The Destruction of Russia (not if, but when)

The Destruction Of Russia Not If, But ... When?

(1) {Ch. 38 & 39} of Ezekiel really form one complete prophecy. It has to do with a vast confederation of nations from north of the Black and Caspian Seas, extending down to Persia on the east, and to North Africa on the south-west, who in the later days will be leagued together in a great offensive against the Hebrew Nation after its return to the land of Palestine. There has been much attention directed to these chapters during recent years and many idle speculations as to the exact time when these northern powers will make an onslaught upon the land of Palestine.

Some believe that the complete fulfillment of the prophecy may take place at anytime, even while the Body of Christ is still on the earth and while the Hebrews are gathering back to their ancient land in unbelief. Others believe that this prophecy has to do largely with conditions that will prevail during the time of the 70th Week of the Prophet Daniel's great prophecy as given in his "9th. Chapter." To these it seems unthinkable that this prophecy should have its fulfillment during the present age. This writer believes that this great war will take place sometime around the year 2,000- A. D. because of the different generations involved and because of the significance of Bible [Numerology].

(2) Before getting deeply into our message we must mention the fact that when quoting Bible Verses the student will notice that we insert into various Scripture verses words and phrases in parenthesis. We do this in order that the student may receive a clearer understanding of the Biblical passage. We pray that this will not hinder the students comprehension of the text.

(3) In {Zechariah 14:1-4}, we are told of the gathering of all nations against Jerusalem, an event which certainly takes place prior to the manifestation of Christ as King, when His feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives. It would seem, at the present time, that these northern invaders must invade Palestine, and therefore the onslaught depicted in these two chapters will take place during the first 3 1/2 years after the Tribulation Period begins. It is well to remember that there are doubtless details of unfulfilled prophecy concerning that which we do not have an absolute clear understanding at the present time, but which will all become plain as time goes on. During the seven year Tribulation Period, God will open the eyes of the Israelites that they will understand their own Scripture in a way that we cannot. {Ezekiel 38:1-6}; Scripture:

(4) {Vs.1}: " And the Word of Jehovah came unto me, [saying]:

(5) {Vs.2} Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the Prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophecy against him:

(6) {Vs.3}: And say, thus saith the Lord God [Jehovah]: behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief Prince [or ruler of Rosh and], of Meshech, and Tubal:

(7) {Vs.4}: And I will turn you back, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you forth, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in [all sorts of] full armor, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

(8) {Vs.5}: Persia, Cush [with Ethiopia], and Put or Libya with them, all of them with shield and helmet:

(9) {Vs.6}: Gomer and all his hordes [bands]: the house of Togarmah in the uttermost parts of the north and all his hordes [bands]; even many peoples with you, {Ezekiel 38:1- 6 Amplified Bible}."

(10) Gog is said to mean "extension," and Magog "expansion." The two terms might well indicate the ruler of a vast territory. God is designated as the Prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. The word "Rosh," admittedly, is used again and again in Scripture for Head or Chief; but the construction of the text here has led the revisers as well as many other translators, even one so conservative in some respects as James Moffatt, [who wrote the Moffatt Bible] of taking the word " Rosh" as indicating a country. Remembering that there are no vowels in the Hebrew, Rosh then is really that land which is well known today as "Russia ." "Meshech and Tubal" has been identified as "Moscow and Tobolsk" that are at this time large cities in Russia. These are names found in the book of Genesis, which have been identified as the ancestors of Scythian tribes located in the region of the Black and Caspian Seas.

(11) There seems to be little reason to doubt but that those tribes were the ancestors of the people in both Europe and Asia, who eventually were welded into the vast Russian empire. Russia has been dominated in late years, we know, by a thoroughly atheistic group of leaders opposed to everything in the way of Divine Revelation and of the recognition of anything spiritual. While the Russian people are incurably religious even to superstition, their leaders have, ever since the revolution in 1917, been committed to anti-religious programs. At the present time, the Russian people are looking with covetous eyes upon the great developments going on in the land of Palestine, and will eventually determine that Russia herself obtain the great wealth there produced. Consequently, we have the picture which the Prophet brings before us. Since God has established a long history of persuading His created family to follow Him in the spiritual program He has supplied for them, in His anger He is pictured here as saying, "I Am Against you, O Gog," namely Russia's atheism.

(12) God is only against these nations that are against Him, and even then He does not turn on them suddenly, but after a protracted period of antagonism against His will. History shows that atheistic communism is generated from the "political leadership in Russia" and has extended throughout their satanic system all over the world. No nation in the history of the world has destroyed more people than Russia through the spread of communism. Her greatest sin has been the sole damnation caused by her atheistic ideology. This has been accomplished not only through communist leaders in communist countries, but through communist instructors that teach that kind of atheism wherever they can find someone to hear them.

(13) The Lord Jesus Christ's indictment of Pharisees in {Matthew Ch. 23}, reveals the attitude of God toward the destroyers of men's souls and it reveals His attitude toward Russia. Certainly no nation has done more to destroy faith in God than communist Russia, thereby earning the enmity of God. We find that when the Bible gives geographical direction, it always gives them in relation to Israel. When the Bible says south, north, east, or west, it always indicates that the direction will be from Jerusalem. Consequently, when we see "utter most part of the north" {Ezekiel 38: 15 & 39: 2}, it is clear that this nation could only refer to Russia. [look at your map].

(14) Persia, is modern Iran which is significant today. In its hostility against Israel, Russia, at this very moment, is seeking to gain footholds in Iran, in order to mount the large scale invasion predicted by the prophet Ezekiel. Russia would need Iran as an ally. It would be much more difficult to move a large land army across the Caucasus mountains that border Turkey, than the Elburz mountains that border Iran. Iran's general terrain is also much easier to cross than Turkey's. Transportation, though, will be needed through both countries. We must continually watch the future actions of Iran in relation to Russia and the United Arab Republic. This writer believes that significant things will soon be happening there. Ethiopia, is a translation of the Hebrew word Cush. Cush, first son of Ham, was the grandson of Noah. "Moses mentions the land of Cush" as originally being adjacent to an area near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, {Genesis 2: 3}. After examining many authorities on the subject, the writer discovered the evidence as follows:

(15) [1]: The Cushities were black men.

(16) [2]: They migrated first to the Arabian peninsula and then across the Red Sea to the area south of Egypt.

(17) [3]: All the black people of Africa are descended from Cush. It is certain that the ancient Ethiopians are made up of Cushities, but they do not represent all of them, according to history, the great Nimrod was the son of Cush. The sobering conclusion is that many of the African nations may be united and allied with the Russians in the invasion of Israel. The reader might be interested to know that in the 1973 war between the Aramaic nations and Israel, Ethiopia broke diplomatic relations with Israel. "Libya," is the translation of the original Hebrew word, Put. Put was the third son of Ham, {Genesis 10: 6}. The descendants of Put migrated to the land west of Egypt and became the source of the North African Arab Nations, such as Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.

(18) The first settlement of Put was called Libya by the ancient historians Josephus and Pliny. The Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, called the "Septuagint," translates Put as Libya in about 165 B. C. The conclusion is that Russia's ally, Put, certainly included more than what is now called Libya. Once again, there are current events to show the beginning of this alliance. The territory of Northern Africa is becoming solidly pro-Russian. Algeria appears to be a communist nation and is allied with Russia. As we watch this area, we shall see indications that it is destined to join the southern sphere of power which will attack Israel along with Russia.

Gomer and her hordes

(19) Gomer was the eldest son of Japheth and the father of Ashkenaz, Ripgath, and Togarmah. These people make up an extremely important part of the future Russian invasion force. Dr. Young, citing the best of the most recent archaeological finds, states of Gomerans and their hordes: "They settled on the north of the Black Sea, and then spread themselves southward and west-ward to the extremities of Europe." Dr. Gesenius speaks of part of Gomer's hoards, as being Ashkenaz, the proper name of a region and a nation in northern Asia, which sprang from the Cimmerians who are the ancient people of Gomer. The modern Hebrews understand it to be Germany and call that country by this name.

(20) Josephus calls the sons of Ashkenaz the Rheginians. A map of the ancient Roman Empire places them in the area of modern Poland, Czechoslovakia, and east Germany to the banks of the Danube river. The modern Hebrew Talmud confirms the same geographical picture. The conclusion is that Gomer and its hordes are a part of the vast area of modern eastern Europe, which was until just recently, totally behind the iron curtain. This includes East Germany and the Slovak countries. Since Scripture states that Gomer and all his bands will join Russia in this invasion, this indicates that West Germany will also be included in this invasion. In {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 6}: " The house of Togarmah, with all its hordes" are specifically pointed out as being from "The uttermost north." They are a northern nation from Israel. They sprang from Gomer abounding in horses and mules.

(21) Some of the sons of Togarmah were founded in Armenia, according to their own claim to day. Dr. Bauman traces evidence of some of the sons of Togarmah to the Turkoman tribes in central Asia. This would explain the phrase: "of the uttermost north, and all its hordes." The conclusion is that Togarmah is part of modern southern Russia and also of Turkey and is the home of the Cossacks. It is interesting to note that the Cossacks have always loved horses and have been recognized as producing the finest army of cavalry in the world. Today they are reported to have several divisions of cavalry. I am not going to state that this great battle will be fought on horses although using horses would be one logical answer for transportation across mountain terrain. "Ezekiel," indicates that he hasn't given a complete list of countries involved in this invading army.

(22) It is amazing to see the number of people and nations which we see are involved. This seems to be a type of the Iraq invasion that has taken place in 1990. The United States was the one who became the leader of the invaders in the Iraq invasion, but the other super power Russia will be the leader of the invasion against the nation Israel. We also should remember that a large portion of Russia consists of Arab people. As a matter of fact, a very large part of the Russian armed forces are made up of Arabs and other people who are of the Moslem faith. These people, will have a large part in forcing this battle upon Israel since all Moslems would love to destroy the very existence of every Hebrew on this Earth. To these invaders, It will seem as though the taking of that land will be an easy accomplishment. But they are to know, eventually, that it is not just the Hebrews with whom they have to conquer but the Eternal God of Israel. In {Vs. 7- 9}: we note the spirit that activates them. {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 7- 9, Amplified Bible} states, Scripture:

(23) {Vs.7}: " Be you prepared, and prepare for yourself, you, and all your companies that are assembled unto you, and you be a guard unto [over] them:

(24) {Vs.8}: After many days you shall be visited [and mustered for service]; in the latter years you shall come into the land that is brought back from the sword, that is gathered out of many peoples [nations], against [upon] the mountains of Israel, which have been always [a continual] waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations [of the world], and they shall dwell securely all of them, {Isaiah 24:22}:

(25) {Vs.9}: You shall ascend, and come like a storm, you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, and all your bands [hordes], and many people with you."

(26) It is after many days. In other words, it will be after the Body of Christ has been called from off this earth, and this present day of grace has ended. Then this great confederation of nations will be formed together, in the Latter years, which is, during the Tribulation Period. This was to be when Israel would become prosperous because of her productive orchards, vineyards, and dairy farms, the rich chemical plants on the shores of the Dead Sea, and the great manufacturing concerns which have been developed there through Hebrew ingenuity, plus all other riches that have caused this tiny nation to become very prosperous in these latter years. All this will stir the imagination of Gog and his confederates so that they will want this great prey, Plus subject this land to their own authority, but will soon find whom they must overcome first. We repeat verse 7 below, Scripture:

(27) You [Gog] Be prepared; yes, prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and you be a guard and commander for them, {Ezekiel 38: 7, Amplified Bible}."

(28) In other words, Russia will equip her confederates with arms and assume command. It's a well known fact that most of these countries, cited as part of this great army, have looked to Russia for weapons of war! {Ezekiel 38: 10- 13, K.J.V.} states; Scripture:

(29) [Vs.10]: "Thus saith the Lord God: it shall also come to pass, that at the same time [Day of the Lord: Tribulation Period] shall things [evil thoughts] come into your mind, and you shall think [devise] an evil thought, [greed, for Israel's riches]:

30. {Vs.11}: And you shall say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages [against an open country ]; I will go to them [and attack them] that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates:

(31) {Vs.12}: To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn your hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and [with all our hordes force an attack] upon the people [Hebrew's] that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land. [Jerusalem is exactly in the center of this earth]:

(32) {Vs.13}: Sheba, and Dedan and the merchants of tar'shish [England], with all the young lions [Colonies and helpers] thereof, shall say unto you, are you come to take a spoil? have you gathered your company [host of invaders] to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle [and other livestock] and goods, to take a great spoil ?"

(33) Since A D. 70 when Israel's temple was destroyed, Israel's land has laid in a waste and a ruined condition, a very desolate place, most uninhabited. Even most of the Palestinians who are at this time claiming Israel's land moved away from this land. Esau who was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham became the King of the country of Edom. Edom is located in the lower western corner of modern day Jordan. The Edomites had their own country but were later harassed by an Arab tribe called Nabataeans. So the descendants of Esau, that is to say at least many of them, left their land and moved to the west bank of Israel. The Edomites then changed their names to Idumeans and even during the time of the teaching of Christ, the Idu-means were flourishing in the west bank area. King Herod was himself one of these Idumeans. This was one reason he had no love for the Hebrew people. In A D. 70 when Israel's Temple was destroyed, it is a well known fact that most of the Hebrew people one way or another left the country and this is why the land became a very desolate place to live in, therefore most of the Idumeans also left the land of Israel but will join Russia and this great invading host when they try to take over the promised land!

(34) During the 18th century many of the Hebrew people returned to the land to drain the swamps, plant trees, raise crops and otherwise refurbish the land as it was when they left it two thousand years ago. In the meantime, the Idumeans, having missed the West bank of Israel that their forefathers had told them so much about, began moving back into the West bank and the Gaza strip. One of the main reasons they did so was to work for the Hebrew people and make wages from them, but while they were absent from the land they had once again changed their name from Idu-means to Palestinians. And of course, it is well understood that they too will fight against the Hebrew Nation. If one will look on a modern map of Israel he will see the name Idumaea that is derived from the name Edom. {See Ezekiel 36: 5}: For a prophecy being fulfilled at this very time. Scripture:

(35) "Therefore thus saith the Lord God; surely in the fire of My [hot] jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen [the rest of the nations], and against ALL Idumea [Edom and Edomites], which have appointed My land into their possession with the [wholehearted contempt and] joy of all their hearts [minds], with despiteful minds, to cast it [everything God has in mind for Israel] out for a prey, {Ezekiel 36: 5, K. J. V.}."

(36) At the present time we can see the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophecy, the Palestinians who are the descendants of the old Edomite Kingdom are taking the West Bank and Gaza Strip from the nation of Israel and the blind leading rulers of Israel are helping them do it! Thus, we are seeing this prophecy being fulfilled right in front of our eyes! Why does Russia and many other nations have a desire to take over Israel? Because of the great prosperity of their land since they have once again become a sovereign nation, Russia and her allies, ... thinking that it will be an easy thing to subdue this small nation surrounded by millions of enemies, ... will set forth with boldness and self assurance to enrich themselves by the spoils of Israel.

In their mind, will be the remembrance of the fact that another nation, Iraq, had just a short time ago been set upon by a similar host of antagonist and Iraq was overcome very easily. Therefore, these forces will believe that they too can conquer this small nation in the same way. However, these invaders are to find themselves antagonized by a group of people who have befriended the Hebrews. So we should here glimpse the identity of the opponents of Russia and her Northeastern Confederacy. They are described in {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 13} as Sheba, and Dedan, and the Merchants of Tarshish, with all its Young Lions.

(37) Sheba and Dedan {Genesis. 10: 7}, doubtless, refer to Arab peoples. The ancient country of Sheba, is the present day nation of Aden. Aden is a little country located at the very tip of the Red Sea. Ancient Dedan is the modern country of Muscat which lies along the edge of the entrance to the Persian Gulf, so we find that there will be at least two little Arab States in the Middle East who will join with Tarshish in protesting the invasion of Israel. It is not too difficult to establish the identity of Tarshish, which is referred to many times in Scripture as a Sea-Faring Nation or a Nation of ships.

Most Bible scholars have identified England as the Nation of Tarshish because of her long standing interest in sea power. The fact that her power on the ocean has declined since world war two so that she is a fifth-rate power today is not incompatible with the prophecy. The "Young Lions" seem to belong to Tarshish and could be a reference to the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Bible frequently uses animals symbolically to depict governments. For example, {Daniel Ch. 7} portrays Babylon as a lion, Medo-Persia as a bear, and Greece as a Leopard, etc.

(38) Here the reference to " Young Lions" would indicate young nations that were the original cubs of Tarshish or England. We believe that the Lion is the animal symbol for England, as the Eagle is the present symbol for the U.S. the Fig Tree is the symbol for Israel in the Bible. So we may reasonably conclude that the western democracies that primarily stem from England are represented by {Vs. 13}." As we have noted before, Britain has for many centuries been a friend of the Hebrew's And possibly with the help of other nations, She will prepare to defy the armies of Gog [Gog is the leader of Russia]. But it reads here as if God is going to deal with this vast ungodly power Himself. We must not forget though, that many times in Scripture when God says He would do a thing, He would use men to fulfill the given act. So perhaps some of these western nations will be used to fulfill this destruction of the northern armies. In the verses that follow we see the host of Gog moving in all their might, knowing not that they are simply going to their doom. Scripture:

(39) {Vs. 14}: " Therefore, son of man, prophecy and say unto Gog, thus says the Lord God [Jehovah]; in that day when My people of Israel dwells safely [securely], shall [will] you not know it [and be aroused]? :

(40) {Vs.15} And you shall [will] come from your place out of the [uttermost] north parts, you, and many people with you, all of them riding upon horses, a great company [host], and a mighty army:

(41) {Vs.16}: And you shall come up against My people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land: it shall come to pass in the latter days [Day of the Lord] that I will bring you against My land, that the nations may know [understand and realize many things about] Me, when [My Holiness shall be vindicated and] I shall be sanctified in you, [because of your overwhelming destruction] O Gog, before their eyes, {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 14- 16}."

(42) We should notice that God calls Israel His land and the people His people in {Vs. 16}. In {Genesis Ch. 27: 29}, God states that He will curse those who curse Israel and bless those who bless Israel. The reason for this is as follows, Scripture:

(43) "But now [in spite of the past judgments for Israel's sins] thus says the Lord that created you, O Jacob and He that formed you, O Israel, fear not: for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives], I have called you by your name; you are mine, {Isaiah 43: 1}."

(44) " For all the firstborn of the children of Israel are mine, both man and beast: on the day that I smote every firstborn in the land of Egypt [not in the land of Israel] I sanctified [consecrated] them [and set them apart] for Myself," {Numbers Ch. 8: 17}."

(45) "Now when I passed by you [again], and looked upon you, behold, [you were maturing] your time was the time of love; and I spread My skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: Yes, I swore [plighted] unto you, and entered into a covenant with you, saith the Lord God, and you became mine. {Ezekiel 16: 8}."

(46) " And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I [publicly recognize and openly declare them and] make up [them to be] My jewels; [My special possession, My peculiar protected treasure] and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. {Malachi Ch. 3: 17}."

(47) " And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek [make it My aim] to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem, {Zechariah Ch. 12: 9}."

(48) This makes very clear that the Nation of Israel belongs strictly to God and other folks had better keep their hands off of His chosen people. One might ask the question, why would a large army such as Russia and her friends wish to invade such a small country as Israel? The answer, we must realize, is summed up in just one word, "riches." Since the break up of the Soviet-union, every thing in that location has become a nightmare. The people are all shook up, mixed up, disoriented, hungry, without work and they really haven't decided which way to turn. Their leaders cannot be trusted, they are angry and frustrated. God will put a thought in the mind of their leaders so that they will think about all of the riches that lie in the small nation on the east side of the Mediterranean Sea. The invaders know that Israel is surrounded with other small nations that are rich with oil and other riches that should be fairly simple to overcome with the huge force that Russia is capable of forming very quickly.

(49) After A D. 70, when the land had born the curse and shame of non-productivity due to Israel's sin of rejecting God's Son, the Lord Jesus as their true Messiah, God promised to restore them and their land to fruitfulness in the Latter Days. {Ezekiel 36: 8- 11}; Scripture:

(50) {Vs.8}: " But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand [soon] to come [home]:

(51) {Vs.9}: For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and you shall be tilled and sown:

(52) {Vs.10}: And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the [places that have become desolate] and wastes [for many centuries] shall be rebuilt:

(53) {Vs.11}: And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit [be fruitful]: and I will settle you [cause you to be inhabited] after your old [former] estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and you shall know that I am the Lord."

(54) From a land that lay desolate for 1900 years, when one visits there today he is absolutely amazed at what his eyes behold. By draining swamps, anchoring sand dunes with special vegetation, improving the soil, combating erosion, and finding new sources of water, Israel has cultivated well over a million acres of land, almost a third of this area is irrigated and this from the most important water project the national water carrier, which brings water from the Sea of Galilee to the Negeb. Among the new industrial crops introduced in Israel, the most successful are cotton, peanuts, and sugar-beets. More than three quarters of the country's food is now locally grown. There are important cement works, notably at Ramia. Among the main products sold abroad by Israelites are phosphates, potash, industrial diamonds, citrus fruits, textiles, bananas, plywood, plastics and eggs.

(55) Their merchant fleet has well over a hundred ocean-going vessels. Over 100,000 acres of hilly land, chiefly in the upper Galilee and Judean hills have been reclaimed. Millions of flowers are flown to Europe. Israel is the worlds largest producer of grapefruit. Russia does not need Israel's land because Russia has been for some time now, the largest Country in the world. What would make Russia single out a little country of some five million plus people as her end-time target? As we have stated, Scripture makes very clear that God will put hooks in Russia's jaws and turn her around so that she thinks evil thoughts toward the Hebrew Nation. The evil thoughts are clearly defined in {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 12- 13} as greed. That is, Russia will go down there, Scripture:

(56) " To take a spoil and to take a prey; to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil."

(57) The answer is very clear: Israel has become a very rich Nation. We have all witnessed the fact that wealthy Hebrews from all over the world sympathetic towards Israel, have invested billions of dollars in that country. She is, without doubt, the economic marvel of the world. Well-substantiated reports indicate that an extensive engineering study of mineral resources of the Dead Sea estimated years ago, to be in the vicinity of three trillion dollars at the beginning of this century. Due to inflation they would be worth 8 to 10 trillion dollars today. In addition, Israel, as we have already stated, is surrounded by oil-rich nations. This writer believes that eventually a large oil field will be discovered in Israel, located in the feet of Asher as depicted in the Book of {Deuteronomy Ch. 33: 24: 25}. Who knows what success the present Israel oil drilling attempts will produce? One thing we can believe, the more time that elapses, the richer Israel will become. The richer she gets, the greater she will appear to the greedy monster Russia.

(58) No wonder Russia would like to overcome Israel. According to the Scriptures, Russia will invade the Middle East after the Rapture takes place. God states that He will put hooks in the mouth of Russia and lead her and her bands down into Israel! Russia, I am sure, is aware that if she were to invade Israel and at the same time take the small oil rich countries in the Middle East, and by occupying those countries, she would not only receive the great wealth of the Middle East but then be able to keep the U. S. and the Common Market States from the much needed oil that they need. Once Europe was without oil, she would be helpless against an invasion from Russia. Again we repeat, this we believe, will become part of the thoughts that enters the mind of Russia and her allied friends.

(59) {Vs.17} Scripture:" Thus says the Lord God [Jehovah]: are you he of whom I have spoken in old time by My servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days [for] many years that I would bring you [Gog] against them?:

(60) {Vs.18}: And it shall come to pass at the same time [in that latter day] when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, says the Lord God [Jehovah, Jesus], that My fury shall come up in My face:

(61) {Vs.19}: For in My jealously and in the fire of My wrath have I spoken, surely in that day [Tribulation Period] there shall be a great shaking [or cosmic catastrophe] in the land of Israel:

(62) {Vs.20}: So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls [birds] of heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall [tremble and] shake at My presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall [natural or artificial] shall fall to the ground:

(63) {Vs.21}: And I will call for a sword against him [Gog the ruler and leader of Russia] throughout all My mountains, says the Lord God, every man's sword [weapon] shall be against his brother:

(64) {Vs.22}: And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood [will I enter into judgment against Gog]; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands [hordes of followers], and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing [torrents of] rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone, {See Psalms 11: 6; Revelation 16: 21, Jeremiah 10: 10- 15}:

(65) {Vs.23}: Thus will I magnify Myself, and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I Am the Lord [Jehovah], {Ezekiel 38: 17- 23}."

(66) When it will seem as though Israel's doom is sealed and she will fail to escape the power of these selfish and vindictive enemies, Jehovah Himself will deal with them. He will speak in His indignation, and the nations shall learn that He is concerned about the deliverance of His people. First will come a mighty earthquake that will wreck havoc upon the enemies of Israel, filling the hearts of the invaders with fear and dread as well as destroying many of them. This will be followed by anarchy. Pestilence will break out among the hoards led by Gog, and the great natural calamities, hailstones, fire and brimstone falling from the skies that will literally annihilate the over-confident armies.

(67) Turkey, a U.S. ally is now warming up to Russia. A large Moslem population lives in Turkey, and naturally the majority of them will go along with the other Moslems that are against Israel. There is still many thousands of Russian technicians in the middle east that are still training Arabs various skills that will help them when hostilities began. It has always been found, and the Bible makes this very clear, that when a nation in the past turned against Israel, God in turn would chastise that particular nation. Turkey occupied the land of Israel many years, and were definitely very cruel to the Hebrew people.

Germany, as a whole, tried to destroy the whole Hebrew race during world war two. Because of this, those nations, one way or another, are definitely going to be set upon by God. When Russia's final preparations are completed, God will put it in her mind to go up against the State of Israel instead of either China or the U.S. The thing to keep in focus is that after 2500 years, this prophecy appears very near to fulfillment. This itself assures us that we are very close to the end of the Body of Christ [Church] age. The prophecy of Russia' coming invasion of Israel is quite specific. In fact, the prophet gives what sounds like a description of a massive airborne invasion. Note the words, Scripture:

(68) " You shall ascend and come like a storm; you shall be like a cloud to cover the land."

(69) If you have ever seen paratroop maneuvers take place, you would find {Vs. 9 of Ch. 38}, a very apt description, for certainly they "come like a storm, like a cloud to cover the land." Again we are not being dogmatic, for the text does not demand an airborne invasion, but we point it out as an interesting possibility. In {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 19- 20}, God states that there is going to be a great shaking in Israel. According to the Amplified Old Testament there is going to be a cosmic catastrophe in the land of Israel. This will be caused by a large earthquake. There is to be terrible destruction so that:

(70) " The fish, birds, creeping things and all the people upon the earth shall shake at God' s presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall and every wall shall fall to the ground,"

(71) This quake will begin under Israel, and cause such destruction and devastation that all life on this planet will be effected in some way. Men will shake at God's presence. This means that in the city or town where you live, this earthquake should be felt, that is, if you haven't been Raptured at that time. The Lord plans to bring Russia into His trap in Israel. God controls the destiny of nations. On this occasion He chooses to make what has been primarily an atheistic nation, an object lesson to the world. His plans are to destroy Russia in such a way as to magnify Himself in the eyes of the nations of the world, {Ezekiel 38: 23}.

(72) Israel will be looking for protection from the western nations, but it reads as if she will only receive diplomacy. This may indicate that American and allied disarmament and the fuel shortage will leave them only words for defense, or perhaps it will be because the west will be so afraid of atomic destruction of the planet that they will withhold any help from Israel. Nevertheless, the Lord will dramatically come to the aid of His own people Israel. {Ch. 38: 22} speaks of an overflowing rain which will evidently cause a great flood. This will probably be one of the greatest floods of this century. Also great hailstones, fire, and brimstone, this looks similar to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. There will be so many invaders killed that great pestilence will cause untold agony. {Vs.21} states that the enemy soldiers will be so confused and in such torment, and have such fear that they will turn their own weapons on each other, therefore, killing there own men.

Ch. 39 Of Ezekiel

(73) Doubtless, when the leader of the northern confederacy orders his armies to press on to the land of Palestine, he will have laid his plans very definitely for its complete subjugation, and will be counting on an easy victory because of the over-whelming number of troops at his disposal. Our Bible states that, as we have already brought out, " Israel belongs to God." {Ezekiel Ch. 39: 1- 10},

(74) {Vs.1}, Scripture: " Therefore you son of man, prophesy against Gog [Russia's leader], and say, thus says the Lord God: behold, I am against you, O Gog, the chief prince of Me'shech [Moscow], and Tubal [Tobolsk]:

(75) {Vs.2}: And I will turn you back [about and will lead you on], and leave but the sixth part of you, and will cause you to come up from the [uttermost] north parts, and will [lead you against] bring you upon the mountains [and cities] of Israel:

(76) {Vs.3}: And I will smite your bow [weapon] out of your left hand, and will cause your arrows [Projectiles] to fall out of your right hand:

(77) {Vs.4}: You shall fall [dead] upon the mountains of Israel, you, and ALL your bands [hordes], and the people that is with you: I will give you unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beast of the field to be devoured:

(78) {Vs.5}: You shall fall upon the open field; for I have spoken it, says the Lord God [Jehovah]:

(79) {Vs.6}: And I will send a fire on Magog [land of Russia], and among them that dwell carelessly [who feel secure] in the Isles [this shows the destruction of the whole Russian confederacy: friends and cohorts]; and they shall know that I am the Lord [Jehovah the Sovereign ruler]:

80. {Vs.7}: So will I make My Holy Name known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let them [profane or] pollute My Holy Name any more: and the heathen [nations] shall know [understand and realize] that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel:

(81) {Vs.8}: Behold, it is come, and i t is done [future tense], says the Lord God [Jehovah]; this is the day whereof I have spoken [last day, that begins after the Rapture]:

(82) {Vs.9}: And [when you Gog, are destroyed and are no longer present] they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the [enemies] weapons [battle gear], both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves [handspikes], and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire [as fuel for] seven years:

(83) {Vs.10}: So that they [My people] shall take no [fire] wood out of the field, neither cut down any [trees] out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons [of their enemies] with fire: and they shall spoil [plunder] those that spoiled [plundered] them, and rob those that robbed them [in times past], says the Lord God [Jehovah], {Ezekiel 39: 1- 10}."

(84) The invaders will find themselves utterly unable to cope with the disasters that face them. Following the events described in {Ch. 38}, we are told here that their destruction will be so complete that their dead bodies will be left as food for all kinds of ravenous birds and wild beast to devour. It doesn't read here as if Israel will be obliged to defend herself, for it seems that the Lord will act for her. So terrible and all-embracing will be the destruction of this vast army that the wood of their weapons will serve as fuel for the people of Israel for seven years, during that time it will not be necessary to hew down any trees of the forest, because the plunder of those who had intended to plunder Israel will suffice for all purposes as far as fuel is concerned. Scripture:

(85) {Vs.11} "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of passengers on the east [side in front] of the sea [Dead Sea]: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers [travelers passing through]: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it the valley of Hamon-gog, [literally: the resting place of the multitude of Gog]:

(86) {Vs.12}: And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying them, that they may cleanse the land:

(87) {Vs.13}: Yes, all the people of the land [of Israel] shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown [Holiday in] the day [Millennial day: of one thousand years when Christ is reigning on this earth] that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord God:

(88) {Vs.14}: And they [Israel] shall sever out [set apart] men of continual employment, passing through the land [commissioned] to bury with the passengers [those who are passing by] those that remain upon the face of the earth [who have not as yet been buried], to cleans it: after the end of seven months shall they search [for those who may still remain unburied]:

(89) {Vs.15}: And the passengers [those are visitors in Israel] that pass through the land, when any [of them] see a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon-gog:

90. {Vs.16}: And also the name of the city [in that place where they bury the dead] shall be Hamonah [meaning multitude]. Thus shall they cleanse the land [where that battle in Israel is fought], {Ezekiel Ch. 39: 11- 16}."

(91) Hamonah literally means: "multitude" suddenly death will claim the invaders. There will be no opportunity for the enemy to bury their own dead. The dead bodies will be strewn everywhere on the battle field. The decayed corpses will poison the very air, and will be a source of grievous pestilence to the whole land, so steps will be taken immediately to properly inter them. Therefore, a great squad of grave diggers will be found to go throughout the sections of the land where Gog's army has been destroyed, and bury the bodies in order to cleanse the land. For seven months the whole population of Israel will be used to bury this huge invading host. Any person, Hebrew or stranger, passing through the region beholding corpse or any part of a corpse will be required to set up a sign in order that the buriers may see it and inter the body as soon as possible. In this way, the land will be cleansed from its defilement and the air purified. Birds and beasts that feed upon carrion will assist in the work of clearing away the rotting corpses. Scripture:

(92) {Vs.17}: And, you son of man, thus saith the Lord God; speak unto every feathered fowl [birds of prey], and to every beast of the field, assembly yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to My sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice [sacrificial feast] upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh, and drink blood:

(93) {Vs.18}: You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan [east of the Jordan river]:

(94) [Vs.19}: And you shall eat fat till you are full, and drink blood till you be [are] drunk, of My sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you:

(95) {Vs. 20}: Thus you shall be filled at My table with horses and chariots [riders], with mighty men, and with all men [soldiers] of war [and of many nations], says the Lord God, {Ezekiel 39: 17- 20}." {See Revelation 19: 17- 18}.

(96) In recent years, fundamentalist Christians believe more than ever that Armageddon is just around the corner. It is looked upon as a great battle occurring in Israel, taking hundreds of millions of lives and heralding the reappearance of Jesus Christ. Now it seems that events in nature may be doing the same. God Himself will pour out His anger upon those who have spurned His grace and have arrayed themselves in red-handed opposition to earth's Rightful King, our Lord Jesus Christ. The effect of this judgment upon the nations is given in the verses that follow; Scripture:

(97) {Vs. 21}: " And I will [manifest and] set My glory among the heathen [nations], and all the heathen [nations] shall see My judgment [and justice in the punishment] that I have executed, and My hand that I have laid upon them:

(98) {Vs. 22}: So the house of Israel shall know [understand and realize beyond all question] that I am the Lord [Jehovah] their God from that day and forward.

(99) {Vs. 23}: And the heathen [of all the nations] shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against Me, therefore hid I My face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies [adversaries]: so fell they all [into captivity in which many were slain] by the sword, [See Deuteronomy 31: 17]:

(100) {Vs. 24}: According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done [dealt] unto [with] them, and hid My face from them, {Ezekiel Ch. 39: 21- 24}."

(101) God's glory will be manifested among the nations when they see judgment executed upon Gog. Israel will recognize then that Jehovah their God had intervened on their behalf, and will turn to Him as in the days of their Fathers when He brought them out of Egypt. The nations will understand then that the sufferings of the Hebrew nation has endured through the last two thousand years while being in captivity in the nations of the world, and while they were scattered among the hoards of gentiles, was because of their iniquities. The people had trespassed against God, and therefore He had turned His face from them and given them-over to the hand of their enemies. Thus, throughout all these past centuries they had fallen by the sword. And because of their uncleanliness and their manifold transgressions, God refused to intervene for them and turned His face from them when they cried for His attention and help. During the coming Millennium all this will be changed. The Hebrews will turn back to Jehovah in love and worship and also in repentance for their past sins. The Lord will turn His face upon them in much blessing. Scripture:

(102) {Vs. 25}: " Therefore thus says the Lord God [Jehovah, Jesus]: now will I bring [back] again the captivity of Jacob [Israel] and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel: and I will be jealous for My [Holy] Name:

(103) {Vs. 26): After that they have born [carried the thoughts of it with themselves ... shall bear and then forget] their shame, and all their trespasses [self-reproach and unfaithfulness] whereby they have trespassed against Me, when they dwelt [shall dwell securely] in their land, and none made [shall never again make] them afraid:

(104) {Vs. 27}: When I have brought them again [back] from the people [nations of the world], and gathered them out of their enemies lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations:

(105) {Vs. 28}: Then shall they know that I am the Lord [Jehovah] their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen [nations of the world]: but [now with the Lord's second coming having taken place to set up His Kingdom Reign] I [the Lord] have gathered them unto their own land; and have left none of them any more there [in the other nations]:

(106) {Vs. 29}: Neither will I [ever again] hide My face any more from them; for I have poured out My Spirit upon the house of Israel, saith [Jehovah] the Lord God, {Ezekiel 39: 25- 29}." The prophet Ezekiel makes very clear that the Hebrews are to be brought back into their own land, Scripture:

(107) {Vs.12}: " Therefore prophesy and say unto them [Israel], thus says the Lord God; behold, O My people, I will open your graves [speaking of Hebrew's who are still living outside of their homeland in other nations], and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you [back home] into the land of Israel, [when Christ gathers them from the other nations at His second coming]:

(108) {Vs.13}: And you shall know that I am the Lord, [your Sovereign Ruler and King] when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves:

(109) {Vs.14]: And [I] shall put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall you know that I have spoken it and performed it, saith the Lord." {Ezekiel Ch. 37: 12- 14}."

(110) The above verses give a picture of the Hebrew Nation as a whole, after her captivity in the world since B. C. 606 which began the times of the Gentiles. Even after this date until A. D. 70, the Lord worked with the Hebrew nation. But after Israel's final rejection of Christ as Messiah in {Acts Ch. 28: 28}, the Lord set the Nation aside until the Second coming of Christ when He will judge the nations of the world and bring Israel's captivity to an end. {See Matthew Ch. 25: 31- 46}: which concerns the judgment of he nations just after the Second Coming of Christ. At His return, those Hebrews that are yet alive will He gather forth from the four corners of the earth {See Zechariah. 14: 4}. Only then, at the very end of the Tribulation Period when Christ returns, will this prophecy be fulfilled. We must never except any doctrine that teaches that the Hebrews who were in a lost condition when they died, will be raised again from the dead and have another chance to become Christians.

(111) If this were to be so, even Judas would have another chance to be saved. Many of the cults teach the lie of salvation after death. This doctrine is strictly un-Scriptural. In this vision of the" Dry Bones" in {Ezekiel Ch. 37}: physical resurrection is used as a type of the national restoration of Israel. And when their national sleep ends, there will be an awakening. When we read here in Ezekiel of graves, it must not be taken to mean literal graves; the graves are symbolical of the nation as being buried among the gentiles. If these bones meant the physical dead of the Hebrew nation, how could it be explained that they speak and say, [our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost?] The same figure of speech is used in the New-Testament. Of the prodigal son it is said," For this my son was dead, and is alive again, {Luke 15: 24}." Yet he was not physically dead, nor was he made alive physically. Therefore, this vision has nothing whatever to do with physical resurrection of dead bodies. {Ezekiel 37: 11- 14}.

(112) At the Lord's return, Israel then will understand the reason for their suffering throughout the centuries, and will return in repentance to the Lord Jehovah against Whom they have sinned, who will in His infinite grace forgive their iniquities and restore them to Himself. Then they shall dwell safely in their own land with none to make them afraid. Indeed they shall know that Jehovah is their God, revealed in that day, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He who caused them to go into captivity will re-gather them. He will leave none of them to wonder any longer among the nations, neither will He continue to hide His face from them and He will pour out His Spirit upon the House of Israel, and acknowledge them once more as His own. God is going to destroy Russia's massive armies by His supernatural power. He will send a fire on the homeland of Magog. We must conclude then that Russia will be almost entirely destroyed.

(113) "I will send a fire on Magog, and among those who dwell securely in the isles [coastlands], {Ezekiel 39: 6}."

(114) Perhaps God will use America to destroy Russia by the use of atom bombs. No matter who performs the miracle, The Lord will solve the greatest internal threat to the security of the free countries of the world. We believe that this war will likely destroy one fourth of the human race as depicted in {Revelation Ch. 6: 8}, which concerns this particular war. I believe that this war will take place at the beginning of the tribulation period. In {Ch. 9 of Revelation}, the Chinese and their host of invaders will invade the Middle East,... and will be destroyed in the battle of Armageddon at the last or end of the Tribulation Period therefore, there will be no more communist after that! At this present time, only a small minority of the Hebrews are worshippers of Jehovah, and very few know Jesus Christ as their Messiah. When Russia is destroyed just before crushing Israel, many of the Israelites will call upon the God of Israel.

(115) Many prophecy students are inclined to make the destruction of Russia synonymous with the battle of Armageddon when the Antichrist is finally conquered. They place an unnecessary burden of interpretation on these passages and ignore several lines of reasoning clearly indicating that these are different wars altogether. Armageddon in {Revelation Ch. 16: 12- 21}, comes at the end of the Tribulation Period as we have before stated, where all the " Kings of the earth" will be gathered. In Ezekiel's prophecy, only the nations in that part of the world are involved. Another difference is that the armies gathered at Armageddon are arrayed against Christ {Revelation 19: 19}, and not Israel as they are in Ezekiel's prophecy. Still another difference is that Christ will judge the nations after Armageddon, whereas Israel and other nations, call upon God in confession and praise after Russia's destruction.

(116) As to the wood Israel is to burn for seven years: A Dutchman in Holland uses a special wood for "coke breakers." This wood is stronger than steel springs and is very elastic. The name of the wood is "lignostone," this substance is now being used for cogs in the wheels of English lorries. The Russians have for some time now, been using lignostone in the manufact-uring of many of their weapons of war! This passage on the burning of the war material has always been difficult to explain because Bible Students did not understand how modern materials such as rifles, cannons, tanks, and other weapons could be burned. They hadn't heard about lignostone. If lignostone burns better than coal it could explain why Israel will burn the invaders weapons for seven years.

Russian economic aide, especially war material given to the Arab nations are a part of the cause of this battle, and a part of the hooks God will use. Russia will have to protect this huge investment even if it calls for direct military involvement. We should notice also in the list of nations who are going to invade Israel, that Egypt is not mentioned. We believe that Egypt will have already been destroyed by Iraq before Russia invades Israel, perhaps this will also be part of the hooks that will draw the invaders down into Israel! {See Ezekiel Ch. 29 and 30}. God will fight for Israel in several ways:

A Great shaking, a cosmic catastrophe, a terrible earthquake.
The enemy will be fighting among themselves instead of against Israel.
There will be pestilence.
Bloodshed.
Overflowing rain.
Great hailstones.
Fire and brimstone.

(117) {Vs. 6 of Ch. 39} States: " And I will send fire on Magog." This will, as we have said, happen in the country of Russia. God will cause fire to fall upon the armies that do not take part in the invasion but remain at home in Russia for her home defense. This will probably be the one/sixth part of the army that is mentioned in {Ch. 39: 2}, Although in my Hebrew text, it does not state that any part of this army is to be left alive. I also believe that this means that God will send fire upon all those countries that are aligned or even sympathetic to the Russian invasion. Russia and the other nations mentioned in {Ezekiel Ch. 38: 1- 6} will come down by way of Iran, Iraq, and Jordan to the Dead Sea, about 20 miles from Jerusalem. {Ezekiel 38: 4}, indicates that there could be many horses used in this battle to take Jerusalem, Israel's capitol City. They will move around to the west side of the Dead Sea, where the Lord's destruction will begin to occur. Scripture:

(118) "But I will remove far off from you the northern [destroyer's] army, and [ I ] will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east [Dead] sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea [west of Jerusalem, the Mediterranean Sea], and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour [foul odor of the dead bodies] shall come up, because he has done great things, [the Lord will have destroyed the invaders] {Joel 2: 20}."

(119) From the verse above we note that God will turn Russia and her followers back toward Jordan where she began the invasion. Note that her front is now toward the Dead Sea, and her rear is toward the Mediterranean. While here in the Dead Sea area, God will destroy every living soldier that has come down to fight. We know that {Joel 2: 20} parallels {Ezekiel Ch. 38: Through Ch. 39: 16}.

(120) Scripture: {Vs. 11}: " And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves [ where they will be buried] in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea [where there is a highway which leads north to Syria, South to Petra and cuts off also to the west to Egypt ]: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and " all his multitude: and they shall call it the valley of Hamon-Gog."

(121) I understand that the valley of the passengers on the east of the Dead Sea refers to the route of those on the high road east of the Dead Sea from Syria to Petra and Egypt. It seems that the words "Hamon-Gog means" so many that you can't count them. The City near the burial site will be named "Hamonah," which means "the multitude" according to {Vs. 11- 16}, it will take the combined effort of the whole population Israel a seven month period to dispose of the invading dead army.

(122) Scripture, {Vs. 12}: " And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleans the land:

(123) {Vs. 13}: Yes, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown [a holiday] the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord God:

(124) {Vs. 14}: And they shall sever out men of continual employment, [this means they work beyond the seven months the whole nation has worked], passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search, {Ezekiel 39: 11- 14}."

(125) In the Amplified Old Testament in {Vs. 11} it states: "The number of dead bodies left after the great catastrophe which God will send upon Gog [Russia's Prince] and his host, as here described, would necessarily amount to many millions. their greves would naturally interfere with traffic on the interstate highway. The dead will not be slain in battle. God will slay them in a great cosmic catastrophe, {Ezekiel 38:18-23}." and not some, but "all of Gog's multitude will die then {39:4-11}; before they have a chance to use their weapons. They will be struck from their hands. {39: 3}."

(126) Christ will come for the Body of Christ before the Tribulation Period, and some of the reasons for stating this are as follows:

(127) [1]: The Rapture is called "the blessed hope" in {Titus 2: 13}. Anyone who understands the awful days of the Tribulation as described in {Revelation Ch. 6 through Ch. 18} can appreciate why Christ's deliverance of the Body of Christ from these horrors is called the "Blessed hope."

(128) [2]: {1-Thessalonians 1:10 & Revelation 3: 10} clearly indicate that the Body of Christ is to be delivered from the wrath to come, Scripture:

(129) "Because you have [guarded and] kept the word of My patience [endurance and have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that was given you], I also will keep you [safe] from the hour of temptation [trial of testing which will take place during the Tribulation Period], which shall come upon the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth, {Revelation 3: 10}."

(130) Christ will keep the Body of Christ from going through any part of the Tribulation Period. He will try the whole earth. The Body of Christ, then is promised deliverance from that judgment.

(131) [3]: {2-Thessalonians 2: 1- 8} provides the chronological basis for the pre-tribulation position. The subject is the Rapture of Christ's Body {Vs.1}, with specific reference to two events in it: our gathering together unto Him and then the day of the Lord which begins at the beginning of the Tribulation Period.

(132) [4]: The Tribulation is a period of judgment on the earth compared in Scripture to God's judgment in the "days of Noah and the days of Lot." Since God delivered Noah and his family through the flood, and since He delivered Lot and his daughters before the destruction of Sodom, then the "Just Body" of Christ will be delivered [Raptured, Translated from the earth] before the Tribulation Period. Concerning Christians today, God has promised eternal salvation, Scripture:

(133) "I Know that, whatsoever God does, it shall be forever: nothing can be put [added] to it, nor anything taken from it ..., {Ecclesiastes 3: 14}." [See Psalm 19: 9}. We should act like Christians for Scripture states :

(134) " What? know you not that your body is the temple [the very sanctuary] of the Holy Spirit which is [living with] in you, which you have [received as a gift from] ... God, and you are not your own. {1- Corinthians 6: 19}." Christians must realize that they:

(135) " ... you are not [to live a life] in the flesh, but [you are to live your life] in the Spirit [of God], if so be that the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells in you, now if any man [doesn't] have ... the Spirit of Christ [possessing him within His heart] , he is none of His, [he does not belong to Christ and is not a Child of God], {Romans 8: 9}." As to Israel :

(136) "No weapon that is formed against you [Israel] shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you [Israel] in judgment you shall condemn, [and show to be in the wrong, Israel's peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition according to] This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced] and their righteousness [or the vindication which they obtain] is of Me, [this is that which the Lord imparts to the saved Israelites as their justification] says the Lord, {Isaiah 54:17}." {See Zephaniah Ch. 3: 8- 20}.

(137) {Vs.8}: Scripture: " Therefore [earnestly] wait you upon Me, says the Lord, [waiting] until the day [last days] that I rise up to [attack] the prey [as a witness, accuser, a judge and a testimony]: for My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them My indignation, even all [the heat of] My fierce anger: for [in that day all] the earth shall be delivered [judged] with the fire of My jealousy.

Future blessings for Gentiles:

(138) {Vs. 9}: For then [changing their impure language] will I turn to the people a [clear and] pure language [during the thousand year reign of Christ], that they may all call upon the Name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent:

(139) {Vs.10}: From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My suppliants, even the daughter of My dispersed, shall bring My offering.

Future blessings for Hebrew's:

(140) {Vs.11}: In that day shall you [the congregation of Israel shall] not be ashamed for all your doings, wherein you have transgressed against Me: for then I will take away out of the middle of you them that rejoice in your pride, and you shall no more be haughty [and carry yourselves arrogantly on or] because of My Holy mountain [Jerusalem]:

(141) {Vs.12}: I will also leave in the middle of you an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the Name of the Lord:

(142) {Vs.13}: The remnant of Israel [after the second coming of Christ] shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid:

(143) {Vs.14}: Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all your heart [mind], O daughter of Jerusalem:

(144) {Vs.15}: [For then it will be that] The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy: the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of you: you shall not see evil any more:

(145) {Vs.16}: In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, fear you not: and to Zion, let not your hands be slack:

(146) {Vs.17}: The Lord your God [is] in the middle of you [sitting on His throne in Jerusalem and all of you at that time will believe and trust in Him for He] is Mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest in [silent satisfaction and in] His love, [He will never mention your past sins or even remember them] He will joy over you with singing:

(147) {Vs.18}: I will gather them [those Israelites which are still in captivity in one way or another] that are sorrowful [and are yet grieving] for the solemn assembly [and for the festivals], who are of you, to whom [their exile and inability to attend services at Jerusalem have brought derision and] the reproach of it [always] was a burden:

(148) {Vs.19}: Behold, at that time I will undo [and deal with] all that afflict you: and I will save her that halteth, [those that are helpless] and gather her [all that had become outcast and] that was driven out [from the land of Israel two thousand years ago] and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. [such as Germany and Russia]:

(149) {Vs.20}: At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I [reverse and] turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord." In regards to our readers, we would deeply express our thanks to those who will recopy this message and pass it on to other Believers that they too might find a blessing from this message.

End.

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