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| Reverend C. David Coyle |
All of the news of the day isn't good, or happy, or pleasant. But, then, there has never been a time, since Adam and Eve ate the fruit, that it has been. Some times are characterized more by good news than others, in places. Maybe, everywhere, for a short while. But, good times and bad times come and go, in cyclical fashion, throughout man's entire tenure on earth and will continue until man's tenure is finished.
All of us wonder about the events of our times. Many question the events and whether they have any particular significance to, or, for us. Some ponder their possible meanings and a few will examine them for their significance. A handful will actually commit themselves to true understanding -- and only a fraction of these will actually discover the truth. When asked why certain events have befallen us, most will answer that that understanding is beyond them, or, can't be known. Still, others may remark that "it's a sign of the times," sounding philosophically deep, but without a clue as to why or how. But, the God Who created everything after His will and fashioned the times and the events of those times has given us many clues for their discernment. And in some circumstances, especially, as they relate to His people, He has plainly disclosed some very specific information, without need of interpretation for understanding. Sometimes, we may have to sift through the mountain of information to lead us to the correct understanding. But, it's there for one who is willing to study and learn, then, have the sense to share what is learned with others for their understanding, as well. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Remember this. Whatever you learn from the Word of God is also for others, for the edification of the body. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:11-14). If it stops with you a great disservice is done to others and to God who told you to share it. Too, there are no "private interpretations" or origins with the Word of God; “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21)
We will most likely never know, with specificity, when the events about which we enquire will come to fruition, but, we can discern what events follow others and the conditions present in the various stages, because, God has made specific revelation concerning them. Prophecy is absolute. It must be 100% accurate for a prophecy to be a legitimate prophecy. Any prophecy from God will be disclosed in His revelation in His Word, or Bible. Any extra-biblical claim of revelation or pretense of prophecy is already spurious, being without authority. The Word of God is just that and, therefore, has the authority of God. And since it is the Word of God and shows His character, it is it's own authority. It stands alone and above all other literature. What it teaches is absolute because it is wholly truth. And what it discloses, whether concerning events of the past, present or future is correct, period, Amen. So when it comes to history, current events or our future, the Bible is the absolute and final authority, to the displeasure of existentialists and anti-dispensationalists. When we throw out the surmises, the guesses, the imagined voices from God and pseudo-prophecy, what we finally arrive at is biblical eschatology, the true Word and revelation of the living God. That alone is what we need, nothing less and nothing else. There is nothing more or greater, more authoritarian, more correct than absolute knowledge, absolute truth and verbal plenary revelation.
Armed with that understanding, the newspapers, news magazines and cable news are becoming very interesting, these days, indeed. The recurrent themes in our present time are those raised and identified by God, through Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah and others. In fact, facets of it are written for our learning in all the prophecies of God's Book, major and minor, as well as the Words of Jesus, Paul and other New Testament writers. The news is bleak for some, admittedly, but, only to those whose reluctance or refusal to accept the truth God has given and have, in their refusal, sealed their fate and assured their own doom. However, to the ones who recognize their own unworthiness before God and who are willing to trust Him, through His Word, will have a wonderful future. We will see Him as He is. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). We will be received by Him and remain in His company and Court forever. Even the most sanctified of imaginations cannot begin to fathom the wonder and the splendor of that kingdom. Having never seen it, how can we describe glory? We must depend upon the descriptions penned by "holy men of God" who were "moved by the Holy Ghost" Who is God, Himself (2 Peter 1:21).
So, then, when I read about Russia taking a special interest in Iran, no matter what the terms of agreement are, the issue is that it is an alliance that has already been identified and disclosed, twenty-five-hundred years ago. When I see an alliance that includes Syria, which is currently in unrest, Egypt, which is currently in turmoil, ruled over by a party faction that is an enemy of peace, I'm, again, not surprised. I have long been anticipating such overt alliances to show themselves. And so has every other biblical scholar or student. The same holds true with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq and the rest of the actors on the current geo-political stage. The Middle East has, perpetually, been in flux for four-thousand years. Yet, its ends are known and have been reported by God's journalists for an inconceivably long time, in detail, with total accuracy. When God gives a prophetic revelation, it is, in effect, history. Because, in His mind, it has already happened. So, we can take confidence that the unjust and the profane will not stand, nor prosper. That isn't an impossible task for one who knows the end from the beginning, who created it all by His breath, who determines the courses of man and the outcome of His creation. And what is viewed as the end of things by the unjust is only the beginning of things for the just, defined as those who know, love and serve God. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psalm 1:1-6). The unjust are the worthless "chaff" which is gathered and burned. Can you imagine being compared to "chaff"? What a legacy, huh? In contrast, the just are likened to the best, fattest, most beneficial "wheat". We are also likened to a fully nourished and productive tree, with perfect leaves, fruitful and strong, well-anchored from a stable root system, drawing life from the brook, which I take to be the Word of God. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Psalms 19:7-9)
The alliances formed are strong and interdependent in their common mission to overthrow the nation of Israel, to despoil God's holy places and plunder the natural wealth of the land. They will attempt to make what Titus and his Roman legions did, in A.D. 70, look like a picnic. The operative word in my statement is "attempt". As strong and as mighty as their military forces are, and they are, they will fail. Russia and his comrades will be supernaturally, divinely and completely defeated. As sometimes happens in the heat and confusion of battle, thou- sands will fall from "friendly fire" -- shooting each other down, a true "comedy of errors." We know that the attack will be full-flung and will assault "the mountains of Israel. “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Russia), and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee: (Ezekiel 38:1-6). My suspicion is, they, being great military tacticians, will present a multi-pronged attack upon all the key targets in Israel and all the strongest fortifications, but, will be disoriented, confused and decimated, with 83% casualties. Only one-sixth will be standing to regroup and retreat. “Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-7).
Now, time placement of this short-lived battle is a bit difficult. One biblical scholar and Bible teacher I greatly respect believes it to describe the Babylonian Captivity. I respect his judgment, but I don’t agree with it, here. There are things taking place, here, which cannot be attested to by history. There are, also, actors here which were not part of the Babylonian Captivity of antiquity. So, we must conclude the obvious. This is a separate event from the past which hasn't yet occurred, making it a future event in God's directed scheme of time and events. Another Bible teacher, whom I also respect, in his series of novels, placed this battle at the beginning of the tribulation and prior to the rapture of the believers in Jesus Christ. Well, it is possible that is when it may occur. I cannot argue it isn't, because, no one really knows, including him, but, it fits his purposes so he place it there. My own view is that it takes place at the middle of the tribulation, ending a brokered peace of seven years, splitting it into two equal periods of three and one half years. We know from the totality of Scripture that something of large magnitude does do that and this is an unfulfilled prophecy which does target Israel by all the right people. Either way, it will be the act of treachery which serves as the demarcation between relative peace and outright conflict. If my view is correct, then, this heralds the period spoken of by Jesus as "great tribulation" -- which has never been known before and will never occur again. In the meanwhile, Jesus has removed His people to be with Him, where He is, as He promised in John 14:2-3. We will be called to join Him, as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, creating our comfort of heart, now (verse 18) and preceding the breaking of peace and turmoil at the rising of a world class dictator, I Thessalonians 5.
There will be people saved in the tribulation hour. But, they won't be people who have heard and rejected the gospel before this time of judgment began. They will be those who have not heard and chosen to disbelieve before, They will be those (and there are millions, upon millions) who have never heard and haven't had the opportunity to hear the gospel prior to that horrible time. It is a time of judgment for unbelief, a time of grace giving opportunity to those who've never heard and have never decided for or against Christ. The unbelievers of the present time will, if living at the time, enter that time as unbelievers, remaining unbelievers, because, they chose self-delusionment and will continue to place faith in that to their own destruction. God is said to send them "strong delusion" during that time. It is sent by Him in that He hasn't changed the message -- the message they consistently rejected and would continue to reject -- not given another chance. They have had many chances in the past. But, they wasted their chances and remained unbelievers -- anti-believers. “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:12-14). So now it's time for the rest to hear, mostly Israel -- Jews, as God sends Israel 144,000 Jews, specially called and sealed to preach the gospel of Christ to them. After all this is accomplished and the seven years is ended, final judgment is carried out at the chosen proving ground, the mountains of Megiddo (Armageddon, meaning the mountains of Megiddo). Following, will be the complete transformation of the planet to what it's supposed to be, what, undoubtedly, would have been without man's fall into sin and the curse which subsequently transpired, putting all of creation under judgment. That's the curse. Yes, the events transpiring at this moment in time are indeed significant and unnerving. These are desperate times and politics at the moment are tenuous. But, so is any agreement of "peace" brokered in them. And yes, all that are currently eventful are "a sign of the times". But, that isn't an invitation to despair. It isn't a reason for hopelessness regarding our life or our individual futures. God deals with nations on the whole as a collection of attitudes. He rewards faith and faithfulness in individuals, as well as the faith or lack of it in nations. He condemns and judges faithlessness and rejection of Him and His Word. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48).
However, as this verse says, He deals with us as individuals. So, even if the nation, collectively, is devoid of faith and we, individually trust God, we as individuals will not be delivered into judgment when the nation is. Also, by the same token, if we are faithless and reside in a mostly godly nation we will not escape the judgment for our faithlessness. Judgment of sin and injustice is a necessary part of God's sovereignty and so is the blessing of the just. Yes, it truly is "a sign of the times." They are desperate times, "times that try men's souls" and worrisome times. But, they are also the best of times, a time of blessing, a time of reward, a time of prosperity. The times, locally or globally, are an indication of the prevailing heart attitudes of the people who live in them. Jesus posed the question we should really ponder and answer in our individual hearts; "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). He didn't say a faithful earth, but, will He find any faith among the people of earth. If He came to claim His own right now, this moment, how would He find you? Don't be preoccupied with the signs of the times. Don't be concerned with the condition of the world or its nations. Be concerned about the condition your own soul. Are these, for you, perilous times or times of blessings?
All of us wonder about the events of our times. Many question the events and whether they have any particular significance to, or, for us. Some ponder their possible meanings and a few will examine them for their significance. A handful will actually commit themselves to true understanding -- and only a fraction of these will actually discover the truth. When asked why certain events have befallen us, most will answer that that understanding is beyond them, or, can't be known. Still, others may remark that "it's a sign of the times," sounding philosophically deep, but without a clue as to why or how. But, the God Who created everything after His will and fashioned the times and the events of those times has given us many clues for their discernment. And in some circumstances, especially, as they relate to His people, He has plainly disclosed some very specific information, without need of interpretation for understanding. Sometimes, we may have to sift through the mountain of information to lead us to the correct understanding. But, it's there for one who is willing to study and learn, then, have the sense to share what is learned with others for their understanding, as well. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Remember this. Whatever you learn from the Word of God is also for others, for the edification of the body. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:11-14). If it stops with you a great disservice is done to others and to God who told you to share it. Too, there are no "private interpretations" or origins with the Word of God; “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21)
We will most likely never know, with specificity, when the events about which we enquire will come to fruition, but, we can discern what events follow others and the conditions present in the various stages, because, God has made specific revelation concerning them. Prophecy is absolute. It must be 100% accurate for a prophecy to be a legitimate prophecy. Any prophecy from God will be disclosed in His revelation in His Word, or Bible. Any extra-biblical claim of revelation or pretense of prophecy is already spurious, being without authority. The Word of God is just that and, therefore, has the authority of God. And since it is the Word of God and shows His character, it is it's own authority. It stands alone and above all other literature. What it teaches is absolute because it is wholly truth. And what it discloses, whether concerning events of the past, present or future is correct, period, Amen. So when it comes to history, current events or our future, the Bible is the absolute and final authority, to the displeasure of existentialists and anti-dispensationalists. When we throw out the surmises, the guesses, the imagined voices from God and pseudo-prophecy, what we finally arrive at is biblical eschatology, the true Word and revelation of the living God. That alone is what we need, nothing less and nothing else. There is nothing more or greater, more authoritarian, more correct than absolute knowledge, absolute truth and verbal plenary revelation.
Armed with that understanding, the newspapers, news magazines and cable news are becoming very interesting, these days, indeed. The recurrent themes in our present time are those raised and identified by God, through Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah and others. In fact, facets of it are written for our learning in all the prophecies of God's Book, major and minor, as well as the Words of Jesus, Paul and other New Testament writers. The news is bleak for some, admittedly, but, only to those whose reluctance or refusal to accept the truth God has given and have, in their refusal, sealed their fate and assured their own doom. However, to the ones who recognize their own unworthiness before God and who are willing to trust Him, through His Word, will have a wonderful future. We will see Him as He is. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). We will be received by Him and remain in His company and Court forever. Even the most sanctified of imaginations cannot begin to fathom the wonder and the splendor of that kingdom. Having never seen it, how can we describe glory? We must depend upon the descriptions penned by "holy men of God" who were "moved by the Holy Ghost" Who is God, Himself (2 Peter 1:21).
So, then, when I read about Russia taking a special interest in Iran, no matter what the terms of agreement are, the issue is that it is an alliance that has already been identified and disclosed, twenty-five-hundred years ago. When I see an alliance that includes Syria, which is currently in unrest, Egypt, which is currently in turmoil, ruled over by a party faction that is an enemy of peace, I'm, again, not surprised. I have long been anticipating such overt alliances to show themselves. And so has every other biblical scholar or student. The same holds true with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq and the rest of the actors on the current geo-political stage. The Middle East has, perpetually, been in flux for four-thousand years. Yet, its ends are known and have been reported by God's journalists for an inconceivably long time, in detail, with total accuracy. When God gives a prophetic revelation, it is, in effect, history. Because, in His mind, it has already happened. So, we can take confidence that the unjust and the profane will not stand, nor prosper. That isn't an impossible task for one who knows the end from the beginning, who created it all by His breath, who determines the courses of man and the outcome of His creation. And what is viewed as the end of things by the unjust is only the beginning of things for the just, defined as those who know, love and serve God. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psalm 1:1-6). The unjust are the worthless "chaff" which is gathered and burned. Can you imagine being compared to "chaff"? What a legacy, huh? In contrast, the just are likened to the best, fattest, most beneficial "wheat". We are also likened to a fully nourished and productive tree, with perfect leaves, fruitful and strong, well-anchored from a stable root system, drawing life from the brook, which I take to be the Word of God. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Psalms 19:7-9)
The alliances formed are strong and interdependent in their common mission to overthrow the nation of Israel, to despoil God's holy places and plunder the natural wealth of the land. They will attempt to make what Titus and his Roman legions did, in A.D. 70, look like a picnic. The operative word in my statement is "attempt". As strong and as mighty as their military forces are, and they are, they will fail. Russia and his comrades will be supernaturally, divinely and completely defeated. As sometimes happens in the heat and confusion of battle, thou- sands will fall from "friendly fire" -- shooting each other down, a true "comedy of errors." We know that the attack will be full-flung and will assault "the mountains of Israel. “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Russia), and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee: (Ezekiel 38:1-6). My suspicion is, they, being great military tacticians, will present a multi-pronged attack upon all the key targets in Israel and all the strongest fortifications, but, will be disoriented, confused and decimated, with 83% casualties. Only one-sixth will be standing to regroup and retreat. “Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-7).
Now, time placement of this short-lived battle is a bit difficult. One biblical scholar and Bible teacher I greatly respect believes it to describe the Babylonian Captivity. I respect his judgment, but I don’t agree with it, here. There are things taking place, here, which cannot be attested to by history. There are, also, actors here which were not part of the Babylonian Captivity of antiquity. So, we must conclude the obvious. This is a separate event from the past which hasn't yet occurred, making it a future event in God's directed scheme of time and events. Another Bible teacher, whom I also respect, in his series of novels, placed this battle at the beginning of the tribulation and prior to the rapture of the believers in Jesus Christ. Well, it is possible that is when it may occur. I cannot argue it isn't, because, no one really knows, including him, but, it fits his purposes so he place it there. My own view is that it takes place at the middle of the tribulation, ending a brokered peace of seven years, splitting it into two equal periods of three and one half years. We know from the totality of Scripture that something of large magnitude does do that and this is an unfulfilled prophecy which does target Israel by all the right people. Either way, it will be the act of treachery which serves as the demarcation between relative peace and outright conflict. If my view is correct, then, this heralds the period spoken of by Jesus as "great tribulation" -- which has never been known before and will never occur again. In the meanwhile, Jesus has removed His people to be with Him, where He is, as He promised in John 14:2-3. We will be called to join Him, as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, creating our comfort of heart, now (verse 18) and preceding the breaking of peace and turmoil at the rising of a world class dictator, I Thessalonians 5.
There will be people saved in the tribulation hour. But, they won't be people who have heard and rejected the gospel before this time of judgment began. They will be those who have not heard and chosen to disbelieve before, They will be those (and there are millions, upon millions) who have never heard and haven't had the opportunity to hear the gospel prior to that horrible time. It is a time of judgment for unbelief, a time of grace giving opportunity to those who've never heard and have never decided for or against Christ. The unbelievers of the present time will, if living at the time, enter that time as unbelievers, remaining unbelievers, because, they chose self-delusionment and will continue to place faith in that to their own destruction. God is said to send them "strong delusion" during that time. It is sent by Him in that He hasn't changed the message -- the message they consistently rejected and would continue to reject -- not given another chance. They have had many chances in the past. But, they wasted their chances and remained unbelievers -- anti-believers. “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:12-14). So now it's time for the rest to hear, mostly Israel -- Jews, as God sends Israel 144,000 Jews, specially called and sealed to preach the gospel of Christ to them. After all this is accomplished and the seven years is ended, final judgment is carried out at the chosen proving ground, the mountains of Megiddo (Armageddon, meaning the mountains of Megiddo). Following, will be the complete transformation of the planet to what it's supposed to be, what, undoubtedly, would have been without man's fall into sin and the curse which subsequently transpired, putting all of creation under judgment. That's the curse. Yes, the events transpiring at this moment in time are indeed significant and unnerving. These are desperate times and politics at the moment are tenuous. But, so is any agreement of "peace" brokered in them. And yes, all that are currently eventful are "a sign of the times". But, that isn't an invitation to despair. It isn't a reason for hopelessness regarding our life or our individual futures. God deals with nations on the whole as a collection of attitudes. He rewards faith and faithfulness in individuals, as well as the faith or lack of it in nations. He condemns and judges faithlessness and rejection of Him and His Word. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48).
However, as this verse says, He deals with us as individuals. So, even if the nation, collectively, is devoid of faith and we, individually trust God, we as individuals will not be delivered into judgment when the nation is. Also, by the same token, if we are faithless and reside in a mostly godly nation we will not escape the judgment for our faithlessness. Judgment of sin and injustice is a necessary part of God's sovereignty and so is the blessing of the just. Yes, it truly is "a sign of the times." They are desperate times, "times that try men's souls" and worrisome times. But, they are also the best of times, a time of blessing, a time of reward, a time of prosperity. The times, locally or globally, are an indication of the prevailing heart attitudes of the people who live in them. Jesus posed the question we should really ponder and answer in our individual hearts; "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). He didn't say a faithful earth, but, will He find any faith among the people of earth. If He came to claim His own right now, this moment, how would He find you? Don't be preoccupied with the signs of the times. Don't be concerned with the condition of the world or its nations. Be concerned about the condition your own soul. Are these, for you, perilous times or times of blessings?
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