Do You Discern Any Signs of the Times?

Frequently we are asked this question. Discerning students of prophecy realize that between now and the Rapture, when Christ returns for the believers and takes them to the Father’s House (John 14:1-4), no prophecy needs to be fulfilled. But as one observes the religious and political scene of the world today, it becomes apparent that events predicted for the tribulation period which follows the Rapture already cast their long shadow.

We noted in the Spring 2003 SEED that by the signs of the times we mean extraordinary world events pointing to the fulfillment of prophecy in the near future. Our discussion centered on three signs of the times:

1. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948,

2. The existence of a European union since the 1950’s

and

3. Tthe emergence of the ecumenical movement with the foundation of the World Council of Churches in Amsterdam in 1948.

Two additional signs of the times deserve our close attention:

4. The exertion of Russia.

The Prophet Ezekiel predicts a Russian invasion of Israel in the battle of Gog and Magog (Ez. 38-39), which we believe will take place in the middle of the tribulation. Ezekiel foretells a decimation of the invaders through eight distinct divine judgments. The reasons for the invasion are spelled out in Ezekiel 38:10-12 and involves Russia’s hatred for Israel, a desire for Israel’s riches, and an effort to gain a strategic position in that area of the world.

Interestingly, since Israel became a nation in 1948 (and Russia a world power in 1949), the Arabs have launched five wars against this fledgling nation to exterminate it. In each case the Russians have supplied arms and military advisors to the enemies of Israel.

While Russia is not openly under Communist control at present, the situation could change very suddenly and drastically. Russia’s head of state is Putin, a former KGB officer.

Furthermore, the intensification of anti-Semitism in Russia, its territorial ambitions and the discernible consolidation of power by the hardliners could easily lead to the volatile situation described by Ezekiel. Thus far the Arabs have waged five proxy wars against Israel. A direct attack by Russia on Israel is not just predicted but, since 1949, very possible.

5. The endeavors of the UNO (The United Nations Organization), established in San Francisco in 1945, assumes the role of a supra-nation government.

The world has witnessed its reed for power (but also its dereliction of duty) in the recent Iraq war. The UNO makes no secret of its aim to establish a one-world government. Prophetically, this will take place after the Rapture. During the first three and one-half years of the tribulation Antichrist will revive the ancient Roman Empire as he exerts his rule over a ten-nation confederacy (Dan. 7:24). For the last half of the tribulation he is absolute world ruler, empowered by Satan, demanding everyone’s political allegiance and religious worship (Rev. 13:1-10). In effect, the UNO will see its dream fulfilled in the autocratic rule of the pseudo-christ.

Signs of the times abound. Russia’s efforts to gain influence in the near East and the establishment of the UNO with its agenda for world rule gives us reason to believe that the Rapture, preceding the culmination of these trends, may be very soon.

© Manfred E Kober