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Pt. 1 The Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar: God's Festivals
2009-2012
Divine Dates of End-time Disaster &
Deliverance; Ancient Hebrew Prophecies
The Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar is a template for the future fulfillment
of final events, and represents a potential fulfillment period. Only God
knows! However, current events are pointing toward Middle East war and
military showdown with Iran, leading to terrible devastation in Jerusalem, the
taking away of daily worship at the Western Wall & Temple Mount, World War III
and nuclear holocaust. To get a printable copy of the Hebrew Calendar for
the potential fulfillment period--years 2009-2012,
click here.
Ominous storm clouds are
gathering on the horizon, and we do not have much time left to put our house in
order and to spiritually prepare for the tumult about to break upon mankind as
an overwhelming surprise. Now is the time to put our complete trust (and the
lives of our family members) in Yeshua--Jesus, our Savior, and to follow His
spiritual roadmap—God’s Ancient Hebrew Calendar, to the Promised Land.
Although the celebration dates
on the Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar are easily obtained from Jewish
sources, for your convenience a listing of
God's Festivals
is available here online. You can count the days, one by one, and see for
yourself how the prophetic timelines align between God’s
Festivals on the Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar.
The alignment between the
prophetic timelines and Festivals is nothing less than miraculous, considering
the Holy Days fluctuate annually. The Hebrew Calendar begins with the
winter, spring and summer seasonal celebrations of Shushan Purim (Jerusalem’s
celebration date for Purim) ,
Passover (Pesach),
Pentecost (Shavuot)
and Tisha B’Av,
and ends three and one-half (3½) years later at the autumn season
celebrations of the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah),
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
and Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
The Scriptural references on the
Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar show where the timelines are found in the
prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation--"seventy 'sevens'"--490
days, "2300 evenings and mornings"--1150
days,
"time, times and a
half"--1260
days,
1290 days
and
1335 days) directly connect to the often-repeated 1260 days (3
1/2 years) found in the book of Revelation. In addition the 3 1/2 days of Daniel
(9:27)--"the
middle of the week" and the 3 1/2 days of Revelation (11:9-11),
when added to the longer 3 1/2 year period, reveal a prophetic time chart
that both begins and ends with God's Festivals. The Hebrew Calendar
demonstrates the connection between the prophetic timelines and Hebrew
celebration dates, which God foreordained for His divine purposes.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the
disciples were told, “it is not for you to know the times or dates [“times or
the seasons”—K.J.V.] the Father has set by His own authority,” (Acts
1:7). However, the last generation, those alive at the end of the age, is
promised an “unsealing”
and increase of knowledge into the spiritual prophecies, and a new-found
realization of just how and when final events will transpire.
Messiah warned, in clear
lines in His Word and through His prophets, that worldwide tragedies will
escalate quickly to initiate the end of time with wars, holocaust, natural
disasters such as earthquakes and famine, diseases and supernatural sky events. Calamities on land and
sea will increase with an overwhelming surprise, striking fear in the hearts of
God's people, the church and the world. God's Festivals are the landmarks
of time and a luminous guide to help the saints past the many deceptions offered
by men and demons alike. In the midst of fear and tragedy, God promises
peace. The saints must wait patiently for the coming Messiah, for "it is
better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man,"
Psalm 118:8.
"The coming of the
lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds
of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that
deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the
truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so
that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not
believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness,"
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. Satan cannot stop it; religious leaders, and
political and military might cannot alter or extinguish it. The oracles of
God will be fulfilled on time and according to His appointed schedule, and the
end will come quickly. Look up dear saints, keep the faith with patience
and do not despair, for your redemption draws nigh! "If serving the LORD seems
undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD,"
Joshua
24:15.
Almighty God offers to mankind
a Hebrew Calendar of end-time events known in the Bible as the “times and
seasons” or “times and dates.” Students of prophecy can understand the
Creator’s plan as to how and when final events will come to pass if they are
willing to investigate and learn. “The heart of the discerning acquires
knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out,” (Proverbs 18:15).
John
the Revelator describes his vision of the Son of Man, who was found worthy to
open a sealed scroll. He was “dressed in a robe reaching down to His
feet and with a golden sash around His chest… and His eyes were like
blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His
voice was like the sound of rushing waters… His face was like the sun
shining in all its brilliance,” (Revelation 1:13-16). A few centuries
earlier, Daniel was introduced to a Messenger who locked Daniel’s scroll until
the days of the unsealing. His characteristics were like that of John’s
Messenger: Jehovah Sabaoth*
was “dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around His
waist. His body was like chrysolite, His face like lightning, His eyes
like flaming torches, His arms and legs like the gleam of
burnished bronze, and His voice like the sound of a multitude,”
(Daniel 10:5-6). Daniel was told later in the vision that what the Messenger
was about to seal and hide, He would reveal at the end of time. The prophet was
told that “many will go here and there to increase knowledge” in the last days,
and the “wise will understand” the book of Daniel
(Daniel 12:4,10).
* Jehovah Sabaoth; “Sabaoth literally means “mass together” or “assemble”;
translated about 250 times in the Old Testament as “the LORD of Hosts”; the
Caption of myriad angelic beings whom He can assemble together to do His
bidding; LORD of the armies of Heaven
How
do we uncover God’s end-time plan? First, Heaven must be ready to unseal it and
reveal it. Without divine consent, our efforts would be fruitless. Second, we
realize prophecy should be studied, first and foremost, to seek the literal
intent of the language of the day in which it was penned; that is to say, we
look for the straightforward meaning before conceding to any figurative
interpretation. Third, we recognize that Daniel’s prophecies and timelines
speak as much about the end as John’s Revelation visions and timelines. In
other words, we do not relegate Daniel’s visions to historical events and
periods of the past, as commonly taught, but rather we apply them to the world
about us today. Fourth, with this knowledge, we merge the events and timelines
of both Daniel and Revelation into one collective account of end-time events.
Fifth, we recognize the connection between the combined time periods and God’s
Festivals still observed today. In this regard, the Appointed Times & Seasons
Calendar portrays the merged prophecies of Daniel and Revelation as they line up
between God’s Festivals; it is a visual aid in understanding the precision by
which end-time events will unfold at specific times both in Heaven and on earth.
In
the account recorded in Matthew 24:3-31, Jesus portrayed end-time events in
their chronological order. The apocalyptic book of Revelation, combined with
the prophecies of Daniel, adds clarity to the events of the final conflict of
which Jesus spoke. God’s Word is inspired by one divine source—the Holy
Spirit. Therefore, both Daniel and Revelation accounts will coincide with the
predictions revealed by Jesus on the Mount of Olives as recorded in the Gospel
accounts.
Daniel 8:17-19 indicates events will occur at the “appointed time,” on specific
dates which the Creator has predetermined and prearranged. Daniel is told his
visions would be sealed until the “time of the end,” (Daniel 12:4, 6-13).
However, Michael promises that those who are wise will understand much about
the final conflict and how it will unfold. This is accomplished by aligning the
time periods of prophecy—the 490 days, 1,150 days, 1,260 days, 1,290 days and
1,335 days, including the three and one-half (3 ½) days of Daniel 9:27 and
Revelation 11:7-12—into one sequential chart. Once this is done, the chart is
placed between God’s rehearsals introduced in Leviticus 23 to prove both their
authenticity and reliability.
Adonai established His seasonal Holy Days thousands of years ago, and the
Israelites kept these dates with the Almighty through the centuries. Yeshua
observed them. Judaism, Messianic Jews and limited groups of Gentiles continue
to honor them today. Leviticus 23:4 says the “LORD’s appointed feasts” were to
be proclaimed at their “appointed times.” Psalm 81:3-5 (KJV) demonstrates the
“time appointed” relates to the “solemn feast day[s].” In Colossians
2:16-17, Paul declared the holy days “are a shadow of things that were to come”
at the end of time; “the reality [fulfillment]... is found in Christ” just
preceding and at His coming.
In
Acts 1:7, Jesus told His disciples of the first century, “it is not for you to
know the times or dates [“seasons,” KJV] the Father has set
by His own authority.” In other words, it was not for that generation to know
the great delay or final unsealing of prophecy. Paul restates this to the early
church in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 when he said it was not for them to know the “time
and dates,” which even if he could have known, would expose the long
delay. Nevertheless, Paul clearly connects the “times and dates” to the “Day of
the LORD,” the day of “destruction” from which the wicked “will not escape.”
The
believers of the first century could not know the end-time Festival dates set by
the Father, which would have certainly discouraged them. However, the final
generation of human history will not be left “in darkness so that this day [of
destruction of the wicked] should surprise [them] like a thief” (1 Thessalonians
5:4). Storm clouds and winds of strife are gathering, ready to burst upon
mankind. Devastation and death will escalate, and with it, spiritual interest
will intensify. Knowledge of God’s prophetic Word must, and will, increase.
Heaven’s promises are sure. Ephesians 1:9-10 says the mystery of God’s will is
to bring to completion His plan, “to put into effect when the times [and
dates] will have reached their fulfillment” to bring all things together under
one head, Christ.
Revelation 13:7-8 declares, “Authority was given him [Antichrist] over every
tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him,
whose names have not been written in the Book of Life.” This is a dreadful
reality. All nations will succumb to the false Christian teachings that
will enthrall the planet—Americans, Africans, Europeans, Asians, Russians; no
peoples are excluded. Many governmental leaders, pastors, priests, rabbis,
mullahs and countless citizens will submit to the impostor. Trickery plays no
favorites. There is plenty of satanic delusion for the billions who live around
the globe.
The
ancient Hebrew prophecies and God’s Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar can play
a vital role in leading the saints through the great deceptions that will engulf
our planet. The prophetic messages will also encourage the last-day devotees as
they face betrayal, hatred and death. Jesus warned His followers to stand firm
amid apostasy: “Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and
hate each other, and many false [religious--Jeremiah 14:14; Matthew 24:11, 24]
prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of
wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end
will be saved,” (Matthew 24:11-13). Even in the middle of great turmoil, while
the “times and dates” are being fulfilled, many saints and sinners alike will
not accept that we are living in the numbered days which the ancient prophecies
foretold long ago (1 Thessalonians
5:1-3).
Despite the evidence, and ignoring the prophetic warnings, the masses will be
“eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day [of
destruction],” (Matthew 24:38).
God’s kingdom and eternal dominion is at hand, and Satan’s anger is aroused;
therefore, our faith will be tested beyond measure. However, the Merciful One
has a set time limit that Antichrist and the demonic powers are allowed to
rule. Above the river, symbolizing His control over all peoples and nations,
Michael swore with a divine oath on the name of the eternal Creator that “it
will be for a time [one year], times [two years] and half a time [half a year].
When the power of the holy people has been finally broken [by trial, persecution
and death], all these things will be completed,” (Daniel 12:7).
A
Court of Judgment will be called into session in Heaven: “As I looked, thrones
were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as
white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming
with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming
out from before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times
ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were
opened,” (Daniel 7:9-10).
At
the end of the drama, Antichrist will be stripped of his authority. In turn,
Messiah will be “given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples,
nations and languages should serve Him,” (Daniel 7:14). “I watched, this horn
was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days
came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the
time came when they possessed the kingdom,” (Daniel 7:21-22).
Return to Calendar
Pt. 2
PERSIAN GULF WAR CONFLICTS: Iraq, Iran & the
Beginning of Sorrows
Iraq’s defeat by the American-led coalition commenced on March 19, 2003, at
Shushan Purim—the day Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem. Triumph over
neighboring Iran by Western powers has also long been predicted in Daniel
8:1-8. In fact, this Persian Gulf conflict with old Persia seems to be the catalyst that
sets in motion a torrent of end-time disasters, which follow in quick
succession.
The
prophet Daniel was taken into vision “in the province of Elam; in the vision I
was beside the Ulai Canal (8:2),” which is in the Iran, Iraq and Kuwait region
near the Persian Gulf. Daniel “looked up, and there before me was a [Islamic]
Ram with two horns [two countries—Iraq and Iran], standing beside the canal, and
the horns were long [two prominent Islamic nations in the Gulf region]. One of
the horns [Iran] was longer [geographically bigger/stronger] than the other and
grew up later… suddenly a Goat [Western powers] with a prominent horn between
his eyes [America] came from the west, crossing the whole earth [a great
distance] without touching the ground [with speed]. He came toward the
two-horned [Iraq and Iran Islamic] Ram I had seen standing beside the canal and
charged at him in great rage. I saw him attack the [Islamic] Ram furiously,
striking the Ram and shattering his two horns [Iraq and Iran]. The [Islamic]
Ram was powerless to stand against him; the Goat [from the West] knocked him
[Islamic Ram] to the ground and trampled on him, and no one could rescue the Ram
from his power. The [Western] Goat became very great, but at the height of his
power his large horn [America] was broken off, and in its place four prominent
horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven [dispersed in all directions of
the globe],” (Daniel 8:3-8).
Some
people believe the Ram and Goat confrontation of Daniel 8 occurred long before
the birth of Jesus, and therefore has nothing at all to do with our modern
world. However, Daniel was told in no uncertain terms, “the vision” of war
concerns “the appointed time of the end” (Daniel 8:19). These Persian
Gulf regional clashes, Iraq’s defeat followed by Iran’s demise, set the stage
for a wider Middle East war, the last days and the fulfillment of God’s end-time
Calendar.
Gabriel explains the vision of war to the prophet Daniel later in the chapter
(Daniel 8:15-17).
He is told the conflict involves Media (modern-day Iraq) and
Persia (modern-day Iran),
which two horns sit atop the Islamic “Ram”. Iraq is overcome first, followed by
Iran. Daniel said, “One of the horns was longer than the other [Iran is larger
geographically, and stronger than Iraq] but grew up later [meaning, the Iranian
confrontation would follow some time after the Iraqi overthrow],” (8:3).
Centuries ago, Bible translators connected the confronting “Goat” to “Greece”;
however, the Hebrew word interpreted as Greece is “Yawan” (“Javan”).
Javan was one of the sons of Japheth (Genesis 10:2),
and at the writing of Daniel, Javan implied regional powers from the west,
rather than a specific nation. Furthermore, Daniel’s vision involves events at
the “time of the end,” so it must be applied to modern times. Javan, the
Western powers, is said to have a prominent horn—the first king (United
States). Prophecy indicates the Goat will defeat the two-horned (Iraq/Iran)
Islamic Ram. Nevertheless, the prominent horn (America) will quickly be “broken
off,” indicating her loss of world dominance. In its place, four major power
bases will emerge—the New World Order. From one of these horns of power
(Western European Union) the “little horn”—literally the smallest nation in the
world (0.2 square miles)—will gain worldwide supremacy. The “stern-faced king,
a master of intrigue" (Daniel 8:23)
who blasphemes the Holy One of Israel and persecutes the true believers, will
emerge from the vestiges of darkness to rule with great authority.
Civilization originated in the Middle East, and the end of civilization as we
know it will begin there. Global tensions have been escalating in the last two
decades. The U.S.-NATO-Israeli alliance will
overthrow Iran, enraging Islam and her
allies—the Chinese-Russian-Iranian coalition. Israel and Syria will clash. The
Russian Bear will attack (Daniel 7:5)
with overwhelming force, devastating three countries in Western Europe. Once
nuclear armaments are unleashed, mayhem and global holocaust will spiral out of
control. America will falter and collapse and this once powerful nation will
lose her prodigious superpower status.
In
Daniel’s fourth and final vision, Heaven’s messenger offers additional details
about the Persian Gulf battle with Iran that will ignite end-time events (Daniel
11:1-2). The
participants and events parallel Daniel 8: Persia (Iran), Greece (“Javan”-
Western powers), a confrontation (Gulf War), a mighty king and empire (America)
which will be “broken,” and her once formidable military and economic strength
will be parceled out to the “four winds”—an enormous geographical area.
Daniel writes that in the “latter days” (10:14) there will emerge in Persia
(Iran) “three kings” (or, rulers—11:2). However, the “fourth” ruler will stir
up the Iranians against the “realm of Grecia [the Western nations].” Persia,
whose name was changed to “Iran” in 1935, was ruled for a long time by shahs—the
monarchs of Iran. However, a political revolution overthrew the monarchy, and
the Islamic Republic was established in Iran on April 1, 1979. A
Constitution of the Islamic Republic was approved by national referendum in
December, 1979. Iran now had elected leadership, a clear transition from
the past. This ushered in the conditions for the end-time predictions of Daniel
11 to become reality. One key religious leader in the development of the
Islamic Republic became the fourth and one of the most influential leaders in
Iran—the wealthy Hojatolislam Ali Alvar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Daniel predicted both his riches and his reign: “Three more kings
[rulers] will appear in Persia [Iran], and then a fourth [Rafsanjani], who will
be far richer than all the others [previous leaders]. When he has gained
power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of
Greece [Javan: the West].”
The first four Presidents of the Islamic
Republic are:
1st ... Abolhassan Bani-Sadr. Ruled ... 1980
- 1981
2nd ... Mahammad Ali Raja’i Ruled ... 1981
– 1981 (short-lived)
3rd ... Sayed Ali Khamenei Ruled ... 1981
- 1989
4th ...
Hojatolislam Ali Alvar Hashemi Rafsanjani Ruled…1989 – 1997
Although no longer the reigning President,
Rafsanjani, the richest mullah in Iran, has not faded into obscurity. Today,
his influence remains stronger than ever as one of the most powerful figures in
Iranian politics as head of two top clerical bodies—the Assembly of Experts and
the Expediency Council. In December, 2001, Rafsanjani openly threatened Jews
when he said a single atomic bomb has the power to completely destroy Israel,
while an Israeli counterstrike can only cause partial damage to the Islamic
world (World Tribune, December 18, 2001).
Rafsanjani, the father of Iran’s nuclear energy
program, ran again for the presidency in July, 2005, but the man he lost to,
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has continued to ratchet up messianic rhetoric, calling
into question the Holocaust and seeking the demise of Israel and America.
However, the emphasis of prophecy falls on Rafsanjani, and his powerful,
long-standing sway in Iranian politics will lead his nation to war. Some
consider him a front-runner to replace the supreme leader of Iran, Grand
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His part in the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy will
become clearer as final events begin to unfold, as well as Israel’s involvement,
if any, in initiating this conflict.
America, the prominent horn, continues to dominate Saddam’s Iraq just as the
2,000 year old prophecy predicted. In turn, the West will soon confront Iran,
the larger of the two horns (Daniel 8:1-4). Iran’s defeat is foretold, but
according to prophecy, America’s downfall as the world’s superpower will follow
shortly thereafter. The means and extent of the America’s devastation is not
spelled out in prophecy, but her military and economy will no doubt be abruptly
crushed.
Since the first strikes against Iraq began at Shushan Purim, March 19, 2003, it
is likely the second conflict with Iran may also follow this pattern and begin
at or around a Festival. We will see. “[God] gives wisdom… and knowledge to the discerning,” (Daniel
2:21b).
“The
cheerful heart has a continual feast,” says Proverbs 15:15. Judaism teaches
there are two “constants” that faithful Jews long for. First, “feasting
continually,” as illustrated in the Purim celebration, and second, the
“continual,” or “tamid offerings” offered twice daily at Jerusalem. The
joyous “feasting” over Iran’s demise and “daily” worship at Jerusalem’s Western
Wall will be stripped away by mounting disasters in Israel. Purim’s historical
significance, which originated in Iran in Esther’s day when Jews won victory
over the Persian leaders who sought their annihilation, forewarns of conflict
that will trigger final events.
The
Purim chorus is sung: “Utzu etzah, vetufar; dabru davar, velo yakum; ki
Immanuel.” It is from the Hebrew text of God's warning to the end-time
Antichrist and his allied nations, which are in partnership against God’s
people: “Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but
it will not stand, for God is with us,” (Isaiah 8:10).
Once
the Persian Gulf battle erupts and war involving Israel and other nations
escalate, we can know with certainty the appointed end-time crisis is at hand.
The Middle East will explode into a military firestorm and mass casualties of
WW III will mount. We will fear the end of civilization as we know it; but Jesus
warned, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. All these
are the beginning of birth pains,” (Matthew 24:7-8). Once ajar, the door
of prophecy can never be shut. Mayhem will reign, and the world will never be
the same.
Return to Calendar
Pt. 3
World War III: The Perfect Storm--Annihilation & Nuclear Holocaust
Earth’s powerful leaders and nations are not of their own making. The Ruler of
the Universe “sets up kings and deposes them,” (Daniel 2:21a). Daniel saw the
“four winds” or “four spirits” of Heaven stir the earth’s sea of peoples to
bring into power four prominent end-time forces (Daniel 7:2-3).
The description of the “four winds” is nothing less than a symbol for the “four
living creatures [Hayoth],” and
they stand before and surround YHVH’s throne, each with six massive,
whirlwind-producing wings (Zechariah
6:1-7). They
proclaim, “holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to
come," (Revelation 4:8)
blessed be His Name.
As the Lamb breaks the seven seals of Revelation, which help to unlock Daniel’s
sealed predictions, we discover the four animals of Daniel correspond to the
four horses of the Apocalypse (Revelation
6:1-8). How do we know? The same “four
living creatures” with their massive wings who stirred the sea that brought into
existence the four animals in the Daniel 7 vision, six hundred years later
introduced each of the four gallant governmental horses in the vision John
recorded in Revelation 6.
Consider the evidence. Daniel’s first vision, which the Holy One gave directly
to the prophet (Daniel 7:2-3, 11-12),
introduces four animal creatures whose existence leads up to the coming of
Messiah. Likewise, John’s first prophecy of earthly events parallel Daniel’s
vision, as recorded in Revelation 6:1-8. He also writes of four animal
creatures whose existence is a prelude to the coming of the triumphant King.
Showing further connection to Daniel’s visions, the individual animal creatures
of Daniel (Lion, Leopard, Bear and Beast) also show up later in Revelation
13:1-2 as combined into one unified political creature, the New World Order, out
of which Antichrist emerges into worldwide dominance (see chart, page 38).
Previously, in Point 2, we noted Daniel’s second vision in chapter 8 introduces
conflict in the Persian Gulf region, which is a prologue to WW III, nuclear
holocaust and the four horns of power out of which Antichrist emerges to rule
the world. Prophecy warns the most prominent world power (America) is “broken
off,” and in its place “four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of
heaven,” (Daniel 8:8, 22). Once again, as noted in Daniel 7, out of one of
these four major powers rises the “horn” in Western Europe from the ashes of
annihilation. The political power starts small but grows in dominance toward
the south and east, the directions where the three horns will likely be uprooted
by the Bear’s nuclear attack (Point 5), and towards Palestine, the Beautiful
Land (Daniel 8:9).
Because of its sheer size, the Russian nuclear arsenal remains the single
greatest threat to U.S. and NATO security. Russia possesses and continues to
modernize a huge nuclear arsenal—thousands of land-based intercontinental
ballistic missiles, sea-launched ballistic missiles and sea-launched cruise
missiles. Unfortunately for the West, current Russian military development
resembles that of the old Soviet Union more than a peace-loving democratic
Russia.
In a
massive build-up of military hardware that could lead to the prophetic war
foretold in Daniel 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in June 2007, that
U.S. plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe would force
Moscow to target its weapons against Europe. A month later, Moscow announced
that Putin had signed a decree suspending Russia’s participation in the 1990 CFE
treaty, a key European arms control agreement, due to “extraordinary
circumstances... which affect the security of the Russian Federation and require
immediate measures," (Russia’s
Suspension of CFE Treaty Angers NATO, July 17, 2007, Today’s Zaman).
In August, Putin
ordered strategic bombers to resume regular long-range patrols. “Russia's
decision to resume Cold War-style strategic bomber patrols confirmed it has
revived the political will and economic means to challenge U.S. global dominance
and NATO expansion with more than just rhetoric, military analysts” said
(Putin's
Bombers Challenge US Rule, August 20, 2007, The Australian).
Russia's resurgence was raising tensions
among European nations with fears of ethnic instability and border disputes,
creating divisions between the U.S. and its continental partners. In the fall
of 2007, President Putin visited Iran and pledged his support. In early
December he dispatched an 11-ship aircraft carrier group to the Mediterranean
Sea just off the European border as a first step towards re-establishing a naval
presence in the region. In January 2008, Russia's military chief of staff
announced that Moscow could use nuclear weapons in a preemptive strike in case
of a major threat, the latest in a series of aggressive remarks from
increasingly assertive Russian authorities. In response, a few days later a
report was released by former senior military officials in Europe warning that
“NATO must prepare to launch pre-emptive nuclear attacks to ward off the use of
weapons of mass destruction by its enemies,"
(NATO 'Must
Prepare to Launch Nuclear Attack', January 24, 2008, Telegraph).
“One
of the heads of the beast [Western Europe] seemed to have had a fatal wound
[nuclear attack], but the fatal wound had been healed [with signs and wonders].
The whole world was astonished and followed the beast [Antichrist, who rises out
of the cryptic destruction of World War III],” (Revelation 13:3). The Perfect
Storm—nuclear holocaust, mass annihilations and unmitigated horror—will lay the
groundwork for Satan’s ultimate deception: Antichrist’s resurrection to power,
the heroic leader and ultimate deceiver of mankind.
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