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We are a Christian Fellowship meeting in North London with a strong interest in teaching the Bible and understanding our time in
the light of Bible prophecy
War on terrorism - moving to the end times
'It will be a terror just to understand the report (the news).' Isaiah 28.19 NKJV.
There can be no doubt that the world changed on September 11th. The results
of this act of terror, watched by people all over the world on TV, will continue to
have profound effects on all nations in a way which must bring us closer to the
final events of this age prophesied in the scriptures. Some observations about
this are as follows:
US intelligence has been fearing a major terrorist attack for some time.
Exercises carried out in the summer simulated attacks bringing the country
to its knees in a matter of weeks. While America is known as the world's
'super power' it is clear from what has happened that it is also extremely
vulnerable. The collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre is not
the fulfilment of the 'fall of Babylon' in Revelation 18, but it is certainly a vivid
picture of the world trading system collapsing in a moment of time.
The immediate reaction to what happened has been a coming together of the
nations to fight terrorism. Talk of the 'The New World Order', which we
first heard at the time of the Gulf War, has become relevant once again. An
external enemy is bringing the nations together to act as one. Who would
have thought we would see the day when the Russian government would offer
bases in the territory of the former Soviet Union to US armed forces? If the
action is successful it will be another step in the coming together of a global
government to manage the world system and combat threats to world
peace and security (Revelation 13).
Despite the opposition of many people in the streets, the governments of
Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and even Iran are at present
being supportive of the action being taken by the West. The price tag they
demand for their cooperation is that the USA changes its policy towards
Israel and Jerusalem (Zechariah 12). The West is likely to submit to their
demands because they fear the possible consequences of anger in the street
causing the overthrow of friendly Muslim governments. In particular the fall
of the government of Pakistan to Islamic radicals would be a catastrophe as
Pakistan is a nuclear power. An even greater catastrophe would be the fall
of Saudi Arabia with its vast oil wealth and control of the oil supply. On
the other hand the victory of the moderate forces in Iran led by President
Khatami would be a valuable prize in the battle against Islamic radicalism.
It is probable that the responsibility for the attack on the USA goes far
beyond the Bin Laden terror network. If the action is limited to Afghanistan
and Bin Laden, and the terror networks of Iraq, Hezbollah and the
Palestinian groups are left intact, there is no doubt that Israel will
sooner or later face a huge attack threatening its existence. With much of
the western media repeating the lie that Israel, rather than the lack of
justice and human rights in the Arab world, is the main cause of all the
problems in the Middle East, Israel would be left alone to face this foe.
Only God would be able to save Israel from this assault (Psalm 83, Ezekiel 38-9).
The world economic system is already in trouble. This disaster in the
heartland of US capitalism with its global connections has already caused
economic shock waves and could lead to a world wide crisis. On the other
hand if the action against terrorism is successful this could lead to a
renewal of confidence and a brief time of recovery in which people think
there is 'peace and safety' before 'sudden destruction' comes (1 Thessalonians 5.3).
All around the world measures are being taken to increase security. On the
back of these measures we can expect to see powers being given to the
authorities which will lead to a loss of general liberty and freedom of
expression. Most people would support measures like the compulsory identity
card being considered by our government. This will lead to another major
step on the way to the kind of controlled society which the Bible describes
in the last days (Revelation 13.16-18).
Many people in the world are blaming 'religious fundamentalism' for the
crisis. This is leading to increasing demands for all religions to sink
their differences and come together in a global religion seeking peace and
tolerance. Moderate Muslims too could be willing to join this wishing to
distance themselves from the dangerous radicals. This could lead to a brief
window of opportunity to evangelise the Muslim world by Christians. But
within this religious 'tolerance' there would also be intolerance for those
who proclaim that there is only one way to God through repentance and faith
in Jesus the Messiah. Christians who warn against globalism and the 'New
World Order' bringing in the Antichrist would be considered dangerous
fanatics who are a threat to the peace (Revelation 17).
Most Christians are totally unprepared for what is coming and have little or
no knowledge of Bible prophecy. As a result they will have no relevant
message to bring to the world, and some will question their faith as world
events go from bad to worse. But the people who do know the Lord and what
his word says will 'be strong and do exploits' (Daniel 11.32).
Jesus said that in the last days before his return there will be the
'distress of nations in perplexity' as men's hearts will be fainting from
fear at what is coming on the world. He also said that true believers should
not despair, but 'stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption
is drawing near.' 'At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a
cloud with power and great glory.' (Luke 21.25-28).
