Beyond Today Program - "Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns"

Without speculating on the exact time of this awesome event, you need to know the signs preceding it.

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[Darris] The Bible reveals Jesus Christ will come back to our world to reign over every nation. But when? What specific things will happen in the world leading up to His return? Did you know that some of them are happening right now?

Today, we are going to look at seven distinct things the Bible tells us will have to happen before the return of Christ. Some prophecies have already been fulfilled. The rest are unfolding before our eyes. What must happen before Christ returns? Find out, as we examine "Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns."

[Announcer] Join our host, Darris McNeely, and his guests, as they help you understand your future on Beyond Today!

[Darris] One day Jesus gave His followers a lesson in forecasting.

"Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather,' and there is. Hypocrites!" He said. "You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?" (Luke 12:54-56).

Jesus knew people were good at looking into the sky to determine the weather. He used this habit to chastise them that though they could see whether rain or warm weather was coming, they could not understand the signs of their time in history—they could not "discern this time." For this group of people, they could not see that Jesus of Nazareth, the man standing before them, teaching them with many signs and deeds, was the prophesied Messiah.

Now how about us? In our time? Can we "discern this time"—today, our world, the twenty-first century?

On Beyond Today, we have a policy never to speculate or try to calculate the exact date Jesus Christ will return. That isn't the point of prophecy. Prophecy is revealed in the Bible for one reason—and that's to inspire us to turn to God. God's hand is on history, and now is the time to seek a relationship with Him.

The Bible is full of prophecies. Some have already come to pass. Many are yet to come. When we examine what's already happened and understand what's still coming, we then begin to get a general idea of where we are in the sequence of Bible prophecy. We can then "discern our time."

As we study the Bible, we can identify seven distinct things that must happen before the return of Jesus Christ. Let's look at these specific events because they must happen in today's world before Christ returns.

We want to go a little bit further in helping you to understand and study this as well, so we have also prepared a free study aid for you. This study aid will help you learn more about each of these seven prophecies.

As we will see, some have already been fulfilled while others wait for the future.

1. Let's look at the first one. It's the ability to destroy all human life.

Jesus talked about how dangerous the world would be when these events would begin to take place.

In Matthew 24:22 He said, "unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened." Unless Jesus returns and intervenes, mankind would wipe itself out.

Now this reveals to us the first end-time prophecy: Mankind must have the ability to end life, all life, on earth.

Throughout history mankind hasn't had the ability to end all human life the world over. War is horrific. There has also been no way to end all human life in a short amount of time. That is, until 1945, when the world entered the nuclear age with the atomic bomb. And since then, the entire world is under threat of a nuclear holocaust that could end all human life on earth.

This end-time prophecy has been fulfilled. Let's check it off the list and move to the second prophecy before Christ must return.

2. And it's this: A reestablished Jewish homeland in the Middle East.

This happened in May of 1948 when the State of Israel declared its existence. Much of end time prophecy revolves around the city of Jerusalem. The prophet Daniel, in what is known as the Seventy Weeks Prophecy, talks of animal sacrifices being made in Jerusalem and interrupted by an outside power. The Jews would be the only group of people thinking about such an event and they could not have done this before becoming a state and controlling Jerusalem, which they have since the June 1967 War. You see, for much of history there has been no nation of Israel.

Those who pay attention to what happens in Jerusalem know the periodic calls and efforts by some in the Jewish community to offer animal sacrifices on the Temple Mount, which is the site of past temples.

The Jews are in the land today and will stay there until the appearance of Christ. That's the second fulfilled prophecy. Let's check it off our list and let's move to the third prophecy to be fulfilled before Jesus Christ returns.

3. It's this: The conflict between the King of the North and the King of the South.

The third event to watch is this conflict between what the Bible calls the end-time King of the North and the King of the South. In Daniel 11, a prophecy very long, shows a key series of geopolitical maneuvers at the time of the end. A power from the Middle East called the King of the South will move against another power called the King of the North. The King of the North will retaliate by invading several Middle Eastern nations and coming right into what the Bible calls "the Glorious Land"—which is today, the State of Israel.

This event is perhaps the most explosive of all that is foretold in the Bible because it triggers a gathering of powers into the Middle East from several global points. And what is described by the prophet Daniel is an event that will involve every major nation and every army at the time.

It is not too difficult to imagine this scenario. Many authors make a pretty good living writing fictional stories about the invasion of the Middle East by armies from Europe and other nations. With the threat of a nuclear Iran and continuing turmoil in the region, we see a tinderbox waiting for a "spark" to ignite a conflict that would engulf great powers as in the past.

This is a prophecy waiting to be fulfilled. We can't check it off—yet.

You need to act on what you're learning right now. Now is the time for all of us to build relationships with God. We're going to need His love and His guidance more than ever as these prophecies come to pass.

Just what does the Bible say lies ahead for you, for your family and for our world? We all need to know and understand. And to help you learn about this, we have prepared a brand new study aid, a Bible study aid that you can get a free copy of today. It's called, Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns. You can order it at BeyondToday.tv or by calling: 1-888-886-8632.

We've never offered this Bible study aid before, and we've only printed a limited number of copies right now. Once they run out, the Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns, will only be available as an electronic download. If you request it right now, you can have this limited-edition, full-color study aid in print at no cost at all. You really need this free Bible study aid to help you better understand Bible prophecy and the topics we are talking about today.

You can get your free study aid online right now at BeyondToday.tv, or request your free copy to be sent to your home by calling: 1-888-886-8632. One more time: 1-888-886-8632. If you live outside of North America, please write us at the address that is shown on your screen throughout the program—for your free copy of Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254].

So, what prophetic signs have we covered so far? First: the ability to destroy all human life. Second: a reestablished Jewish homeland in the Middle East. And third: the conflict between the King of the North and the King of the South.

Now let's move on to the fourth prophetic event.

4. The appearance of an end-time power bloc of nations headed by what the Bible describes as a group of ten kings (Revelation 17:12).

These ten leaders give power and authority to a greater political leader who will influence world events at the close of the age. This powerful combine is the same force described by Daniel as the King of the North.

Where do we look for this power to emerge? Historically there is only one region that has provided such a power. It is Europe. From the time of Alexander the Great and Rome, a European-based power has involved itself in the affairs of the Middle East. The Crusades of the Middle Ages were religiously inspired invasions by Europe's armies to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. In modern times, it is European-based powers that continue to play influential roles in the geopolitics of the Middle East.

And another reason to consider Europe, from ancient to modern times there has been one primary region that Muslim powers have sought to control—it is Europe. In 732 Muslim armies advanced into Europe as far as France before being defeated by a European army. Again in the year 1529, armies of the Ottoman Empire advanced to the gates of Vienna before being repulsed. Europe has been "pushed" by Muslim powers in the past. And today, Muslim populations in Europe create uncomfortable situations in nations like France, The Netherlands and Germany. To see the Muslim crescent atop mosques in Vienna and Cologne, Germany represent ominous cultural contrasts.

Bible prophecy and history show us where to look for the appearance of a super-power that will astound the world with its influence. It is yet to appear. That it hasn't—and that it can come from an unexpected region—should not cause us to dismiss this warning. This end-time system will be involved with events Christ described as a time of great trial and tribulation. Christ's warning to us today is to watch and keep your life clothed in righteousness so that you will not be caught sleeping and unaware of the times. Christ tells us to discern our times—to understand what is happening with the events of the world today.

That's the fourth event, it hasn't happened yet. Can't check that off.

You know our world is going through a period of great change. We look around and we see a different world—a bit more chaotic and confusing than just a few years ago. You are watching our program. You're reading what we produce to seek understanding. Beyond Today is bringing you a message of understanding to help you figure it all out.

Now let's look at the fifth event before Christ returns.

5. It's the end-time rise and the fall of the English-speaking nations.

Specifically we are talking about the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The single key event of modern times has been said is that these peoples speak the same language and share the same values and culture. Great Britain and America, both have shaped today's world by planting systems of political and economic freedom in their lands, and many other nations they have influenced. Twice in the twentieth century they allied to resist totalitarian systems that threatened freedom throughout the world.

The English-speaking nations of the world not only share the same language, but have in their cultural foundation the Bible—the most influential document of the modern world. The governmental structure of both nations were formed around, not only a belief in the Bible as God's Word, but also fundamental concepts of individual liberty and accountability whose foundations are found in the law of God. These biblically-based ideas promoted freedoms that were key to creating the advanced world that we see.

God is responsible for the blessings of these nations and what they have brought to the world. But with that blessing comes a responsibility to promote righteousness. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a decline in morality from both nations that strikes at the heart of the unique status and blessing God has given. God gave the blessings of greatness and in time, God will remove it because of sin.

We have covered this in other Beyond Today programs and our special booklet offer today, it explains in more depth, the end-time biblical relevance of the English-speaking nations. Make sure you request your free copy today for a fuller understanding of this subject.

But let me quote one scripture that all nations, including the English-speaking nations, should heed. God says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). Today our nations embrace immorality in all its forms. We justify it in the name of the same freedoms that brought our greatness. We laugh at any idea of godly, biblically-based righteousness. The idea that God will bring judgment upon America and Britain, Canada and Australia—or any nation—is mocked and it's ridiculed. To a modern mind this is considered naïve and ancient. To say that some behavior is immoral is today even labeled as hate-speech.

But unless the English-speaking nations turn away from sin, their leading role in today's world will end. God will remove our blessings, which means we will see our economic and political power broken. We do not yet see this event to have occurred, but the handwriting is on the wall. This program intends to sound a warning to any who will hear.

Repent and acknowledge the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Turn to Him and ask forgiveness. It is not too late to find His mercy and grace. But be warned. If we don't, then our time on the high places of the earth will end and another world power will take our place.

This prophecy has not yet happened. We can't check it off the list. Now let's look at the sixth prophesied event before Christ returns.

6. It's the gospel being preached in all the world.

Christ spoke this prophecy when asked by His disciples for signs of the end time. He said, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

Now we are aware that many sincere groups spend a lot of time and money to fulfill this verse. But Christ spoke of "this gospel of the kingdom..." The gospel Christ brought is both a message about His life, death, and resurrection as well as the announcement of a coming literal kingdom to this earth, a kingdom replacing all other kingdoms of this world, planting one kingdom, under Christ, in Jerusalem and spreading to the four corners of the world.

It is this combination, the message of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God that reveals the little understood truth that the Kingdom of God is about the divine family God is creating. The Kingdom is not something man can create by his good works of religion or charity. The Kingdom of God is not what any church will create when it finally "saves the souls" of every man, woman and child on earth.

The Kingdom of God is a spiritual family God the Father is creating in and through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. When we submit today to the rule of Christ in our life, we can begin to understand this glorious truth. We can begin to experience the life of the Kingdom today and receive its benefits. We can only enter the fullness of the Kingdom of God through the change to immortality at the coming of Jesus Christ.

This is the purpose of your life. This is why you were born. God has created mankind in His image with the potential to become members of His spiritual family. You were born to share the glory as one of God's children in His family. This is the gospel Jesus said would be preached in all the world as a witness. What will you do with it?

The good news—the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God—it is that you can repent, believe and begin to understand the Kingdom of God. You can begin today to experience a foretaste of this "age to come."

This sign is underway, but not quite finished. We will give it half a mark. There is one more sign of Christ's return to consider.

7. It's instant worldwide communication.

In Revelation 11, there is a prophecy about God's two witnesses who are seen around the world by everyone. Two people with miraculous powers shut down the rain from heaven, and turn water to blood, and call down a plague on nations when they desire. In the Bible, neither Moses nor Elijah, nor any of Christ's apostles had such a combination of power when they witnessed against those of their time.

These two will witness against the global political power we described earlier. After three and a half years, God will remove His protection and allow them to be killed. Verse nine says a global audience will see their dead bodies lie in the street (Revelation 11-8-9). Now how could this happen? How could the entire world see them lie in the street? Only through instant, global communication. You have to wonder how the apostle John thought this would be fulfilled when he wrote the words as Christ gave them! The Internet was not around back then!

So in our modern world this is no problem at all. Recently, the entire world's eyes turned to Vatican City. Many watched with bated breath for hours as Argentina's Cardinal Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis. Seconds after the announcement was made, his Wikipedia page was updated, and Twitter was overwhelmed with the amount of buzz around this single, historical event. I remember seeing a picture of people gathered in Vatican Square with thousands of smart phones held up in the dark, all taking pictures of the new Pope on the balcony.

The technology for this to occur did not exist until recently. Through tablets, computers and smart phones this verse can be fulfilled. Now it can happen.

We can say that the sign of instant, worldwide communications has been fulfilled, and the stage is being set for God's final two witnesses.

Seven signs. Three and a half fulfilled and three and a half waiting for future fulfillment.  

Throughout today's program I've explained much about what will occur prior to Jesus' second coming. But there is more you need to know! To help you gain further understanding about what lies ahead, we have prepared a brand new Bible study aid: Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns. This essential study aid will provide more details on each of the seven points discussed today. I strongly urge you to obtain a copy of this important, free publication.

But, keep in mind we're offering this special Bible study aid in print for a limited time only. And after that, it will be available only electronically, online. If you'd like a printed copy of Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns please call us today. Toll free: 1-888-886-8632.

When you order the Bible study aid we'll also send you a free subscription to The Good News magazine. Each bi-monthly issue of The Good News is filled with practical articles that can strengthen you and your family and help you better understand our world and what lies ahead.

Be sure to call us now—toll free at: 1-888-886-8632. Again, that's 1-888-886-8632. Or, write to us at the address shown on your screen [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254]. You can also read, Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns and The Good News magazine online at BeyondToday.tv.

I am joined now by fellow Beyond Today hosts, Steve Myers and Gary Petty. Kings of the North, Kings of the South, two witnesses, a lot of these prophecies—what is it that is most concerning to people and why should they be interested in this?

[Gary] Well I think a lot of people study prophecy because it is sort of a thrill to them. It makes them excited. Others, it makes them afraid. There is a lot of fear in looking forward to what is going to happen in the future and while all these terrible things are going to happen, and how do I get out of it. But if you really study the Bible and the prophecy, what you see is that God is the God of history and the God of the future, and it really tells us that He is in charge. He is going to take care of His people. And it is really a message of hope. Prophecy should give us hope.

[Steve] Rather than just trying to find things out, and boy I...

[Darris] Like the return of Christ.

[Steve] Yeah, I am knowledgeable and so, I know these things. I think that's a problem. And if we really take prophecy in the sense that, look at what God has done. He has done some amazing things. He has fulfilled these things. He predicted them. They came about.

It should really be a kind of faith-builder, so that we can have our faith stronger because we know God said this would happen and it has. And then like those things still lie in the future that you mentioned, we know they're going to come about. We can have confidence. We can trust God because He did it in the past. He promised this in the future and it will come about. So we can then, better be ready for what is about to come.

[Darris] So, of all that we've talked about, what is it that is to be fulfilled that is the most important for a person to understand?

[Gary] Two of the things you brought out in the program I think is very important is all prophetic roads lead to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is ground zero of prophecy. And also, what happens between Israel and Europe is going to be very important in the future.

[Steve] Prophecy is a good reminder that if it's leading this way to this culmination of events, it's going to impact your life. And if it's going to impact your life, what are you going to do about it? And I think that is where it begins to affect me personally. That I need to beware and understand this is going to happen. And if it is, then the apostle Peter wrote, what manner of person ought you to be (2 Peter 3:11-13)? It ought to affect our conduct and who we are and what we do.

[Darris] And what Peter said there is one of the most important keys to be motivated to righteousness, to a changed life, to a life that is understanding the Bible and dedicated to righteousness. We have all grown up in our times in the shadow of the nuclear age, and we recognize the dangers that are there, the fear that comes about. I think of all the things that we've talked about today, probably that one point that mankind now has the ability to destroy all of human life has hung over the world, really since the explosion of the atomic bomb in 1945.

And to understand that, as you've said, God is in charge of history and it is not man. And though there is much to be concerned about, a fear should not grip us in action and keep us from doing what is right and properly understanding the subject of Bible prophecy.

[Steve] I think it's interesting that there is this connection between knowing and doing. So what if you know it? If it doesn't change who you are, if it doesn't help you in your relationship with God, it is really just knowledge and it does nothing. Paul says knowledge puffs up. So we've got to take that knowledge and we have got to put it into use in our lives, otherwise it is not producing anything spiritual.

[Gary] And this fear is really becoming irrational. I was reading the other day how there are so many people, all these movies and television shows about zombies.

[Darris] Yes.

[Gary] There are people who fear biological warfare and actually are beginning to believe that zombies will bring about the end of the world. And it is a sizeable group of people and they are preparing for this zombie war.

[Darris] Well again, stories like that, post-apocalyptic movies and scenarios that are prevalent in the media, the mainstream media, again perpetuate a fear and uncertainty. The Bible is about the only source that I can turn to that shows that it is not going to end that way. And that people should not have this concern and this fear.

You know I really like the statement that Jesus made to discern this time. I think that that is, certainly God inspired it. It put this down into our day and into our time. This is our time to understand.

[Gary] Well, the real message is turn to God. Not only turn to God, but turn your life over to God. This is too complicated. You can't solve it. I can't solve it. We can't solve it. Only God can solve this. Turn our lives to God.

[Steve] It's the only solution. It's not a matter of stocking our piles of weapons and ammunition and prepping for some doomsday. That's the wrong kind of preparation. We need spiritual preparation. We need to get our lives in order. We need to develop a relationship with God, and prophecy should motivate us to do that very thing.

[Darris] The Bible shows us that it is ultimately the preparation we make in our heart, in our minds, in our relationship with God that is the most important, and will help us traverse those very treacherous times.

So while it's fresh on your mind, be sure to order our free Bible study aid: Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns before the printed copies run out. After that, remember, it will only be available to be read on our website. And, you'll also get a free subscription to The Good News. So, call toll free: 1-888-886-8632. Again, 1-888-886-8632. Or, go online to read both at BeyondToday.tv. We look forward to hearing from you!

We're not saying to go out and build a nuclear bomb shelter. We're saying, you need to go out and build a relationship with your Father in heaven—now! Open your Bible. Study His Word deeply.

We're right in the middle of developing prophecies. The whole point of prophecy is to turn you to God. Start to pray. And study the Bible so you won't be surprised by what's coming.

And join us next week on Beyond Today as we continue to discover the gospel of the Kingdom of God. And we also invite you to join us in praying, "Thy Kingdom come." For Beyond Today, I'm Darris McNeely. Thanks for watching.

[Announcer] For the free literature offered on today's program, go online to BeyondToday.tv. Please join us again next week on Beyond Today!

Introduction

Previous generations have thought that Jesus Christ would return in their lifetimes, but they were proven wrong. Many people alive today think Christ's return is imminent. Certainly, the Bible contains prophecies that could not have been fulfilled until this generation.

Shortly before His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus Christ delivered a major prophecy of end-time events, recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. He was asked by His disciples: "When will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3).

Jesus responded with a description of conditions and events that would lead up to His second coming. He said that when these signs became evident, His return would occur within one generation (Matthew 24:34). Could this be that generation?

Throughout the nearly 2,000 years since Christ gave His prophecy, many have thought that theirs was the time of His return. They all turned out to be wrong, of course. But interestingly, there are a number of prophecies in the Bible that could not be fulfilled until our modern era, the post-World War II period.

The Bible is filled with prophecies, each of which has come to pass or will come to pass in its appointed time. The purpose of these prophecies is to give Christians hope for the future and lead them to live transformed lives, submitting themselves to God's righteous rule in their lives.

The seven prophecies covered in this guide are prime examples of important past and future events that set the stage for Jesus' second coming. God's sincere desire is that you are filled with hope and a desire to live godly lives transformed by the sure Word of God.

1. Mankind Must Have the Ability to Exterminate Itself

In Matthew 24:22, describing world conditions prior to His second coming, Jesus said that "if that time of troubles were not cut short, no living thing could survive; but for the sake of God's chosen it will be cut short" (Revised English Bible).

The main message that Jesus Christ brought was of the coming Kingdom of God. This is described as "the gospel" (Mark 1:14). Gospel means "good news." While some of the prophecies concerning events prior to the establishment of the Kingdom can seem negative, we should always keep in mind that the central focus of Bible prophecy is the good news (gospel) of the coming Kingdom of God.

Matthew 24:22 shows us that if Jesus Christ does not intervene in world affairs, the human race will be faced with extinction. It's crucial to note that humanity has had the capability for self-annihilation for only a little more than 50 years, since both the United States and the Soviet Union developed and stockpiled hydrogen bombs and the world had to learn to live with "mutually assured destruction."

At that time there were only three nuclear powers (Britain being the other). By the middle of the 1960s France and China had joined the nuclear club. Today at least eight nations have nuclear warheads and the number looks set to increase with a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Of course, the more nuclear powers we have in the world, the more likely it is that someone will use this deadly force for evil.

Although international attention has been focused on the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran during the last few years, little attention has been given to the possibility of some or all of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of radical Islamists.

During the ongoing crisis in Pakistan, the Taliban and al-Qaeda and their sympathizers have steadily gained more power, territory and influence, making nuclear terrorism more likely. Consider the consequences for the rest of the world if these types of groups had access to nuclear weapons!

Meanwhile, Russia and China are determinedly flexing their military muscles, raising fears of a return to Cold War-era tensions.

The good news in all this is that Christians have an assurance that Jesus Christ will intervene to save mankind from annihilation. This prophecy could not be fulfilled until man had the potential for self-extinction through weapons of mass destruction. Again, only in the last 50 years has this become possible.

2. A Jewish Homeland will be Established in Israel

"And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south" (Zechariah 14:1-4).

Clearly the last few lines of this prophecy remain to be fulfilled.

Further in this same chapter we read of how those nations that came against Jerusalem will have to go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14:16).

These chapters of Zechariah are a prophecy about the events that precede and include the second coming of Jesus. A Jewish-controlled Jerusalem is noticeably the central focus.

Shortly before Zechariah, another Jewish prophet named Daniel lived during the time of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. His book speaks of the Jews' daily sacrifices being cut off in the end time (Daniel 12:11; see Daniel 12:1-13). This event had a forerunner in the temple defilement under Syrian ruler Antiochus Epiphanes in the second century B.C.

However, Jesus Christ confirmed this as a future event to precede His return (compare Daniel 11:31; Matthew 24:15). This means that these sacrifices must first be reinstituted in Jerusalem—requiring Jewish rule over the city.

One hundred years ago such developments were hard to imagine for the simple reason that no independent Jewish political entity existed in the Middle East.

After rebelling against the Romans in A.D. 66 and again in 132, Judea was crushed. Most of the remaining Jews were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. No Jewish homeland existed again until 1948, when the modern nation of Israel was established.

An independent Jewish homeland was merely a dream for a small group of zealots a century ago. It moved a step nearer during World War I, when forces of the British Commonwealth took control of Jerusalem from the Turks in December of 1916. A few months later, the British government pledged itself to the establishment of an independent Jewish homeland in the ancient lands the Jews had inhabited for centuries.

It was to be another 30 years before the dream was realized in 1948. Yet since then tiny Israel has had to fight wars for survival in 1948, 1967 and 1973. To this day it has suffered countless terrorist attacks and threats of annihilation from hostile neighbors determined to eliminate the Jewish state.

Once again, here is a prophecy that can now be fulfilled in our time.

3. The "King of the North" and "King of the South" will Rise as Regional Powers

In Daniel 11 we find an amazing prophecy about two leaders, the kings of the north and south, the heads of regions that were geographically north and south of the Holy Land. To understand this prophecy we have to go to the time of Alexander the Great, who lived near the end of the fourth century B.C., 200 years after Daniel.

Alexander figures prominently throughout the book of Daniel, even though Daniel didn't know his name and never knew him personally. He couldn't have, since he died almost two centuries before Alexander appeared on the world stage.

But God revealed to Daniel that after Babylon, Persia would arise as the greatest power of the region, to be followed in turn by Greece. Not surprisingly, the prophecies regarding the rise of Greece are centered on Alexander the Great, one of the greatest conquerors in history.

Daniel 8 gives a vivid account of the coming clash between Persia and Greece. As you read it, remember that a horn symbolizes royal power and authority. Persia had "two horns and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last." This refers to the Medo-Persian Empire, the coming together of two nations or peoples. As foretold here in Daniel 8:3, the Persians rose to greatness after the Medes.

In Daniel 8:5 we read of Persia's later defeat by Alexander the Great: "And as I was considering, suddenly a male goat came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground; and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes" (Daniel 8:5).

The "notable horn" or royal leader was Alexander the Great. The prophecy about his army not even touching the ground is a reference to the incredible speed with which he conquered the known world. All this was achieved in a very short time. Alexander died in 323 B.C. when he was only about 33 years old.

Even his sudden, unexpected death was prophesied: "The male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven" (Daniel 8:8).

When Alexander died, his empire was eventually divided between four of his generals—the four "notable horns" mentioned here. Two of these established dynasties would have a profound effect on the Jewish people, caught in the middle between them. These two dynasties were the descendants of Seleucus, who ruled a vast empire from Antioch in Syria, north of Jerusalem, and Ptolemy, who ruled Egypt from Alexandria.

Daniel 11 is a long and detailed prophecy about the dynastic conflicts between these two powers, their respective leaders being referred to as "the king of the North" and "the king of the South." Of great significance is that whenever they went to battle against each other, the Jews got trampled on. This was to continue from the time of Alexander until the middle of the second century B.C., a period of almost two centuries.

Then, suddenly, the prophecy jumps down to the end time.

In Daniel 11:40 we read: "At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land [the area of Jerusalem], and many countries shall be overthrown" (Daniel 11:40-41).

The latter part of Daniel's prophecy of the North-South conflict describes a clash of civilizations between the leader of a soon-coming European superpower—a revived Roman Empire (successor to Seleucid Syrian rule)—and a leader who is the successor to the Ptolemaic rule of Egypt, which is now part of the Arab-Islamic world. (To learn more, request or download our free Bible study aid The Middle East in Bible Prophecy.)

We now see geopolitical conditions lining up for this inevitable clash. Here is yet another prophesied circumstance for which the stage has now been set within our lifetime!

4. A Dominating Roman System Will Come to Power

In Daniel 2 and 7 we see prophecies about four great gentile empires that would arise in the period between the time of Daniel and the coming establishment of the Kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44). Daniel was himself living in the first of these great empires (Daniel 7:4) as a Jewish exile in ancient Babylon.

Following the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C., Persia would become the greatest power, to be followed by Greece (Daniel 7:5-6). After Greece came the Roman Empire, "dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong." This empire was to have "ten horns" and would continue in some form until the establishment of God's Kingdom at Christ's return (Daniel 7:7-9). (For more information on this end-time world superpower, please read our free study aid The Final Superpower.)

As we saw in the previous section, horns represent leaders or governments. Here these 10 horns symbolize 10 attempts to restore the Roman Empire to the power it had in ancient times. Various attempts at a restoration have taken place since the fall of the Western Roman Empire in A.D. 476. A final attempt is to be made shortly before Christ's return.

We find more details in Revelation 17. Here we read of a final attempt to revive the Roman Empire by "ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast" (Revelation 17:12-13).

They will also "make war with the Lamb [Jesus Christ], and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings" (Revelation 17:14). Again, it is clear that this prophecy is still future.

Previous attempts to forge a united European empire, from Justinian in the sixth century through Charlemagne, Napoleon, Mussolini and Hitler, all involved force. The final resurrection of the Roman Empire will not be attempted in the same way.

Revelation 17 suggests this will be a voluntary union. When these 10 leaders receive power, they will then give their authority to a single leader. Scripture refers to both this individual and the new superpower he leads as "the beast"—acknowledging it as the continuation of the four gentile empires prophesied in Daniel, each one depicted as a beast or wild animal.

Only now is it possible for this to be fulfilled.

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed by six European nations that formed the European Economic Community. Today the EEC has grown into the European Union (EU) with 27 member nations. Out of these will likely come the 10 kings (or 10 leaders) that form the final resurrection of the Roman Empire.

Some have speculated that the 10 kings referred to in this prophecy will be leaders of 10 regions of the EU that will redraw the boundaries of Europe, ending the present nation-states. The Bible is not clear on exactly which regions or nations will configure the final revival of the militaristic Roman superpower—only that this new superpower will indeed emerge just before Christ's return.

5. The United States and Great Britain will Fall with the State of Israel

"Israel" was the new name God gave the biblical patriarch Jacob in Genesis 32. The 12 tribes of Israel were descended from his 12 sons. These tribes later formed a united kingdom.

It's been almost 3,000 years since the kingdom of Israel was split in two. Ten of the 12 tribes of Israel rebelled against King Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon and grandson of King David. The Bible continued to refer to these 10 tribes as Israel while the other two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) that remained loyal to David's descendants were known as the kingdom of Judah or simply Judah.

Sometimes Israel is referred to as the northern kingdom and Judah as the southern kingdom. Dominant among the northern tribes were to be the descendants of Jacob's son Joseph through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh—prophesied by Jacob to be the chief nations of the world in the last days (Genesis 49:1, Genesis 49:22-26; compare Deuteronomy 33:13-17).

About 200 years after the kingdom split, the northern tribes of Israel fell to Assyria and were deported by the Assyrians to the northern parts of their empire. Often referred to now as the lost tribes, they later migrated northwest across Europe, eventually settling in new homelands far from the Middle East.

The kingdom of Judah fell to Babylon more than a century after Israel's deportation, but its people were not lost to history. We know them today as the Jews.

The name Ephraim is sometimes used representatively in Scripture for the entire northern kingdom, though it can also refer solely to the descendants of Joseph's son of that name—prophesied to become a "multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19). Remarkably, this promise to Ephraim was fulfilled in the British Empire and Commonwealth.

Ephraim's older brother Manasseh was also prophesied to become a great nation (same verse), separating himself from the multitude of nations. This prophecy would be fulfilled in the formation, growth and dominance of the United States of America.

In a revealing prophecy regarding the United States and Britain, Jacob (Israel) said, "Let my name be named upon them" (Genesis 48:16). References to "Israel" in end-time prophecy often refer to the United States or the English-speaking countries of the British Empire or both. Sometimes "Israel" can mean all 12 tribes. We have to look at specific verses in their context to see which is meant. (To investigate the biblical evidence of this, please read our free study aid, The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.)

"Judah," however, always refers to the Jews, the descendants of the house or kingdom of Judah. We must also understand that the modern nation called Israel is really Judah, made up of Jews (see sidebar "Are all Israelites Jews?").

Understanding this critical part of biblical history will help us more fully comprehend a passage of Scripture in the book of Hosea, which is a prophecy about Ephraim (the multitude of nations—Great Britain and some of those nations that came out of her). It warns of destruction to follow the end-time ascendancy of the Israelite nations.

In Hosea 5 we read a prophecy that mentions Israel, Ephraim and Judah: "The pride of Israel testifies to his face; therefore Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; Judah also stumbles with them" (Hosea 5:5). The prophecy continues: "With their flocks and herds they shall go to seek the Lord, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. They have dealt treacherously with the Lord, for they have begotten pagan children. Now a New Moon shall devour them and their heritage" (Hosea 5:6-7).

New moons occur a month apart. A new moon "devouring" them would seem to mean that Israel, Ephraim and Judah will all fall within one month.

This prophecy was not fulfilled in ancient times. As already mentioned, ancient Judah fell to Babylon more than a century after Israel fell to Assyria. Yet in the end it appears they will fall together—within one month of each other. This prophecy remains to be fulfilled.

Remember that Israel gave his name to Ephraim and Manasseh, the ancestors in turn of the British and American peoples. As Ephraim is mentioned separately in this prophecy, the reference to "Israel" must apply to the United States, which is now the more dominant of the two nations.

For two centuries prior to World War II, the roles were reversed with the multitude of nations—the British Empire—a greater power than the single nation, the United States. But today America is the greater.

"Judah" refers to the Jewish people, particularly those who now constitute the modern nation in the Middle East that calls itself Israel.

Here then is a prophecy regarding all three nations—the United States, Britain and Israel (Judah). According to this prophecy, it appears that all three will fall within the span of a month. Hosea 6:6 shows these nations turning back to God, but finding it's too late. Because of their sins, He will let them suffer defeat and collapse.

This prophecy could not have been fulfilled until after the rise of Britain and the United States as world powers in the 19th century and the formation of the Jewish state of Israel in the 20th.

Consider that Israel and the United States are perhaps the most maligned and criticized nations on earth. Among Muslim hard-liners, America is commonly called "the great Satan" and Israel and Britain "the little Satans."

Are all Israelites Jews?

Most people assume the Jewish people are the sole remaining descendants of the ancient nation of Israel. This assumption, however, is incorrect.

Technically the Jews are descendants of two of the Israelite tribes: Judah and Benjamin, plus a considerable part of a third, the priestly tribe of Levi.

Unknown to most, 10 other tribes in ancient Israel were never called Jews. These northern tribes were historically distinct and politically separate from the Jews, their brothers to the south who formed the kingdom of Judah, from which the term Jew was derived.

The northern coalition of tribes, the kingdom or house of Israel, had already become an independent nation, separate from the house of Judah, by the time the word Jew first appears in the biblical narrative. In fact, the first time the term appears in the King James Version of the Bible, Israel was at war with the Jews (2 Kings 16:5-6).

Are all Israelites Jews? No. Jews—the citizens and descendants of the kingdom of Judah—are indeed Israelites, but not all Israelites are Jews. Since all 12 tribes, including Jews, are descendants of their father Israel (Jacob), we can apply the term Israelite to all of the tribes. The term Jew, however, is accurate only for the tribes that comprised the kingdom of Judah and for their descendants.

6. The Gospel of the Kingdom will be Preached in the Entire World

In His major end-time prophecy, Jesus answers the question posed by the disciples: "When will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3).

After listing a number of signs of the nearness of His coming, He reveals that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

The gospel is the good news of the coming Kingdom of God. This message could not be preached around the world without the Bible and freedom of religion. Both came gradually with the ascendancy of the English-speaking peoples from the 16th century until the present day.

However, it was only with the technological advances of television and radio and other means of mass communication after World War II and their widespread acceptance that it became possible to reach hundreds of millions of human beings with the message of the Bible. (For more information on how the United Church of God is working to help spread Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God, please read This Is the United Church of God.)

Even so, during the last 50 years it has not been possible to reach all countries. The former communist nations did not allow freedom of religion. China, with one quarter of the world's people, still does not. Other nations also try to suppress the publication of biblical truth and even the Bible itself. Many Islamic nations do not allow religious freedom. In some countries people risk the death penalty for changing religion.

But the Internet is changing everything. It is much harder for governments to control. The gospel message of the coming Kingdom of God is still going out to the world. It will finish when God has decided that His work is completed and the time is right for the final end-time events to take place.

This is yet another prophecy that could not be fulfilled until recent times.

7. Instant Worldwide Communications will be Possible at the Time of God's Final Two Witnesses

Another end-time Bible prophecy could not be fulfilled until this era of instant worldwide communications.

In His major end-time prophecy of Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21, Jesus gave an outline of disasters that would occur on the world scene with increasing frequency and magnitude—to the point where people would be shaken with fear (Luke 21:26). Discerning an increase in the scale of these events and reacting to them requires knowing about them.

At the time this prophecy was given, it could be many months or years before people heard about various disasters—and many they would never hear about at all, much less be able to put together the fact that catastrophes were on some kind of global increase.

Only with the proliferation of newspapers and other forms of mass communications did this become remotely possible. Yet the level of awareness and consequent fear in many that Christ speaks of implies an even greater availability of information—possible only since the development of rapid electronic communications.

In any case, only with the technological advances of the last few years has it become possible for the events in Revelation 11 to occur—for people around the world to see the fate of God's final two witnesses.

These two witnesses, reminiscent of other biblical prophets like Elijah and Elisha, will carry God's final warning to the world in the 3 1⁄2 years leading up to Christ's return.

"And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days…When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

"Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 11:3, Revelation 11:7-10).

Note that people the world over will be able to see their dead bodies during the 3 1⁄2 days that they lie on display in Jerusalem. This was not possible before satellite television, portable communications devices and the Internet. Again, only in the last few years has it become possible for this prophecy to be fulfilled. It still lies in the future, of course, but only now it is clearly possible for this to take place.

What did Jesus mean when He said, "This generation will by no means pass away"?

Many are puzzled by Jesus Christ's words, "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place" (Matthew 24:34).

Did He mean that generation of His disciples? First, note the future context. Jesus had just said, "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!" (Matthew 24: 33).

Did His disciples "see all these things" in their generation? Certainly not. They were not in a generation that had the ability to destroy all of mankind. Jesus said of the final, end-time generation, "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved" (Matthew 24:22). Clearly the weapons of that day were not sufficient to bring this prophecy to pass.

Although Christ's disciples did see wars, famines, plagues and persecutions, and some even lived to see the destruction of Jerusalem several decades later, these were not the total fulfillment of Jesus Christ's words. They were not the prophesied global events that would directly lead to Jesus Christ's return.

So what did Jesus mean when He referred to "this generation"? He could not have meant that current generation of His day. They died without seeing all the events leading to His return. The obvious meaning, then, is that He could only have meant the generation of the last days.

Jesus knew that the course of end-time events would not continue indefinitely. Once they were set in motion, all would occur within the lifetime of one generation. Only one generation will witness all the mounting global conditions described in God's Word. That generation will see the arrival of the specific 3 1⁄2-year period that will mark the end of "this present evil age" and usher in the Kingdom of God.

These events will not pass from one generation to another. Once the prophesied conditions exist, all will be fulfilled—including the return of Jesus Christ—within the lifetime of one generation. Considering the signs Jesus foretold that would mark that time, it appears to be here.

Will this generation see God's Kingdom established on Earth?

We have seen how seven biblically prophesied circumstances could not have come to pass until recent times. In fact, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was clearly a major turning point in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, as was the acquisition of the hydrogen bomb by the two superpowers of the 1950s that led to the period of mutually assured destruction.

All has now become possible. This, in turn, makes it much more likely that our generation will live to see Jesus Christ return and establish the Kingdom of God on earth. After all, Jesus Himself said that once these things begin, the generation alive at that time "will by no means pass away till all these things take place" (Matthew 24:34).

It's both sobering and encouraging to think that we appear to be living in the generation that will ultimately witness the most important event in the history of mankind. As Jesus Christ tells His followers in Luke 21:28, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

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