AntiChrist & The Battle of Armageddon
Will Antichrist arise to conquer Jerusalem, claim the rulership of
the world, and plunge humanity into an orgy of war, bloodshed and evil
unparalleled in the history of mankind?
The Return of Christ: Basic Teaching of the Bible
The personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and
glory, to take up his great authority, and reign on earth as king, is
a basic doctrine of the Bible. Hundreds of references to it are made
therein and these are set forth in clear language, the meaning of
which should be beyond dispute.
Consider the following predictions:
"This same Jesus, which is taken up from you (Apostles) into
heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven" (Acts 1:11).
"Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you;
whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all
things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets
since the world began" (Acts 3:19-21).
"God hath appointed a day in which He will judge the world in
righteousness by that man (Christ) whom He hath ordained: whereof He
hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised him from the
dead" (Acts 17:31).
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all
men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become
the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by
man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own
order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his
coming" (1 Corinthians 15:19-23).
The teaching of the second coming of Christ permits believers to
look beyond the iron curtain of trouble today, to a glorious future
when the evils and frustrations of the present will be replaced by a
righteous administration that will bring "glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men."
The Doctrine Distorted
Unfortunately this doctrine, so plainly taught in the Bible, is
misunderstood and misinterpreted by some who would carry its message
to the world. In consequence, its teaching is distorted with the
result that often a grotesque, irrational outline of coming events is
set before the public.
Two books before us as we write do just that. One is entitled There's
A New World Coming by Hal Lindsey, and the other is Armageddon
by J. Wolvoord. Both books advance a similar theory relating to the
doctrine of the second coming, a theory that perverts the actual
teaching of the Bible. Unfortunately, such books are so widely
advertised as to become best-sellers. For example according to the
publication notice, some 700,000 copies of the former book were sold
in the seven months following October 1973 and there have been
additional editions since. At $2.95 per copy this represents a rich
reward of over $2,000,000, which however, we would not begrudge the
author if only the sound truths of Scripture were set forth.
Instead, in both books, a mistaken idea of Christ's coming is
outlined, which, as we will show, could have the effect of those who
are swayed by it actually opposing Christ when he does appear.
Between them the books set forth the idea that Antichrist is about
to arise, and will set up his power in Jerusalem. He will then claim
to be the king Messiah, and abolishing the Jewish religion, will build
a Temple, and command the worship of humanity. Both books then refer
to the return of Christ, and the "rapture," that they claim
will follow alleging that he will convey his true believers to heaven.
In fact, the Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ will return
to accomplish that which they claim Antichrist will do: set up his
power in Jerusalem, demand the allegiance of mankind, and build a
Temple for the universal worship he will establish. He however, will
reign on earth, not return to heaven (Isa. 24:23; Zech. 14:9; Rev.
5:9-10).
The books referred to above largely draw upon the teaching of The
Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, to establish their
theory.
Therefore, in considering the teaching advanced, we aim to answer
five questions:
- What is the basic message of the Book of Revelation.?
- Who or what is Antichrist?
- What does the mystical number 666 refer to?
- When and where will Armageddon be fought?
- How will we be personally involved at Christ's coming?
The Basic Message Of Revelation
Revelation is a prophetic book of symbols. This is shown by its
introduction. The first verse declares:
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to
shew unto his servant things which must shortly come to pass; and he
sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John" (Rev.
1:1).
This teaches that the book is designed to outline future events
leading to Christ's second coming, and that its contents were both sent
and signified by Christ.
The statement is important. It proclaims that the book is largely
symbolical; its teaching is set forth in sign language, which
is the meaning of signified.
Unfortunately, this important introduction is frequently ignored,
and many miss the meaning of the book by giving literal meanings to
symbolical statements.
The book pictures burning stars falling to the earth; fiery
mountains being plunged into sizzling seas; a woman giving birth to a
son in heaven; a dragon with a tail so huge as to fling a third of the
stars above on to the earth.
These are all literal impossibilities; though as symbols they can
be aligned with prophetic, historic developments.
Moreover, this same book contains key explanations. to such
mysterious figures, sufficient to determine the meaning of such. We
read such explanatory notes as the following:
"Here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven
mountains. . ." (Rev. 17:9). "The waters which thou sawest,
where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and
tongues" (Rev. 17:15).
So Scripture compared with Scripture enables one to come to a clear
understanding of The Revelation, and to understand the plan of
prophecy that moves throughout the book.
When this is not done skilfully, unfortunate and serious mistakes
follow.
The basic teaching of the Book of Revelation is consistent
with the rest of the Bible, and relates to the return of Christ. It
proclaims that he will return personally and visibly to the earth:
"Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him,
and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall
wail because of him" (Rev. 1:7).
This is consistent with the statements cited earlier. But why
should "all kindreds of the earth wail" because of the
presence of Christ? Because there will be a general recognition of
lost opportunities in relation to it. People everywhere will regret
that they have been so led astray with false teaching concerning
Christ, or have so opposed the influence of the Bible, as to turn
their backs upon its truth, and so deny themselves the hope it
presents.
As to those who worship God in truth (see John 4:24), they will be
elevated as co-rulers with Christ in his earthly administration, and
will inherit eternal life. Christ declares:
"He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him
will I give power over the nations" (Rev. 2:26).
"Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give
every man according as his work shall be" (Rev 22:12).
Consider carefully this last statement of Christ's in the light of
general religious teaching. Most claim that they will go to heaven for
their reward. Not the Bible! It plainly teaches that "the meek
shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5); and here Christ states that
he will come with his reward. The doctrine of the immortality of the
soul is not taught in Scripture, which plainly reveals that the
promised inheritance is eternal life upon the earth.
Christ comes to bring to an end the reign of flesh, and set up his
own rule from Jerusalem. Hence his promise to his followers that he
will give them "power over the nations." For reference to
the earthly reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, consider the following:
"And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the
time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest
give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and
them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them
which destroy the earth." . . . "The kingdoms of this world
are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall
reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:18,15).
Analyse these statements of Scripture. Notice that the resurrection
is aligned with a time when the nations are in an angry and
belligerent attitude with each other, and the possibility exists of
men destroying the very earth. Consider that for the first time in
history man has the means to do that through nuclear war. Even today
he is busy destroying the earth by polluting it. The return of Christ
alone will prevent the destruction of civilisation, and will be
followed by his world wide reign on earth in conjunction with his true
followers. The Revelation states:
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection; on such the second death hath no power, but they shall
be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand
years" (Rev. 20:6).
See how clearly this last book of the Bible, consistent with its
general teaching, proclaims:
- The personal, visible return of Christ;
- The resurrection and bestowal of eternal life on his followers;
- The establishment of Christ's return on earth;
- The subjugation of all nations to his rule.
This glorious message of hope for a sinning, sorrowing, quarrelling
world is the basic message of the Bible as well as of the Book of
Revelation. It is summed up in the statement:
"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be
destroyed: the kingdom shall not be let to other people (its rulers
will be immortal); but it shall break in pieces and consume all
kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (Dan. 2:44).
Who or What Is Antichrist
The subject of Antichrist makes headline news in some quarters. The
alleged future of a fictional character given this title has assisted
the sales of Hal Lindsey's popular books. It is generally assumed that
The Revelation refers extensively to Satan under that name.
But the term Antichrist does not occur in The Book Of Revelation.
It is a title given by John to a false religious system that was
active in his day, 1900 years ago!
The Bible predicted that there would be a decline in the true
teaching of Christianity. Paul writing to Timothy prophesied:
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, Who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and
his kingdom; preach the word . . . with all longsuffering and
doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears
from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables . . ." (2 Timothy
4:1-4).
Again:
"Let no man deceive you by my means: for the day of Christ
shall not come except there come a failing away first, and that man of
sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth
himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that
he as God sineth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is
God" (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).
The Apostle thus predicted a declension from the faith, through
which there would arise one claiming infallibility,
and false pretensions to divinity.
The papacy does that. In 1870 a decree was issued from the Vatican
proclaiming the infallibility of the Pope; which codified the official
teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope is virtually
worshipped by the adherents of the church, and displays himself with
all the pomp and glory of divinity.
In context with the statement above, the Apostle claimed that the
seeds of error were already working in his day, though its full
manifestation was hindered by the opposition of the pagan authorities
of the time (cp. vv. 7-8). When paganism is removed, he predicted:
"Then shall that wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall
consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the
brightness of his coming."
Paganism received its political death-blow in A.D. 312 with the
elevation of Constantine, claimed by the Papacy to be "the first
Christian emperor." This change of government in Rome brought
about the establishment of Roman Catholicism, an event predicted by
Paul in the references cited above. The Apostle showed that the
apostasy that would arise would continue until the coming of Christ
who would put it down once and for all.
The apostate system that arose, which claims the title of Christian,
but in fact denies the principles of Christ is what the Apostle termed
Antichrist. Its workings were manifested 1900 years ago, so there is
no need to await the uprise of it today, as is claimed by H. Lindsey,
J. Walvoord, the Roman Catholic Church, and others. The term Antichrist
is used in the Bible only by John, and is used by him to describe
those who deny the saving truths of the Gospel. Hence:
"Every spirit (the word is used in the sense of teaching - cp.
John 6:63) that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the
world" (1 John 4:3).
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess
not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an
antichrist" (2 John 7).
We submit that Antichrist is the Roman Catholic Church, and
that it is the satan (a word meaning opponent) and devil (a word
translated false accuser - 2 Tim. 3:3) of all who hold the
truth. It sets forth false teaching in the name of Christ, and many of
its doctrines the Protestant churches have embraced.
Hence it teaches the doctrine of the Trinity - three Gods instead
of one; the immortality of the soul - intangible life in heaven
instead of an immortal bodily existence on earth; the church as the
Kingdom of God - instead of Christ's reign from Jerusalem; the devil
as a fallen angel, instead of a synonym for human nature (Heb. 2:14);
and so on.
In the past the church has exercised dictatorial control
doctrinally, politically and economically. It will do so in the
future, only to be overthrown by Christ at his coming, as Paul taught
(2 Thess. 2:8).
The Meaning Of 666
Associated with the alleged uprise of Antichrist in the near future
is the interpretation of the mystical number 666 referred to in
Revelation 13:18. The verse reads:
"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the
number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is
Six hundred three score and six."
The Greek text of the Bible has only three Greek letters c
x z instead of the number 666. Unlike the English language,
the letters of the Greek language have a numerical value, and are used
for numbers as well as letters forming words.
Accordingly, this mystical number is interpreted to mean Satan's
Messiah, on the grounds that c
Chi and x Xi are the signs of
Christ, or Messiah, and that Sigma z
is the sign of Satan. Therefore, it is reasoned, 666 represents one
who will arise at the time of the end, and claiming to be Messiah or
Christ, actually will be an emissary of Satan.
We dispute the interpretation. A more logical explanation, and one
that is given support by Scripture as well as being endorsed by
commentators since Apostolic times, is to align the word with the term
Lateinos. The numerical value of the Greek letters that make up this
word also total 666, as follows:
L(30)a(l)t(300)e(5)i(IO)n(50)o(70)s(200). Lateinos signifies the rule
of the Latins, a reference to the Roman Catholic Church, with its
emphasis upon Latin, the official language of the Church,
Modern Antichrist Revealed
Antichrist, therefore, denotes a false religious system, claiming
the name of Christ, but denying his teaching and principles.
We claim that Christendom today is such a system as that.
In Revelation 17 it is depicted as a whore, an unfaithful woman.
This is an appropriate description of a false religious system, for
the true followers of the Lord are likened as being espoused as a
chaste virgin unto Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2).
This false religious system is given the title of Mystery,
Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth
(Rev. 17:5). A little thought will reveal how Appropriate this title
is to Roman Catholicism. It is noted for its "mysteries;"
its doctrines have been identified with those of ancient Babylon
superimposed with the title Christian; and it claims to be a mother
church, with the Protestant Churches represented as her rebellious
offspring. Speaking of the Babylonish influence on Roman Catholicism,
and the influence of the latter on Protestantism, the historian Gibbon
declared in Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (Ch. 47):
"During the ten centuries of blindness and servitude, Europe
received her religious opinions from the oracle of the Vatican, and
the same doctrine, already varnished with the rust of antiquity (i.e.
dating back to ancient Babylon) was admitted without dispute into the
creed of the reformers who disclaimed the supremacy of the Roman
pontiff . . . the synod of Chalcedon still triumphs in the Protestant
Churches . . ."
His words describe the mother and her unfaithful daughters of Rev.
17. Moreover, this same system is said to have universal influence for
she is described as "sitting upon many waters" (v. 1), which
are defined as representing "peoples, and multitudes, and nations
and tongues" (v. 15).
It is described as having great political power, for "the
kings of the earth have committed fornication" with her (v. 2).
This is characteristic of Rome.
Rome is noted for its wealth, and this is provided for in the
symbolism. She is "arrayed in purple and scarlet colour (the
colour of the priestly vestments), and decked with gold, precious
stones and pearls" (v. 4). As evidence of the wealth of
Catholicism, visit the Vatican, or almost any church.
The same system is also noted for its persecuting vigour. It is
represented as being "drunken with the blood of the martyrs of
Jesus" (v. 6). The persecuting power of the church has been a
feature of history. The Inquisition and the Jesuits have played their
dreadful part to that end. When power has been with the church it has
used it in the most brutal and tyrannical manner.
To summarise the symbolism of this chapter, we have the following
representation:
- A whorish woman - an unfaithful religious system;
- Title: mother of harlots - A mother church claiming offspring;
- Dominating many waters - universal influence;
- The paramour of kings - political power;
- Decked in colour and gold - outstanding wealth;
- Drunken with blood - noted for persecution
All the indications point to the Roman Catholic Church as the
Organisation referred to. And this is established beyond all doubt by
two other points of identification. The "woman" is
represented as sitting on a beast possessing seven heads, and the
explanation is given: "The seven heads are seven mountains on
which the woman sitteth" (v. 9). Again, "The woman which
thou sawest is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the
earth" (v. 18).
What ecclesiastical system is identified with a city built on seven
hills, and exercising world dominion in the days when the Revelation
was given to John in A.D. 96? The answer is Rome!
Every indication, every mark of explanation, points to Roman
Catholicism as being the system referred to in this chapter, with the
title: "Mystery, Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots."
The theory publicised by Hal Lindsey and others that claims that
Antichrist will set himself up in Jerusalem as king and demand the
allegiance of the world actually originated from Roman Catholic
sources. It is claimed that this Antichrist, motivated by satan, will
"rebuild the Jewish temple in Jerusalem," and "renew
the ancient forms of worship prescribed in the Law of Moses." He
will set his power up as ruler in the Middle East, and command the
religious and political allegiance of mankind, but "the new world
ruler will reveal himself as Satan's substitute for Jesus Christ,
sometimes called Antichrist" (Armageddon by J. Walvoord,
p. 96).
Now the Bible clearly teaches, that when the Lord Jesus returns, he
will set up his power in Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-3), will command the
allegiance of mankind, and will re-build the ancient Temple, the plans
and specifications of which are outlined in the eight closing chapters
of Ezekiel's prophecy. Referring to the future work of the Lord Jesus
Christ, the prophet Zechariah declares: "He shall build the
temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory; and shall sit and
rule upon his throne, and he shall be a priest upon his throne, and
the counsel of peace shall be between them both" (Zech. 8:13).
But the theory of the imminent rise of Antichrist, which is
sweeping the religious world today, claims that the future ruler of
Jerusalem will be satan's emissary, and as such should be opposed.
The effect of this theory will be that when Christ does appear as
king in Jerusalem, and call upon the nations to acknowledge his
position and submit to his authority, they will refuse to do so. This
will mean that he will be compelled to reduce them to his rule by
force. Therefore, referring to nations in association with mystical
Babylon the Great, The Revelation declares:
"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.
17:15).
The false theory concerning Antichrist will cause the nations to
resist Christ; but by the exercise of divine power on his part, they
will be subdued and compelled to submit to his righteous rule.
What Is Armageddon?
Reference to Armageddon as such is found in only one place in the
Bible (Rev. 16:16), though allusions to the battle then to be fought
are frequent in its prophecies.
The prophecy regarding Armageddon also predicts that an agitating
Communistic spirit will go forth to all nations generating a warlike
attitude among them leading to "the battle of that great day of
God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14).
At such a time, Christ returns secretly, as a thief, to the world.
The appeal to his followers is couched in the following terms:
"Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and
keepeth his garments" (Rev. 16:15).
Then follows the statement:
"And he gathered them into a place called in the Hebrew
tongue, Armageddon. . . ."
Armageddon is the site of this crucial world conflict. The nations
will be gathered for war, and Christ will intervene to scatter the
armies, and establish his power.
But where and what is Armageddon?
Notice that the statement is made that the term must be interpreted
"in the Hebrew tongue."
This is very significant, for it is only in modem times that Hebrew
has been resurrected from a dead to a living tongue. It is the
language of modem Israel, and the statement implies that at the time
that the prophecy is fulfilled, Hebrew would be again a modern
language - as it is today.
Armageddon in Hebrew can be compounded of three words: Arema
(a heap of sheaves) gai (valley) dun (judgment). The
word, therefore signifies A heap of sheaves in a valley for
judgment.
This is significant, for the great crisis of the nations, at which
Christ will appear in power and glory, is described in such a manner.
The nations are represented as being gathered as sheaves for reaping
in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (God's judgment) just outside
Jerusalem (Joel 3:2,11-13). The prophet commences his description with
significant words (Joel 3:1-2):
"Behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring
again the captivity of Judah (the Jewish people) and Jerusalem (the
city), I will gather all nations and bring them down into the valley
of Jehoshaphat. . ."
The modern world has witnessed the beginning of the fulfilment of
this prophecy. In 1917, the Turks were driven from Palestine, and the
Balfour Declaration invited Jews to return thereto, which they shortly
afterwards commenced to do. Fifty years later, in 1967, in the Six
Days War, the city of Jerusalem fell to the Israeli forces, and for
the first time in two thousand years, Jews again ruled their ancient
capital.
At that time, declared the prophet, God would gather all nations to
the valley of Jehoshaphat, a valley to the northeast of Jerusalem. The
testimony of Joel is in accordance with that of Zechariah 14:2:
"I (God) will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle.
. . . Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations,
as when He fought in the day of battle" (vv. 2,3).
It is obvious to all thinking people that the Middle East is the
critical point of international relationships. There, the Western
nations confront Russia and the Communist bloc; and so delicate is the
situation that the antagonism engendered could flare into a conflict
that would involve the whole world.
Certainly, neither side can permit the oil-rich countries of the
Middle East to become completely dominated by one side or the other,
and so dependent is the world upon the black-gold of its deserts, that
such prophecies as Joel 3 and Zechariah 14 cited above, are no longer
mere possibilities, but are urgent probabilities.
The interests of the nations cause them to intrigue with the
countries of the Middle East now whilst politicians warn that it is
the future powder keg to World War Three.
Meanwhile, preparations for war increase until they have reached
staggering proportions of the world's income. The words of the prophet
are heard throughout the earth:
"Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles: Prepare war, wake up the
mighty men, let all the men war draw near (i.e. to Jerusalem v.1); let
them come up; beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks
into spears: let the weak say, I am strong" (Joel 3:9-10).
How true these words are in describing modern national policies. On
all sides, among nations small or great, guns are being supplied
rather than butter. It is computed that two thirds of the world's
population go to bed each night hungry, but still more and more of the
world's wealth is used for the manufacture of weapons of destruction.
At one time, Russia was able to supply more destitute nations with
foodstuffs, particularly grain from her vast resources; but today the
Soviet is concentrating upon the arms race, and looks to other nations
for food. She is figuratively "beating plowshares into swords,
and pruninghooks into spears," and proclaims to the whole world,
"I am strong!" This was not the case at the beginning of
World War 1, when for a considerable time, the tiny nation of Finland
held at bay the Soviet Union with all its weight of manpower.
The same prophet describes how that the armies of the nations will
be gathered to the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Jerusalem) as sheaves in a
valley for judgment (Jehoshaphat signifies Judgment of God).
This is Armageddon: the representative armies of the nations gathered
as a heap of eaves in a valley for judgment. Jerusalem will constitute
the crucial point in a war that will involve the whole world. The city
will fall (Zech. 14:2), and it will seem as though the success of the
Russian armies will be without doubt, when suddenly, and unexpectedly,
God will intervene through His son the Lord Jesus:
"The Lord 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. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion
(in the person of His son), my holy mountain; then shall Jerusalem be
holy" (Joel 3:16-17).
Ezekiel describes the same invasion of the Middle East by hostile
armies which shall "in the latter days," come "out of
the north parts" against "God's people of Israel"
(Ezekiel 38:15-16). Not only is the time given - the latter days, but
the very conditions of the Middle East are predicted. Israel is
described as inhabited by a people "gathered out of the
nations;" the land is described as "desolate places now
inhabited" (vv. 8,12).
These terms describe the land of Israel today. Moreover, the
invading army that is said by the prophet to descend "out of the
north" can be identified with Russia. The description of the
commander-in-chief as "the chief prince of Meshech and
Tubal," is better rendered according to the Hebrew (and see the
Revised Version) as Prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.
"Rosh" is the earliest form of Russia; "Meshech"
can be identified with Moscow; and Tubal can be aligned with Tobolsk
of Siberia.
It is obvious today that the eyes of the Soviet are centered upon
the Middle East, and that the future of this country and of the Jewish
People constitutes a bone of contention that will ultimately erupt
into world war. The Bible predicts this, aligns it with Armageddon,
and reveals that Christ, having resurrected and given eternal life to
his faithful followers, will manifest himself to the world at that
time and will intervene to establish his authority in the earth:
"It shall come to pass at that same time when Gog shall come
against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that My fury shall
come up in My face ... and I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself;
and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know
that I am the Lord" (Ezek. 38:18,23).
Christ's Future Work
When Christ returns, he will accomplish that which many people
today are teaching Antichrist will do. He will set up his power in
Jerusalem; will proclaim himself as King and Saviour; and will rebuild
the Temple to provide a basis for the unifying and universal worship
he will establish in the earth.
Isaiah describes the result of his activities at that time:
"And it shall come to paw in the last days, that the mountain
of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto
it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the
mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will
teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion
shall go forth the law, and the word of
the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and
shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift
up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
(Isa. 2:2-4).
Unfortunately, the Lord will receive opposition in that day,
because of the propagation of the theory attributing this action to
Antichrist, and so undermining the Truth.
Your Personal Involvement
A responsibility therefore rests upon all people of goodwill to
search out the truth concerning the purpose and will of God. We appeal
to the reader to give earnest consideration to this book, and to free
his mind from theories that would blind him to the facts of the
situation.
Fulfilling prophecy today clearly indicates that Christ is at the
door. Christ is to return, to raise from the dead and give life
eternal to those who have lived according to his will; to change the
political and moral character of the world; to unite all mankind in a
common understanding of truth, and to draw them together in a unifying
worship at a Temple to be erected in Jerusalem (see Zech. 14:16). The
grand opportunity is open to all who are prepared to identify
themselves with him now, to share his glory of the future. This
requires a personal effort, both to understand and to do what he
requires. The commission given to his disciples epitomises what is
necessary. He told them: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel,
he that believeth and is baptised shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).
Our only purpose in writing and publishing this book is to bring to
your attention the dramatic point the world has reached in the purpose
of God, and to invite you to give consideration to the requirements of
Christ at such a critical time.