BIBLE PROPHECY
TRIBULATION Part-1

1-THE ANTICHRIST COMES FORTH AND CONFIRMS A COVENANT
THE CONFIRMATION OF THE COVENANT IS DAY ONE OF THE TRIBULATION

9:27. AND HE (the Antichrist)
SHALL CONFIRM (or sign, or agree to)
THE COVENANT (or treaty)
FOR ONE WEEK (or one ‘seven,’ or 7 years):
AND IN THE MIDST (or middle)
OF THE WEEK (of the seven years)
HE (the Antichrist)
SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION (or offering)
TO CEASE (or end), which are taking place at the temple,
AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS HE SHALL MAKE IT DESOLATE (or on a wing of the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation-NIV),
EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION (or complete destruction),
AND THAT DETERMINED (or that is decreed)
SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE (or on him, the Antichrist).
DAN 9:27 is the seventieth week of Daniel. It is among the most important Bible prophecy verses for us to understand today. It covers the Antichrist coming forth and the confirmation of a treaty that begins the Tribulation. It shows that the Tribulation consists of two parts. It reveals a temple during the Tribulation, an abomination, and the final prophesied end of the Antichrist.
For today’s student of Bible prophecy, perhaps, no other verse is more important than Dan 9:27.
Dan 9:27 repeated with commentary.
AND HE. This is the Antichrist. Immediately after the Rapture, the Antichrist comes forth. This is the "prince that shall come," in v.26. This is the "little horn," in Dan 7:8. He is also called the "beast," in Rev 13 and others. He is, "the rider on the white horse," in Rev 6:2; as it is written, BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE: AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM HAD A BOW; AND "A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM": AND HE WENT FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER. It is presumed that he takes over the EEC—the European Economic Community. This man of sin, the son of Satan, cannot do this until God's people are removed.
He SHALL CONFIRM (or sign, or agree to)
THE COVENANT (or treaty, or an agreement of some kind). Some type of covenant, peace treaty, or guarantee for Israel's protection shall emerge. Supposedly, this treaty will come forth from the EEC. As the presumed head of the EEC, the Antichrist shall agree to (or sign, or confirm) this document (or agreement, or covenant)
WITH MANY. Israel is at the heart of this agreement. Some type of covenant shall be confirmed (or agreed to, or signed) with Israel, and with many others (possibly other nations), and with the Antichrist
FOR ONE WEEK, which represents seven years. The length of the covenant or treaty will be seven years. THE CONFIRMATION OR SIGNING OF THIS COVENANT BEGINS THE TRIBULATION. The seventieth week of Daniel is the Tribulation.

    God warns Israel regarding this treaty and trusting the Antichrist. BECAUSE YE HAVE SAID (Israel has said), WE HAVE MADE (or entered into) A COVENANT (or treaty) WITH DEATH (with the Antichrist), AND WITH HELL (or with the grave) ARE WE AT (or have made an) AGREEMENT. In making a covenant with the Antichrist, Israel, in effect, was in agreement with hell. WHEN THE OVERFLOWING (or overwhelming) SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH (or sweeps by), IT SHALL NOT COME UNTO US (or it cannot touch us): FOR WE (Israel) HAVE MADE LIES (or a lie) OUR REFUGE, AND UNDER FALSEHOOD HAVE WE HID OURSELVES-Isa 28:15. Israel should have trusted God for their protection. Instead, they chose to make falsehood their hiding place, protection, and hope. They have trusted in lies—in the Antichrist—for their security, their refuge, and their hope for peace. Israel believes that, because of the covenant with the Antichrist, when the overwhelming scourge shall pass through, they will be protected. They are blind to the truth of what they have done. As it is written, FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SAFETY; THEN SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, AS TRAVAIL UPON A WOMAN WITH CHILD (or as labor pains on a pregnant woman-NIV); AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE-1 Thes 5:3. The Russian-Arab invasion of Israel shall take place.
    Jesus foretold that this would happen; as it is written, I AM COME IN MY FATHER’S NAME, AND YE RECEIVE ME NOT: IF ANOTHER SHALL COME IN HIS OWN NAME (which is the Antichrist), HIM YE WILL RECEIVE-Jn 5:43. Israel turns to the Antichrist for protection. Later in the Tribulation, many in Israel shall receive the Antichrist as their Messiah.
    God tells Israel, regarding the covenant with the Antichrist, AND YOUR COVENANT WITH DEATH SHALL BE DISANNULLED, AND YOUR AGREEMENT WITH HELL SHALL NOT STAND; WHEN THE OVERFLOWING (or overwhelming) SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH (or sweeps by), THEN YE SHALL BE TRODDEN (or beaten) DOWN BY IT. The very agreement that Israel thought would be their protection is now going to be their downfall. FROM THE TIME THAT IT GOETH FORTH IT SHALL TAKE YOU (or carry you away): FOR MORNING BY MORNING SHALL IT PASS OVER (or sweep through), BY DAY AND BY NIGHT: AND IT SHALL BE A VEXATION (or sheer terror) ONLY TO UNDERSTAND THE REPORT (or message)-Isa 28:18,19. It will bring sheer terror to those that can understand what has happened and the report or message.
    FOR THE BED IS SHORTER THAN THAT A MAN CAN STRETCH HIMSELF ON IT: AND THE COVERING NARROWER THAN THAT HE CAN WRAP HIMSELF IN IT-Isa 28:20. The bed and covenant represent the Antichrist. The bed is too short. One cannot wrap himself in it for warmth and protection. Likewise, the covering that the Antichrist offers is not sufficient. It will not accomplish the purpose that Israel thought it would. It will not save them. It cannot protect them. The only true protection that a person can really have is Jesus. All other beds are too short, and all other coverings are too narrow. All other coverings will pass away.
AND IN THE MIDST (or middle) OF THE WEEK (or in the midst of the 7 year Tribulation). This gives a time frame of 3 ½ years, or 42 months from the end of the Tribulation. The last 42 months of the Tribulation is also called the "Great Tribulation." (Note: There are certain verses that indicate the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation are cut short in some way.)
HE (the Antichrist) SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION (or offering) TO CEASE (or end). Sometime during the first part of the Tribulation, a temple will be built in Jerusalem. Sacrifices and oblations will begin as in olden times. However, in the midst of the week, the Antichrist shall be killed, but then return to life. He moves into the temple in Jerusalem. Then HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHOWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD-2 Thes 2:4. The Antichrist shall stop the sacrifices and oblations.
AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS. Because of the abominations being spread or placed in the temple
HE (the Antichrist) SHALL MAKE IT (the temple) DESOLATE (or on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation-NIV). This is referred to as the "abomination of desolation," in Mt 24:15. The temple is defiled. The Antichrist, the son of Satan, moves into the temple. Some kind of abomination is set up on a wing of the temple. Perhaps, the image that was made to the beast will be placed there. People will be required to worship it or be put to death-ref Rev 13:14,15. As it is written, THE DAILY SACRIFICE SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY, AND THE ABOMINATION THAT MAKETH DESOLATE SET UP-Dan 12:11.
EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION (or end)." The Antichrist shall reign for 3 ½ years (or 42 months, or 1260 days) until the end, the time that has been determined for him to reign. Immediately after the Tribulation, Jesus shall return at the time of Armageddon. When Jesus returns,
AND THAT DETERMINED (or that is decreed)
SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE (or on him, the Antichrist). What God has decreed in His Word shall be poured upon (or done to) the one that made the temple desolate, the Antichrist. The Antichrist and false prophet shall be cast alive into the lake of fire-ref Rev 19:20. The Antichrist SHALL BE BROKEN-Dan 8:25. For THAT WICKED...THE LORD SHALL CONSUME WITH THE SPIRIT OF HIS MOUTH-2 Thes 2:8.

    The Rapture takes place. Some people are taken, but most are left behind. The unsaved people that are left behind can be divided into two groups.
   Group one are those that did not get saved, because they refused to receive the Gospel. They believed not the truth, but had pleasure in wickedness.
   Group two are those that did not get saved, however, not for the same reasons as group one. This second group, if they are not killed near the beginning, should have at least one more chance to be saved during the Tribulation. Nevertheless, most who do get saved will be martyred for the name of Jesus.
   It is written, AND WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEM THAT PERISH (or in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing-NIV, he will enable him to deceive, in all kinds of wicked ways, those who are headed for destruction-JNT³⁵); BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT (or refused) THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED (or that could have saved them-JNT³⁶). AND FOR THIS CAUSE (or reason) GOD SHALL SEND THEM (a) STRONG (or powerful) DELUSION (causing them to go astray-JNT³⁷), THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A (or the) LIE. (The result will be) THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED (or condemned) WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE (or delighted) IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (or wickedness)-2 Thes 2:10-12.
   Verses 10 to 12 all go together. They appear to be speaking to the people of the last church age (the Laodicean age) that will conclude or end with the Rapture. This is the church age that we are now in. These verses give a very stern warning to these people.
   This message demonstrates that the unrighteousness and evil, which is in these people, or embraced by them, shall deceive them (deceivableness or deception of unrighteousness in them that perish). Sin deceives. This is because these people would not receive God’s Word, Jesus (the love of the truth or to love the truth), so that they could be saved.
   This grave warning goes forth to those that would not receive God’s Word (the love of the truth) and would not believe the truth of God’s Word that they might be saved, but had pleasure (or delight, or fun, or enjoyment) in doing or practicing sin (or wickedness, or unrighteousness).
   It might be paraphrased in this way. This extreme warning from God is to those that choose to reject Jesus, because they have fun in doing wickedness.
   For this reason, when the Antichrist comes forth, God Himself will send them a strong delusion, or strong thoughts, so that the lie of the Antichrist becomes truth to them, and the truth of God’s Word is perceived as a lie. God does this, so there is no possible way for them to be saved—that they all might be damned and perish for eternity.

    Following the destruction of the Russian military and its allies, which attack Israel during or near the beginning of the Tribulation, 144,000 male, virgin Jews should come to faith in Jesus Christ. There will be 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They will go forth to preach the Gospel. However, it appears, that just prior to the Russian invasion, the 144,000 will be sealed by God. This may be something that both they and the world are unaware of. This sealing may take place before they come to faith in Jesus, by the foreknowledge of God.
   It is written, AND AFTER THESE THINGS I SAW. This does not indicate that the next items happened after the seven seals, but rather that John saw them after the seals. John saw FOUR ANGELS STANDING ON (or at) THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH, representing all four directions, HOLDING THE FOUR WINDS OF THE EARTH. No specific information is given to us about these angels, other than they are controlling the wind. They are holding the wind that it SHOULD NOT BLOW ON THE EARTH, NOR ON THE SEA, NOR ON ANY TREE (or that no wind should blow)-Rev 7:1. Prior to the servants of God being sealed in (or on) their foreheads, all wind on the planet should cease.
   AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL ASCENDING (or coming up) FROM THE EAST, HAVING THE SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD: AND HE CRIED (or shouted) WITH A LOUD VOICE TO THE FOUR ANGELS, TO WHOM IT WAS GIVEN TO HURT THE EARTH AND THE SEA-Rev 7:2.
   SAYING, HURT NOT THE EARTH (or land), NEITHER THE SEA, NOR THE TREES, TILL WE (plural) HAVE SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS-Rev 7:3. The fifth angel is not identified. Some believe it could be Jesus. The Scriptures indicate, once the servants of God are sealed, great hurt or damage will come forth from the four winds of the earth. It indicates that the sea, the trees, and the earth will go through some form of a great catastrophe. This would indicate that the sealing of God’s servants may come just prior to the Russian invasion of Israel. It may indicate that they will be protected from what is about to come. God’s wrath is about to be unleashed, but certain preordained servants of God will be protected. Some may presume that these become saved at this point. Nevertheless, this is not made clear. By His foreknowledge of knowing who will be saved, God will protect the future saints, even though they have not yet given their life to Jesus. He has specific works ordained for them to do at some future date. The kind of seal that will be used (or if they will even be aware of the seal) is not made clear. It obviously is necessary to protect them, as was already mentioned. This sealing would also indicate ownership and may be necessary for the work that they are called of God to do. Many believe it is the seal of the Holy Spirit, but with no visible evidence. Nevertheless, it is visible to the spiritual realm.
   AND I HEARD THE NUMBER (or how many) OF THEM WHICH WERE SEALED: AND THERE WERE SEALED AN HUNDRED AND FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000) OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL-Rev 7:4. These are Jews. The names "Jew and Israel" are synonymous with each other and are used interchangeably throughout the Scriptures.
   Twelve thousand were sealed out of each of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. These tribes included (1) Juda, (2) Reuben, (3) Gad, (4) Aser, (5) Nepthalim, (6) Manasses, (7) Simeon, (8) Levi, (9) Issachar, (10) Zabulon, (11) Joseph, (12) Benjamin-ref Rev 7:5-8.
   Obviously missing is the tribe of Dan. Some speculate that the Antichrist will arise from this tribe; thus, during the Tribulation period, the tribe of Dan is omitted from being sealed-ref Gen 49:17. During the Millennium, however, the tribe of Dan will be included among the children of Israel. Ephraim, the son of Joseph, the second born, is also missing.
   The Scriptures indicate that these Jews are single and are virgins. There is no lie in their mouth at all-ref Rev 14:4,5. They will go forth to preach the Gospel of the kingdom-ref Mt 24:14.

    Israel now expects there will be peace, because of the covenant or treaty with the Antichrist. A thought comes into the mind of the Russian leader to invade Israel. It is God that brings Russia and its allies forth to invade. Even though God brings them, He is against them and will ultimately destroy them to fulfill His purpose.
   The leader of Russia (Gog) assembles what may be the largest military armada ever put together in the history of the world. This enormous military force (of millions of troops) is backed up with a vast navy and air force, having missiles, advanced technology, spy satellites, and other sophisticated Russian weaponry. As the second seal is broken, war appears to come unexpectedly upon Israel. Russia and its many allies attack Israel. They come fast as a whirlwind and as a cloud to cover the land. They come with many ships by the Mediterranean Sea and possibly the Red Sea. They appear to come from the north and also from the northeast, through Jordan. They appear to come from the southwest, from Africa. They come from the air with an airborne invasion. In other words, the invasion seems to come from nearly every direction, including the ground, the sea, and the air.
   They invade Israel for the purpose of coming against the Jews and to obtain food, various goods, and riches, including silver and gold.
   The little nation of Israel appears to be overwhelmed. One moment they are dwelling safely. The next moment Israel is surrounded on nearly every side by the biggest invasion force ever assembled in the history of the world. Russia and its allies sweep through many nations; however, the chief of Amman shall escape. Egypt appears to fall to Russia. Russia may double-cross Libya and Ethiopia and be on their doorsteps.
   Israel’s situation is hopeless. They begin to turn to God with all their heart, with fasting, with weeping, and mourning. They cry out, "Spare thy people, O Lord."
   Then the Lord comes to their rescue. He is jealous for His land and pities His people.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DETAILS OF THE—RUSSIAN INVASION OF ISRAEL

    Ethiopia is involved in the invasion. Since they are located in Africa, south of Israel, we could surmise that in some way they will invade from the south or southwest.
   Russia and Iran could attack from the northeast, coming by way of Iraq and through Jordan. Some believe Iraq may also be involved in this invasion.
   Russia and its allies could also come by the way between the Black and Caspian seas, through Turkey and Syria. This would be from the north. Some believe Turkey will be allied with Russia in this invasion. Others also believe Syria will be involved in this invasion. An airborne drop into Lebanon could enable Russia to attack northern Israel by land. This could be reinforced by Russian ships dropping troops into Lebanon.
   Libya could come by the Mediterranean Sea or through Egypt from the west or southwest.
   Russia, with its many ships, could also be expected to attack from the Mediterranean Sea. This would be from the west.
   As already mentioned, an airborne invasion also seems to be involved. The airborne invasion, using Russia’s advanced air force, could neutralize much of Israel’s early warning detection systems located on various hills and mountains. A specialized aerial bombing could also neutralize much of Israel’s early warning devices, along with certain Russian military satellites.
   Russia, through use of its sophisticated satellite photography, could know almost minute by minute how Israel’s troops and air force were being deployed. They could also tune in electronically to much of Israel’s communications or even jam it.
   This is only speculation based on the location of some of the hostile, attacking countries. Such an invasion could be devastating with millions of troops advancing, quickly and simultaneously, from four directions including the air. The tiny country of Israel would appear to have no chance. Israel’s forces could be spread so thin that they could simply be overwhelmed.

    One or more African nations shall engage Israel in battle. Russia will come like a whirlwind with many vehicles, perhaps tanks and artillery. They shall also come with many ships and possibly submarines.
   Russia shall also invade other countries and shall sweep through them like a flood. Many shall be overthrown. Russia shall enter into Israel. The chief of Jordan shall escape out of his hand. Russia shall come against many countries. Egypt shall not escape. Russia may double-cross Libya and Ethiopia and be at their steps.

    Once Russia (Gog)  has attacked Israel, God will be very angry. He will be jealous for His land.

    Israel had turned from God. The Lord then brings the greatest military armada, in the history of the world, upon little Israel. Israel has no chance. God wants Israel to turn and trust Him for deliverance. When they finally are willing to turn to God and to cry out to Him for help, then the Lord will deliver them. This same message may also cover many times in the past for Israel.

    From this point on, the end of the brief war takes two directions. One is the destruction of the Russian invasion force and its allies in Israel. This is done supernaturally by God.
   The other is the destruction of the land or nation of Russia and events related to it. These, in turn, result in the death of one-fourth of the world’s population. Both events appear to happen at about the same time.

    God comes to Israel’s rescue.
   The leader of Russia hears news that disturbs him coming from the east and from the north. The war now seems to be divided on two fronts.
   One is Russia’s war against other nations that may come to try to stop him. The other is the continuing battle against Israel.
   A great earthquake occurs in Israel. Men shake, because of the presence of the Lord. God begins to fight. Mountains are thrown down and cliffs crumble. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem may crumble at this time.
   God begins to destroy the great military forces that attacked Israel. He does it in such a way that both Jews and Gentiles will recognize there is a God, and His name is Jesus. The invading soldiers turn against each other and begin killing each other. Plagues strike the troops and they begin dropping dead. Torrential rains come, and gigantic hailstones fall from the sky. Fire and sulfur begin to rain from the sky. The weapons and ammunition of the invading troops fall from their hands. Most in this great military force die upon the mountains and open fields of Israel. Only one soldier in six is left alive. The invasion forces are devastated. God’s Word tells us, FOR ISRAEL HATH NOT BEEN FORSAKEN, NOR JUDAH OF HIS GOD, OF THE LORD OF HOSTS; THOUGH THEIR LAND WAS FILLED WITH SIN AGAINST THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL-Jere 51:5. This verse has been fulfilled in the past, but also appears to apply to the latter days.

    During the Russian invasion of Israel, Russia apparently hears news (possibly from China and possibly from the EEC or perhaps the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) that troubles him. The USA is a part of NATO as of the writing of this book. It may be that Russia and its allies do not expect the USA or EEC to oppose them.

    God’s fury comes up as a result of the great military armada coming against Israel. An earthquake occurs in the land of Israel at the presence of Almighty God. It may well be, at this time, the Dome of the Rock will crumble, which would clear the way for the building of the Tribulation temple. One might wonder, if this earthquake is actually the beginning of the destruction of these massive forces that came against Israel. One could envision Russian tanks and artillery being swallowed up. Clearly, men will be terrified and utterly shaken.

    The end of this great invasion force is at hand. God destroys them in such a fashion that the world will recognize there really is a God in heaven and that His name is Jesus. We have noted as a result of the earthquake that men will be afraid.
   Then the invading soldiers will turn against each other and begin killing each other. God did this in Judges 7:22. All of a sudden, a plague hits the troops, and they begin dropping dead. God did this in 2 Ki 19:35 and Isa 37:36; 185,000 Assyrians died in one night. Great torrential rains and huge hailstones fall upon the invading armies. God also cast down hailstones from heaven in Jos 10:11.
   Fire and burning sulfur begin to rain from the sky, perhaps much like it did upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The weapons and ammunition of the invading troops will drop out of their hands. Masses of troops will die upon the mountains and the open fields of Israel.
   It will be done by God, for He has spoken it. The world will know that there is a God in heaven.

    A huge military force had attacked Israel. Millions of troops were probably involved. Nevertheless, after God unleashes His wrath upon them, only one in six is left alive. Out of every six soldiers, five are now dead, yet their destruction may take only a few hours.

    Russia hears of tidings; he then goes forth in a rage to destroy many. The Revelation seems to depict one-fourth of the world’s population being killed as a result of this war. This mass destruction appears to last only eight hours and has all the earmarks of a nuclear exchange. Deadly gas may also be included. Neutron weapons could be involved.
   There are only two nations in the world that are capable of causing such mass destruction. They are the United States and Russia.
   During Russia’s invasion of Israel, something seems to trigger them to attempt to destroy the United States with nuclear weapons. It may be something that they hear. It appears that Russia sends a combination of its ICBM’s (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and submarine missiles raining down upon the USA. They may also send missiles against any other nation considered a threat. Russia may think that the surprise attack will destroy the United States and that no retaliation will come forth against them.
   Nevertheless, the United States appears to retaliate against the land of Russia with nuclear weapons. Both nations may be almost totally annihilated. As a result of this nuclear exchange, a third part of the trees of the earth are burned up. This appears to be the size of the total land area of the nations of the earth that are involved in this war.
   Also, all green grass, all over the world, is burned up. This indicates that the farm crops, all over the world, are destroyed, possibly from radioactive fallout. Mass starvation follows.
   Then a third part of the sea creatures die. This would cause further starvation. A third of the world’s ships are destroyed. This may include the ships of the USA, Russia, and other countries involved in this war. Then something strikes the earth, and a third of the fountains and rivers become poisoned or bitter with wormwood. This may indicate that the waters become radioactive. Many men die from these waters.
   The nuclear exchange may last only eight hours. During this eight hours, the light of the sun, moon, and stars over one-third of the earth does not shine.
   Massive famine occurs all over the earth. Multitudes of people starve to death. Countries that currently have food shortages, or that depend a great deal on farming, may be the hardest hit.
   As a result of this devastating nuclear exchange, one out of every four people on planet Earth die. The population of the world, as of the writing of this book, is between five and six billion people. Consider, over one billion people will die; of this staggering number—every single one will perish to hell.
   Consider the nations and their populations that are listed as being involved in this war. Consider that the EEC often seems to be alluded to during the Tribulation. Israel is the focal point during the Tribulation. In light of these things, there seems to be one inescapable conclusion: much of the over one billion people that die come from the USA and Russia. It is very likely that much of the population of Russia will be killed, as well as much of the population of the United States. The USA will be punished for its sin. In the United States and Russia, those that do not repent, before the Tribulation, may not have another chance to repent thereafter, as many of them could be dead. The nations of Iran, and possibly Iraq, Libya, Ethiopia, and all the nations that are involved with Russia during this invasion, will likely suffer great destruction and loss of life.
   From this point on, the EEC and Israel become the focal point in the world. The United States and Russia appear to be out of the picture during the rest of the Tribulation, after having rained mass destruction upon each other.
   The Lord says, "IT IS COME, AND IT IS DONE"-Ezek 39:8.
   As a result of God’s supernatural destruction of the greatest war machine ever assembled to date, many people throughout the world will understand that there is a God. Many will begin to understand that Jesus is the only way to be saved. He will be known in the eyes of many nations. The heathen and those that dwell in the isles shall know that Jesus is the Lord. The house of Israel shall know that Jesus is the Lord from that day and forward.

    The leader of Russia can be expected to go forth in fury to destroy many. This may be the beginning of the destruction of the United States and perhaps some other countries. God shows that He will send fire on them that dwell safely in the isles. The fire may be nuclear, multihead missiles coming down from the sky that will bring a fiery destruction. Again, this may be indicating that Russia will be used by God to bring judgment upon the United States, for its turning away from Jesus and its great wickedness, after the born-again Christians have been removed in the Rapture. The time it takes for the nuclear missiles to strike the United States, launched from Russia, could be as little as fifteen minutes. The time for the nuclear missiles from Russian submarines to strike the United States could be 8 minutes or less.
It is written, THEREFORE HE (Gog or Magog - Russia) SHALL GO FORTH WITH GREAT FURY (or in a great rage) TO DESTROY, AND UTTERLY TO MAKE AWAY (or annihilate) MANY-Dan 11:44.
AND I WILL SEND A FIRE ON…THEM THAT DWELL CARELESSLY (or in safety) IN THE ISLES (or coastlands)-Ezek 39:6.

    Nevertheless, the United States can be expected to retaliate against Russia with its own nuclear missiles, just prior to its destruction.
   It is written, AND I WILL SEND A FIRE ON MAGOG (which is the land of Russia)-Ezek 39:6.

    THE FIRST ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet), AND THERE FOLLOWED (or came) HAIL (which may be hailstones or missiles raining down upon the earth) AND FIRE MINGLED (or mixed) WITH BLOOD. The hail and fire may well represent a nuclear exchange between Russia and the United States. The blood may represent a very great number of people being killed. This nuclear exchange may be the result of the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel. We may be reminded of the great fireball and heat that results from a nuclear explosion and the multitudes of fires that would occur. The blood could be a result of this. Hail and fire are also mentioned in Ex 9:23.
   The hail and fire mixed with blood WERE CAST (or hurled down) UPON THE EARTH: (and a third of the earth was burned up-NASB) AND THE THIRD PART OF TREES WAS BURNT UP. As a result of such a nuclear exchange, one-third of all the trees on planet Earth are burned up or destroyed. This may also indicate that one-third of the world’s land mass will be directly involved in the war. If one would consider all the nations involved in this conflict (as listed in Ezekiel chapter 38) and add in the United States and the nations of the EEC, the result would appear to be one-third of the land surface of the earth. This, in itself, is an incredible prophecy.
   The verse continues, AND ALL GREEN GRASS WAS BURNT UP-Rev 8:7. As a consequence of the nuclear exchange and the resulting radioactive fallout, all green grass is burned up or destroyed over the entire earth. Consider, all farm crops worldwide being burned up and destroyed. There would be famine and starvation such as the world could not imagine. Places like Africa, China, and India would see countless people starve. The entire world would be hard hit. Food prices would soar. It would take a day’s wages to buy a day’s worth of food. There is also a similarity between this verse and Ezek 38:22; ref Rev 6:3,4, the red horse—war.

• Hail and fire mingled with blood

• Cast upon the earth

• A third part of the trees are burned up

• All green grass is burned up

    Few people today understand the power of the nuclear weapons that exist. Consider the nuclear bombs that were dropped in World War II. They were each rated at 20,000 pounds of TNT. Some of today’s bombs are rated at 50 million pounds of TNT. This is approximately 2500 times more powerful. Can one conceive a single bomb now being equal to 2500 World War II nuclear bombs combined? Can a person conceive that a single missile could carry many nuclear bombs at once and that each individual bomb can be pinpointed to its own specific target as it makes its descent to the earth? Can we understand that both Russia and the United States have enough of these weapons left that either country could destroy all life on the earth several times? Can we understand what would happen, if the United States and Russia unleashed this destructive force against the other in what may be called World War III?
   When such a bomb explodes, immediately there is a flash of light that is so intense, a person’s eyes can be instantly destroyed. The heat of the blast is so intense, a person can be instantly fried like an egg. The resulting blast is such that virtually nothing will be left standing within a certain proximity, depending on the size of the bomb. Next there is the reverse blast coming back in toward the center.
   There is also the unseen radioactivity. This is the silent killer. As a result, nothing within a certain range of the bomb will live. As the cloud from the bomb rises high into the atmosphere, it is full of radioactive fallout that rains down upon the earth as the winds blow the cloud this way or that. This can continue for a long period of time, resulting in radioactive poisoning of the crops or any living thing that is in its path. It may be said, the crops will be burnt up. Entire areas of land can be so poisoned from the radioactivity that no person can safely dwell or plant crops there for many years to come.
   The first four trumpets appear to be showing us the results of such a nuclear exchange.
   We can surmise that both Russia and the United States may nearly destroy each other; for this reason, there appears to be an absence of Scripture concerning the United States during most of the Tribulation.
   Trumpets number one through four appear to be dealing with the war and aftereffects of the war of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, as well as seal two, three, and four of Rev 6:3-8. This is the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel.

    It is written, AND THE SECOND ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet). John then saw, AS IT WERE (or what looked like) A GREAT (or huge) MOUNTAIN BURNING WITH FIRE (or all ablaze) WAS CAST (or hurled) INTO THE SEA. Missiles coming through the atmosphere might fit this description of what John saw. As a result of this huge object being hurled into the sea, three things are described.
   1-AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SEA BECAME (or turned into) BLOOD-Rev 8:8.
   2-AND THE THIRD PART OF THE CREATURES WHICH WERE IN THE SEA, AND HAD LIFE, DIED;
   3-AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SHIPS WERE DESTROYED-Rev 8:9. From this, it appears, not only will the war take place on one-third of the land surface of the world, but also one-third of the seas or oceans will also become involved. One-third of the world’s ships may number several thousand. One unconfirmed source has put the total number of ships in the world at approximately 45,000. There would also be a huge number of casualties from this.
   Again, we should try to understand what John saw in the context of what he would have perceived in his day. John saw something large that appeared to be burning. It was cast into the sea. This appears to tell us that it came from above the sea, from the sky. As a result of this huge burning object being hurled into the sea, one-third of the sea became blood, one-third of the sea creatures died, and one-third of the ships were destroyed. In view of today’s technology, this seems to indicate some sort of huge weapon or accumulation of weapons, such as missiles armed with nuclear warheads, entering the atmosphere. The purpose may be to destroy ships. This could be Russian military forces seeking to destroy the U.S. vessels, including submarines, and the United States responding by destroying Russia’s ships. The end result appears to be that one-third of the world’s ships were destroyed, but in the same manner, one-third of the sea life also died. The sea became blood.

• As a great mountain burning with fire

• Cast into the sea

• One-third of the sea became blood

• One-third of the creatures in the sea died

• One-third of the ships were destroyed

    It is written, AND THE THIRD ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar, or trumpet), AND THERE FELL A GREAT STAR FROM HEAVEN (or sky), BURNING AS IT WERE A LAMP (or a torch). This could be some form of military device or missile entering the atmosphere. Such a device could appear as a "great star burning as a lamp." Its appearance could be as a giant shooting star. John noted that IT FELL (from the sky or heaven) UPON THE THIRD PART OF THE RIVERS, AND UPON THE FOUNTAINS (or springs) OF WATERS-Rev 8:10.
   AND THE NAME OF THE STAR IS CALLED WORMWOOD (or bitterness): AND THE THIRD PART OF THE WATERS BECAME WORMWOOD (or bitter): AND MANY MEN (or people) DIED OF THE WATERS, BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE BITTER-Rev 8:11.
   As a result of the object that John saw falling from the sky, one-third of the rivers and springs of waters become deadly or poisoned. Some might consider that this object, as it was coming down from the sky, could split into many pieces or objects, such as a multiple warhead missile (an intercontinental ballistic missile whose several warheads can be scattered). Some form of specially designed biological or radioactive devices, or even radioactive fallout from nuclear explosions, could cause the rivers and fountains to become poisoned, resulting in many deaths.
   Wormwood is mentioned in the Scriptures twice in the New Testament and also seven times in the Old Testament ("apsinthos" in Greek).
The word "wormwood" has been highly researched by Bible scholars. One problem we have is that certain things, which exist today, were unknown to the people at the time this was written. No word existed in their language to accurately describe what this or that was. In the case of the name "wormwood," as it is used here, many believe it is referring to radioactivity. Should this great object falling from the sky cause the rivers and springs to become radioactive, then they could be deadly to people that drink them; indeed, many could die from the waters, as they had become poisoned (or radioactive).
   Again, these things seem to help explain in more detail, what we call, World War III.

• A great star fell from heaven

• Burning as it were a lamp

• It fell upon the third part of the rivers

• It fell upon the third part of the fountains of water

• The name of the star was Wormwood

• The third part of the waters became wormwood, or bitter, or poisoned

• Many people died

    AND THE FOURTH ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet), AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SUN WAS SMITTEN (or struck), AND THE THIRD PART OF THE MOON, AND THE THIRD PART OF THE STARS. The terms sun, moon, and stars would indicate all over the earth. For when the sun is shining in one place, on the opposite side of the earth the moon and stars should be shining. The term "one-third" is explained next. SO AS THE THIRD PART OF THEM WAS DARKENED, AND THE DAY SHONE NOT (or was without light) FOR A THIRD PART OF IT, AND THE NIGHT LIKEWISE-Rev 8:12. This is showing us that one-third of the day was darkened. One-third of the night was darkened. Consider, the day is approximately twelve hours long. The night is approximately twelve hours long. One-third of the day would equal four hours. One-third of the night would equal four hours. Put them together and they would equal eight hours. It may be that the nuclear exchange between Russia and the United States will last eight hours. As a result of these eight hours, seal four, which is death, will claim over one billion lives-ref Rev 6:7,8. Death will claim one-fourth of the world’s population. The mass of nuclear and other kinds of devastating explosions (for perhaps eight hours) and the resulting very thick cloud cover may cause the sun, moon, and stars to all be darkened for eight hours.
   This may also denote the total surface area of the earth that will be covered by these dense clouds, blocking the light of the sun, moon, and stars as a result of the war.

• One-third of the sun smitten

• One-third of the moon smitten

• One-third of the stars smitten
  (So that)

• The third part of them was darkened

• The day was without light for a third part of it

• The night was without light for a third part of it

25-THE THIRD SEAL:  MASSIVE FAMINE

    AND WHEN HE (the Lamb, Jesus) HAD OPENED (or broke) THE THIRD SEAL, I HEARD THE THIRD BEAST (or living being, which had the face of a man) SAY, COME AND SEE. AND I BEHELD, AND LO A BLACK HORSE (before me); AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM (its rider) HAD A PAIR OF BALANCES (or scales) IN HIS HAND-Rev 6:5.
   AND I HEARD (what sounded like) A VOICE IN THE MIDST OF THE FOUR BEASTS (or living beings) SAY, A MEASURE (or two pounds, or a quart) OF WHEAT (what may be considered a day’s food) FOR A PENNY (or a day’s wages), AND THREE MEASURES (or six pounds, or three quarts) OF BARLEY FOR A PENNY (or a day’s wages). We seem to have a picture of the existing food carefully being measured out on a scale or set of balances. This appears to be showing the extreme scarcity of food upon the earth.
   AND SEE THOU HURT NOT (or do not damage) THE OIL AND THE WINE-Rev 6:6. Some believe that this last part of the passage is indicating there will not be enough money leftover to buy any oil or wine, or that even the rich will be hindered from buying oil and wine. The exact meaning of this passage is uncertain.
   Already there is starvation in some places around the world. However, seal two describes to us the results of a massive war, where famine seems to exist all over the world. We might consider asking, what would be the results of a massive war that used nuclear weapons? As radioactive fallout occurred, farm crops all over the earth could be ruined. Do the Scriptures indicate that this war will involve nuclear weapons? The answer appears to be, yes.
   Famines are also mentioned during the Tribulation in Mt 24:7.
   The worldwide famine follows the great war; thus, it can be expected to commence at the beginning of the Tribulation.

    AND WHEN HE (the Lamb, Jesus) HAD OPENED (or broke) THE FOURTH SEAL, I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE FOURTH BEAST (or living creature, which was like a flying eagle) SAY, COME AND SEE-Rev 6:7. Some have wondered that since the emblem of the USA is the eagle with outstretched wings—could this mean trouble for the United States?
   AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD (in front of me) A PALE (or pallid, sickly-looking) HORSE. The word used here could indicate a pale green, such as a dead green or a dying green. AND HIS NAME THAT SAT ON HIM WAS DEATH (its rider was named death-NIV). There has just been a great war. Famines resulted. Death AND HELL (or sh’ol, or Hades) FOLLOWED WITH HIM (or close behind him, close behind death). What is being said here, if fully comprehended, is terrifying. Hell followed the rider of death.
   AND POWER (or authority) WAS GIVEN UNTO THEM (plural) OVER THE FOURTH PART (or one-quarter) OF THE EARTH-Rev 6:8. This appears almost unbelievable. As a result of the war, one-quarter of the earth will die. We might ask, "What on earth could cause such a thing?" The answer is a war with nuclear weapons. When Russia attacks Israel, will the United States stand by? We might consider that the United States and Russia will end up being involved in a nuclear exchange. Do other scriptures support this? It would seem that they do. This could explain why the United States is clearly missing from world events, in the Scriptures, during nearly the entire Tribulation.
   Also, consider that hell followed with death, which involved one-fourth of the earth’s population. The Scripture is indicating that every single person that died went to hell. Well over one billion people perished to hell. How could this be? Consider, if the Rapture had just happened, and all born-again believers were gone, the only ones left on the earth would be the unredeemed. Almost immediately, the great war and a nuclear exchange occur. Over a billion people die and perish forever. They perish to hell.
   Considering the nations that will be involved in the war, according to the Scriptures, we might recognize that the majority of the causalities will come from the Middle East, Russia, Europe, Africa, and from the United States; however, the results will affect the entire world. Ezek chapters 38 and 39, and many other scriptures, tend to support this.
   Power was given to the rider of the pale horse TO KILL. He kills WITH (or by) SWORD (or war), AND WITH HUNGER (or famine), AND WITH DEATH (or plagues, or pestilence), AND WITH THE (wild) BEASTS (or animals) OF THE EARTH-Rev 6:8.

• The fourth horse - death

• One-fourth of the earth dies, over one billion people

• They are killed by war

• Through hunger

• By plagues or pestilences

• By wild animals

• All perish to hell

    It is written, BEHOLD, IT IS COME (or coming), AND IT IS (or shall be) DONE, SAITH THE LORD GOD; THIS IS THE DAY WHEREOF I HAVE SPOKEN-Ezek 39:8.

    The Rapture has just happened; then the Antichrist comes forward, assumes control of the EEC, and signs a covenant with Israel. Because of the Rapture, there are no born-again Christians left on the earth. All those that are left have rejected Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. Many that claimed they believed on Jesus Christ, refused to allow Him to reign over them. Many that were left were only lukewarm.
   God is now going to do something that will awaken this sinful world (both Israel and the Gentiles) to the fact that there is a God and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved.
   The Lord then sets up a special situation. God brings the greatest military invasion force in the history of the world against the little nation of Israel. This huge army, from many nations, is so massive that even God calls it a GREAT COMPANY, AND A MIGHTY ARMY-Ezek 38:15. Israel has no chance of winning. God then intercedes supernaturally and destroys nearly all of this enormous invasion force. God does this in such an incredible way that both the people of Israel and the world will know that there is a God and that His name is JESUS. From this point on, many people will be seeking God. The evangelism of the world will begin to take place through 144,000 male, virgin Jews. Many will get saved, but they will have to face horrible persecutions. Eventually, many will be martyred for their faith in Jesus.
   It is written, AND THOU SHALT COME UP (or advance) AGAINST MY PEOPLE OF ISRAEL…IT SHALL BE IN THE LATTER DAYS (or days to come, or last days), AND I WILL BRING THEE AGAINST MY LAND, THAT (or in order) THE HEATHEN (or nations) MAY KNOW ME, WHEN I SHALL BE SANCTIFIED (or show Myself holy) IN (or through) THEE, O GOG, BEFORE THEIR EYES-Ezek 38:16.
   THUS WILL I MAGNIFY MYSELF (or show My greatness), AND SANCTIFY MYSELF; AND I WILL BE KNOWN (or make Myself known) IN THE EYES OF MANY NATIONS, AND (then) THEY SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD-Ezek 38:23.
   MAGOG, AND…THEM THAT DWELL CARELESSLY (or in safety) IN THE ISLES…THEY SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD-Ezek 39:6.
   SO WILL I MAKE MY HOLY NAME KNOWN IN THE MIDST OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL; AND I WILL NOT LET THEM POLLUTE MY HOLY NAME (or let My holy name be profaned-NIV) ANY MORE: AND THE HEATHEN (or nations) SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD, THE HOLY ONE IN ISRAEL-Ezek 39:7.
   AND I WILL SET (or display) MY GLORY AMONG THE HEATHEN (or nations), AND ALL THE HEATHEN (or nations) SHALL SEE MY JUDGMENT (or punishment) THAT I HAVE EXECUTED (or inflict), AND MY HAND THAT I HAVE LAID UPON THEM. SO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD THEIR GOD FROM THAT DAY AND FORWARD. AND THE HEATHEN (or nations) SHALL KNOW THAT THE HOUSE (or people) OF ISRAEL WENT INTO CAPTIVITY (or exile) FOR THEIR INIQUITY (or sin): BECAUSE THEY TRESPASSED (or acted treacherously, or were unfaithful) AGAINST ME, THEREFORE HID I MY FACE FROM THEM, AND GAVE (or handed) THEM INTO THE HAND OF THEIR ENEMIES: SO FELL THEY ALL BY THE SWORD. ACCORDING TO THEIR UNCLEANNESS AND ACCORDING TO THEIR TRANSGRESSIONS (or offenses) HAVE I DONE UNTO THEM, AND HID MY FACE FROM THEM-Ezek 39:21-24.
   I WILL BRING (Gog) AGAINST MY LAND (because):

• I will sanctify Myself

• I shall be sanctified in Gog before their eyes

• Thus, will I magnify Myself

• I will be known (or make Myself known) in the eyes of many nations

• That the heathen may know Me

• The heathen shall know that I am the Lord

• They shall know that I am the Lord

• I will set My glory among the heathen

• They shall see My judgment or punishment

• The heathen shall know God is the Holy One in Israel

• The heathen shall see My hand that I have laid upon them

• The heathen shall know that Israel went into captivity for their iniquity

• The heathen shall know Israel was unfaithful

• The heathen shall know that I hid My face from them

• The heathen shall know that I gave Israel into the hands of their enemies, so they fell by the sword

• The heathen shall know that I have done unto them (Israel) according to their uncleanness and transgressions

• The heathen shall know I hid My face from Israel

• Magog shall know that I am the Lord

• They that dwell safely in the isles shall know that I am the Lord
        

• I will make My name known in the midst of My people Israel

• So that they will not pollute God’s holy name anymore

• The house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward

    Ezekiel chapter 38 and 39 show clearly why God brings Gog against Israel: so that many people, both Jew and Gentile, will know there is a God in heaven. Many will believe and get saved as a result of Gog being supernaturally destroyed. The destruction of Gog and his armies will be the beginning of a revival during the first half of the Tribulation, both among the Jews and Gentiles. These things reveal clearly why the invasion of Israel happens at the beginning of the Tribulation, soon after the Rapture occurs. The verses covering seal four (showing all who are killed perish to hell) could not be fulfilled, if this event were to happen further on in the first part of the Tribulation.

    The war seems to end as fast as it began, leaving perhaps millions of dead bodies in Israel. The Lord speaks to the predatory birds and to the beasts of the field to come to His sacrifice and eat the flesh of the dead who invaded Israel, both of horses and of mighty men. They will eat the fat till they are full. They will drink the blood till they are drunken with God’s sacrifice.
   The multitude of weapons of the invading forces will be burned for fuel seven years; Israel will not need to cut down any wood out of the forests.
   They will now rob and spoil those that robbed and spoiled them.
   Israel will begin to bury the remains of the invading forces. All appear to help. It will take seven months. The land shall be cleansed. Men will be employed and the land shall be searched for remaining bones. Once a person finds a bone, a sign is placed by it until it is buried. Gog and his allies shall be buried in the valley of Hamon-gog. The city there shall be called Hamonah.

    The war seems to end as fast as it began. After God has destroyed the massive array of troops that invaded Israel, there will be, perhaps, millions of dead bodies. God will give these to the predatory birds and wild animals to eat.

    The weapons of the dead soldiers will be burned for fuel seven years; because of this, Israel will not need to take wood out of the fields or forests.

As the invading armies came to rob and steal from Israel; now Israel will seize the plunder from them.

    Consider what has just happened. People were raptured from all over the world. Nevertheless, one hundred percent of the lukewarm Christian preachers and lukewarm Christians were left behind. All that did not repent and totally trust in Jesus Christ were left behind; this includes most preachers that called themselves a Christian. The number of people raptured may be far fewer than most people realize. How this will be perceived or understood by the world is unclear from the Scriptures. Some will recognize the Rapture took place and that they were left behind. They will be terrified. Others will not understand and can be expected to just shrug it off as nothing. In our own survey in America, out of perhaps six hundred people, approximately fifty percent knew absolutely nothing about what a Rapture was or that it was even coming. In light of all the other events happening at the same time, we might wonder if, after the Rapture happens, the event might be buried in the last page of the newspaper or might not even be carried on the national news at all. If the possibility of a Rapture is carried by the news media, it may be done in such a way as to cause people to disbelieve that it really happened. We might expect that the news media will try to explain it away in some deceptive fashion. It is possible the number of people raptured will be so few that it will not draw much attention.
   Following the Rapture, a very charismatic figure should become the head of the EEC. The Bible calls him the Antichrist, but the world will perceive him much differently. A covenant or treaty is confirmed by this man with Israel and other nations.
   Russia and its allies attack Israel with the greatest military force ever assembled. The world is plunged into, what we may call, World War III. One-third of the world becomes involved. The war lasts only a very short time. God supernaturally destroys the invading forces. The USA and Russia appear to nearly destroy each other in a nuclear war. The world experiences the greatest famine they have ever known. As a result, one out of every four people die. Over one billion people will be dead. It will take a day’s wages to buy a day’s food.
   All of these events happen in rapid succession. At this point, the world will be in a state of shock, unbelief, and confusion. Most of the world will not understand. They were in spiritual blindness before the Rapture, and they are in a spiritual blindness afterward.
   From this point on, both Russia and the United States appear to be out of the picture. The center stage now shifts to Europe.

    From this point on, many different events all begin happening at the same time. Throughout the world there should be over one billion bodies to be buried. Senseless, hideous crimes of brutality, murder, stealing, and rape abound; hate, lying, drugs, and other sin continues to increase and get worse and worse. Wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, diseases, wild beasts killing people, and the like, continue to increase upon the earth. Living conditions, for the three-fourths of the world's population that survived, will be increasingly difficult. There will be fearful sights from heaven. Then there is the EEC, which is a massive economic trading power. Politically, it will have ten kings or rulers. Eventually, it should engulf the whole world becoming a one-world economic or governmental system. It will devour the whole earth. It should break the world into pieces or sections. Nevertheless, there will be divisions, or disagreements, within this empire. The kingdom will be divided. It is from the EEC that the Antichrist comes forth.
   Spiritually, many people should be seeking the God of the Bible. Revival comes to both Jew and Gentile, because of the supernatural destruction of Russia and its allies. Some, however, will have no chance of being saved. This is because they rejected Jesus, choosing rather to have fun or pleasure in doing wickedness prior to the Rapture.
   Spiritually, there will also be great confusion as never before. Satan can be expected to combine every tactic of persecution and deception he has ever used, from all church ages. Indeed, the devil can be expected to employ these, and even more, to the fullest possible extent.
   There are 144,000 male, virgin Jews that come forth and evangelize the world for Jesus; many will be saved. The nations of the world will hate those that turn to Jesus. The followers of Jesus will be betrayed. They will be greatly hated, persecuted, beaten, and most will be killed later on. Under the immense, almost overwhelming pressure, many will turn from their faith in Jesus. One-third of Israel will be saved and refined.
   People will deceive others and be deceived themselves. There will be false Christs and false prophets doing great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if it were possible. There will be a one-world religious system set up, under the umbrella of the Roman Catholic Church. On the outside it looks beautiful, but on the inside it is full of intoxicating abominations. It will be headquartered in Rome. In addition, there is the Antichrist growing in popularity and fame, much the same as Jesus did before He was crucified. People will also worship their idols of gold and silver.
   Israel continues to bury the dead bodies of the invading forces, for seven months. Their weapons will be burned for fuel seven years. Jews throughout the world return to Israel. Israel speedily begins to build a temple in Jerusalem. Sacrifices will begin as they once were thousands of years ago. Israel will do evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord will be angry with them. God will continue to bring judgments against them and against their farm crops.
   God will continue to make Jerusalem A BURDENSOME (or heavy) STONE (or immovable rock) FOR ALL PEOPLE-Zech 12:3.
   All of these things should be taking place after the Russian invasion of Israel is over, but prior to the midst of the Tribulation. The midst of the Tribulation is 1260 days from the end of the Tribulation.
   The world and world system will be much different after this devastating war—which we call, World War III.

36-MISCELLANEOUS:  THE TRIBULATION WILL BE AS BIRTH PAINS,
THINGS WILL GET WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL THE END

    The Tribulation is a period of time that is like the birth pains of a woman in labor. As the many events unfold, they get worse and worse. As the Tribulation progresses, many new dreadful things begin to happen, adding to the already horrible events that are continuing to get worse and worse. It culminates with the Battle of Armageddon, when Jesus Christ returns. The birth pains will have gotten so bad at that point that—if Jesus had not returned exactly when He does—no life on earth would be saved. However, just as a woman in travail brings forth new life, in the same way, the return of Jesus and the saints to the earth begins a new era—one thousand years of peace.
   To give just a few examples of the increasing intensity and frequency of events, consider the following. In the beginning of the Tribulation, there are earthquakes. At the time Jesus returns, after the Tribulation of those days, there is the greatest earthquake ever seen, and the cities of the nations fall. Near the beginning of the Tribulation, one-third of the creatures in the sea that had life will die. Near the end of the Tribulation, every living soul in the sea dies. Near the beginning of the Tribulation, one-fourth of humanity dies from the effects of war. Near the end of the Tribulation, one-third of the world's population dies. At Armageddon, nearly all life on earth is killed. Sin will also greatly increase. Diseases can be expected to reach epidemic proportions as the Tribulation progresses. The persecution and murder of those that get saved during the Tribulation will get worse and worse. It will be a most terrifying time in which to live.

    The Bible appears to say nothing about burying the dead throughout the world, except in Israel. Consider, in the countries that came against Israel, there may be far more dead than people left alive. Whether or not the dead will ever be buried, in some countries, is questionable. This may well be the same for the United States after the nuclear attack by Russia. In areas that have little or no food reserves, but are heavily dependent upon their farms to survive, the number of people dying, as a result of starvation, may be overwhelming. One out of every four people throughout the entire world will be dead. We may expect that both the domesticated and wild animals, as well as the flesh eating birds, will have a worldwide feast, as the Bible shows they will in Israel. On the average, there should be one dead body to be buried for every three people left alive, including babies and children. Many people that may have had thoughts of waiting to repent—at a later date—will now be dead. They waited too long.

    There is much Scripture covering the wickedness of man during the Tribulation. As bad as crime and sin is now, it will take a giant plunge for the worse once the church has been raptured. As the days of Noah were (ref Mt 24:37), so wickedness shall increase as birth pains prior to the Rapture; they also apply as birth pains, getting even worse and worse, leading up to the return of Jesus Christ at Armageddon. Raw hatred, senseless brutality, killing, rioting, stealing, vandalism, drugs, rape, child molesting, and sinister crimes, which are nearly unimaginable, can be expected to abound in the earth.

    Once the church is removed, there will be a coldness among many people toward each other. Many will hate each other.

• It is written, AND THEN SHALL MANY…HATE ONE ANOTHER-Mt 24:10.

• It is written, AND BECAUSE INIQUITY (or wickedness) SHALL ABOUND (or increase), THE LOVE OF MANY (or most) SHALL WAX (or grow) COLD-Mt 24:12. Many people’s love will grow colder and colder. Neighbors will abuse and even kill one another

    Prior to the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel, or what we call World War III, there were already famines in many parts of the world. Millions of people were starving to death. However, as a result of the nuclear exchange, one-third of the living creatures in the sea died; one-third of the trees were burned up, which should also include fruit trees; and all green grass (or farm crops). Global famine takes place. Food prices soar so high that it takes a day’s wages to buy a day’s worth of food. Living conditions become increasingly difficult.

    During the Tribulation, earthquakes will continue to increase in both frequency and intensity. It is possible this could have something to do with the nuclear exchange that has taken place also.

    During the Tribulation, diseases continue to increase. AIDS and other new diseases can be expected to take more and more lives. Some may be far worse than AIDS, with no known cure. Old diseases, once thought to be eradicated, may return. Some current diseases may develop immunity to existing medicines so that nothing will stop them. These things can be expected to increase as birth pains of a woman in labor.

    There will also be wild beasts killing people during the first part of the Tribulation.

    As already noted, World War III takes place at or near the beginning of the Tribulation. One-fourth of the world's population is killed. However, there will continue to be other smaller wars between nations, tribes, and other factions. There will also be rumors of wars. Hatred and killing will abound.

    During the Tribulation, there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven and in the earth. Exactly what these things will be is unclear.

    One-fourth of the world's population died, as a result of the war and its aftereffects. The destruction to certain countries should be enormous. The destruction to farm crops, trees, livestock, and the fishing industry, will be devastating. There will be shortages of food. Infectious diseases will be widespread, becoming worse and worse. Living conditions for all levels of society, rich and poor, will rapidly decline. One can hardly imagine how it will be to try to bury over one billion bodies!
   Crimes, such as murder and stealing, will be rampant. Surviving will be very difficult. There will be more and more wars and rumors of wars. Hate will be everywhere.
   It is written, IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS (or difficult, or trying, or terrible) TIMES SHALL COME-2 Tim 3:1.

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