The Coming World Peace

Well, since we started this mini series on the nation of Israel, things have settled down a little bit in and around Israel. Well, at least there is a cease fire in effect for the time being, but as I’ve pointed out, hostilities in the middle-east are always just below the surface at best. Even though we should pray and work for peace in the mid-east we know that until Jesus comes again, there will be no lasting peace.

Eschatology is my theological weak point so I’m somewhat dependent upon other scholars to help us with some summary events leading to the coming of Christ who alone will bring permanent peace. Scripture seems to indicate that just before Christ returns there will be peace, but in the end, the world stands of the brink of a war like it has never seen.
Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord God: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? 15 You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. 16 You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. (Ezekiel 38:14-16)

Let me see if I can quickly summarize what many Bible Scholars have determined in their study of scripture. Understanding of course that there are various views. I find myself not always in the majority view but let me quickly outline some end time events.

THE EVENTS TO COME

1. Peace Settlement Just Before The Great Tribulation

2. Rise Of The Anti-Christ
The term Anti-Christ is used only by the Apostle John ( 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7) . Paul doesn’t use the term but its generally agreed that his reference to the ‘man of lawlessness’ is a reference to the Anti-Christ. The Anti-Christ refers to one who ‘opposes and exalts himself against every so-called go or object of worship’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3) who claims to be God. Though not Satan himself many believe he will be possessed and empowered by Satan in his ultimate fight against Christ and His followers.
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. (2 Thess 2:3-6)

It is believed that in the end-times Anti-Christ will arise as a sort of world dictator. One who at first gives the appearance of bringing peace to the middle-east but is totally opposed to the Kingdom of God.

3. The Great Tribulation
The Great Tribulation is a time of terrible trouble upon the earth. This is a seven year span of great tribulation in the world. Revelation indicates at least part of these troubles is the direct judgement of God on the world. Of course there are various views as to when the tribulation will occur and at which point the Church of God will be taken out in what is commonly called the ‘Rapture’. Some believe that this rapture, the taking of the church out of the world, will occur just before the tribulation period, others believe it will happen half way through this seven year tribulation while others believe it will happen at the end. In any event, Jesus spoke clearly of a time of great tribulation which would come upon the world and most scholars believe that time is yet to come.

THE INVASION OF ISRAEL

As we’ve seen, the Arab nations are relentless in their desire to see Israel destroyed. According to the Bible this will cumulate in a final colossal world war often referred to as Armageddon 1

Unprecedented World War – Armageddon

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:13-16)

Anti-Christ seems to bring Peace for Israel but ½ way through Tribulation he betrays Israel and actually sets himself up as God in the temple. The Bible describes this great battle at the end of the Tribulation.

– Millions from South (many believe to be Africa) - Daniel 11:40

– Millions from North (many believe to be Europe + Russia) - Dan. 11:40

– Millions from East (many believe to be China) - Dan. 11:44

In these final days, all these armies are marching on Jerusalem and only Divine intervention can prevent total destruction. As the armies of the world stand on the brink of the destruction of Jerusalem, God’s holy city, Christ Himself returns in great glory at His 2^nd coming. It is at this time that He will establish His 1,000 year reign and rule from Jerusalem the holy city. This is often referred to as the Millennial Reign of Christ. He will rule in peace for 1,000 years.

　
THE FINAL PEACE

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. The Coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27) 25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:20-28)

What Are We Looking For

So, as we stand this side of Christ’s return, what should we be looking for in world events. Well, for one thing we should look for continual struggle in the Middle East. This struggle will drive the world to seek someone, anyone, who can promise peace. In all likelihood, Israel will compromise its security for peace.

Again, I’m not a prophecy expert, however we should anticipate the signing of a final peace plan that will set the slate for Christ’s second coming and His Millennial Kingdom. I’m not sure we’ll know which peace plan is this final one, but from this time the coming of Christ will be as few as 7 years away.

There have been many peace treaties signed. Some suggested this or that plan was the final one but all proved not to be so. We just don’t know. Care must be given in declaring fulfilled prophecy. If Rapture takes place before the Tribulation then it will likely take place immediately before or immediately after the Anti-Christ’s Peace Plan.

As we survey all these things as we have in this series of blogs, it may well be that we are seeing before our very eyes the final preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

　
HOW SHOULD WE VIEW WORLD EVENTS AND THE COMING OF OUR KING
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In light of these things, if we may be seeing Biblical prophecy fulfilled before us and if we might see the coming of the Lord Jesus in our life time, how should we view world events and how shall we prepare ourselves. Let me give just a few thoughts.

　

1. Don’t Be Disturbed Over World Events – God Is In Control

2. Pray And Work For Peace In the Middle-East But Understand That There Will Be No Lasting Peace Until Jesus Comes Again.

3. Understand That We Could Be Living In The Last Days

4. Live Your Life As If Jesus Could Come Any Day.

Work and live in light of His return.

As we watch all these things taking place, hear the words of the Lord Jesus.
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28)



¹ The word properly means the "mount of Megiddo." It is the scene of the final conflict between Christ and Antichrist. The idea of such a scene was suggested by the Old Testament great battle-field, the plain of Esdraelon (q.v.).