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Question # 141….(2-20-03) Do you believe the image of the beast in Revelation is the statue in front of the UN headquarters? If not what do you think the image of the beast in Revelation is? Note: The statue in front of the UN is a rider on a white horse with a bow and no arrow.

Answer………….No, I do not believe that the white-horse statue situated in front of the UN building is in fact the image of the beast that is mentioned in Revelation chapter 13. I think the statue at the UN headquarters merely symbolizes that the UN is an organization that seeks to structure a world peace, and help avert military conflicts through the means of dialogue and human philosophy. As to exactly what the “image of the Beast” will be, I can only speculate.

This subject has historically received a great deal of attention, but the Bible doesn't convey a lot of information on that subject. However I believe that the image of the beast will be something connected to world religion, because we are informed through John in “The Revelation” that the image of the beast will a symbol-name-number that will be utilized for worship. (I have several ideas on what that image might be, such as the icon of Mary, a God/Father/Mother image, an icon of a resurrected Antichrist, and others, but these are only speculations at this point. Please remember that the number, name and image all three figure into the Beasts image.) Revelation 13:14-18 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Question # 142….(03-07-03) Greetings from Singapore! I read with interest BBC's report about Isaac Newton's claim that the world will end in the given date above. Do you know how he arrived at this figure? In light of today's fast moving events in the Middle East, I really do have serious doubts about the apocalypse still being light (57) years away. What do think?

Answer………….The BBC report you refer to centered on some library notes that showed Newton's attempts to decode the Bible, which he believed contained God's secret laws for the universe. The most definitive date he set for the Apocalypse was the year 2060AD. Newton, who died in 1727 was widely known as an alchemist, although he was also an accomplished theologian. Newton predicted that the Second Coming of Christ would follow plagues and war and would precede a 1,000-year reign by the saints on the earth. Newton spent about 50 years writing 4,500 pages trying to predict when the end of the world might come. (personal note: I do not believe that the Bible is coded with secret information—I believe it is the plain word of God intended to convey a plain understandable message)

I do not know how Mr. Newton could possibly arrive at such a date. In fact, I believe that it is impossible to calculate accurately or predict the year of Christ's coming. Let me emphasize just for the record that the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ and the time for the end of the world are 1000 years apart. Jesus indicated that no man knew the day or hour that he would return. (Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.)

However, as Jesus himself confirmed, we can know the nearness of the season for his return by watching the “signs of the times”. Jesus went to great length to expound upon the signs portending to his coming. He admonished the religious leaders (Sadducees and Pharisees) of his day for failing to be able to discern the signs of the times for his first coming. (Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 11) Matthew 12:39-40 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Some of those signs include:

The Rebirth of the nation of Israel (parable of the Fig Tree-Matt 24:32)

The reacquisition of the city of Jerusalem by Israel (burdensome stone-Zechariah 12)

The “partitioning” of the Promised Land (Joel 3)

The continued domination of Jerusalem by Gentile power (Luke 21:24)

A great spiritual falling away in the Church (II Thessalonians 2:3)

Perilous times—wars, rumors of war (II Timothy 3:1, the Olivet Discourse)

The encirclement of Israel by its enemies (Luke 21:17-24)

Another significant sign that is a parallel to the rebirth of Israel stems from a prophecy in Hosea. (Hosea 6:1-2 Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.) A day is like a thousand years with the Lord. Thus the sign of Jonah related to the rising of Christ on the dawn of the 3rd day, (resurrection) and also to the rebirth of Israel at the dawn of the 3rd millennium after its destruction. (Ezekiel 37) Ezekiel chapter four also relates that Israel would be reborn 2520 years (907,200 days) after the destruction and capture of the city of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. (See Astonishing Prophecies)

Like you, in light of today's fast moving events in the Middle East and the controversy swirling around Israel, I am convinced that Newton's calculations are a little off. I believe that the 2nd coming of Jesus is very imminent. I believe that (since 1948) we are living in the terminal generation. Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation (generation born contemporary with Israel) shall not pass, (die out) till all these things be fulfilled.

Question # 143……(03-10-03) If Hosea 6:1-2 is referring to the restoration of Israel after 2000 years and its starting point is from the crucifixion, then when would the 2000 years end? I had heard that if Jesus was crucified in 32 AD then September of 2003 would be the end of the 2000 years! Is this true? I notice that you came up with 2018 in some of your calculations. What if you tie you're finding of 2018 in with Hosea 6:1-2 and count 2000 years back from 2018 would it some how be possible to trace the beginning of the 2000 years back to the crucifixion of Jesus? You may want to minus 7 years for tribulation, so 2011 would be the start of the tribulation whereas also 2011 would also be the restoration of Israel. Also many, including you also go by the Jewish calendar. I heard that this calendar may be inaccurate if you figure these calculations in with the original Biblical calendar? I believe it could be possible to tie in your calculation of 2018 with Hosea 6:1-2 and find when the restoration of Israel begins. Could this some way be possible? Thank you, and God bless?

Answer…………There is no magic formula, at least that I am aware of for calculating the time of the Tribulation. It is true that the Hosea prophecy relative to 2000 years is associated with the rebirth of Israel. (Hosea 6:1-2 Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.) We have plenty of signs that God has already begun the Divine process of restoring Israel. For this very reason, Israel has become a stumbling stone in the world, and will soon endure the prophesied “Time of Jacobs Trouble”. I would emphasize also within this subject matter the prophecy contained in the vision of Ezekiel's “Valley of dry Bones.” First we see Israel restored physically (1948), then afterwards God breaths the breath of life into that restored body. These are two distinct and different occasions in the national life of Israel. (physical life and spiritual life) These are parallel to the prophecy of Jesus in Matthew 24 which state that the generation that witnessed the restoration of Israel would not pass away until all these things were fulfilled. Israel will experience that Divine spiritual rebirth at the end of the tribulation. (Zechariah 12:10) It is true that the year 2003 would be exactly 2000 years since the crucifixion, provided the year 32AD is legitimate. In the end analysis, it is pointless and I truly believe even impossible to try to calculate the exact day/month/year for any of these prophecies. The Lord has given us sufficient information to know that the “season” for his return is nigh, even very near! I believe that the 2018 and 2011 year speculations are helpful approximations, but when we get right down to it, and apply the 1000 years is as a day principle for God, (Psalms 90:4, II Peter 3:8) parallel, a few years to us here on the earth is but a mere few moments in a day for God. The Day of the Lord is Imminent!

Question # 144..(03-21-03) When do you think the battle Gog and Magog takes place? And in the midst of every thing that is going on in the middle-east do you believe that the battle of Gog/Magog could soon take place? With France and Russia objecting to our (USA) actions it makes it questionable! Of course Iran isn't with us either and aren't those the nations mentioned in the battle of Gog/Magog? It seems to me that the Gog/Magog war is a mysterious war! Who do you think are the nations mentioned in that battle? Thank you and God Bless You!

Answer………The terms of Gog and Magog are often steeped in mystery, and it is a confusing subject. But the best way to remove that veil of mystery is to review the origin of those names. Gog and Magog are names that originate in Genesis. (Genesis 10:1-5 Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.) Magog was the second son of Japheth and a grandson of Noah. The descendants of Magog are mentioned in Ezekiel. 38:2, and are probably people who came to reside in northern and southern Asia. The Jewish historian Josephus, as well as many other historians have, identified these people as the Scythians, or the tribes north of the Caucasus Mountains, who were infamous for their barbaric methods of warfare. The prophet Ezekiel conveys the prophecy regarding the many allies of Magog in the last days when that power comes against Israel. (Ezekiel 38:1-4 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, 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 armor, 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.

Gog is simply the symbolic name of the leader of Magog. Gog is an anti-Christian leader who will be historically motivated to lead his people against the Christian world, and ultimately against Israel. Gog is identified further as the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Meshech and Tubal are names associated with two regions of modern Russia, and still carries derivative language names according to lingual analysis experts. (Moscow and Tobalsk)

Is the time near for the battle in which Gog will lead the allies of Magog into the Middle East, and against Israel? Yes, I absolutely believe that we are nearing that event. One of the allies of Russia in the invasion upon Israel is Persia, which is indeed Iran. Russia is even now forging a military relationship with Iran, and helping Iran develop nuclear weapons. Russia is also furious with the West over the contentious issue of oil reserves in Iraq and the Caspian Sea, which borders Iran. Russia will eventually come against the Western dominion of the Antichrist during the later phase of the Tribulation era, which will convulse eventually into Armageddon. We are informed by Daniel of this scenario. (Daniel 11:44 But tidings out of the east (China-Kings of the East) and out of the north (Gog-Magog/Perisa) shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.)

The reason for so much confusion on this topic is because of another reference in Revelation about another world-wide eruption, involving the names of Gog and Magog. These names serve as a prophetic paradigm. After the 1000 year reign of Christ on this earth, Satan will be loosed from his confinement in the bottom-less pit to go forth and deceive the nations (all of them) once again. (Revelation 20:7-8 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.) The reference doesn't end with Gog-Magog. It includes the nations of the entire earth. Gog and Magog, through its historical anti-Christian activities have become names that symbolize the world's insane (devilish) hatred for Gods people. Just as Babylon has become a name that has come to symbolize the religious perversion of this world, Gog-Magog will come to symbolize the madness-insanity of the nations of the world. (Jeremiah 51:7 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.)

Question # 145…..(03-28-03) I visited this site for the first time today. I read the question and answer section with interest. I love prophecy and watching it unfold. I have a question. In the news I read discussion about setting up a new government for Iraq once Saddam is overthrown. Since the USA would be despised if she colonizes Iraq, a leader must be found from among the Iraqi people, a leader who can bring peace to that country. After reading this article, I thought about the fact that present day Iraq is yesterday's Babylon. Do you believe by appointing this supposedly peace-seeking leader that it could instate the anti-Christ?

Answer…………First of all, I want to thank you for visiting Focus on Jerusalem and for submitting a question for discussion. Bible prophecy is indeed exciting and certainly more relevant today than ever before. America is greatly despised in the Arab world, and will continue to be despised regardless of what transpires in Iraq. The Bush Middle East Doctrine, relative both to Iraq (regime change) and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (two-State solution) is founded upon the geo-political ideology that the establishment of democracies in these two territories will build a political environment that will be better suited to sustain an overall Middle East peace process. The Bush Doctrine, although pragmatic fails to ascertain that Islam and terrorism are closely aligned, and crosses all borders in the Middle East. The problem for Arab/Islamic world and the terrorists is simply the existence of the State of Israel. Iraq is indeed the modern bounds of ancient Babylon, and it is certainly playing an intriguing role in events today. Iraq is not a major player during the Tribulational era, but the events now in Iraq do have a side-link to Bible Prophecy in the Last Days. (Point # 1…Iraq is not mentioned as being among the allies of Russia in Ezekiel 38, in the Russian assault on Israel, (as Iran is) therefore Iraq must have been subdued previously.) (Point # 2…Syria is likewise not associated in the Gog ally group, but is indirectly referred to with regard to the Golan Heights.) (mountains of Israel-Ezek. 38:8) Therefore it may be asserted that the Iraq-Syria terrorist infrastructure has met with a hammer-hit by the West prior to the great Russian invasion. I don't believe that any future ruler in Iraq will be the Antichrist, but I do believe that a Western tolerated/acceptable leadership in Iraq and in the new State of Palestine will serve the geo-political interests of the Antichrist. It will serve his interests by allowing him a window of opportunity to successfully craft a peace-with-security pact between Israel and the Arab world!

Question # 146….(03-28-03) Is Saddam Hussein the Antichrist?

Answer…………Saddam Hussein is not the Antichrist. Saddam meets some of the requirements for the Antichrist, but he doesn't even come close to meeting all of the prophesied attributes of the Antichrist. Daniel chapter eleven describes the Antichrist obtaining his Last Days kingdom through peace craft. Saddam Hussein can't even remotely be construed as a mimicker of peace-craft. (Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.) The eventual Antichrist will talk peace, preach peace, and ultimately succeed in implementing a peace process in the Middle East. There are many, many other characteristics whereby Saddam Hussein fails to meet the criteria and traits of the Antichrist, but I think the mere fact that he is a blatant unabashed warmonger reveals that he could never be misconstrued as a mimicker of world peace.

Question # 147….(03-30-03) Do you believe that Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 could be prophecy telling about the current Iraq war? Is it possible that the destruction of Babylon in these prophecies is the destruction of Baghdad/Iraq? And are the Medes mentioned in Jeremiah the Kurds of northern Iraq?

Answer…………. Jeremiah chapters 46 through 51 are prophetic paradigms, much like the Olivet Discourse of Jesus. Much of the prophecy in Jeremiah has been fulfilled with the historic destruction of ancient Babylon by the Medes (Darius) and (Cyrus) the Persians. (537-536BC) But there is still much from these ancient prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah regarding Babylon that is still yet to occur in the future, and probably very soon. The current American led campaign into Iraq may or may not be directly related to these prophecies. It is still too soon to make that determination. However we do know for sure that the geographical area of the Euphrates River plays a big role in the events of the Tribulation. Jeremiah chapters 25:32, 50:40-42, 46:10, and Isaiah 13 all convey that the Lord will lay a device for the nations entrapment around the Euphrates River. All of these prophecies are relative to the coming “Day of the Lord”, or the Tribulation era, (not the ancient destruction of Old Babylon) climaxing in the Armageddon confrontation surrounding Israel. There is a great deal of complex and detailed prophecy on this subject that I could include here, but let me alert you to a soon coming article on this subject entitled, “Babylon Comes in Remembrance”. (also: The Bush Middle East Doctrine) As for the embattled Kurdish people, they are not the ancient Medes.

Question # 148….(04-07-03) Is the Palestinian/State peace roadmap plan of President Bush and the Quartet to take place by 2005? If so is that a sign of the end times being really soon, and will that lead us to the Gog /Magog war against Israel?

Answer………….Yes, the much publicized and promoted Quartet (EU, UN, Russia, and US sponsored) Peace Roadmap is soon slated to be published and galvanized upon the Middle East parties of Israel and the Palestinians, and probably in the aftermath of the Iraq war. That peace roadmap calls for the establishment of a new Palestinian State in the West Bank by 2005, provided that the Palestinians clamp down on terrorism (and remove Yasser Arafat as leader) and provided that Israel remove constructed settlements in the West Bank and ceases to build more. There will probably a lot of geo-political brinksmanship within the EU and the UN that will have to be navigated after the Iraq war. Therein lies a recipe for danger, not to mention the fact that Yasser Arafat will still be around to wreak havoc on the whole process. Thirdly, there is the extreme potential that the Syrian-Iranian backed terrorist organizations will still prove to be a disturbing side-track to the implementation of the Peace Roadmap. This particular peace roadmap is not necessarily a sign that we stand at the precipice of the Rapture and the Tribulation, (Gog/Magog, etc) however it certainly does reflect the fact that we are heading in that direction and going full throttle. Time and events will tell if this new peace roadmap is the actual Covenant of the Antichrist. We will just have to keep watching, and praying and looking up!

Question # 149….(04-07-03) Darrell, what is your take on the scriptures in Isaiah chapter 13 as it relates to current events in Iraq and the Middle East and also to Bible prophecy as a whole?

Answer………….Isaiah chapter thirteen deals with the perpetual burden of Babylon. Many historians and Bible eschatologists believe that this prophetic chapter is entirely past history. While some of it has indeed already passed into the pages of history with the ancient destruction of Babylon under Belshazzar at the hands of the Medes and Persians, there yet remains some unfinished business with Babylon. However, I do not concur with the rebuilding of Babylon (a new Iraqi city) theory. I fully realize that Jeremiah foretold that Babylon would meet a total destruction and never again see an inhabitant. That prophecy was only symbolically and partially enacted on the Euphrates River city over 2500+ years ago. It is important to remember that Babylon the Great symbolizes the utopian city of mankind. The term Babylon is synonymous with an urban ideological concept to unite mankind under one geo-political, religious, economic, and global peace-security umbrella. Nimrod was the first Antichrist prototype that led that endeavor. The setting for the coming judgment against Babylon, and ominously connected to current events not only in Iraq, but throughout the world, is revealed in verses nine and thirteen. (Isaiah 13:9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.) (Isaiah 13:13

Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.) The “Day of the Lord” is synonymous with the Tribulation era, or Time of Jacobs Trouble. The future destruction of Babylon referred to in these passages and specifically in verse 19 comes after Israel is restored to the Promised Land, and in the war culminating with Armageddon. (Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.) Revelation 16:19 coupled with Revelation 17:1-5 and Revelation 18:1-3 indicate that the Antichrist, together with his Global empire, an empire built upon a false Covenant with Israel will be destroyed by Jesus Christ when he returns in the end-times scenario prophesied in Daniel 2:32-44.

Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. God's Divine mindset is to reserve/recall the evil perversion, religious paganism, and global rebellion fostered at Babel and pour out his wrath upon the whole Satanic inspired system at Armageddon.

Question # 150….(04-07-03) I would like to know who you think Babylon the Great is in Revelation? There are many beliefs. I've heard Jerusalem, Rome, America, Iraq/Baghdad, the revived Roman Empire in the form of the EU maybe as the 4th Reich, even London so it becomes very confusing! Many compare Jeremiah 50, and 51 with Revelation 18:9 and Babylon the great! And some say all three chapters concern Iraq. But I've also seen others that say they all three relate but they relate to the destruction of America! It seems all people are not on the same page! I often wonder and think Nebuchadnezzar was former king of Iraq Babylon and I often ask myself this question, why would God give Nebuchadnezzar the vision of the end. Maybe there is reasoning behind why! It makes you think maybe Iraq does play a very important role in the end times! What do you think? God Bless you and Jesus is coming soon!

Answer…………Yes, there certainly are a lot of propositions concerning Babylon the Great, and it indeed causes a lot of confusion. Some of my views on this subject were incorporated in the reply to question 149 above. Basically, I do not proscribe to the theory that any particular existing city, such as the ones you mentioned constitutes the city of Babylon the Great. I believe that Babylon the Great of Revelation 18 is a universal city, and by that I mean that it is a utopian global village that mankind has been endeavoring to construct in our world since the fall of Babel. The concept at Babel was to bring the whole world together under a collective rainbow of religious unity and tolerance, global economics, and global government, and provided a universal peace by the security mechanisms under Nimrod. (Genesis 11:4-6 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.) Babylon the Great is basically the “city of man”, or the utopian symbolical city of Satan. Babylon the Great stands in direct contrast to the “city of God,” which is the New Jerusalem! The great whore identified under the label, “Mystery,” and working coherently within Babylon the great was reviewed by John in Revelation 17 and is the universal religious cohort of the secular-political global city of man. The Old Testament scriptures regarding the cataclysmic destruction of Babylon had prophetic parameters in the destruction of ancient Babylon, but they also have future prophetic parameters that will culminate on the great and terrible “Day of the Lord”. The world has endeavored for thousands of years through political/economic/governmental and religious experimentation to erect an urban paradise on earth without submitting to the law and word of God. Man because of his fallen nature, and recruitment into the great Satanic conspiracy has constantly from generation to generation tinkered with humanistic methods designed by Satan to construct a city that has no need for Jehovah. (Jeremiah 51:53 Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall spoilers come unto her, saith the Lord.) Babylon the Great is not Rome, London, New York, Moscow, or even a refurbished Baghdad, or even a new Babylon on the Euphrates River in Iraq. Babylon the Great is the antithesis of the New Jerusalem, the Heavenly city of God, a city prepared as a Bride for her Husband, a city whose builder and maker is God Almighty!

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