Israel Here to Stay? :: By Terry James

Author’s note: While awaiting President Donald J. Trump’s decision on ridding Iran’s Islamic regime of its nuclear weapons-making capability, I researched through past commentaries I’ve written on this troubling topic. There were a number of such articles, but the one I chose, I think, portrays just how long the threat has been allowed to build to this moment of absolute necessity of eliminating a sure and present danger—a danger not only to Israel and America but to the entire world.

Now the president has made the decision that will have resounding ramifications throughout the world. Iran’s nuclear facilities have been totally eliminated in the strikes Saturday night, June 21.

However, none of the usual pundits can answer: What happens next? Will there be regime change? There are no answers coming from the so-called experts.

There is no uncertainty from this quarter. It’s not that I am super-smart or prescient. But I read the future that is found only in the Holy Word of our God.

The “Persian” evil is not finished. Iran is destined to join the Gog-Magog coalition of Ezekiel chapters 38-39.

Because of Bible prophecy, I’m prepared to offer with a significant degree of certainty the opinion that this action–righteous though it is in ridding Israel and the world of an immediate nuclear threat from this wicked regime, has started a process that will very quickly push Iran further into the arms of the likes of Russia, Turkey, and others that will constitute the Gog-Magog coalition. 

The following was posted on Raptureready.com August 23, 2010.

My thought in reposting here is to show that no matter how things look from human perspective, God is in full control at all times. He is restraining and has the satanically inspired forces of evil often in derision, as promised in Psalm 2.

The dangers examined in that article still exist, and the Lord continues to restrain and be in full control. So, those who know the Lord and watch prophetic developments as we are instructed by Jesus (Mark 13:37 and Luke 21:28) can be assured that God’s promise to take believers home to Glory is imminent, while witnessing “all these things begin[ning] to come to pass.”

Israel Here to Stay?

Originally posted August 23, 2010

My inbox and the news from Bible prophecy circles bulge with talk of Israel’s almost-certain attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The scuttlebutt has been coming hard and fast since 2007 or even earlier. Each summer was going to bring an assault by Israel, and all-out Mideast war was sure to ensue.

As I write this, the predictions are at fever pitch. John Bolton, former American UN ambassador, declared that Israel had until Saturday, August 21, [2010.] to take out Iran’s nuclear plants, or risk—by their bombing—spreading radiation contamination across the area and into the Persian Gulf.

The flood of emails proclaims that this is it. The region is going to go up in flames, with Russia coming to the aid of Iran, because the Russians are so heavily invested in the Iranian nuclear program. There will be Russian nuclear technicians installing the radioactive rods necessary to fuel and power up the facility. They will be in harm’s way, and Moscow–from which Gog of Magog prophetic infamy will come—will not abide such an insult. The thought frequently conjectured: Could this be the beginning of Ezekiel 38-39—the Gog-Magog attack?

Israel can’t afford, the argument goes, to allow the facility to come online. This is because the spent fuel rods will provide plutonium and other byproducts to give Iran the materials from which they can produce nuclear weapons. That’s a simplification of the matter but should suffice, I hope, for making my point.

This attack by Israel will be, the emailers apparently believe, prophecy being fulfilled. This preemptive attack by the Jewish state upon the land of ancient Persia surely will, the messages exclaim, instigate a chain reaction of events. These events will bring the Gog-Magog attack, and perhaps Isaiah 17:1 will also be fulfilled. Some even believe it will provoke the long-pondered-over Psalm 83 war supposed by many to be in the offing.

I could have waited until Saturday, August 21, had passed to write this piece but chose not to do so. My reason is primarily that I don’t believe this is the time for the Gog-Magog War, or for the proposed Psalm 83 conflict, should it be an actual prophecy. Exigencies just aren’t ripe for producing the horrific results such conflicts as the Gog-Magog, or even the supposed Psalm 83, conflagrations would inflict. At least, that’s my view from my present perspective.

More than that, I believe that’s the way it is presented from the perspective of Bible prophecy. One thing I do think is an almost 100-percent certainty is that Israel isn’t going anywhere. Iranian tyrant Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s promises to erase Israel from the face of the Middle East and the world are empty threats. It will never happen—not even with the help of the Gog nation, Russia.

Why do I say “an almost 100-percent certainty”?

This goes to the argument of those who say it is possible that Israel could be removed from its land yet again. Then, all would have to once more rearrange in order to get the prophetic indicators into place like they are now. God might allow Israel’s enemies to again take the Jews from the Promised Land because of their unbelief.

Zola Levitt and I were once discussing the hatred of the Arab nations for Israel. I mentioned that the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee didn’t think the Jews being back in the land was necessarily a major signal of the nearness to Christ’s return. My friend Zola, a very passionate man when it came to Israel, got pretty exercised, as I recall. He said he and Dr. McGee “got into it” over this subject.

Zola said Dr. McGee said it could be that Israel might yet be removed from the land of promise. Zola didn’t like that at all, so they had a rather lively discussion on the matter—on camera. I said, “Well, Dr. McGee [who went to be with the Lord in 1988 at age 84] knows now, that’s for sure.” That seemed to calm Zola a bit.

Dr. McGee would no doubt agree that Israel is back in the land to stay, if he could have watched developments of the years since he left the planet. Israel being the center of most all controversy so far as issues of war and peace are concerned; pressured by the international community to give up God’s land; at the center of a forced, phony peace process, with Iran (ancient Persia) threatening from the north. How could he or anyone being privy to such facts say otherwise?

Whatever happened last Saturday—as you read this on August 23 or later—Israel isn’t going anywhere. So, I’ll change my “almost” to an absolute 100-percent certainty.

Although Israel—and the world—is in for some terrible times ahead, I firmly believe we have the very Word of God about the current and future disposition of His chosen nation. Israel is here to stay.

“And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God” (Amos 9:14-15).

—Terry

---

The Indispensable Value of Bible Prophecy

When I was a child, I enjoyed the paper-based activity of connecting the dots. It began with a page covered with numbered dots. When connected in the proper order, a picture emerged from the maze of dots.

It would be nice if it were that easy to connect all the dots in regard to Bible prophecy. As we get closer to the start of the Tribulation period, the picture becomes clearer than it ever has been in the past. However, sometimes we need to erase the links we have already drawn. Such was the case with this article after my initial draft.

With the US bombing of the Iranian nuclear facilities, it seemed as though Israel would achieve a decisive victory in the war. I had already drawn a line between its decisive triumph and the peaceful conditions that Israel will enjoy just prior to the Gog/Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38-39 (see 38:7-8).

When I heard the initial reports of an impending Iranian attack on US bases, I assumed that a much wider war was imminent, with still further destruction of Iran’s capabilities to wage war.

With the unexpected turn of events and the announcement of a ceasefire, it was time to bring out the eraser or perhaps draw new lines??

The ending of the war, in my mind far too premature, kept in power satanically driven radical jihadists who still retain their fiery passion to destroy Israel and its people. As they proclaimed victory after the ceasefire, they must have realized that it was just a show to deceive their adherents in Iran. Next time, rather than attempting to destroy Israel by themselves, they will join with other nations and invade the Land, hoping for a better result, which leads us again to the fulfilment of Ezekiel 38-39.

Bible Prophecy Is Essential

Although the prophetic picture of the end times is clearer than it’s ever been, some things remain a mystery. That’s why the study of Bible prophecy is so essential; it continually reminds us that the Lord remains in control despite what we see. He will surely keep all His promises to Israel and us and someday, hopefully soon, bring us safely to the place He’s preparing for us in glory.

This also applies to our daily lives, does it not? We know all experience the many twists and turns that the Lord leads us through this side of glory; our lives are truly walks of faith. As I look back on my life, I had no idea of how the many ups and more numerous downs of my past would fit together for the Lord’s purposes for my life. With hindsight, I recognize how my rocky past played a crucial role in preparing me for my current writing ministry.

A proper understanding of Bible prophecy is absolutely indispensable for the time in which we live. It keeps our eyes focused on Jesus and the glorious future He promises us. As we watch the world behave precisely as Scripture predicted for the last days, we become increasingly aware of God’s sovereignty in all things. The One who is able to control human affairs in such a way is more than capable of keeping all His promises to us during our remaining time in this life.

The Wildcards

As the links between now and the events described in Revelation chapters 6-18 become clearer by the day, we often wonder why we remain earthbound. A couple of factors that I like to refer to as wildcards keep us from unraveling the mystery of the timing of what lies ahead.

The first is the Holy Spirit’s restraining power that’s currently preventing the revealing of antichrist and limiting the “mystery of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8). Several months ago, I believed we were on the brink of a major world war. When President Biden gave Ukraine permission to fire NATO missiles into Russia, I was sure Putin would respond with nuclear weapons. It appeared as though we were remarkably close to the devastating wars described in Revelation 6:1-8.

That’s just one of many instances when it seemed as though the world was breathtakingly close to the time the Lord will open the seals, but then the momentum slowed down or stopped. And we are still here rather than in Heaven watching Him release the riders of the apocalypse.

The second wildcard is the Rapture. Once that happens, chaos and mayhem will ensue across the world. Soon afterward, Satan will reveal his “man of lawlessness,” who will quickly rise to power amid the anarchy and destruction. His solutions will seem reasonable and peaceful but will later lead to much more death and destruction. He will later convince Israel that he’s able to guarantee their safety for a time (Daniel 9:27).

I believe the path to the Gog/Magog invasion of Israel will become clear after the Rapture. It will severely weaken America’s ability to defend the nation. The nations have already formed the exact alliance that Ezekiel predicted long ago. The Rapture and removal of the restraining work of the Holy Spirit will give them the opportunity to attack.

Scripture confirms that we live in the season of Jesus’ appearing and with it the sudden fulfillment of passages such as Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-5:11, and 1 Corinthians 15:51-55. At any moment, Jesus might return for us and give us immortal and incorruptible bodies like His. This is the substance of our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:11-14).

Although the work of the Restrainer keeps us from pinpointing the start of the Tribulation period, the dots of Bible prophecy that we can connect clearly reveal that we live in the season of Jesus’ imminent appearing.

And we pray that He comes soon to take us home. Maranatha!

-Jonathan

 

Last Days Lawlessness and Power

In 1887, in a series of letters to Bishop Creighton regarding the moral issues of writing history about the Inquisition, British historian Lord Edward Acton wrote, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” His understanding of the human psyche bordered on prescient, it seems, considering the all-out quest for power that saturates the American political culture at present.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger famously said, “Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” Growing up in Germany as a boy, because of lawlessness among governmental leaders, he became pessimistic about human nature, skeptical about the inevitability of progress, and deeply committed to the values of order and stability. To these ends, Kissinger viewed power, not moral ideals, as the driving force of history. (This according to Henry Kissinger and the seductions of power • Iowa Capital Dispatch, https://iowacapitaldispatch.com)

In America, at this late moment of this Age of Grace, we certainly have to consider Dr. Kissinger’s viewpoint, brought about from his experience in the power struggle he witnessed early in his native country, Germany. Stability, in this world of lawlessness, in reality, comes not from moral ideals but rather from power. There is no reasoning from a morally correct position that will calm the paid-for rage chaos that has swept the streets of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities. The organized No Kings rioters claim they are protesting the Trump Administration’s use of ICE (the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) force to carry out raids against those who have illegally entered America.

While the violent rioters are held up as bastions of righteous cause by mainstream news media, and the Trump Administration is falsely accused as authoritarian and evil wielders of power, the lawlessness expands to what looks to be prophetic levels.

Jesus, in foretelling in the Olivet Discourse about how things will be as His Return nears, said: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12 NKJV).

To my way of seeing this, in an important sense, the Lord’s Words of Forewarning could be taken that the lawlessness being demonstrated to champion illegals staying inside America stems from the absence of love for this nation as founded. I realize much more is involved in the meaning in Jesus’ prophecy here, but there is an undeniable coldness in the way these vicious rioters throw chunks of concrete taken from curbs they’ve sledge hammered, frozen bottles of water they throw at police and ICE agents, and the property they loot and damage at every opportunity.

It is telling of just how appropriate it might be to consider Jesus’ prophecy for this particular time because almost one-half of members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate either back the lawlessness by supporting the rioters or, at the very least, offer no condemnation.

This is because one political party has demonstrated time and time again that Power is what they seek above all else. I.e., they want to swell the voting base with illegals –most all of whom will support them—no matter the cost to other legitimate citizens. Their aim is to garner all power into their political party. Love for country and lawful conduct within government and society is out the window with this party. In this ideology, they are in agreement with –in league with the ideology that sparked the 1917 revolution in Russia. “The ends justify the means.”

To those on the totally reprobate political left in America today, power is indeed the ultimate aphrodisiac.

And indeed, as Lord Acton presciently said, power corrupts. And they –the leftists– seek absolute power, and at any price –even to the undoing of the document that gave us a constitutional republic. –The American government that founder Benjamin Franklin told someone the founders had given we the people –adding “If you can keep it.”)

The lawlessness we witness taking place on an increasing level hourly is but another ingredient that adds to the last day’s prophetic puzzle. It is a large part of all these things our Lord told us to look for at the very Moment He is about to come for us in the Rapture.

“And when you see all these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your head, for your redemption is drawing near “(Luke 21:28).

Jesus will soon return to this unlawful, politically corrupted planet to establish Righteous Rule and lawful conduct among Earth’s inhabitants. It will take Christ’s Omnipotent Power to bring about His Millennial Reign for a thousand years.

But it is His Power that can bring about a Change in the minds and Spiritual hearts of mankind even now, amidst this current time of lawlessness and chaos. He can take away the sinful, destructive thoughts, thus the evil actions, of each individual who will receive His Grace Gift of Salvation.

Here again is how to receive that Gift that renews the mind and dispels lawlessness while empowering with God’s Righteousness.

“That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

–Terry

---

The Reassuring Message of Bible Prophecy

Watching reports of the damage caused by Iranian missiles in Israel distresses me, especially after I heard about the one that struck a hospital. Governed by the satanic tenets of Islam, Iran’s objective is not just to defeat Israel but to murder as many Jews as possible.

Daniel Cohen, in a recent article on Harbinger’s Daily, quoted pastor Jack Hibbs’ explanation of Islam’s murderous rage toward Jacob’s descendants:

[The religion of Islam also demands that] “all Jews must be killed globally. “The Earth must be rid of Jews. Why? Because if there’s no Jerusalem and if there’s no Israel, then the Messiah—Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus Christ—does not return to establish His kingdom.”

“People don’t understand that, but Satan does. If there is no Israel, then where will the Messiah return?”

God’s Word, and in particular Bible prophecy, explains the devil’s rage against Israel as manifested through the Iranian leaders. Yet so many believers dismiss prophecy as stale theology, tertiary (of third-rate importance), or irrelevant. If one follows today’s popular doctrinal teachings regarding Israel, he or she will not only miss the why of what’s happening in the Middle East, but also the calming reassurance that comes from recognizing that God remains in control of all things.

The Bible doesn’t provide us with all the specifics of the current war between Israel and Iran or what might happen in the coming weeks and months. However, God’s Word tells us what lies ahead for Israel as well as for us as New Testament saints.

The War and Israel’s Future

What reassurance do we find in Scripture regarding the future of Israel?

First, Israel will survive. No matter what happens during the remainder of the current war or in its aftermath, the nation will not only remain viable but will also continue to attract the world’s attention (in most cases, unwelcome). While we have yet to see the complete fulfillment of Zechariah 12:1-3, we already witness the world’s baffling passion for meddling in all things pertaining to Jerusalem.

Scripture also tells us that someday God will restore a glorious kingdom to Israel. At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will return to Israel, and a repentant remnant will welcome Him (Matthew 23:37-39). He will destroy Satan’s kingdom and reign over all the nations of the earth. Once we understand what lies ahead for Israel, it makes sense that our adversary would do all he can to thwart God’s plans.

Second, although the current conflict is not the Gog/Magog war foretold in Ezekiel chapters 38-39, it’s preparing the way for it. For the past several years, we have watched as nations involved in this future invasion of Israel have aligned precisely as predicted by the ancient prophet. We don’t know when, but it appears that this invasion lies in the not-too-distant future.

The Lord revealed to His prophet that the Gog/Magog invasion will happen when Israel resides securely (38:11). Should Israel soundly defeat the current regime in Iran along with its allies, which seems probable, it’s likely that such a victory could lead to the peaceful conditions that will precede this future war.

Third, the current conflict is continuing to condition Israel to accept the peace accord that antichrist will offer to its leaders. I can’t imagine what it’s like to go into bomb shelters two or three times a day and listen to intercepted missiles exploding in the air and feel the impact of those that get past the defenses. All this is on top of the October 7, 2023, barbaric massacre and the constant warfare that has ensued since then, which already has a war-weary Israel longing for peace.

Daniel 9:27 tells us that the coming antichrist will initiate a peace agreement with Israel, which he will break three and a half years later (see also Matthew 24:15).

I agree with the many prophecy experts who believe the Gog/Magog invasion will occur just before antichrist appears on the world scene. By then, Israel’s leaders will be all the more willing to agree to the terms of someone who’s able to guarantee an extended period of peace for them. Should he include the rebuilding of the temple in his deal, that will make his offer all the more enticing.

Bible Prophecy’s Consoling Message for Us

The certainty of God fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel is extremely good news for us. It reminds us that He remains in control of all things. Just as He able to bring Israel to repentance and restore a kingdom to its people in the future, so He’s able to keep all His promises to us. Jesus will surely come for us and take us home to the place He’s preparing for us (John 14:1-3). Count on it!

God cannot lie. He will not fail to bring all those He justifies to Heaven above (Romans 8:28-39). Just as the Lord exercises His sovereignty on behalf of Israel, so He will do the same to bring us safely to glory before the start of the coming seven-year Tribulation.

The reassuring message of Bible prophecy is this:

1. God is sovereign over all human affairs; He’s in total control of all the outcomes that impact His people, whether it be Israel or us as New Testament saints.
2. Regardless of what we experience between now and Jesus’ appearing, He will not fail to rescue us and at that time give us immortal bodies like that of His own (1 Corinthians 15:47-55; Philippians 3;20-21).
3. No matter how bleak things might look for Israel or for us in days ahead, we can rest in the certainty of His promises for both. He’s both willing and able to keep all His promises.

I don’t understand why so many believers and even pastors dismiss Bible prophecy as irrelevant for their lives. Its promises bring sweet relief amid the wars, rumors of wars, violence, and rampant lawlessness of the day in which we live.

There’s no greater encouragement for perilous times in which we live than the consolation that comes from understanding and believing what the Bible reveals about the future.

-Jonathan