"The strangest aspect of our perilous times is the ominous quiet. Probably never in his-

tory has the human race looked so much like sheep marching silently to the slaughter."

-- physicist Ralph Lapp, in his book Kill and Overkill

ARMAGEDDON!

HOW SOON?

The Great Tribulation, the Times of the Gentiles, the “Crisis

at the Close,” are all prophesied to occur very soon upon

a rebellious planet. Will you survive? How much longer

until we reach Armageddon? When do the snorting, fiery

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse begin to bolt from the

starting gate -- the chute -- and thunder into the night?

William F. Dankenbring

The United States of America and the entire world are on a collision course with disaster!

Awesome war has already begun in the Middle East. US forces are already in Iraq, along with Jordanian troops, and Turkish military, occupying strategic sections of Iraqi soil. The US and Great Britain are decimating Iraqi early warning and control systems, preparatory to major war, including air and ground action, to strip Iraq of her biological, chemical, and most likely even nuclear weapons, and missiles. Even on the q.t., Israeli forces are operating in Iraq, striving to ferret out and neutralize missile launching sites. Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel, let it be known that Israel will not sit idly by this time if Iraq launches missiles aimed at Israel. Retaliation will be swift and certain and powerful.

War clouds are gathering. By the time you receive this issue of Prophecy Flash, the major war will most likely have already started.

Once more, the United States appears to be ready to seize the initiative to protect the western world from the threat of chemical-biological-nuclear terrorism, fomented by terrorists states such as Iraq, in league with terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda.

Where is it all leading? What does the future hold?

· US Defense Department officials estimate that Saddam Hussein has 600 tons of chemical weapons and missiles capable of carrying a delivering them.

· The US has told Israel that it will attack Iraq by the end of November. The US has already prepositioned troops and military material throughout the Middle East, in Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia (despite reluctance and anger by the Saudis), and are ready to move. Tens of thousands of troops are ready, positioned, and waiting. Aircraft carriers are “on point.” Tanks have also been delivered to strategic staging areas.

· Ariel Sharon has dropped several bombshells recently which have shaken up normally phlegmatic Washington. Confirmed intelligence reports from early 2002 reveal that Libya is very close to becoming the first African nation to join the nuclear club. Libya is expected to have the “bomb” by 2004, Iran by 2005, and Saudi Arabia and Egypt and also in the running – secretly supporting the Libyan effort to produce both nuclear weapons and long range missiles to carry them! Experts also fear that Saddam Hussein is supporting the Libyan project to build nuclear weapons for himself outside of Iraq.

· Israeli intelligence was startled to find out that the Libyan nuclear program was a combined effort to provide Egypt as well as Libya with the ‘bomb,” with Iraq and Saudi Arabia also having a finger in the pie. Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has been dealing secretly with the North Koreans since the 1990s to develop an arsenal of nuclear weapons and nuclear-tipped missiles. The two projects began in 1996 with some 1,800 nuclear engineers and technicians working on the construction of the reactor. Only 800 came from Pongyang – the rest came from Belarus, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Poland and Central Asia. The missile factory was completed in the year 2000. Saudi Arabia has agreed to contribute $800 million to the project, after Saudi prince Abdullah was secretly shown around the facilities.

· The threat to the US and the western world has never been greater. If Manhattan were to be struck by a radiological weapon, such as a “dirty bomb” – a conventional explosive surrounded by radioactive material – every building in Manhattan and for miles around might have to be demolished. Such a bomb using just one piece or radioactive cobalt could make New York City uninhabitable for decades and seriously contaminate over 600 square miles (one thousand square kilometers) of the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The real threat would come from long term radioactive contamination, causing hundreds of thousands of fatalities from cancer over decades. Just one “pencil” of intensely radioactive cobalt-60 exploded on the southern tip of Manhattan on a calm day, with a slight south-westerly breeze, would accomplish such devastation. Interestingly, some two million sites in the US alone are licensed to use radioactive materials and the government admits that 1,500 sources have reported missing items over the past five years. A nuclear bomb itself would require more sophisticated design, but a simple radiological devise could itself be most destructive.

· The United States delivered a secret ultimatum to Saddam Hussein not to dare use non-conventional weapons in the upcoming conflict. If Iraq uses non-conventional weapons, the secret ultimatum declared, the United States would not hesitate to level its cities with a nuclear bomb! Why the secret warning? Washington acted after it discovered that Iraq had smuggled two or three nuclear devises, at least, into the United States, to be detonated by “sleeper cells” of Iraqi agents planted in the US by Iraqi intelligence.

Intelligence officials believe that Iraq has purchased complete nuclear weapons from sources in the former Soviet Union. When confronted by the American emissary, Iraq obliquely admitted to possessing nuclear bombs – they claimed that they were “only for self defense.”

The fact is, the United States, White House, Pentagon, and CIA, all firmly believe Iraq now has joined the nuclear club. But publicly, they do not want to alarm the people, so they insist they don’t know but suspect Iraq is only a year or so from obtaining such weapons.

In another shocking report, intelligence spotters have noted a 60-truck convey going from Iraq to Iran. Intelligence sources have learned it was part of a highly sophisticated and complex operation to whisk most of Iraq’s nuclear, biological and chemical weapons making equipment to safety prior to an American led assault. Iran has been constructing special nuclear and smart-bomb proof tunnels under the Zagros Mountains.

· Furthermore, revised intelligence reports indicate that Saddam possesses up to 40 nuclear devises, including perhaps as many at 10 nuclear bombs and warheads that can be delivered by fighter-bombers or surface to surface missiles. In addition, Iraq has acquired enough enriched uranium-235 to build another 20-30 nuclear devices. Saddam, in collaboration with al Qaeda and Iraqi intelligence, plans to strike at American targets throughout the Middle East, as well as oil-producing sites in Saudi Arabia, and fly L-29 drone airplanes loaded with biological and chemical weapons to strike the sea ports of Eliat and Aqaba on the Red Sea, disrupting a major US supply route. Plans for triggering terrorist “sleeper cells” in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and elsewhere are also in place.

· When war comes, Arafat – upon a signal from Baghdad – is prepared to order the hidden Palestinian arms stores opened to let loose with missiles, light artillery, mortars, anti-tank and anti-air weapons against Israel. Terrorist forces in Lebanon and Syria will no doubt join in the fray, launching missiles. No doubt there will be a massive strategic change in the status quo in the Middle East.

Approaching the ‘End Game”

The threat to world peace has never been greater. Since the bombing of the Twin Trade Towers in New York, September 11, 2001, the world has entered a new “end game.” Suddenly many Bible prophecies for the “last days” and the “time of the end” seem not so far-fetched after all! In fact, they seem right on target!

Doesn't sound very rosy for the future, does it? Alarming trends are taking place around the world. The world has never in its sanguinary history ever been poised for so great a disaster as it is facing, today!

The apostle Paul predicted, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times [times of stress, margin] will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of those that are good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (II Tim.3:1-5).

Jesus Christ Himself predicted as to the days at the close of this age, just before His second coming, “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of VENGEANCE, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be GREAT DISTRESS in the land and wrath upon this people” (Luke 21:20-23).

The Messiah also warned, “For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be” (Mark 13:19).

What does the future hold? Does Bible prophecy hold any answers for us, to help us probe into the future, and see what is going to occur in our near future?

Hoofbeats of the Four Horsemen

In a detailed prophecy of the events which will occur on the earth, just prior to His Second Coming, Jesus Christ told His disciples, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the BEGINNING of sorrows” (Matt.24:7-8). These things have already begun to happen, and on a stepped up scale!

Jesus Christ foretold incredible upsets of the weather and the natural order. He declared: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring: Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:25-27).

These things have already begun to come to pass, with increasing frequency and mounting severity.

Following on the heels of these natural disasters, Jesus foretold widespread religious deception, apostasy, and persecution upon the true followers of Christ (Matt.24:9-11). Many false prophets and religious leaders would rise up, deceiving the many -- charismatic leaders, religious Neanderthals, and autocratic leaders impressed with their own vanity and ego. This has happened. Jesus added, “And because iniquity shall abound” -- wickedness, lawlessness, pornography, obscenity, cursing, gang violence, immorality, humanism – “the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the END, the same shall be saved” (Matt.24:11-13).

The apostle Paul also spoke of this horrible, mind-bending, spine-twisting time of sheer terror coming upon the earth. He wrote, “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (I Thess.5:2-3).

Coming: GREAT TRIBULATION

Jesus went on to say, in His famous Mount Olivet prophecy, “For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION [distress, suffering, travail, WAR], such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should NO FLESH BE SAVED [alive]: but for the elect's sake, those days shall be shortened” (Matt.24:21-22).

Moffatt, in his translation, calls this period of time “the CRISIS at the CLOSE” (Daniel 12:4, 9). Daniel prophesied, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Dan.12:1).

Looking into the future, into our day, the prophet Jeremiah foretold of this same indescribable, unique, incredible time! He wrote: “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of JACOB'S TROUBLE; but he shall be saved out of it” (Jer.30:7).

According to the War Atlas, since 1945 not a single day has passed without conflict, war, strife, revolution, or insurrection, somewhere on the earth. The standing armies of the world, today, total 32,000,000 soldiers. However, with complete war mobilization efforts, the nations of the world could field 570 million troops! The annual arms trade industry hovers around the one trillion dollar mark -- enough money to permanently solve the Third World’s hunger and health problems. The world we live in is an increasingly unstable, dangerous, perilous place -- just like Jesus, Paul, Daniel and Jeremiah prophesied!

The FOUR HORSEMEN of the Apocalypse

Another major prophecy dealing with the days ahead of us, the “time of the end,” is found in Revelation, chapter 6. The book of Revelation holds chilling, spine-tingling descriptions of events which will occur in the last days of this present age, leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The time-sequence of events begins with the “four horsemen” of the apocalypse. Notice! We read here of four horses and their riders. They are, in order, white, red, black, and pale. What are they?

“And I saw, and behold a WHITE HORSE: and he that sat on him

had a bow; and a crown was given unto him; and he went forth conquer-

ing, and to conquer” (Rev.6:2).

A parallel prophecy in Zechariah 6 tell us also of four chariots of horses -- red, black, white, and “bay.” This prophecy identifies the four with the four parts of the earth -- the red is connected with the east, the black with the north, the white with the west, and the “bay” with the south (Zech.6:1-7). They walk through the earth. A “horse” is noted for its military prowess (Job 39:19-25). These, then, are four mighty military powers, in the four quarters of the earth!

White is a symbol of righteousness (Rev.19:8). The white horse is connected with the west (Zech.6:6, Tanakh). It represents a mighty military power in the West which has fought the forces of fascism, Nazism, and Communism. Which nation or group of nations would that be? Why, the United States and Great Britain, and their allies! The United States, in the western hemisphere, was largely responsible for saving the world in World War I, World War II, fending off Communism in Korea and Vietnam, and leading the victory in the Gulf War. And the United States is leading the present coalition against Iraq, and terrorism, in an attempt to stabilize the world and prevent a nuclear holocaust – World War III!

The Red Horse

“And there went out another horse that was red: and power was

given to him that sat thereon to take PEACE FROM THE EARTH,

and that they should KILL one another: and there was given to him

a GREAT SWORD” (v.4)

The red horse is connected with the east (Zech.6:7, Tanakh). It is Communism -- remember Red Square, in Moscow? The red flag of Communism? The red star, the “Reds,” etc.? The Jewish Tanakh in Zechariah 6:7 shows the red horses are connected with the east. Communism rose up in 1917, overthrew the Czars in Russia, and set about seeking to enslave and conquer the world. Millions lost their lives in Stalin’s purges. Millions more lost their lives in the purges of Mao Tse-tung, in Red China. And now, once again, the red horse in the East is threatening to rise up. Will North Korea attack South Korea? Will China attempt to seize Taiwan? Will India-Pakistan go over the brink and hurl nuclear weapons at each other? Will Russia once again seek to expand her empire? Will bloody revolution continue throughout the former lands of the Soviet Union?

The Black Horse

“And I beheld, and lo, a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair

of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice . . . say, A measure of wheat

for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt

not the oil and the wine” (Rev.6:5-6).

The third horseman -- the black horse -- is connected with the north country (Zech.6:6) -- that is, modern Europe and Germany. The black horse -- Germany -- attacked Poland in 1939 and initiated World War II with the aggression of Adolph Hitler and the Third Reich. Germany is today once again a the political and economic powerhouse of Europe. This could also in the future include European Russia, and Ukraine, as they are also north of Israel, or Palestine. When this horse rides, especially in the future, it is connected with famine, scarcity, and hunger. Today Europe is vying with America for leadership of the Western alliance.

The Pale Green Horse

“And I looked, and behold, a PALE horse: and his name that sat on him

was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them

over the fourth part of the earth, TO KILL WITH SWORD, AND WITH

HUNGER, AND WITH DEATH, and with the beasts of the earth” (Rev.6:8).

The fourth horseman -- the pale horse -- represents the “king of the south” -- the Muslim world -- and the threat that it poses to the world (Zech.6:6). The leader of this world grouping would be Egypt, identified in the book of Daniel as the “king of the south” (Dan.11). Led by Egypt, this horseman will “push” at the king of the north, leading to World War. Notice!

“And at the time of the end shall the king of the south PUSH AT HIM:

and the king of the north shall come against him like a WHIRLWIND,

with chariots [tanks], and with horsemen, and with many ships [including the

U.S. and British navies]; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow,

and pass over. He shall enter into the glorious land, and many countries shall

be overthrown” (Dan.11:40-41).

Note that by the time this happens, the Western and Northern kingdoms have merged and have become part of a New World Order! The ships referred to here can only be a reference to the ships of the world’s greatest navies, today, those of the United States, Britain, and Europe!

The “pale horse” of the apocalypse could also represent the growing power of the ecological movement! The Greek word translated “pale” in this verse is chloros which means “greenish, i.e., verdant, dun-colored -- green, pale.” We get our word “chlorophyll” from this word. The “Green movement” is part of the ecological movement. Mikhail Gorbachev is prominent in this area. He is the head of Green Cross, International. At the State of the World Forum, held at the Presidio, in San Francisco, Gorbachev told the assembled world leaders, “The environmental crisis is the cornerstone of the New World Order.” In a speech in Indiana in October, 1996, he openly declared, “World civilization as we know it will soon end. We have very little time and we must act.” By working with Maurice Strong and the United Nations, Gorbachev has been leading the way to prepare for a New International Order. “By the year 2002,” he said, “we will be presenting the final draft of the Earth Charter” -- a global “bill of rights” which will be imposed on the world’s inhabitants by a system of world government. The present war against Iraq could well lead to a NEW “United Nations,” with a NEW “Earth Charter”!

In order for these things to happen, however, the United States in particular, must be brought into complete conformity with this new world thinking. America is an integral part of the New World Order, if not the actual leader of it. Massive changes, therefore, are being orchestrated for the United States, to bring it into alignment with globalism. These changes are rapidly occurring in the name of “Homeland Defense” and international trade. America is rapidly becoming a “police state” because of the horrendous threat of terrorism!

The Fall of Modern Israel

The prophet Hosea records:

“The pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and

Ephraim [the United States] FALL in their iniquity; Judah [the Jews

and modern Israel] also shall FALL with them. . . . They have dealt

treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children

[lawless and rebellious youth!]: now shall A MONTH DEVOUR THEM

with their portions” (Hos.5:5-7).

However it comes about -- via internal strife and violence, terrorism, economic collapse, or simply a quiet, subtle takeover by the forces of the New World Order -- our western nations will end up in dire circumstances, with economic slavery and loss of freedom and sovereignty. Our enslavement will become complete as our nations become merged with the New World Order. Our resources and military will then be used on the behalf of that World Government. This “New World Order” is spoken of in the book of Revelation as “Babylon the Great” – it will be a colossal military juggernaut and mercantile commercial trading Empire spanning the globe (Rev.13:4; 18:1-24).

Coming – a New Temple of God!

When this world empire is established, it will lead to World War as Muslims fight “Christians,” and East is pitted against the West. But before World War III bursts forth in all its fury, a salient, seminal event will occur in Jerusalem. It will occur in two parts. First, a Temple will be rebuilt on the Temple Mount, for worship. And secondly, it must be invaded, cast down, and the sacrifices to be performed in it must cease! Notice!

Daniel was a prophet greatly beloved in God’s sight (Daniel 10:11). He lived about sixth and seventh century, before Christ. He spoke of the “time of the end” in several key prophecies. First, notice in Daniel 8, he prophesied of a time when a great religious and political leader would wax great, “even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and BY HIM THE DAILY SACRIFICE WAS TAKEN AWAY, and the place of his SANCTUARY was CAST DOWN” (Dan.8:10-11). The “sanctuary” and the host were to be “trodden under foot” (v. l3).

Here we have clear mention of the sanctuary, or Temple, of God. It was to be “cast down.” When was this to occur? Although this prophecy was fulfilled in TYPE by Antiochus Epiphanes, who profaned the Temple and stopped the daily sacrifice in l67-164 B.C., it also happened in 70 A.D. when the Roman-Jewish war ended with the destruction of the Temple. Nevertheless, the PRIMARY emphasis of this prophecy is for the TIME OF THE END!

Daniel was told, “Understand, O son of man: for AT THE TIME OF THE END shall be the vision” (verse l7). How plain! Therefore, here is proof positive that a Temple, or “sanctuary,” must exist in the END TIME, before the return of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Anointed One)!

This same end-time tyrant, or evil prince, this same “king of fierce countenance” (Dan.8:23-25), is also prophesied of in Daniel 9:26-27. Here Daniel records, “. . . but the people of the prince that shall come shall DESTROY the city AND THE SANCTUARY (that is, the Temple!) . . . and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

This is clearly speaking of the same spectacular time frame and prophetic event to occur at the very end of this present age -- the “consummation,” or “time of the end.” Here again we find mention of a Temple or “sanctuary” which must exist, in the end of days, with animal sacrifices being offered.

Daniel, however, was told even more. In Daniel, the 11th chapter, in the longest detailed prophecy in the Bible, Daniel records that this same wicked king, typified by Antiochus Epiphanes in history who defiled the Temple, would “have indignation against the holy covenant,” and “they shall pollute the SANCTUARY OF STRENGTH, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall PLACE THE ABOMINATION that maketh desolate” (Dan.11:30-3l).

“The Abomination of Desolation”

What is this “abomination” that causes desolation and desecration?

In the days of Antiochus Epiphanes, it was a statue of Jupiter Olympus, the chief pagan god, which was placed inside the Holy of Holies. But in these last days, the “abominable desolator” will be a man – a human tyrant – who sees himself as the Messiah – as “very God” upon the earth!

We read the very words of Christ, “When you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoso reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. . . . For then will be great tribulation” (Matt.24:16-2`). Notice that the episode of the abomination is the key factor which leads directly to the “great tribulation” – a world engulfed in flames and the suicidal World War III!

But what is this mysterious event itself? Paul tells us plainly, “Let no man deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away [apostasy from the truth of God!] comes first, and the man of sin [lawlessness] is revealed, the son of perdition [destruction – this megalomaniac will lust to destroy, to brutally ravage the earth, in his quest for total power], who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits AS GOD in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (II Thess.2:3-4).

When this event occurs, then this monstrous individual will halt the daily sacrifices in the Temple, and claim to be God – the Messiah. When this occurs, the Great Tribulation will break out in full fury and force. All will be compelled to worship him. Everyone who refuses will suffer torture and the death penalty.

The Martyrdom of Saints

After the four horsemen of the apocalypse begin to ride, dealing death and destruction, and the Temple is desecrated by the abominable one, then there will be great persecution upon Christians and Jews -- known as the “Great Tribulation.” The book of Revelation continues the story:

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the

SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN for the word of God,

and for the testimony which they held. . . . And white robes were given

unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest

yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren,

that should be KILLED AS THEY WERE, should be fulfilled” (Rev.6:9-11).

This great persecution and martyrdom and oppression will occur at the hands of the Beast power of Revelation -- the New World Order -- modern Babylon the great -- when it has come into existence! It will oppress and rule for three and one half years (Rev.13:1-5). The apostle John writes:

“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast, and

they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is

able to MAKE WAR with him? . . . and power was given unto him to

continue FORTY AND TWO MONTHS. And he opened his mouth in

blasphemy against God .. . And it was given unto him to MAKE WAR

WITH THE SAINTS, and to overcome them: and power was given

him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Rev.13:4-7).

The Sixth Seal -- Signs in the Heavens

Jesus Christ foretold that after that great tribulation, great heavenly signs will occur. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days,” He declared, “shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken” (Matt.24:29). The prophet Joel, on the other hand, informs us, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, BEFORE the great and terrible day of the LORD come” (Joel 2:31).

These awesome occurrences in the skies and heavens will stagger mankind, causing terrible fright and anxiety (Rev.6:9-17). After this, then, comes the final “Day of the Lord” -- the time when God Himself begins to punish the nations, and bring His divine judgments of wrath and fury.

The Awesome Trumpet Plagues

In Revelation, chapter 8, God says He will then send seven angels with seven trumpet plagues -- terrible ordeals -- which will in succession afflict the earth.

Notice these awesome events. The first four of these will be incredible natural disasters, including hail and fire cast to the earth -- meteorite showers causing widespread devastation and destruction (Rev.8:7). The second plague will be a “great mountain” -- probably a “space mountain” or asteroid -- falling upon the sea, causing a third part of the sea to become greatly polluted, destroying ships and killing one third of sea life (Rev.8:8-9). The third plague will be “a great star” or comet which will fall from “heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; . . . and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter” (v.10-11).

The Final Three "Woes"

The last three of these trumpet plagues -- numbers 5, 6, and 7 -- are also known as the “three woes” (Rev.8:13). These represent the final three rounds of WORLD WAR, culminating in the return of Christ to settle the issue of who will rule the earth once and for all!

Notice! In Revelation 9, the first woe is described as locusts which utilize chemical warfare, “tormenting mankind for five months” (Rev.9:1-11). The head of this World Empire is Satan the devil, working through the Beast (v.11). “Locusts,” in the Bible, are a type of Assyrian and Babylonian soldiers (see Nahum 3:15). God compares the soldiers -- the military -- of this final World Government to locusts, therefore. But these are peculiar locusts -- they use chemical and biological weapons to torment mankind. In appearance, these soldiers are described as women (Nahum 3:13; Rev.9:8).

This world power will inflict awesome calamities everywhere -- it is the “king of the north” (compare Daniel 11:41-45).

Following hard on the heels of this round of World War III, initiated by modern Babylon, will be another terrible plague -- the “second woe.” Notice! This woe consists of a massive army from the EAST which will number 200,000,000 men! (Rev.9:12-21). This huge army will undoubtedly consist of millions of soldiers from China and India, and surrounding regions, including the Persians and Russians. This massive army, like the hordes of Ghengis Khan, will march westward, into Europe and the Middle East. These hordes come from "beyond Euphrates" (Rev.9:14-15; 16:12). They will slay the third part of men (v.15).

It is a fascinating fact, today, that the nation of China has an excess of men over women in the younger generation. Men outnumber women in that age group by 9 to 1 -- with an excess of almost 150,000,000 men! This fact is due to the Chinese governmental policy of limiting each family to having only one child. Since most Chinese families, by culture and tradition, desire to have a male offspring, someone who can take care of them in their old age, young girls babies are often aborted, or killed shortly after childbirth. Growing up lonely, frustrated, and miserable, these young men will become part of that huge army that will attack towards the West!

The Third Woe - ARMAGEDDON!

At this point, after billions have already died in natural disasters and worldwide wars, the devil and his demons will bring all the armies of the earth together, for one final battle -- to fight against Jesus Christ at His return!

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the

dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false

prophet. For they are the spirits of demons, working miracles, which go forth

unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, TO GATHER THEM

TO THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY. . . .

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue,

ARMAGEDDON . . .” (Rev.16:13-16).

Armageddon! Finally, it will happen. The battle of the ages -- the final conflict -- the final awesome battle between good and evil! We read about the leading armies in this final rallying cry for mankind to oppose the rule of God:

“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received

no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

These shall MAKE WAR with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them:

for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are

called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev.17:12-14).

These ten kings give their power to the Beast for just “ONE HOUR” -- prophetically speaking. Jesus Christ said that there are “twelve hours in a day” (John 11:9), and there are 12 months in a year, so “one hour” evidently equals ONE MONTH in being fulfilled! This final alliance comes together for one express purpose – to FIGHT AGAINST CHRIST THE MESSIAH when He comes with the armies of heaven!

Thus this final alliance refers to a final union of the world which will, apparently under the auspices of the United Nations, FIGHT AGAINST CHRIST! All the world will be gathered together to resist Him. All nations will fight against Him, thinking that He is an invader from outer space, or some alien intelligence seeking to overthrow the earth!

They will not succeed, however. For when Christ returns, “Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev.19:11-16).

The Valley of Megiddo

“Armageddon!” Will it really happen? Can it really happen? Will the nations of the world unleash their combined military resources upon the returning Son of God, when He and His armies descend from heaven? Let’s read the rest of the prophecy:

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue

ARMAGEDDON. And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the

air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the

throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and

lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men

were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great

city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and

great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup

of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and

the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a GREAT HAIL

out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent [60-120 pounds];

and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague

thereof was exceeding great” (Revelation 16:12-21).

The word “Armageddon” actually refers to an archaeological ruin of an ancient fortress located north of Jerusalem, at the edge of the plain of Esdraelon, a vast plain where armies used to gather and fight in historical times. Egyptian, Assyrian, Hittite, Syrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, and other armies, fought there for control of the Middle East. Its actual name is “Har Megiddo,” or the fortress or mountain of Megiddo.

But notice! There is no mention here of any “battle of Armageddon.” Rather, the Scriptures simply state that the armies of the world will once again be GATHERED there. The actual name of the battle is revealed in verse 14 -- it is called “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” That is its REAL name!

But once the nations are gathered, where will the actual battle be fought? The prophet Joel declared,

“Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; PREPARE WAR, wake up the

mighty men, let ALL the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat

your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the

weak say, I am strong. ASSEMBLE YOURSELVES, and come, all ye

heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause your

mighty ones to come down, O LORD. Let the heathen be wakened, and

come up to the VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT: for there will I sit to judge

the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come,

get you down: for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness

is great.

“MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION: for

the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon

shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD

also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice FROM JERUSALEM; and

the heavens and the earth shall SHAKE: but the LORD will be the hope

of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:9-16).

The battle of that great day of God Almighty, when the nations gather at Har Megiddo, will be fought over JERUSALEM! The “valley of decision” or “valley of Jehoshaphat” is another name for the Kidron Valley, a valley or depression which runs north-south along the eastern side of Jerusalem. It is called the “valley of decision,” or “judgment,” for there God will judge the heathen round about.

The Battle for JERUSALEM

The prophet Zechariah tells us this great battle will be fought over Jerusalem. God says:

“And in that day will I make JERUSALEM a burdensome stone for all

people: all that burden themselves with it shall be CUT IN PIECES,

though ALL the people of the earth be GATHERED AGAINST IT. In

that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment,

and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house

of Judah, and will SMITE every horse of the people with blindness” (Zechariah 12:3-4).

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to DESTROY

ALL THE NATIONS that come against Jerusalem” (verse 9).

Zechariah continues his remarkable prophecy:

“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and the spoil shall be divided

in the midst of thee. For I will GATHER all nations AGAINST

JERUSALEM TO BATTLE, and the city shall be taken, and the houses

rifled, and the women ravished; and half the city shall go forth into

captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the

city. THEN SHALL THE LORD GO FORTH, AND FIGHT AGAINST

THOSE NATIONS, as when he fought in the day of battle. AND HIS

FEET SHALL STAND IN THAT DAY UPON THE MOUNT OF

OLIVES, WHICH IS BEFORE JERUSALEM ON THE EAST, and

the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east

and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half

of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward

the south” (Zech.14:1-4).

This great, climactic battle will be the consummation of the age. It will be fought just outside the walls of Jerusalem. Christ Himself will return from heaven, to the Mount of Olives, just on the east side of the Temple Mount, and all the angels of heaven with him, in a vast army. As Zechariah wrote, “The LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee” (Zech.14:5).

Even the Jews, attacked on every side, will at that final battle fight on the side of Christ the Messiah. As the prophet declares, “And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem” (Zech.14:14).

The Jewish people, by that time, will come to massive national repentance. They will acknowledge Jesus Christ -- Yeshua -- as the true Messiah!

“In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he

that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of

David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. . . .

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of

Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: AND THEY SHALL

LOOK UPON ME WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED, and they shall

MOURN for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in

bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zech.

12:8-10).

For centuries, Jewish people have rejected Jesus Christ as the true Messiah of God. They have been misled by jealous rabbis and leaders who looked upon Him as a threat and who were jealous of His wisdom, miracles, and effect on the people. Over the centuries, their rejection became hardened, because of false “Christians,” who claimed to follow Christ, but whose leaders were masquerading as the ministers of Christ – false shepherds. They bathed the world in blood, supposedly “in the name of Christ” -- a false Christ, a false Jesus (II Cor.11:1-4, 11-15). But soon, many Jews will come to see that the professing “Christian church” was not Christian at all – they will acknowledge their mistake. They will awaken to the truth. And then they will gladly accept the true Yeshua, the true Jesus Christ, as the true Messiah of God!

God says He will save “the tents of Judah first” (v.7). When the Jews repent, and turn to Him, God will intervene and save them from utter destruction. He will punish all the armies that come against Jerusalem. As the battle rages, and armies from around the world converge on the holy city, they will be decimated, and destroyed. Zechariah continues:

“And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the

people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume

away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume

away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD

shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of

his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor”

(Zech.14:12-13).

As a good Bible atlas shows, the Kidron valley, or valley of Jehoshaphat, goes along the east side of Jerusalem, then it plunges southward and eastward toward the Dead Sea, and from that low elevation, the Arabah or desert valley extends southward down to the Gulf of Aqaba. As the armies are slaughtered, their blood will flow like a river down this valley. John says, in vivid prose:

“And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like

unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a

sharp sickle.

“And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him

that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for

thee to reap; for the HARVEST OF THE EARTH IS RIPE.

“And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth

was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven,

he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar,

which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp

sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine

of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the

earth, and cast it INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH OF

GOD. And the winepress was trodden without [outside] the city, and BLOOD

CAME OUT of the winepress, EVEN UNTO THE HORSE BRIDLES, by the

space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs" [two hundred miles]” (Rev.

14:14-20).

There is so much blood that it reaches a depth of about six to eight feet, and flows for a distance of over two hundred miles! This river of blood will flow into the Dead Sea, and from there toward the Gulf of Aqaba. It will be the life’s blood of all those who resist Christ and His armies from heaven.

ARMAGEDDON -- HOW MUCH LONGER?

When will all this take place? How far off is this final, climactic, battle of that great day of God Almighty?

Prior to this final battle, we know that modern Israel must first suffer and be trod down by Gentile powers for 42 months or 3 1/2 years (Rev.11:2; 13:5). This 3 1/2 years is the final “time of the Gentiles.” It will culminate in the “day of the LORD” -- the intervention of Jesus Christ in world affairs to straighten out world governments, to replace Satan the devil, and to inaugurate the Kingdom of God!

However, the TOTAL “time of Jacob’s troubles” is not 3 1/2 years, but 7 years -- the same period as the “70th week” of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan.9:24-27, especially verse 27). This is the “seven times” punishment which God foretold in the Torah (Leviticus 26:18,21,24,28). Therefore, from the ONSET of “Jacob's troubles” there would be SEVEN YEARS till the coming of the Messiah, and the battle of Armageddon!

There is much reason to believe that those seven years begin with the fall of 1996-1997 -- this very year! Most Bible chronologies, found in the margin of the King James Version, use the chronology of archbishop James Ussher, a brilliant theologian who lived about 250 years ago. He determined that Adam and Eve were created in 4004 B.C.

According to Jewish tradition, and the belief of the early Church, God gave mankind a “week” to fulfill His great Plan. The first “six” days of that week God gave to mankind to do his own “work.” The final “day,” the “Sabbath” day, represents the 1,000 year Millennial reign of Christ (Rev.20:4). If the final “day” is 1,000 years, then the previous six days equal 6,000 years.

The apostle Peter also tells us that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (II Pet.3:8). However, according to the book of Jubilees, Adam and Eve did not sin until they had completed “seven years” in the garden of Eden. Therefore, man’s “days” did not really begin until Adam and Eve sinned, and were banished from the garden of Eden!

Using this as a yardstick, then, 4004 minus 7 = 3997 B.C. If we count 6,000 years from 3997 B.C. (that is, Sept-Oct. of 3998), we come to 2004 A.D. (that is, Sept-Oct. 2003). (Remember, there is no year zero). Notice that in understanding Biblical chronology, we must remember that God's civil calendar year begins in the fall of the year -- three months before the Roman calendar new year and six months before the spring calendar year. Therefore, the beginning of the 6,000th year from fall 3998 would be fall of 2002, and the end of the year would be fall 2003. But what happens then?

According to the Jewish calendar, the month of Elul (August-Sept.) is known as the month of “repentance.” 40 days of repentance begin in this month, and continue for 10 days into the month of Tishri, the seventh month (Sept-Oct.). It is believed that Moses, after smashing the first set of the Ten Commandments, due to the idolatry of the children of Israel, went back up on Mount Sinai the first day of Elul, and remained there another 40 days and nights – returning on Tishri 10, also known as Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The people were watching and praying and this time did not succumb to temptation to go astray.

The first day of Tishri is known as “Yom Teruah” – the day of blowing the trumpet, calling people to repentance, a time of shouting, crying aloud, warning people to get right with God before FINAL JUDGMENT COMES!

Following the ‘day for a year” principle, the 30 days of Elul could be interpreted as 30 years at the end of this age – from 1974 to 2004. This period will be followed by the “Ten Days of Awe,” or “Ten Days of Repentance,” from Tishri 12 to Tishri 10 – from Yom Teruah to Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur pictures the final “reconciliation” of the world to God, that is, the Second Coming of Christ the Messiah! These “ten days” could picture TEN YEARS at the close of this age – that is, from 2004 to 2014.

Another possibility is that Daniel’s 70^th week – a period of 7 days -- pictures 7 years at the close of this age, and ends with the coming of the Messiah to “finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy” (Daniel 9:24). This final “week” then could extend from 2004 to 2011 A.D. This would put the final coming of the Messiah in the year 2011 A.D.

Or, of course, it could even be sooner than that, for God Almighty says, “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved. For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a SHORT WORK upon the earth” (Romans 9:27-28).

As Christ Himself declared, “And unless those days would be shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matt.24:22).

Think about it. This tottering old world has a date with destiny. This wicked, sin-sick, evil society has a rendezvous with God!

The day of reckoning is fast approaching.

GOD HAS WEIGHED OUR NATIONS IN THE DIVINE BALANCE, AND WE HAVE BEEN FOUND SEVERELY LACKING!

A New Look at the “Seven Seals”

Now let’s recap what we have studied, and summarize it from a different point of view. In the book of Revelation, the final traumatic events of this world are disclosed as “seven seals” which are opened consecutively, one after the other.

The first of these seven seals is the white horse; the second is the red horse; the third is the black horse; the fourth is the pale or green horse. The fifth is the “martyrdom of saints” or “great tribulation.” The sixth is “heavenly signs.” The seventh consists of the final seven last plagues poured out in the “Day of the Lord.”

Now let’s consider. The seventh seal, we have seen, represents a “day” -- the “day of the Lord.” A “day” is a year being fulfilled. Since the seventh “seal” is one year, it implies that each of the previous seals is also a year in duration.

Altogether there are seven seals. In Leviticus 26, we read of a final “seven times” of punishment upon God's people Israel. A “time” also represents a “year.” To prove this, compare Revelation 12:6 and 12:14 where 1260 days equals 3 1/2 “times” -- therefore, each “time” is 360 days, the length of a prophetic “year.” Therefore, the seven seals of Revelation equal “seven times” or seven literal years in fulfillment.

Also, Daniel”s prophecy of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9 shows that the final “week” of seven days -- or “years” in being fulfilled -- occurs just before the second coming of the Messiah to usher in everlasting righteousness (Dan.9:24-27). Therefore, the 70th week of Daniel, with “seven days” -- equals seven years, ending with the coming of the Messiah, as well. So, the seventieth week equals the seven times of Leviticus 26 which equals the seven seals of Revelation: -- all refer to the final seven years of this age, which introduce the Messianic Kingdom and the coming of the Messiah!

Adding this all up, what do we have? We have, in the final recapitulation, the following scenario:

The final year is the year that culminates in the second coming of Christ to put an end to the destruction of the earth and human life by man. Note the fact that each of these final seven years is characterized by a special “sign” or symbol. The Chinese also relate each new year to some animal -- the year of the rat, year of the cat, year of the tiger, year of the snake, etc. The first four of these Biblical, prophetic final years are the “year of the white horse,” the “year of the red horse,” the “year of the black horse,” and the “year of the pale horse.”

Seven seals = seven years in fulfillment! Each “seal” is a year of the final “seventieth week” of Daniel 9 and a “time” in the “seven times” scenario of Leviticus 26. This entire “week,” then, will be a period of seven years of constantly increasing woes and troubles throughout the earth. Each year gets worse! Mankind will finally be brought to its collective knees.

REPENT -- OR PERISH!

Each year, in effect, God gives mankind a chance to repent. If there is no repentance forthcoming, then He will increase the pressure, the woes and disasters the following year. Problems will escalate and grow in severity until a massive world crisis is reached. God therefore commands mankind to prepare for judgment!

The Word of God thunders: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is AT HAND: REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL” (Mark 1:15).

Before it is all over, Biblical prophecy indicates that billions will die. Before Christ inaugurates His kingdom, the Kingdom of God, perhaps as much as ninety percent (see Isa.6:12-13; Amos 5:3) of the earth's population will perish in the disasters, wars, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteor strikes, comet collisions, disease epidemics, and nuclear devastation. No wonder Jeremiah said all faces would be pale, ashen-faced! (Jer.30:6).

The fiery stallions of the four horsemen have already nervously begun to stamp the ground, nervously, as they grow more and more agitated, waiting for their chance to gallop out of the stalls, where they are locked up. Their riders have donned their armor and grabbed their weapons. Death and hell and the flames of holocaust accompany them.

Do you hear them? Do you see them dimly through the mist and gloom? Do you see their gleaming red eyes? Do you hear their rattling sabers? They are mounting up and preparing to ride!