as the Bible has been right in all its prophecies, we know this is going to happen because Scripture tells us it will.  In essence, the rebuilding of the temple will set up the “abomination that causes desolation” described so clearly in Daniel 9:27, explicitly referred to by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, and later mentioned by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:4.  Therefore, it’s interesting that currently many Jews want to rebuild the temple, and even now are preparing to do so.  According to the Temple Institute’s Statement of Principles,

The Temple Institute is dedicated to all aspects of the Divine commandment for Israel to build a house for G-d’s presence, the Holy Temple, on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. The range of the Institute's involvement with this concept includes education, research, activism, and actual preparation. Our goal is firstly, to restore Temple consciousness and reactivate these “forgotten” commandments. We hope that by doing our part, we can participate in the process that will lead to the Holy Temple becoming a reality once more.

The Rapture, however, may occur before or after the temple is finally built.  Other verses that support the Rapture will be sudden and unexpected (imminent) include:

    "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36)

    "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)

    "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:44).

    "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:13).

It is quite clear that the Bible explains the Rapture can occur at any moment.  Therefore, as we go about our daily lives as described in Luke 17:26-36 (eating and drinking, marrying, working, building, etc.), we should follow the words of Jesus in Luke 21:36, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

For more information about that topic and many others, a good resource to help understand Bible prophecy is a book called, Pray That You May Escape.

Is the Talk of a Peace Treaty With Israel a Sign of the End Times?

QUESTION:  The Bible clearly states that no man will know, not even Jesus, of His return.  The Bible claims that a "peace treaty" will be signed by the antichrist and Israel.   Lately we are seeing on CNN and other news stations of peace talks with Israel and Palestine.   Is this another sign that we are near the rapture? 

ANSWER: You are right to always keep an eye on Israel for signs of the times.  Many prophetic Bible passages point to that.  The confirmation of a peace treaty would indicate we are that much closer.  Keep in mind the Antichrist "confirms" a covenant with the people of Israel (Daniel 9:27). Thus, it may be that a peace treaty first exists and later he confirms it, rather than that he "makes" a covenant. I mention that because a peace treaty could be signed either before or after the Rapture and all of the prophetic events we are witnessing bring us all the more closer to the "time of the end".

As witnessed in 1948, it is prophesied that Israel will again become a nation (Jeremiah 23:7-8).  Also, as already happened in 1967, Jerusalem will be controlled by the Jewish people — which lays the groundwork for huge future prophetic events to happen. As we are witnessing today, the tiny nation of Israel will continue to be in the headlines.  The land where Jerusalem exists will be of primary attention because that is where some day the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt.  That must happen because scripture explains that one day the "abomination that causes desolation" will occur in the temple (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15). 

You are also correct to understand that we are not to know the time of Christ's return.  However, we can know the season.  Jesus explained in Matthew 24:32-24 that concept:

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.  I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

One of the most exciting and resounding themes that support the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory is the concept that it is imminent: thus, it could occur at any time because there are no prophetic events that must precede the Rapture.  Thus, it could happen before you finish reading this sentence, complete this article, or it could happen the next time you are asleep.  Understanding that it is imminent inspires people to share God's Word with a sense of urgency, and to be sure they are living right and that their relationship with the Lord is where it should be.

The concept of an imminent Rapture also provides substantial strength to God's Word.  We read in Titus 2:11-14 that it is our blessed hope, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

We also read in 2 Peter 3:9-10 these assuring words, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." 

The early Church understood the Rapture could happen at any moment,  which further supports that the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory is correct.  In fact, one of the primary reasons 2 Thessalonians was written was because some false teachers had told the Church in Thessalonia that they missed the Rapture. 

Paul, the writer of 2 Thessalonians, explained they did not miss it, and then goes on to explain the Antichrist (a key figure in end times events) would not be revealed until first a great rebellion happens (2 Thessalonians 2:3).  Paul continues to explain that, "the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:7)  Many scholars believe that is referring to the Holy Spirit within the Church.  Obviously that lends further support to a Pre-Trib Rapture.

Other verses that support the Rapture will be sudden and unexpected (imminent) include:

    "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36)

    "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)

    "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:44).

    "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:13).

It is quite clear that the Bible explains the Rapture can occur at any moment.  Therefore, as we go about our daily lives as described in Luke 17:26-36 (eating and drinking, marrying, working, building, etc.), we should follow the words of Jesus in Luke 21:36, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

 

That really just touches the surface of the topic.  A really good resource that helps described Bible prophecy is a book called, Pray That You May Escape.

Daniel: The Key to Understanding Revelation

by Michael Houke MH

The only way to completely understand the book of Revelation and piece together the end time events is to read and comprehend the prophecies in the book of Daniel. These prophecies are intertwined with the prophecies in the book of Revelation, where as Daniel was told to shut up those prophecies until the time of the end, John was given the go head to reveal his.  But once John revealed his book, Daniel’s prophecies became much clearer — and in recent times with certain prophecies being fulfilled these two books reveal the events that are forth coming in our generation and clearly demonstrate that we are living in the end times.

 

DANIEL CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO MAIN SECTIONS:

• Chapters 1-6 are historical 
• Chapters 7-12 are prophetic. For this writing we will deal with the prophetic chapters of the Book of Daniel...

 

DANIEL CHAPTER 7

Twelve things will occur in the last days of the Gentile Age:

1. Daniel 7:23 - A world government will be established.
2. Daniel 7:24 - Ten Kings or divisions will come from the world government.
3. Daniel 7:24 - After the kings rise to power over the divisions, another king, the Antichrist will rise to power.
4. Daniel 7:25 - After the Antichrist rises he will have complete control over God’s people for 3½ years.
5. Daniel 7:26 - God will judge the Antichrist and take his power away.
6. Daniel 7:27 - The kingdom will be turned over to God’s people.

The final six verses address events related to the saints:
7. Daniel 7:18 - The saints will receive the kingdom and possess it forever.
8. Daniel 7:21 - The Horn was waging war against the saints and winning.
9. Daniel 7:22 - The Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints.
10. Daniel 7:25 - The Antichrist will speak against God and persecute the saints.
11. Daniel 7:25 - The saints will be handed over to the Antichrist for 3½ years.
12. Daniel 7:27 - Then the dominion of kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed to the saints.

 

DANIEL CHAPTER 8

The prophecy of Daniel 8:5-9 and 14, 22, 23 is fulfilled so accurately in history that it has caused many critics to suggest that a “later Daniel” wrote the book because the original was dead long before the Greeks rose to prominence. However, no such evidence can be found to support this concept. The Dead Sea Scrolls reveals the ancient origin of this book and concurs it is prophetic scripture. The entire reign Antiochus Epiphanes is described in vivid detail by Daniel and it all came to pass just as Daniel predicted it would.

The Angel Gabriel explains to Daniel the vision in Daniel 8:16 so that Daniel can understand that it concerns the time of the end. This would also be the first time An Angel would be identified by name in the Bible. Gabriel and Michael are the only two angels whose names are mentioned in the Bible along with Lucifer who is a fallen angel. Daniel 8:23-26 predicts that God will soundly defeat the Antichrist.

 

DANIEL CHAPTER 9 (a.k.a. "Daniel’s 70 weeks")

In Daniel 9:24 Gabriel advised Daniel that 70 weeks had been decreed for his people and the holy city. Daniel’s people are the Jews and the Holy City is Jerusalem. This prophecy is for the Nation of Israel solely and exclusively, it is not in any way directed to the Gentiles or the Church. The first 69 weeks and the last week are God’s dealing with Israel alone. The church had nothing to do with the first 69 weeks and it will have nothing to do with the last week. Daniel’s 70 weeks are distinct from the church.

Why 70 weeks?

1. To finish the transgression. God has decreed he will finish all transgression.
2. To make an end to sins. God has decreed that he will put an end to all sin.
3. To make reconciliation for inequity. God has decreed he will make reconciliation for inequity.
4. To bring everlasting righteousness. God has decreed in a Kingdom of everlasting righteousness.
5. To seal up the vision and the prophecy. God has decreed that he will fulfill everything he has promised in visions and prophecies, including the punishment of the Jews seven more times.
6. To anoint the most holy. God has decreed he will anoint the most holy, the temple and Jesus the Messiah.

Note on #3: Christians believe this occurred when Jesus died on the cross, but the Jews, as a Nation, have hardened their hearts, and will not accept Jesus until after these 70 weeks have passed away.

These 70 weeks are actually 490 years. Broken down as 70 sevens.

The first 49 years is the decree to restore the temple and rebuild Jerusalem. Prophecy fulfilled. Then after the next 434 years the messiah will be cut off (Jesus’ Death, resurrection and ascension). Prophecy fulfilled. This leaves but the last seven (7) years that has yet to be fulfilled.

God’s prophetic clock of the 490 years stated in 445BC and it stopped when the Messiah was cut off in 30AD. It will start again when the tribulation period begins, known as the 70th week of Daniel. The gap between years 483 and 490 is known as the “church age”. As long as we remain in the church age the last seven years of Daniel’s prophecy cannot start.

[More details about Daniel's 70th Week, something very important to properly understanding Bible prophecy, is in a related link that will be referenced at the end of this article.]

 

DANIEL CHAPTER 10

Here Daniel reveals demonic warfare in heaven and on earth. Right now evil spirits are in charge of the Nations on earth. Right now being Daniel’s time through the end of the Gentile age. Here Satan is revealed as the prince of the power of the air.

The Bible does not tell us exactly where God’s angels became Satan’s angels nor does it tell us when Satan sinned and rebelled. We know that wicked angels do exist and we know that they were not created wicked. At some time the revolted and sinned. Some of these fallen angels are free to roam the earth and afflict God’s people. (Eph. 6:11-12). Others are in chains until their judgment (2 Peter 2:4). It seems that these angels committed severe atrocities for this enchainment.

 
DANIEL CHAPTER 11

Daniel 11:1-35 are historical events that foreshadow future events already fulfilled
Daniel 11:36:45 Are future prophecy yet fulfilled
Daniel 11:36 The coming Antichrist is revealed.
Daniel 11:36-39 Proclaim this about the Antichrist:
a. He shall do according to his own will
b. He shall exalt himself above every God
c. He will speak blasphemies against God
d. He will prosper until the wrath comes
e. He will not regard God
f. He will be against the Messiah
g. He will not regard any God
h. He will not desire women

11:40 describes a war in the future when the King of the South shall attack the King of the North. The King of the South is Egypt and the King of the North is Russia, Syria, and others. Then the antichrist will strike back and defeat Kings of the North and South. The Middle East will be a major hot spot in these times. The Antichrist will then move his army into Israel. In 11:41 the Jews will flee to Petra in southern Jordan. Then in 11:42 Egypt will meet a terrible fate and will be destroyed, this is also predicted in Isaiah 19:16 and Ezekiel 38-39. The Antichrist will then plunder Egypt leaving his armies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.

 

DANIEL CHAPTER 12

In Daniel 12:1 we read that Daniel is told by Michael the Archangel that a time of great distress is coming for Daniel’s people (the tribulation period, Daniels last Week), but that his people will be delivered.  In Daniel 12:2 we are told of a future resurrection of those who sleep in the earth. This is more than likely the Old Testament Saints and The New Testament Saints who died after receiving Christ. In Daniel 12:4 Daniel is told to seal up the vision and book until the time of the end when Travel will increase (prophecy fulfilled) and Knowledge will increase (prophecy fulfilled). This prophecy would not be explainable until the last half of the 20th century.

Next Daniel sees Jesus in a vision and Jesus tells Daniel that a time, times, and a half which is 3 ½ years/42 months which equal 1,260 days when all things will be completed. The last half of the tribulation period. Then a 75 day interval will precede the beginning of the Millennium.

This will be 30 days to cleanse the temple and 45 days for Jesus to judge the Nations, which means that some Nations will enter into the millennial kingdom.

Related Links:

Chuck Missler discusses Daniel's 70 Weeks

Daniel's 70th Week

As It Was in the Days of Noah: Rapture or Second Coming?

Bible Prophecy Signs to Watch For

Pray That You May Escape

The Muslim Brotherhood's Threat to Israel

The current political turmoil in the Middle East is getting a lot of attention, and for good reason.  The rioting and potential for a major regime change in Egypt, a country with the region's largest population and a tremendous amount of power, may have many ramifications: some which will likely be seen relatively quickly, and others that may develop over a slightly longer period (esp. as other countries watch on).

Just weeks ago the Tunisian president fled to Saudi Arabia during the night while people took to the streets.  In essence, the government has been overthrown.  The Lebanese regime of Saad Hariri was also recently overthrown, and now a pro-Hezbollah, anti-Israel Prime Minister is in power.  People are also  in the streets of Algeria, Yemen, Jordan and Syria to protest at their own levels of poverty, unemployment and lack of personal freedom.

Consequently, a major regional shift in power and ideology is ripe to take place if events play out in favor of an organization called The Muslim Brotherhood, a radical Islamist group.  Unlike Al Qaida, "the brotherhood" operates more covertly and arguably more strategically.  That makes it all the more dangerous as it wields its power and exerts a well-organized opposition to governments in the Middle East.  The uprising in Egypt is providing a very opportune time for the brotherhood to come onto the scene more overtly and take over the nation of Egypt, and then influence other forces within the entire region.

If a major regime change takes place in Egypt, Egypt's 32-year peace treaty with Israel will very likely be one of the first items to be on the chopping block.  Like all organizations based on the Muslim religion, they do not want the Jews in Israel.  If the Muslim Brotherhood could control the powerful nation of Egypt, then Iran, Syria, Hamas, and Hezbollah would also be prone to aligning with one another, which would put Israel at grave risk of being attacked.  We need only look back to the Six Day War in 1967 to see a historical precedence.

Adding to the mix of international intrigue is that the U.S. currently has (had) a cordial relationship with Egypt.  In fact, in an ironic twist, the U.S. has supplied billions of dollars worth of military hardware to Egypt over the past several years, in attempts to help stabilize the region and keep the likes of Iran, Russia, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and the terrorist organizations of Hezbollah and Hamas in check.  Now that very objective could backfire very quickly.

Previously I mentioned Al Qaeda, which is the more obvious Islamic threat.  If the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda could put aside their differences, their mutual desire to wage Jihad (war) against Christians and Jews would be the obvious result.

Hamas, the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, has the primary goal to impose Islamic sharia law upon the world.  Controlling Egypt would provide it just the platform it would need to accomplish that.

As Christians watch these events and consider them in light of Bible prophecy, we recognize that ultimately God is in complete control.  Thus, the events that play out will be according to His plans.

For the past few years prophecy experts have been taking a close look at Psalm 83, which describes events that could almost be pulled straight out of today’s headlines.  That is, the nations that share borders with Israel continue to line up against her, lobbing missiles and instigating terroristic attacks against Israeli citizens.  These nations are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.  Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist entities are also essentially part of the list.  My good friend Bill Salus, author of Isralestine, has some insight about this topic that I believe is very important.  He notes that Ezekiel 38 prophesies that Israel will be dwelling securely and that when we read about the war of Gog and Magog, there is no mention of the nations that immediately border Israel.

In an interview with David Reagan of Lamb and Lion Ministries, Bill Salus says this about Israel’s neighbors being conspicuously absent:

It is intriguing that Israel’s most observable opponents over the last 60 years since the restoration of the nation are not enlisted in the Ezekiel 38 nine member consortia of nations.  This has puzzled scholars a lot recently. These are the very nations that border Israel through which the Russian invasion would be trespassing into to get into Israel to invade.  So, why are they not listed?  And, of course, what we are referring to are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and what has evolved out of those entities are Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinians, and other terrorist entities could be included in that list.

WHERE IS THE U.S. IN END-TIMES BIBLE PROPHECY?

We read in Zechariah 12:2-3 that at some point in the future “all nations of the earth” will be against Israel:

I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling.  Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem.  On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.  All who try to move it will injure themselves. (Emphasis added)

Thus, at the very least the United States will not be on the side of Israel.  That also has to take place because of the way in which God once again will permit Israel to be victorious, which would not be as miraculous if a superpower were on Israel’s side.  The reason why the U.S. will be “against Israel” is not clearly known.  Many eschatologists theorize that the Rapture will have taken the Christians (and thus, the driving force behind why the U.S. is “Jewish-friendly”) away.  Indeed, such an event would thrust the entire world into a chaotic situation and open the need for a so-called “savior” to offer peace and stability to a world in turmoil; hence, it would provide an opportune time for the Antichrist to enter the scene.

There are many other theories that, when especially combined with the rapture theory, easily explain how the U.S. will be absent from end-times prophecy. I explain them all in my book, Pray That You May Escape; but for the lack of space and due to the focus of this article, I will not include them all here. Suffice it to say, no matter how it happens, we know it will happen because God's Word says so.

The times in which we live are very interesting.  We know that it will become increasingly worse (a time of great trouble).  Praise God, it's all part of His plan.  For Christians, God also has another plan, referred to as our "blessed hope" in Titus 2:11-14.

I'd like to leave you with the words of Jesus in Luke 21:36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man”.  Maranatha!

Related Links

Pray That You May Escape (book)
What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

"The birthpangs of a new Middle East"

Cairo: Anger starting to focus on Israel, US

Christ's Word Will Never Pass Away

"Heaven and earth will pass away,

but my words will never pass away." - Luke 21:33

President Obama recently gave his State of the Union Address.  I'm not a fan of the current administration in the executive branch of our government; however, I thought the speech was delivered very well.  On the surface, it appears that he is making strides to reach across the isle and work with both parties to accomplish things in the best interest of the U.S.  Of course, he has little choice now.  Unlike last year's speech which had a lot of "attitude", this year's speech was delivered in a more humble manner.

One of the defining phrases of the speech was when he said:

"What comes of this moment is up to us. What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow."

It appears that much-needed change is just around the corner.  Perhaps some aspects of Obamacare will be scaled back.  Certainly there was a standing ovation from nearly everyone in the room when President Obama discussed removing some of the red tape that would bog down small businesses.  

We must, however, temper that optimism with the knowledge that we are not to ever look to man (or government) for the answers to our problems.  Only when Christ returns and sets up His Kingdom will there truly exist a government that is righteous, just, and perfect.  Meanwhile, no matter who controls the various branches of our U.S. government, we know that it will be very far from perfect. 

In fact, we know that from a prophetic standpoint eventually the government will be controlled by Satan himself via the Antichrist.  Perhaps I get a little ahead of things, but we know that eventually that is where the world is headed because God's Word says so.  Stepping back a little and looking to a more immediate future, we also know from experience that what is said during campaigns and speeches can be far from what happens  behind closed doors and when the cameras are no longer rolling.

Sometimes the disconnect between the promises made and what actually gets accomplished can only be attributed to outright deception, where we find politicians saying things they know sounds good; but then they end up just serving their own agenda when actually performing their jobs. It reminds me of one of my wife's friends that voted for President Obama: she was a military wife and during President Obama's campaign he promised to bring the troops home soon after he took office.  She has since confided in us that she abandoned many other moral convictions when casting her vote because of that one promise.  You can imagine her frustration as she now realizes those words were little more than an empty promise. 

[It was, of course, something that appealed to "tickling ears"; and often people believe what they want to believe.  Knowledge of foreign affairs and understanding of the complexity thereof, however, helps one understand that abandoning the war in Iraq and Afghanistan is not something that could be done quickly — at least not without seriously undermining the validity of the United States' power.  Abandoning a job half done would only serve notice to our enemy that just a little resistance or waiting for a different administration is all that is needed to defeat our objectives.  Either the President realized that and made a promise he knew he could not legitimately keep, or he was very unsuited to take over as Commander-in-chief.]

At other times the unfilled promises come from well-meaning politicians that think they can achieve much more than they can, until they learn the political process is much more "political" than expected.  Yet one can't help but think they must know the political process is cumbersome and, therefore, their promises will be met with resistance (sometimes even insurmountable resistance). They ignore what even the average person not in the profession of politics knows during their campaigns, knowing that it will serve as a useful excuse later when they are challenged about why they did not fulfill their promises.  Politicians also know many voters have a short-term memory span.

While listening to the rhetoric of politicians, and observing the ebb and flow of power in general, I can't help but reflect on the words Jesus spoke during the Olivet Discourse wherein He assures us that His words, unlike things of this world, will never pass away. Those words are recorded in verbatim by all three writers of the synoptic gospels (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, and Luke 21:33).  Those words should serve as a reminder to us all that ultimately God is in control of everything, and that the words spoken during the Olivet Discourse were intended to have prophetic meaning far beyond the time in which they were said.  We can rest assured God is in control, for Proverbs 16:4 says,

"The Lord works out everything for his own ends."

We also read in Daniel 2:21,

"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them."

Ultimately, as Christians, we are not to look to this world; but, rather, we should follow Christ's words in Luke 21:36, wherein Jesus told us,

"Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Related Links

Pray That You May Escape (Book)
A Review of Obama's State of the Union Speech (Opinion)

Obama's Iraq: All Troops Out By 2011? Not So Fast - Huffington Post

How should a Christian view politics? - GotQuestions.org

Where Is President Obama Leading Us?

The Restrainer Holding Back the Power of Lawlessness

The Demands for a Palestinian State in Israel

Peru recently announced that it will recognize a Palestinian state.  It is now the seventh South American country to do so: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Guyana have also done so in recent weeks.  Up until now, those nations have not been involved in the Middle East peace process.  Many analysts are a little surprised by the seemingly coordinated effort for those countries to get involved and side with the Palestinians.  On the surface, some believe it may be their desire to trade more with the Arab nations.

[Note: It's just a matter of time before we see catastrophes strike South America, as God's Word is very clear that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel (Genesis 12:3).  We've already seen that in the horrific flooding that struck Brazil recently.  Brazilian officials have said it was the worst natural disaster to ever have happened in their country.]

For people that study the Bible, particularly Bible prophecy, it is clear that much more than "flesh and blood politics" (Ephesians 6:12) is at work.  Satan believes that if he can derail God's prophetic plan, he can change the outcome.  We need only look at how the Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, and Romans were used to persecute the Jews; how Satan motivated King Herod to kill all the male babies at the time of Christ's birth; and how the Nazi Holocaust was an attempt to exterminate all the Jewish people.  Today its the nation of Islam that is being used as Satan's tool.

The interesting issue is that, while there is thousands of times more land that belong to Islamic nations all around Israel, the land the Palestinians are bent on having "happens to be" the land which rightfully belongs to the Jewish people.  It is a land mass about the size of New Jersey (1/19 the size of California).  Make no mistake, it is the Jewish people's land as  recorded in Genesis 15:18-21 where we read that God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

What could be alarming, except we know God is in complete control, is that we read in Zechariah 12:2-3 that at some point in the future “all nations of the earth” will be against Israel:

I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling.  Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem.  On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.  All who try to move it will injure themselves. (Emphasis added)

So, then, it's not really of any surprise that we have recently seen the United States pulling back its support for Israel compared to the strong alliance the United States and Israel once enjoyed.  In his speech to the U.N. General Assembly in late September 2009, President Obama said, “America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements.”

While many Americans are still pro-Israel, there are officials within the U.S., other than President Obama, that support the Palestinian statehood (in essence, not supporting Israel).  The headlines make it sound like a large number of highly influential people; though careful examination, at least for now, suggests that may not be the case.  Some formal officials even went so far as to sending a letter to President Obama, asking him not to veto any U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The signatories of the letter included Frank Carlucci, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Richard Murphy, former Assistant Secretary of State and former ambassador to Syria and Saudi Arabia, Thomas Pickering, former Undersecretary of State and former ambassador to Israel and the United Nations, Everett Ellis Briggs, former special adviser to President George H. W. Bush, and former Assistant Secretary of State Allen Holmes.

It's important to understand that historically the U.S. exercised it's veto power within the U.N. when it was in the best interest of the U.S. and its close allies; therefore, Israel has been saved from its enemies within the U.N.  However, if the U.S. were to withdraw that support (as is being suggested), it would leave Israel very vulnerable to U.N. resolutions that would not favor the nation of Israel.  Given that is likely what President Obama wants to do anyway, time will tell if that simply provides him with the excuse to do so.

If the West Bank were to be given to the Palestinians, Israel would then be only nine miles wide in a location directly north of Tel Aviv.  As we look at a map, we realize that it would be nearly dividing the country in two and that it would make the Israeli citizens much more vulnerable to military attack. 

If that’s not enough, Israel is being asked to give the land to an enemy that time and time again has fired missiles and launched attacks against Israel and her people.  What makes President Obama's rhetoric even more suspicious is that after the disputed elections in Iran (with protestors in the streets complaining the election was not democratic), he said that he would not get involved because Iran was a sovereign nation; yet a short time later we saw him getting involved with Israel's right to build homes within its own borders, and he continues to do so today as much as ever.

WHERE IS THE U.S. IN END-TIMES BIBLE PROPHECY?

As noted, we know the Bible says that at the very least the United States will not be on the side of Israel.  That also has to take place because of the way in which God once again will permit Israel to be victorious, which would not be as miraculous if a superpower were on Israel’s side.  The reason why the U.S. will be “against Israel” is not clearly known.  Many eschatologists theorize that the Rapture will have taken the Christians (and thus, the driving force behind why the U.S. is “Jewish-friendly”) away.  Indeed, such an event would thrust the entire world into a chaotic situation and open the need for a so-called “savior” to offer peace and stability to a world in turmoil; hence, it would provide an opportune time for the Antichrist to enter the scene.

There are many other theories that, when especially combined with the rapture theory, easily explain how the U.S. will be absent from end-times prophecy. I explain them all in my book, Pray That You May Escape; but for the lack of space and due to the focus of this article, I will not include them all here. Suffice it to say, no matter how it happens, we know it will happen because God's Word says so.

The times in which we live are very interesting.  We know that it will become increasingly worse (a time of great trouble).  Praise God, it's all part of His plan.

I'd like to leave you with the words of Jesus in Luke 21:36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man”.  Maranatha!

Related Links

Pray That You May Escape (book)
Diplomats to Obama: Support UN draft condemning Israeli settlements

Brazil flood deaths top 800 with 400 still missing
Where Is President Obama Leading Us?

He Will Confirm a Covenant With Many

Headlines continue to be filled with news about the Middle East peace process and most everyone understands that the tiny nation of Israel has an important role in the eyes of the world.  Christians that understand the Bible also know that it's not just important to world leaders, it is important to God Himself.  Students of Bible prophecy have an even richer understanding of that concept given the abundance of prophecy that speaks to that, and they know the following verse well:

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.  (Daniel 9:27)

Otherwise known as "Daniel's 70th week", it addresses one of the most recognizable events of the end times.  While we can't be certain, most scholars believe the covenant being referred to is most likely pointing to a future peace deal with Israel.  We can also draw that conclusion based on what the apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 wherein he refers to the fact people will be saying "peace and safety" before a sudden destruction comes upon them. 

Although we have to be careful not to force scripture to fit current events (that is, current events should always fit into what scripture says), it would seem that with decades of news about Middle East peace, that is the likely covenant that someone will finally be able to supernaturally broker.  Upon doing so, that person would certainly be heralded as an incredible "peacemaker" that which the world has never seen before.  It would make a great political platform on which the Antichrist could stand. We do know for sure that the confirmation of the covenant, whatever it may be for sure, brings the Antichrist onto the scene, for he is the one that "confirms" the covenant and later breaks it in the middle of the seven year period.  Interestingly, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 suggests his identity will not actually be known until a rebellion occurs (after a covenant is confirmed).  

Much analysis has been provided about Daniel's 70th week, so for the purpose of this article I would like to point out an interesting news-related event.  On November 22, 2010 Israel's parliament passed a bill that would require a two-thirds majority vote to cede land in east Jerusalem to the Palestinians or in the Golan Heights to Syria.  If the two-thirds majority vote is not achieved, it would require a referendum to pass.  In other words, it would require a lot more than just a few people in Israel's parliament agreeing to the deal.

"Any peace agreement requires national agreement and the bill promises that," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "The Israeli public is involved, aware and responsible and I trust that when the day comes it will support a peace agreement that answers the national interests and security needs of the state of Israel."

Of course the spin in the news media, and particularly with Israel's critics, is that the bill will hamper the peace process because it will now take more effort for Israel to give up her land in some type of deal; but I think that is only appropriate given the far-reaching implications of such a deal.  That is, unlike some other law that could later be rescinded, when a nation makes an agreement with another nation, it can not just later rescind it because a new political administration takes office or it's later deemed it is not the will of the citizens.  Moreover, this particular agreement would not be one that could later be rescinded, because the Palestinian mindset, via the Koran, is that it will not give in to any deal that gives land back to it's sworn enemy.  Of course, the whole deal of the Israeli people giving land that is rightfully theirs smells of extortion, wherein we see a hostile group of people  (the Palestinians) being rewarded for their continual violence against Israel.

 

What makes Israel's bill all the more curious in light of all this is that it supports Daniel 9:27 all the more.  For we don't read that a covenant is simply "made with Israel" as much as we are pointed to a very interesting way of putting it: Namely, the covenant will be made "with many", suggesting the process may be more than just routine politics wherein a few people in political office make a decision.  If we see such a covenant come about due to a majority vote or, even more dramatic, becomes a referendum item that is passed by the Israeli citizens, it would indeed fit the text even more so; and the new bill is pointing us to at least one of those scenarios.  As we have seen many times, every word in scripture has meaning and it seems that the more literal we interpret it, the more accurate it becomes.

We are living in very interesting times.  Paul wrote in Thessalonians 5:1-4:

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,  for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.   But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 

One more concept we must understand is that the Rapture is imminent.  Thus, it requires no other prophetic event to precede it and could occur at any moment.  It could occur in the near future, tonight while you sleep, or even moments from now.

Related Links

Pray That You May Escape (book)
Syria rejects Israeli referendum law  (CNN)

World should reach consensus on Middle East
Israeli official confirms interim Palestinian state plan
Will 2011 be the Middle East's year of liberty?