Walvoord Writes

Walvoord writes: “…probably the best explanation is that this prophecy relates to the persecution and destruction of the people of God with its defiance of the angelic hosts who are their protectors, including the power of God Himself…That Antiochus blasphemed God and the heavenly power as well as persecuted the people of Israel, the people of God, is all too evident from history.” (Daniel: the Key to Prophetic Revelation, p.185 and 186) It seems to me that there may be a hint of something more in this verse. In various places in Scripture we see Satan at work behind the scenes influencing key political and / or influential leaders. As in the case with Judas and with the future antichrist he can personally possess an unbeliever.Perhaps verse 10 implies that Satan himself was directly involved with – or even in possession of – Antiochus IV Epiphanies. Certainly Satan was a major influence in his arrogance and treatment of the Jewish nation.8:11 – this magnification of himself as the appearance of God (Epiphanies) (the Commander or Prince of the host) was a repetition of the original sin of Satan which was seeking the glory and honor that belonged to God alone. And it is the exact same thing seen in the prophecies about the coming antichrist. This is another reason why I see the direct activity of the Adversary with this political leader of the past.8:23 – “insolent and skilled in intrigue” Daniel 11:21 calls him “a despicable person.” Daniel 8:11 – The Jews eventually were forbidden to practice the ritual sacrifices under the Mosaic Law by Antiochus IV Epiphanies.8:12 – “on account of transgression” (rebellion, transgression) What transgression or rebellion? The Hellenization of Israel – they began to adopt Greek ways. They began to move further and further away from traditional Judaism.This even included a Jewish man by the name of Jason (Joshua) who “offered Antiochus IV Epiphanies a larger tribute than hitherto, in order to secure promotion to the High Priesthood (175-172) – an appointment which contravened the traditional hereditary character of the office” (From Alexander to Cleopatra, Michael Grant, p.73 [a secular history of the time frame])He was later unseated and an even more Hellenizing man by the name of Menelaus took the High Priesthood through bribery and enforced the decrees of Antiochus even more than Jason. Every attempt possible was being made – certainly under the influence of Satan – the make Israel just like all the other nations under Syrian-Greek control. 80 It has been said that Melenaus especially pictures the False Prophet (the Beast from the earth, Rev. 13:11-17) of the coming antichrist because of using his position as a religious leader to deceive people into accepting a lie from men’s religious ideas and to reject the truth as given by God. By leading the people into a type of “blended religion”, both of these men demonstrate Satan uses religion to accomplish his wicked ends if only people will not be so “exclusive” as to believe there is only one Truth that has to be believed and all other “truth” claims rejected. “Let’s just all get along” and “doctrine divides – let’s have unity” are lies from Satan.Thus they began buying the High Priest position based on bribes to Antiochus IV Epiphanies. Of course this was completely against God’s outline for the Jewish priesthood. This same Jason also worked to convert Jerusalem into a Greek-style city “complete with gymnasium and naked uncircumcised athletes” (Grant). They even sent a sports team to Tyre to participate in games dedicated to Hercules (Dean). NOW YOU KNOW SOME HISTORY:The reaction to all this in Israel was the rise of a conservative and traditionally oriented movement called the Assideans (i.e. the pious). These eventually came to be known as the Pharisees meaning separatists or the separated ones. At the time of Christ these had become the hard- line legalists who opposed Jesus and eventually called for His crucifixion In other words, the nation of Israel once again was coming under divine discipline, this time at the hand of Antiochus IV Epiphanies. Back to verse eleven: “and it removed the regular sacrifice from Him.” The daily (or constant) Temple sacrifices to God were stopped: v.12 “the host will be given over along with the regular sacrifice.”Antiochus attacked Egypt at least twice, but in the invasion of 168 BC a representative of the Roman Empire met him and demanded he leave Egypt or be attacked by Rome. He left Egypt a very angry man.Daniel 11:29-31 The ships are the ones from Rome. He returns to Israel “enraged at the holy covenant.” He put some 40,000 men, women, and children to death in Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside and sent about 40,000 more into slavery. 81 The books of First and Second Maccabees, though not inspired Scripture, record the history of this time frame. 1 Maccabees 1:41-62 says:41 Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, 42 each abandoning his particular customs. All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, 43 and many Israelites were in favor of his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath. 44 The king sent messengers with letters to Jerusalem and to the cities of Judah, ordering them to follow customs foreign to their land; 45 to prohibit holocausts, sacrifices, and libations in the sanctuary, to profane the sabbaths and feast days, 46 to desecrate the sanctuary and the sacred ministers, 47 to build pagan altars and temples and shrines, to sacrifice swine and unclean animals, 48 to leave their sons uncircumcised, and to let themselves be defiled with every kind of impurity and abomination, 49 so that they might forget the law and change all their observances. 50 Whoever refused to act according to the command of the king should be put to death. 51 Such were the orders he published throughout his kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people, and he ordered the cities of Judah to offer sacrifices, each city in turn. 52 Many of the people, those who abandoned the law, joined them and committed evil in the land. 53 Israel was driven into hiding, wherever places of refuge could be found. 54 8 On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, the king erected the horrible abomination upon the altar of holocausts, and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars. 55 They also burnt incense at the doors of houses and in the streets. 56 9 Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt. 57 82 Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant, and whoever observed the law, was condemned to death by royal decree. 58 So they used their power against Israel, against those who were caught, each month, in the cities. 59 On the twenty-fifth day of each month they sacrificed on the altar erected over the altar of holocausts. {PLACE OF THE BURNT OFFERING} 60 Women who had had their children circumcised were put to death, in keeping with the decree, 61 with the babies hung from their necks; their families also and those who had circumcised them were killed. 62 But many in Israel were determined and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean; 63 they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Terrible affliction was upon Israel.… Antiochus IV Epiphanies tried, very aggressively, to force the complete Hellenization of Israel and he had the help of the corrupt high priesthood. Don’t miss behind this historical attack on the nation of Israel the determined efforts of their greatest adversary, Satan.David Jeremiah writes:To kill the Jews was one thing, but to destroy their faith was another. Antiochus decided to substitute Greek worship and culture for the Jewish religion. Instead of the Jewish feast of the Tabernacles, he brought into the temple the Feast of bacchanalia, worshipping Bacchus, the god of pleasure and wine. He forbade the observance of the Sabbath and the reading of the Scripture, even burning every copy of the Torah he could find. The Jews in the city were forbidden to practice anything Jewish on the penalty of death….The Jews were forbidden the practice of circumcision, and history records that there were two mothers who, because of their deep commitment to their culture, were determined to circumcise their baby boys. When Antiochus heard about it, he took the babies and killed them, hung them around each mother’s neck and marched the women through the streets of Jerusalem to the highest wall. There the women and their babies were thrown headlong over the precipice. Another story was told of a mother who had seven sons who defied Antiochus’ law. He cut out the boys’ tongues in front of their mother and fried them to death on a flat iron one at a time. Then the mother was murdered. Is it any wonder that the Jews hated this Greek ruler and changed his name to Antiochus Epimanes, which means “Antiochus the Madman.” (The Handwriting on the Wall, pp. 164-165)83 The god Zeus Olympias The chief god of the GreeksDaniel 11:31 The greatest outrage committed by Antiochus occurred in 167 B.C. when he entered the Temple of God, erected an altar to the pagan god Zeus near the Brazen Altar, and sacrificed a pig on it (the pig is considered an unclean animal by the Jesus). Also, he took the pigs blood and sprayed it all over the inside of the Temple.This is desecration of the temple is called “the abomination of desolation” (i.e., the idol). This is a critical piece of history which, as we will see, is tied to the prophecies of the Antichrist.About this event, Grant writes: His reason was he found the Jesus troublesome, and felt it best to merge local religion into the main currents of paganism, in keeping with this general empire-wide policy of Hellenizing the constitutions of local communities. Although he, while a keen plunder of sacred funds, had never actually tried to extirpate {to root out, eradicate, to totally destroy, to wipe out} the cults of other temple states in his domain. No doubt, since such a blending (syncretism) of deities was so much in the air, it was suggested that Zeus and the local Jewish God were much the same, and could easily be merged or assimilated” (p. 73)The abomination of desolation: refers “to violations of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem…It conveys the feeling of horror that God’s people feel when they witness criminal and barbaric acts of idolatry. These acts rendered the Temple ritually unfit for the worship and service of God…The Israelite considered acts of ritual impurity and especially of foreign invasion of the Temple as ultimate violations of sanctity and as a sign of judgment” (The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy, LaHaye and Ice, p.3)For the Greek (Hellenistic) religion there was no problem with simply adding another god – “what’s one more among so many?” But the majority of the Jesus still held to the truth of there being only one true God and pagan religion was not only a worthless and meaningless religious expression of human thinking, it was a false religion that would lead people away from Truth – it was not neutral. There were faithful Jesus who refused to “go along with the crowd.” “But the assessment of Antiochus, or his advisors, that the Jesus would take this lying down showed very faulty intelligence. On the contrary, his action united the entire population – except Hellenistic extremists – in opposition to his plans…” (Grant, pp. 73- 74)84 The desecration of Antiochus started a rebellion in 167 BC by a group of Jesus led by the priest Mattathias the Hasmonean and his five sons. When Mattathias died in 166 B.C., the leadership went to his son Judas, who was nicknamed “the Maccabee” which means “the hammer” because it was said he struck hammer blows against the enemy. The name Maccabee (also called Hasmonean) was also used for other members of the family who took part in the uprising.Daniel 11:32-33 was fulfilled by the Maccabees but it does picture the faithful believers in Jesus Christ in during the coming Tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11).After about three years of fighting and defeating a Greek army more than six times their size (in 164) the Maccabees captured Jerusalem and they purified the Temple and rededicated it on December 25, 164 BC. This event gives rise to the Jewish festival of Hanukkah which means “dedication” THE HANUKKAH STORY“ According to tradition, the ceremony that would reconsecrate the temple, would take eight days, but when he found only one cruse oil, he knew he didn’t have enough to last for all that time. However, as the story goes, that small amount of oil lasted for the entire eight days. To this day the Jewish people celebrate the feast of reconstruction and dedication of their temple. They call it the feast of Hanukkah, celebrated during our Christmas season” (Jeremiah, p.167) The nine-candle menorah uses the center candle to light the others, one evening at a time for the eight day ceremony to remember this period of history that was prophecy at the time of the writing of the book of Daniel. At the time of Christ this feast was called the Feast of Dedication which Jesus celebrated (John 10:22- 23). Today Hanukkah is also referred to as the Festival of Lights. The dates of Hanukkah moves a little each year – in 2008 it begins at sundown December 21. Daniel 8:13-14 – “2300 days” This is the length of time of the worst of the atrocities of Antiochus’ persecution in 170 BC to the end of them in 164 BC. This prophecy, once again, was literally fulfilled by the events in Israel at the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanies: though it was prophecy, after 164 BC it was history.85 The Seventh Day Adventists base part of their false doctrines on a total misunderstanding of the literalness of these 2300 days. They make them into years and at first predicted that Christ would return in 1844. When he did not, they claim He did enter a “spiritual temple” to “cleanse” it, etc. Once again the importance of a proper understanding of isagogics and exegesis is seen as well as the importance of literal interpretation.SHADOWS OF THE ANTICHRISTIn Antiochus IV Epiphanies we see some things about the coming Antichrist:  Both start out being popular as a likable, charismatic, generous, intelligent person who is seen as the perfect man, a leader with great social ideas.  Both are from Gentile stock  Both seem to be a friend of the Jewish people and nation at first  Both are really anti-Semitic (against the Jesus) in the extreme  Both portray themselves as God seeking His glory and honor  Both become intensely and aggressively violent and murderous  Both desecrate the Temple of God  Both cause the Jewish Temple sacrifices to cease  Both of these desecrations are called the “abomination of desolation” The abomination of desolation and the antichristDaniel 9:27 (future), 11:31 (past), 12:11(future); Matthew 24:15 (future)The Matthew passage is from what is called “The Olivet Discourse.” That is, Jesus was speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. This was about 200 years after Antiochus IV Epiphanies. Jesus’ disciples had asked for a sign of the end of the age and the beginning of the Messianic Millennial Kingdom.86 The act of desecration committed by Antiochus will be repeated, but in a little different way, by the Antichrist. This event is at the midway point of the Tribulation period – 3 ½ years into it.(This also means that the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt! Later there will be on both this and the Olivet Discourse.) “The ‘sign’ he gave them was that of Daniel’s Abomination of Desolation. This, then, was the sign for the Jewish messianic deliverance or restoration, for the desecration of the Temple would begin the persecution of the Jewish people (that is, the Great Tribulation). Only the Messiah Himself will be able to bring redemption from their enemies (Matt. 24:30-33; Mark 13:26-27; Luke 21:28)” (The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy, p.4).2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NASB) 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.(Fructenbaum, Footsteps of the Messiah) THE FIRST PART OF THE FUTURE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION The Antichrist will be seated in (or enthroning himself in) the rebuilt Jewish Temple – most likely in the Holy of Holies – where he declares to the world that he is God. This is the first part of the Abomination of Desolation.THE SECOND PART OF THE FUTURE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION The second part of the Abomination of Desolation is seen in this passage:Revelation 13:11-15 11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. 12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had* the wound of the sword and has come to life. 15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image 87 of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.This living image will be set up in the Holy of Holies and the city of Jerusalem will become his religious capitol and the Temple will be the center of the worship of the Antichrist.Satan, working in and through the coming antichrist, will continue to work out his wicked desire to “exalt (his) throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13) and to make himself “like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14).The second half of the Tribulation is called the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22) because of the intensity of the last 3 ½ years (42 months). It will be a period of time in which the worst and most terrible judgments ever in all human history will be experienced on the earth. The Tribulation ends with the Second Coming of Christ (Matthew 24:29). Jeremiah 30:7 (NASB) 'Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, But he will be saved from it.Daniel 12:1 (NASB) "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.Revelation 14:19 (NASB) So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God.We will learn more of this with our study of the seventy weeks prophecy of Daniel.88 IN THE GREAT WORLD DRAMALuke 2:1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.When the New Testament opens, there has obviously been a major change in the political structure over Israel. Caesar was a Roman title. The fourth kingdom predicted by Daniel was in power and ruling over vast territories, including the nation of Israel. God’s people were now in subjection to the Roman Empire. (Ironside)The Kingdom of Greece was no more. Rome, the Iron Kingdom, now ruled.Daniel 2:31-33, 40-45 Remember, in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar he sees the coming kingdoms of the Gentile nations as a beautiful statue that is very imposing.89 In our study of the “Times of the Gentiles” we are now down to the “legs of iron.” These lead into two feet which are a mixture of iron and clay. Though not revealed in the passage, history demonstrates that this was the mighty and long-lasting Roman Empire.Note the words used in verse 40 to describe this Kingdom:“strong as iron” – “crushes” – “shatters” – “breaks into pieces”All this speaks of the military strength, might, and power of Rome. Roman armies would crush all the kingdoms that opposed it and divide up “into pieces” the territories they had once ruled. All the people were assimilated into one vast empire with Roman rulers over the various territories. It is also interesting to note that the Roman army was known for it use of iron in its weaponry. In 146 BC Rome, under the general Scipio Aemilianius, defeated the Greeks. In 63 BC the Roman general Pompey conquered Syria and defeated the final remnants of the Seleucid Empire. At this same time Rome occupied Israel, bringing the Jews under their control with a Roman governor. Herod the Great (c. 74 – 4 BC) was King of Judaea, but only by the blessings of Rome. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah of Israel, was born in Bethlehem at the time Romans controlled the Land of Israel. Herod the Great ruled the land. In Matthew 2, the wise men from the East asked Herod the Great where the King of the Jews was to be born. Herod was deeply disturbed because he had earned the title, King of the Jews, from the Romans, and he was planning that one of his sons would inherit the title from him. Equally disturbing was the news that the child would be born in Bethlehem, the site of Herod's summer palace. Herod the Great ordered the slaughter of all boys under the age of two years, and Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt for safety. Joseph did not bring his family back to Nazareth until after Herod the Great's death in 4 BC.90 Daniel 7:7, 15-27 As we will see, the depiction of Rome in both the statue and the non-descript beast shows that some of the prophecy of the Roman Empire has already been fulfilled and is history, but much has not – its fulfillment still lies in the future.There will be a revival of the Roman Empire – although it has really never died out - and it will be the fifth kingdom of the Times of the Gentiles, yet it is really a continuation of the fourth. PThat will make you think!!! r e“SPAIN, GAUL, ASIA MINOR - each area consisted of a number of Roman provinces.a AD43 etc - territories captured by Rome after the Birth of Jesus Black area - of Germania lost to Rome after the Battle of Teutoberg AD9 c h e rs !The Roman Empire which, by the birth of Jesus, controlled most present-day countries bordering the Mediterranean basin - including North Africa - was still expanding. Territories remaining to be conquered before the Empire of Rome reached its greatest extent under Trajan (emperor 98-117 AD) included:91 P r e a c h e rs !Mauretania - present day Morocco and parts of Algeria, Britannia - Britain, Dacia - Rumania and part of Hungary, Armenia, Mesopotamia and Assyria - which includes present day Iraq, Arabia - modern Jordan.”(I lost the source for the above quote and map)The prophecy of Daniel 7:7 that this Empire would trample “down the remainder” (that is, the remaining nations) was fulfilled repeatedly. “people seized in conquered countries were sold by the hundreds and thousands, and all menial tasks were performed by these slaves…Everywhere as country after country fell under the heel of Rome, thousands were carried into slavery and extreme brutality became the order of the day. The glory of Rome was built on the misery of its conquered peoples. Thus were the prophecies of the fourth kingdom accurately fulfilled as in Daniel 2:40” (Walvoord, The Nations in Prophecy, p.p. 83-84). The fourth empire was far fiercer than the other kingdoms before it.Daniel 2:40 (NASB) "Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces.Gaius Julius Caesar and the armies of Rome92 P r e a c h e rs !Rome also developed crucifixion as a particularly cruel and horrible death for those non- Roman citizens who were slaves, criminals, or for those who were involved in rebellion. It is known that the Romans would line a road coming into a rebellious place with the crucified bodies of rebels. Sometimes these would number in the thousands at a single time. Truly the Roman Empire was in many ways “dreadful and terrifying” more than the first three seen in the book of Daniel. THE CRUCIFIED MAN FROM GIV'AT HA- MIVTAR In 1968 building contractors working in a suburb north of Jerusalem accidentally uncovered a Jewish tomb dated to the first century after the death of Christ.6 Lying in a Jewish ossuary bearing the Hebrew inscription 'Jehohanan the son of HGQWL' were the skeletal remains of a man in his twenties, who had been crucified. The evidence for this was based on the right calcaneum (heel bone) of the individual, pierced by an iron nail 11.5 cms. in length. The nail penetrated the lateral surface of the bone emerging on the middle of the surface in which the tip of the nail had become bent. The bending of the tip of the nail upon itself suggests that after the 93 P r e a c h e rs ! nail penetrated the tree or the upright it may have struck a knot in the wood thereby making it difficult to remove from the heel when the victim was taken from the cross. Remains of olive wood found between the head of the nail and the heel bone suggest that prior to penetrating the heel bone the nail was driven through a wooden plaque so as to increase the head of the nail thus making it difficult for the victim to free his legs from the upright. From www.centuryone.orgCrucifixion was abolished by Constantine I in AD 337 after his “conversion” to Christianity.Daniel 2:42-45 – These prophecies about the final configuration and destruction of the fourth empire (Rome) have never been fulfilled. The ancient empire of Rome gradually declined from its united form into a divided form into two divisions: east and west (the two legs of the image). The East / West division came in 364 AD under the Roman Emperor Valentinian. Arnold Fructenbaum writes: “From the point on, the Empire of Imperialism was divided into an east-west balance of power. Since then, history continued to develop essentially in an east-west balance of power. It began in A.D. 364 with the Western Roman Empire headquartered in Rome and the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople. In the original division of the east-west axis, these two cities controlled the balance of power. Since then, the centers of power have shifted, but it has remained an east-west division” (Footsteps of the Messiah. p.34).94 P r e a c h e rs !The Western division headquartered in Rome ended in 476 AD and the eastern division (also known as the Byzantine Roman Empire) continued until 1453 when the Muslims from Turkey invaded and took over the territory. The eastern division had lasted for over 1,000 years.In its religious expression, both the east and the west empires were considered “Christian.” The western was ruled by what developed into the Roman Catholic Church, while the east was under the Orthodox Church. Sometimes referred to as Byzantine Christianity, the "Eastern Orthodox Church" (as it is known today) broke officially with the Roman Catholic Church on July 1054. They call themselves the "Holy Orthodox Church", or the "Orthodox Church of the East", and are called by others, "Greek Orthodox" or "Russian Orthodox".The Eastern Church was (and still is) given over to mysticism and an experienced-based, intuitive “Christianity” (so-called) and had long departed from the Word as the sole basis for their faith. This form of deception continues today in the Orthodox Church.The Western Church (Roman Catholicism) blended pagan (Babylonian) worship with all its ritualism and symbols with Christian dogma to create a grand deception of works- salvation over the peoples of the western nations. The deception continues today in the Roman Catholic Church.Many of the eastern religious leaders, “political rulers, scribes, and scholars fled northward to Russia, setting up a type of a Roman government (imperialism). The rulers called themselves Czars, which is Russian for ‘Caesar.’ After a while, Russia gave herself the title of the Third Roman Empire. Eventually, the eastern balance of power was centered in the Soviet Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)” (Fructenbaum, p.34).The original form of the Roman Empire gradually declines and dies out, collapsing more from within than without. Though there were many battles and military defeats, the Empire as such does not go down in military defeat from another empire as did the previous three kingdoms of man in Daniel. In the west the Roman Catholic Church was gaining increasing political power. “The vacuum created by the absence of a central authority in Rome was filled by the Church, the only Roman institution capable of doing so. The Church played the major role in education and charity. Gradually, however, the popes took over the civil government of 95 P r e a c h e rs !Rome and its surroundings…As their ambitions grew, the new Roman pontiffs took upon themselves the titles and much of the flavor and function of the emperor” (Dave Hunt, A Woman Rides the Beast, p.230).On December 25, 800 AD Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, the king of Germany, as Emperor of an empire that was know as the “Holy Roman Empire.” The Holy Roman Empire was an attempt to revive the Western Roman Empire. It was not until the time of Napoleon that this form of the empire ended (1806) when Francis II renounced the title of “Emperor.”One can trace the continued efforts of the Europeans to reunite and bring back the Empire they once had. We will be studying this re-forming of the “revived” Roman Empire in a future study.Remember this statement from earlier?There will be a revival of the Roman Empire – although it has really never died out - and it will be the fifth kingdom of the Times of the Gentiles, yet it is really a continuation of the fourth. Now we can see that in several very real ways the Roman Empire is still around and will come back as a one-world government in the Tribulation period. This global government96 P r e a c h e rs ! will “devour the whole world” (Daniel 7:23) and, eventually, the Antichrist will be the new “Emperor” – the “little horn” of Daniel 7:8:"While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.97 P r e a c h e rs !98 P r e a c h e rs !A chart to keep us on track – note this chart starts the “Times of the gentiles” in 606 BC. I believe it started a little later in 586 BC with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. But, no big deal either way!If you notice, the church age runs along with the present form of the Roman Empire – the two-division stage of the east-west balance of power. The religious dominate power is, of course, the Roman Catholic Church, another expression of Roman influence in today’s world.Time is running out on the church age, the Age of Grace. The final form of the Roman Empire is soon to come. God’s prophetic time piece is going to start again shortly after the rapture of the church. How soon will God “turn it over” and the End Times begin?99 P r e a c h e rs !GLOBAL GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL ECONOMICS, GLOBAL RELIGION = PEACE, SECURITY, EQUALITY, PROSPERITY AND HARMONY!ARE YOU SURE?Daniel 2:31-33 (NASB) 31 "You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. 32 "The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.Daniel 2:31-33 (NKJV) 31 "You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.100 P r e a c h e rs !IT’S TIME TO FOCUS ON THE FEET OF THE IMAGE:THE WORLD EMPIRE THAT IS YET TO COME BUT IS A CONTINUATION OF THE ROMAN EMPIREDaniel 2:40-43 (NASB) 40 "Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. 41 "In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. 42 "As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 "And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery.Daniel 2:40-43 (NKJV) 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 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. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.As we have seen, verse 40 refers to the original Roman Empire, the Fourth Kingdom, that – through it died out as an empire – its form changed and shifted and, in many ways, is still with us today. The world is still in a balance between the east and the west.Verses 41-43 refer to that manifestation of the Empire that is yet to come – some refer to it as a “Revived Roman Empire” and that term fits very well for what is yet to come in world history. This continuation of the “Times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) is the last act in the drama of Gentile rule in the world. This coming expression of man continuing to operate independent of God and – whether it is recognized or not, under the rule of Satan - will probably yet go through three forms of government before the Second Coming of Christ brings the kingdom of man to an end.“Inasmuch as the first portion of the prophecy concerning the Roman Empire was so graphically fulfilled in history just as other prophecies relating to the preceding empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece, it is most reasonable to conclude that the final stage” [or stages] “of the Roman Empire will also have its precise fulfillment. At that future time the stage will be set for its complete destruction and the bringing in of the 101 P r e a c h e rs ! fifth kingdom, by the Son of Man, which will occur at the second coming of Christ” (Walvoord, The Nations in Prophecy, p. 87)As we study this I will be following (for the most part) the outline and exposition given by Arnold Fructenbaum in his great work on the sequence of prophetic events where he focuses on the coming world events and the Tribulation entitled The Footsteps of the Messiah. Daniel 7:7 (NASB)7 "After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.Daniel 7:7 (NKJV) 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.Daniel 7:23 (NASB) "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. Daniel 7:23 (NKJV) "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces.Key phrase 7:23: “and shall devour the whole earth” has this happened in the past or is it yet future?“Globalization is the central reality of our time. It is coming and you can’t stop it!”Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, State of the Union Address, January 27, 2000 quoted in Global Warning, Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson, p.143102 P r e a c h e rs !“We are on the verge of a global transformation. All we need is the right major crises…” David Rockefeller speaking at the UN, September 14, 1994 in “The Emerging New World Order” by Berit Kjos, June 25, 2006. www.crossroad.to (interesting web site – check it out!)Infamous Quote from Henry Kissinger "Today Americans would be outraged if U.N. troops entered Los Angeles to restore order; tomorrow they will be grateful. This is especially true if they were told there was an outside threat from beyond, whether real or promulgated, that threatened our very existence. It is then that all peoples of the world will plead with world leaders to deliver them from this evil. The one thing every man fears is the unknown. When presented with this scenario, individual rights will be willingly relinquished for the guarantee of their well being granted to them by their world government." Quote by: Henry Kissinger (1923- ) Former US Secretary of State Source: Speaking at Evian, France, May 21, 1992. Bilderburgers meeting. Unbeknownst to Kissinger, his speech was taped by a Swiss delegate to the meeting. (underlining in the above quote added by Pastor David) www.libertytree.ca I recently heard someone on television (Fox News), whose name I do not know, make this astounding statement:“Crises is the friend of the state”I did see that JOHN STOSSEL, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST AND CO-HOST OF ABC NEWS "20/20", MADE THE SAME STATEMENT, SO MAYBE IT WAS HIM. ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, Friday, September 26, 2008, www.ocregister.com 103 P r e a c h e rs !The march toward a global economy and a global governing body is moving forward relentlessly. The leaders of the various world governments are pressing on every side to bring their dream of a one-world government into reality. By the means of various “crises” – real, imagined, or manufactured – human governments move to increase their control over the people. Along with this comes the push toward global religion. All of these things are fully predicted in the Scriptures, as we will see. How far it will advance before the rapture of the church is unknown.Remember: God established civil government (Gen. 9:5-6; Rom. 13:3-4) as one of the five divine institutions. Furthermore he established the nations (Gen. 9:25-27; Gen. chapters 10-11; Deu. 32:8) [see appendix The Five Divine Institutions]Acts 17:26 (NASB) and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,Acts 17:26 (NKJV) And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,IT WAS AT BABYLON THAT MAN FIRST TRIED TO ESTABLISH A ONE-WORLD GOVERNMENT! From there God divided them by confusing their language. Gen. 10:5: the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations. Remember this fact as it has a significant impact on our future studies about the rise of Babylon and the world government to come.TOMMY ICE: "WHY DID GOD WANT TO SEPARATE MANKIND? MANY BELIEVE THAT MANKIND SHOULD COME TOGETHER IN UNITY. GEN. 11:6 EXPLAINS WHY GOD CONFUSED HUMAN LANGUAGE:Genesis 11:6 (NKJV) And the Lord said, "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. THE ONLY REASON WHY HUMANITY WANTS TO UNIT ITSELF IS IN ORDER TO MORE EFFECTIVELY REBEL AGAINST GOD."Satan desires this one-world control so that he can be more effective in his attempt to be “like the most high” (Isaiah 14:14). It will be his greatest effort in his rebellion against God, the rebellion in which mankind is also involved. Yet, it will fail!104 P r e a c h e rs !NOTE: THE ANTICHRIST WILL BRING IN THE FINAL FORM OF THE ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT: NATIONALISM LITERALLY FUNCTIONS AS A BARRIER TO A WORLD CONTROLLED BY SATAN. GLOBAL GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL ECONOMY, GLOBAL RELIGION ARE ALL OF THE EVIL ONE.TOD KENNEDY: "GOD PLANNED THAT PEOPLE WOULD LIVE IN GROUPS CALLED NATIONS. THESE NATIONS WOULD HAVE SIMILAR CULTURE INCLUDING LANGUAGE, GEOGRAPHY, AND HERITAGE. EACH OF THESE NATIONAL DISTINCTIONS PROVIDES A BALANCE OF POWER AMONG NATIONS AND PROTECTS AGAINST A MONOLITHIC POWER OVER MANY GROUPS.” WWW.SPOKANEBIBLE.COM INTERNATIONALISM AS A UNION OF NATIONS IS UNBIBLICAL - UNITED NATIONS, COMMUNISM, WORLD COURT, WORLD BANK, WORLD MILITARY, GLOBAL TREATIES THAT BIND NATIONS TOGETHER SO THAT NATIONAL CONTROL IS GIVEN OVER TO INTERNATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES. “CRISES” ARE MOVING THIS FORWARD: ECOMOMICS {A CRISIS!}, ENVIRONMENTALISM {A CRISIS!}, GLOBAL WARMING {A CRISIS!}, ANIMAL ABUSE {A CRISIS!}, OVERPOPULATION {A CRISIS!} THESE ARE ALL EXAMPLES OF MANY THINGS HAPPENING TODAY. PATRIOTISM IS BIBLICAL!Alva J. McClain: “The founding fathers of our own American state, approaching their task with a deep suspicion of human nature, designed an ingenious system of checks and balances to separate these functions into departments and keep any one of them from usurping too much power. Although it seems clumsy and inefficient at times, lacking in both unity and economy, nevertheless our government has furnished a welcome refuge for political liberty in a sinful world, and will continue to do do – if we can keep it” (The Greatness of the Kingdom (1959), p.207. “and shall devour the whole earth”While we cannot be ABSOLUTLEY sure of this scenario, several eminent prophecy scholars believe that this phrase from Daniel 7:23 has not yet been fully fulfilled. 105 P r e a c h e rs !Therefore, there will be a global, one-world government of some kind that will appear on the world scene before the Tribulation period. It does not seem that Daniel 7:23 has yet happened in the aspect of the Fourth Empire devouring “the whole earth.” After this will come the ten division stage of government and then the one world government that is ruled by the Antichrist at the middle of the Tribulation.There is at least one other important prophetic event that, I believe, will also come before this final time of man which ends with the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. That event is the battle of Gog and Magog which is revealed in Ezekiel chapters 38-39. We will study this soon but it has a bearing, I believe, on the appearance of the coming one world government.Will these events of the attack on Israel and the one-world government be before or after the rapture of the Church? Who knows. But after much study I do believe these events will happen before the Tribulation, either before the rapture or after the rapture but before the start of the Tribulation. This all will be studied later.Listen to Dr. Arnold Fructenbaum:“At some point the East-West Balance of Power will break down, leading to a one-world government. This stage is seen in Daniel seven, but not in Daniel two. Daniel 7:23 clearly states that at some point the Fourth Empire devours the whole earth. This is something that Rome never did. Some attempt to make this expression mean the ‘then known world,’ but it cannot be said that Rome even conquered the then-known world. As soon as one empire conquers up to a certain point of territory, it is very obvious that there is more to follow beyond that. So it is foolish to say that Rome conquered the then-known world. Rome did not even extend as far east as the empire of Alexander the Great…. Furthermore, other usages of the word in the Old Testament clearly teach universality (Gen. 8:9; 9:19; 11:1; Isa. 6:3; 14:26; 28:22; 54:5; Jer. 15:10; Zech 4:10, 14). Although in Daniel 2:39 the word is used of the Hellenistic Empire, it only states that such authority was given to it as it was to Babylon in Daniel 2:37-38, and neither of these two empires chose to exercise this authority. In the case of the Fourth Empire, the wording states that it will devour the whole earth. The text demands that the Fourth Empire will at some point control the whole world and devour it. So if literal interpretation is maintained, then the Fourth Empire of Imperialism is yet to control the whole world in the formation of a one-world government, which is something not yet accomplished.” (Footsteps, p.p. 35-36)It certainly seems as if the Battle of Gog and Magog, in Ezekiel 38-39, would provide just such a crisis that would push us into this world-changing event. World government 106 P r e a c h e rs ! come into existence quickly because both the desire on the part of world political, business, and religious leaders and the plans for it are already in the works! There is an older work by Dr. David L. Cooper that agrees with this analysis. This small book was first printed in 1940 (my copy is 1958) and is entitled When Gog’s Armies Meet The Almighty In The Land Of Israel. The chart on the next page is from him. Here is what he states about the aftermath of this battle:“Such universal wreckage and disorder will pave the way for Satan to bring forth his man and to establish a world kingdom upon the ruins of the former nations….Thus the probability is that there will emerge out of the chaos of the world at this future time a world empire. It will appear very suddenly and will disappear about as quickly, collapsing and falling into ten separate divisions, over each of which will arise a king who will seize authority and establish his government therein. The rise of this universal empire upon the ruins of the wrecked world is indicated by the fifth arrow of the series [on the chart]. Its collapse and division into ten kingdoms is likewise shown by the sixth arrow.” (p.114)Of course, some of this is not clearly revealed and both authors are giving informed speculation, but it is an attempt to make sense of the Scriptures involved and I think they are right.Satan is working relentlessly to pull together the various aspects of a worldwide Gentile empire in an attempt to demonstrate to God that he can rule this world by his own authority and thus frustrate the plan of God. As believers we must not be fooled and deceived by these things of “globalism” and a “New World Order.” This is nothing “new” - it is simply the old Babylonian attempt at a world order with new make-up on! But it is still Satan warring against God and mankind joining him in rebellion. Remember the three dominate things around which the empire of the Antichrist will revolve and watch for these developing in politics, business, and religion::1. A global government (with a united military) 2. A global economy (with, probably a common currency) 3. A global religion (that is all-inclusive)Satanic View Point (SVP) and Human View Point (HVP) are merging more and more. Yet, in spite of this, believers who know and accept the truths of Bible prophecy (Divine View Point – DVP) need only look up and say with the Apostle John: 107 P r e a c h e rs !Revelation 22:20 (NASB) He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.How much time is left? Only God knows and we trust Him! With that faith we can rest and wait with eager anticipation the Rapture of the Church. Until then we just keep on working to win souls, disciple others, and mature in the faith personally before time runs out. We must keep our priorities and doctrine straight and not be deceived!108 P r e a c h e rs !Having said all this about a one-world government before the Tribulation, I must add that there is another way of viewing this Daniel 7:23 passage. Most commentators simply do not cover the phrase we have focused on. If they do they seem to think or, some say explicitly, that the old Roman Empire fulfilled the prophecy “to devour the whole earth,” and believe that only the “ten toes” or “ten horns” stage is yet in the future (this is next in our study). This is definitely the majority position. Others believe the ten division stage will fulfill it.Perhaps the future ten division government will fulfill the prophecy. Yet, the Daniel passage seems to involve a sequence in time. Let’s look at it again:Daniel 7:23-24 (NASB) 23 "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. 24 'As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings.Daniel 7:23-24 (NKJV) 23 "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces. 24 The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings.FOURTH KINGDOM DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH 109 P r e a c h e rs !OUT OF THIS KINGDOM TEN KINGSANOTHER WILL ARISE(ANTICHRIST Daniel 2:33 (NASB) its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.Feet have ten toes (imagine that!). So the key is “ten.” Let’s tie some other scriptures together with these ten toes:Remember horns are a symbol of power in Scripture! Daniel 7:24 (NASB) As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings.Daniel 7:24 (NKJV) The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings.Revelation 12:3 (NASB) Then another sign appeared in heaven: 110 P r e a c h e rs ! and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems.Revelation 12:3 (NKJV) And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.Revelation 13:1-2 (NASB) 1 And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.Revelation 13:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. {Note that each horn has a crown}Revelation 17:7 (NASB) And the angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.Revelation 17:7 (NKJV) But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.Arnold Fructenbaum (p.36)“This stage is seen in both Daniel two in the ten toes and in Daniel seven in the ten horns. The Ten Division stage is clearly stated to come out of the One World Government Stage. For some reason not given by the text, the One World Government will divide into ten kingdoms that will cover the whole world – not merely Europe….A careful reading of the Daniel passage states that once the Fourth Empire rules the whole world, then this One World Government will split into ten kingdoms. This requires the ten kingdoms to cover the whole world, not just the territory known as Europe… More consistent with Daniel’s prophecy is the recommendation of the Club of Rome that the world be divided into ten administrative districts to avoid economic collapse” (p.36) Below is the chart from the Club of Rome to which he refers:The following chart is from www.americalastdays.com (I do not know the content on this site!)111 P r e a c h e rs ! www.americaslastdays.com “On September 17, 1973, they released a Report called the "Regionalized and Adaptive Model of the Global World System" which was prepared by Directors Mihajlo Mesarovic and Eduard Pestel as part of the "Strategy for Survival Project". This revealed the Club's goal of dividing the world into ten political/economic regions... which would unite the entire world under a single form of government. These regions are: North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Rest of Developed World, Latin America, Middle East, Rest of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and China. The same plan was published in a Club of Rome book called Mankind at the Turning Point, which said:112 P r e a c h e rs !‘The solution of these crises can be developed only in a global context with full and explicit recognition of the emerging world system and on a long-term basis. This would necessitate, among other changes, a new world economic order and a global resources allocation system...’” www.modernhistoryproject.org Arnold Fructenbaum comparing Daniel two and Daniel seven:Daniel Seven Daniel Two I. The Babylonian Empire I. The Babylonian Empire 2. The Medo-Persian Empire 2. The Medo-Persian Empire 3. The Hellenistic Empire 3. The Hellenistic Empire a. The United Stage 4. The Fourth Empire b. The Four Division Stage a. The United Stage 4. The Fourth Empire b. The Two Division Stage a. The United Stage c. The Ten Division Stage b. The One World Government 5. The Messianic Kingdom Stage c. The Ten Division Stage d. The Antichrist Stage 5. The Messianic KingdomThe idea of ten economic regions has some challenges. Let’s see if we can work out the details.We have to remember that this future world kingdom is a continuation of, and an outgrowth from, the Fourth Empire – as such it must be prophetically tied to the old territory of the Roman Empire and not something from outside that territory. I do not believe that a simple outgrowth from its ideology, laws, language, or governmental forms would fulfill the prophecies. The ten toes on the image and the ten horns that are on the head of the beast - the image and the beast both represent the Roman Empire - these ten kings and their kingdoms grow out of, and are attached to, the old Roman Empire.113 P r e a c h e rs !Rene Pache: “The prophecy seems therefore to announce that on the territory of the ancient Roman Empire shall arise ten dictators (Rev. 17:12) who shall group themselves into a narrow confederation around one great head to come, the Antichrist” (The Return of Jesus, p.p. 157-158)LaHaye and Hindson: quoting Arno Froese, executive director of Midnight Call Ministries: “’The new European power structure will fulfill predictions which tell us that a one world system will be implemented. When established, it will fall into the hands of the Antichrist.’ What we are now witnessing in Europe are the initial steps leading to the global system of the last days” (Global Warning, p.159)Thus, it seems to me, the control of this worldwide ten kingdom confederacy, each with its own king or dictator, will be controlled by ten nations in Europe – nations which once belonged to the old Roman Empire. This confederacy will still “devour the whole world” (Daniel 7:23). Perhaps this ten kingdom stage will look a lot like the Club of Rome map above. Arnold Fructenbaum: “Textually, after the world falls under the One World Government, then and only then does the One World Government split up into ten kingdoms. But these ten kingdoms cover the whole world, and not Europe alone” (p.126)Plus, it is said of the Antichrist who is the eventual political dictator of this empire, “and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him” (Rev. 13:7b). He – and his false prophet sidekick - will also control a global economy:Revelation 13:16-18 (NASB) 16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17 and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.Revelation 13:16-18 (NKJV) 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.114 P r e a c h e rs !“An absolute control will be extended over the traffic of all merchandise and over the activity of everyone” (Pasche, p.192)This grouping of ten, who rule together, will control the world prior to the takeover of the ten by the Antichrist and prior to his forming the world into an empire ruled over by a single man – himself. Revelation 6:2 (NASB) I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.Revelation 6:2 (NKJV) And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.Revelation 13:7 (NASB) It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.Revelation 13:7 (NKJV) It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.The ten kingdom stage will last until the middle of the Tribulation and then the Antichrist takes over. He will rule over the world because the people consent to his rule. Democracies will probably elect this man into power!Arno Froese: “Consider the Facts: • Democracy is the most popular government system in the world • A global economy already exists • Instant communication is readily available around the world • A one-world religion is right around the corner” www.midnightcall.com Revelation 17:12-13 (NASB) 12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.Revelation 17:12-13 (NKJV) 12 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. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.115 Revelation 17:12-13 (AMP) 12 Also the ten horns that you observed are ten rulers (kings) who have as yet received no royal dominion, but together they are to receive power and authority as rulers for a single hour, along with the beast. 13 These have one common policy (opinion, purpose), and they deliver their power and authority to the beast.Revelation 17:17 (NASB) "For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled.Revelation 17:17 (NKJV) For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.Daniel 11:39 (NASB) "He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.Daniel 11:39 (NKJV) Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. Yet, as we will see, there will be turmoil, opposition, and war. These various people groups will not have the unity and peace they thought they were going to achieve.The things, then, that we see taking place in Europe today, such as the European Union, are significant because they show the drive toward a single government. This single unified European government would be a very powerful force on the face of the earth and they would be perfectly positioned to take over the control of the world when the time comes.116 The European Union Grant Jeffery, Prince of Darkness, p.60“Today it is fashionable in the media to criticize the nation-state as the cause of many, if not most, of the world’s problems. We are constantly persuaded by our media and politicians about the great advantages of joining super-national organizations and reducing our independence, patriotism and loyalty to our own country. The old nation- states are blamed for was, poverty, racism and lack of efficiency. One-world government is offered as the solution to many of the massive social, economic, and environmental problems facing mankind. Globalism is promoted in schools, the media and speeches as the answer to the great challenges confronting our nations today.”Nothing could be further from the truth! Yet, it is coming. WHAT ABOUT THE MIXTURE OF THE FEET – IRON MIXED WITH CLAY?Daniel 2:41-43 (NASB) 41 "In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. 42 "As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 "And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery.Daniel 2:41-43 (NKJV) 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 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. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.Robert Dean, referring to Ezra 9:1-2, states that the “seed of men” refers to the people of various cultural groups. In Ezra it points out that Israel was culturally to be separate from the pagan cultures and that it does not refer to anything racial. A Jew could marry a Gentile IF they converted to Judaism (for example, Boaz who was a Jew marrying Ruth who was a Moabitess). The point seeming to be that the various people groups, cultures, and special interest groups will not work well together under the ten division / Antichrist stage of the Empire to come. 117 Though the ten division grouping and the one-world Antichrist stage are going to be strong politically and militarily (iron), still the groups will be at odds with each other, each pulling for their own special interests and ways of thinking (clay). The clay is fired clay, ceramic or pottery which is easily broken and is “fragile” or “”brittle.”Once again, even when mankind achieves what appears to be the greatest solution of all to the problems of the world, there will still be opposition, strife, and rebellion! People will be insisting on their “rights.” Lawlessness and disorder will increase. Mankind always discounts the reality and strength of the sin nature! We’ll look at this more later when we study the Tribulation Period. Prophecy scholar and head of the Pre-Trib research group Tommy Ice says this about the European Union: Flags of the EU “Publicly, the European Union describes itself as "a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity." Since its six-nation beginning, the European Union has increased to 25 countries [now 27]. Based upon the European Union's own expansion plans, they see the union growing in the near future to 80 countries with over 430 million people. Looking to the future, the Director of Foreign Policy at the Centre for European Reform projects the ultimate growth of the renamed "Union," to include 109 nations of the world-including both North and South America.” www.pre-trib.org I highly recommend this site for reading about Bible prophecy. It is a site you can trust. Tim LaHaye, author of the left behind series is also one of the founders of this group.While there is no way of knowing for sure if the EU is the biblically predicted rise of the European super state, or if this state of today will be the one to control the world in the tribulation period, it is – at the very least – a clear picture of what is predicted.The EU now covers 27 nationsDescription Blue: The European Union Light green: National government expressed interest in membership Dark green: Candidate Yellow: Membership debate118 It is very interesting to compare these maps side by side! Though the EU does not yet cover all the exact same territory of the old Roman Empire, is fascinating that there is a great similarity. And the EU continues to expand. We will have more to study about the EU when we get to the tribulation study and the study on the Babylon as seen in the book of Revelation. Revelation 17:12-13 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.Daniel 7:8 (NASB) "While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.Daniel 7:8 (NKJV) 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. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.119 Daniel 7:19-26 (NASB) 19 "Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet, 20 and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts and which was larger in appearance than its associates. 21 "I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them 22 until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. 23 "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. 24 'As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. 25 'He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. 26 'But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever.Daniel 7:19-26 (NKJV) 19 Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; 20 and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. 21 I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. 23 "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces. 24 The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings. 25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time. 26 'But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever.TEN HORNS AND A LITTLE HORN WHICH DESTROYS THREE OTHER HORNS BECOMES GREATER THAN THE OTHERS120 We will be doing a more detailed study on the Antichrist in our study on the Tribulation period of future history. For now let’s notice some key facts from these passages in Daniel:The “little horn” (7:8) or “the other horn” (7:20) comes up from among the ten horns which are already in existence, ruling simultaneously, at the time of his rise. He will rise up after them (7:24), that is after they are already ruling.He would be an eleventh horn or ruler – this may mean he has a kingdom also but that it is small or it may mean he is ruling along with one of the ten other rulers (a co-ruler)This also means that the Antichrist will have his rise from within the territory of the old Roman Empire. He has “eyes” which shows that this is speaking of a real human being. “These notable eyes suggest the penetrating insight and discernment of an imposing personality” (Lehman Strauss, Daniel, p.212)In some way he is “different from the previous ones.” In what way he will be is not revealed, but something sets him apart from the rest. (Demon or Satan possessed?)This horn is the political leader usually called the “Antichrist” from 1 John 2:18 (NKJV) “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.”121

Walvoord Writes

Details

Download

Copyright

We respect the copyrights and intellectual property rights of all users. All uploaded documents are either original works of the uploader or authorized works of the rightful owners.

Support