Summary
Highlights
Simultaneously with the death of the two witnesses, the Antichrist will declare himself God and set up an image of himself in the Jerusalem temple, forcing global worship. He breaks his seven-year peace treaty halfway through, becoming a brutal dictator who persecutes Christians and Jews.
Following the Antichrist's tyrannical reign, the Jewish people will flee into a wilderness refuge, possibly Petra in Jordan or an underground sanctuary, prepared by God to protect them from the Antichrist and his armies.
Jesus prophesied the destruction of the Jewish temple, which occurred 40 years later when Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem and the temple stone by stone. The Bible also predicts its future rebuilding.
The Bible predicted Israel's scattering across nations and its eventual re-gathering. On May 14, 1948, Israel became a nation again. In 1967, during a war, Israel gained full control of Jerusalem, setting the stage for future prophecies.
A massive menorah, made to biblical specifications, sits in Jerusalem. Many Jewish people, including the Temple Institute, are preparing for the construction of a third temple. They are recreating temple items and even breeding red heifers, essential for temple purification rituals. Currently, Israel allows Muslims control of the Temple Mount for political and security reasons.
The Bible, specifically Ezekiel 38, predicts a massive war involving Iran (Persia), Libya, Sudan, Turkey, and Russia attacking Israel from the Golan Heights. God will intervene with a major earthquake, causing the attackers' weapons to misfire and bringing natural disasters like rain, hail, fire, and brimstone upon them. This event signifies the nearing end times.
While the war in signs 6-8 unfolds, nations like Egypt, Iraq, and other Arab states, once hostile, will maintain peace or indifference towards Israel. Simultaneously, traditional allies like the United States will be unable or unwilling to assist Israel, leaving God as the sole defender.
Following the Ezekiel 38 battle, God will send fire on Magog (Russia) and 'those who live in security in the coastlands.' This 'fire' may refer to a supernatural event or worldwide nuclear warfare, orchestrated by God's will, leading to a global conflict more severe than any prior world war.
The Bible states that Israel will be in such a state of peace that they will not require defensive walls. This implies that the current conflict with Iran and other regional threats might be a precursor, with Israel eliminating its primary enemies to foster a sense of security before the Ezekiel 38 war, creating a window where they let down their guard.
After the global devastation from the previous wars, a charismatic ruler, known as the Antichrist, will emerge. He will establish a seven-year peace treaty with Israel and its neighbors, initiating the period known as the Tribulation, during which he will gain global control.
During the Tribulation, two prophets, referred to as the two witnesses, will preach from Jerusalem. They are empowered by God to breathe fire, stop rain, and bring plagues. Some scholars believe them to be resurrected Moses and Elijah. They will preach against the Antichrist's deception for 3.5 years.
The two witnesses, lying dead in Jerusalem, will be resurrected by God and raptured into heaven as the entire world watches. This dramatic event will be followed by a massive earthquake in Jerusalem, killing 7,000 and prompting many to turn to God.
At the end of the 3.5 years of global tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to the Mount of Olives in Israel, causing it to split in two upon his arrival. He will then destroy the Antichrist and his forces.
After his victory, Jesus will establish his throne in Jerusalem and reign over the world for 1,000 years. Following this millennial reign, he will create a new heaven and earth that will endure for eternity.
After the Ezekiel 38 battle, many Jewish people will believe in Jesus. Following the Antichrist's peace treaty, God will appoint 144,000 of these Jewish believers to spread the Gospel worldwide, leading to mass conversions within 3.5 years.
After 3.5 years, the Antichrist will kill the two witnesses. The world will celebrate their deaths, which will be globally televised. This event highlights the widespread rejection of God during this period.