Part 22

Explanation of "Things to Come"

The very next significant Biblically prophesied event will be the Rapture, when every member of “the church, which is His body” will be taken to heaven with Jesus Christ to be their our eternal abode.

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle (physical body) were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house (abode) not made with hands, ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS. (2 Corinthians 5:1)

The Rapture of "His body" is imminent, meaning it requires no sign or pre-happening except one. Paul writes that currently "blindness" is upon " Israel ," but only until “the fullness (or completion) of the Gentiles to come in” (Rom 11:25b), that is until "the church, which is His body" is completed with its Rapture to heaven.

"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)

So, when the very last person to be saved by grace is added to “His body,” our Rapture to heaven will occur. God’s focus will then return to Israel and the end-time program of events concerning Israel and the earth.

The “Psalm 83 War” is the first significant thing to occur either just after the Rapture or just before the Rapture. Psalm 83 is a prayer calling down judgment and justice upon Israel ’s neighboring enemies. The nations listed are the modern nations that surround Israel today. Tents of Edom is modern day Southern Jordan . The Ishmaelites is modern day Saudi Arabia , Moab is modern day Central Jordan . The Hagrites is modern day Egypt .   Byblos is modern day Northern Lebanon, Ammon is modern day Northern Jordan, Amalek is then modern day Sinai Peninsula . Philistia is modern day Gaza (Hamas). People of Tyre is modern day Southern Lebanon (Hezbollah), Assyria is modern day Syria and Iraq . Israel hasn't yet subjugated the lands since it became a nation once again in 1948. In Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 we see Israel will battle these immediate neighbors. Israel today must do something about all the missiles aimed from Lebanon , Syria , and Gaza , with their Iranian-led Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamist extremists. I believe the next significant war on Israel is what many call the “Psalm 83 War.” In it the Lord will miraculously intervene, victoriously, by it Israel will begin to see the Lord’s hand (Isa 17:1-7, cf., Jer 49:23-27). The Lord's defense of Israel will demonstrate that He is intimately involved in human affairs surrounding Israel .

The map and chart below lists the nations to be involved in the following war we call the War of Gog-Magog. In the list you will note that the "inner ring" of listed nations surrounding Israel (i.e. Syria , etc.) are NOT involved in the Gog-Magog attack. This is because they will have already been dealt with beforehand, in the earlier “Psalm 83 War,” wherein Israel is bring these neighboring lands under its rule.

Note the countries of the 1^st War of Gog & Magog located on the chart and map below.

ANCIENT NAME	MODERN NATION	EXPLANATION
Rosh	Russia or Chief	Ancient Sarmatians known as Rashu, Rasapu, Ros, and Rus.
Magog	Central Asia	Ancient Scythians - Islamic southern republics of the former Soviet Union with a population of 60 million Muslims.  This territory could include modern Afghanistan .
Meshech	Turkey (Southern)	Ancient Muschki and Musku in Cilicia and Cappadocia .
Tubal	Turkey (south Russia , Iran )	Ancient Tubalu in Cappadocia .
Persia	Iran	Name changed from Persia to Iran in 1935.
Ethiopia ( Cush )	Sudan	Ancient Cush , south of Egypt .
Put	Libya	Ancient Put, west of Egypt .
Gomer	Turkey	Ancient Cimmerians - from the seventh century to first century B.C. in central/western Anatolia .
Beth-togarmah	Turkey	Til-garimmu - between ancient Carchemish and Haran (southern Turkey ).
Many peoples with you	Other Islamic nations	Possibly Iraq , Jordan , Somalia , Egypt

Note that among nations to participate in the Gog and Magog War , Syria is NOT listed. This is because, before the War of Gog and Magog, Syria will be fully subjugated to Israel and Damascus will have been fully destroyed  (Isaiah 17:1) as result of the Psalm 83 War that comes first. Damascus today is one of the longest continually inhabited cities of the ancient world.

“THE MOURNFUL, inspired prediction concerning Damascus [capital of Syria , and Israel ’s bulwark against Assyria ]. Behold, Damascus Will Cease To Be A City And Will Become A Heap Of Ruins.” (Isaiah 17:1 AMP)

After the “Psalm 83 War” the next major thing to occur is the “War of Gog and Magog.” The Russians will then lead Iran and a Muslim coalition down from “the north” (Eze 38:6) in an attempt to invade and destroy the Jewish state once and for all. Even now we see these events beginning to take shape in our daily news. Ezekiel 38 and 39 give us a detailed description of the war known as the “War of Gog & Magog.”

The “War of Gog & Magog” will occur when Israel is feeling secure, dwelling "safely....in unwalled cities” (Eze 38:11, 14) due to their God-given victory over their hostile neighbors in the Psalm 83 War. Today we see the many miles of walls Israel has built to try and secure their land. Israel will then also be enjoying oil wealth and trade when the “War of Gog and Magog” occurs. Israel is 2nd only to the USA in sales technology items. The Russia (Rosh, of Eze 38:3) is referred to also by the ancient name of “Gog” (38:2). The Iran , here referred to as “ Persia ,” They seek to bring the Iranian Shia Muslim rule over the world. Gog is Russia , Magog is “the land of Gog ,” referring to the Islamic southern republics of the former Soviet Union .

Now let’s look closer at the War of Gog and Magog to see the apparent basis for this war, its outcome, and its place in the timeline of end-time events. Eze 38:4 indicates that Russia is going to be dragged  into this coming war by the Lord placing “hooks in the jaw.” This is similar to the way a rider makes a stubborn horse move by the bit in its mouth, to guide it. The Lord will cause Russia (Gog) to move against Israel militarily.

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, ² Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince (leader) of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, ³ And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief (leader) prince of Meshech and Tubal (Turkey): ⁴ And I Will turn thee back, and Put Hooks Into Thy Jaws, and I Will Bring Thee Forth, and All Thine Army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: ⁵ Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: ⁶ Gomer (Asian Turkey), and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (southern Turkey) of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. (Ezekiel 38:1-6)

Some well respected Biblical scholars place the “War of Gog and Magog” midway through Tribulation, when Christ opens the 7^th seal. But the Biblical evidence is that the “War of Gog and Magog” will occur directly before the beginning of Tribulation. Consider this; if the “War of Gog and Magog” were to occur at the midway point of the 7-year Tribulation, Daniel’s 70^th Week, at that time the nations and peoples of the whole world will be under the complete control of the Antichrist who by then has covenanted to protect Israel (Dan 9:27b). So the nations of the “War of Gog and Magog” would have to break Antichrist’s treaty with Israel in order to attack Israel . There's no Biblical support for the theory. The Bible indicates Antichrist will break the treaty himself, midway through Tribulation; "in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" (Dan 9:27). Antichrist will reveal himself and defile of the rebuilt temple (Dan 11:36).

The “War of Gog and Magog” will be led by Russia and Iran in an alliance with Turkey , and several Arab nations (see chart and Eze 38:1-6). They will be crushed by God’s divine intervention on Israel ’s behalf; by friendly fire (v21), a “great earthquake” (v20), and a “rain of great hail, fire, and brimstone” (v22). God will end the battle almost before it starts, without His personal appearance.

“¹⁸it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog (Russia) shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face…²² ... I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 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.” (Ezekiel 38:18, 20-23)  

By contrast, the "War of Armageddon" will occur at the very end of the Tribulation. It will involve virtually every nation on earth and will be centered on and against Israel . The “War of Gog & Magog,” while involving a large number, will NOT include every nation on earth. So the “War of Gog & Magog” before the Tribulation, is NOT the "Battle of Armageddon" which occurs at the very end of Tribulation. Victory at Armageddon literally brings Christ to earth to establish His Millennial Reign (Rev 19:11-16).

It’s reasonable to assume that at the time of the War of Gog & Magog, the world will still be in chaos due to the then recent Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the “body of Christ” and the Psalm 83 war. Thus Israel will no longer have the support of any Christian organizations as they do today. The Russian and Muslim coalition would use this time of chaos to seize the opportunity to attack a then friendless Israel .

The verses below indicate the motive of the Gog and Magog invasion and War is for the "spoils."

“¹³   Sheba , and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish (Western merchant nations, with Saudi Arabia , question Gog), with all the young lions ( Britain & USA ?) thereof, shall say unto thee (Gog), Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to TAKE A GREAT SPOIL? ¹⁴ Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when My People Of Israel Dwelleth Safely, shalt thou not know it? ¹⁵ And thou shalt come from thy place out of The North Parts (Gog), thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: ¹⁶ And thou shalt come up Against My People Of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog (Russia), before their eyes.” (Ezekiel 38:13-16)

The greatest “spoil” likely will be Israel ’s new found oil and gas reserves. along with the eastern Mediterranean ports in Lebanon and Syria that Israel will control after the Psalm 83 War. The invading coalition comes to take “spoil” (v13). Over the years, many Bible scholars have speculated what the “spoil” might be but have never been able to put a finger on it until now. See: http://www.thejc.com/business/business-features/109211/should-israel-export-its-natural-gas,

Recent news reports show that in addition to owning the Dead Sea with its priceless amounts of strategic minerals and metals, Israel has come upon relatively accessible massive amounts of offshore oil and natural gas. In fact, the amount of gas and oil can make Israel an energy exporter while providing for their own energy for what is estimated to be for 50 years. I believe these discoveries during the end of the end times are no coincidence. Russia seeks to dominate and control energy in its part of the world, so this is exactly the type of “spoil” that would encourage Russia to take up arms against Israel .

There will essentially be no one to stand in the way of the Gog and Magog coalition attacking Israel . The U.S. will be either be neutral due to the political time or, perhaps due to the Rapture, the US will simply not in a position to help Israel . This is exactly what God wants since He alone will save Israel .

“¹⁸...Gog Shall Come Against The Land Of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. ¹⁹ For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel ; ²⁰ ...the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. ²¹ And I will call for a sword against him (Gog) throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother. ²² And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 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.” (Eze 38:18-23)

Above we see the Lord's fury as the Gog and Magog allies move on Israel to destroy her. They will see the hand of the God of Israel as He lashes out in anger for those who want to destroy His people of Israel . God will destroy the invading forces and intervene with His classic weapons of a rain of hailstones, and fire and brimstone from Heaven. God will also use another classic weapon of having Israel ’s enemies fight each other, as we see among Muslims today. Many will perish at their sword as they try in vain to destroy Israel . God will clearly sanctify His Holy name and the "nations" will know that He is the Lord.

These verses below tells us that the Lord's destruction of the invading forces will be so great, that only one-sixth of the invading forces will remain alive. God will supernaturally destroy those who came against His chosen people and the mountains of Israel . The invading forces would surely defeat Israel if God does not intervene. But God will do this to magnify and sanctify His Holy name. He will then call on “The Ravenous Birds of Every Sort” (v4 below) to come and feast upon Israel 's dead enemies, as they did after Noah's flood.

“Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog (Russia), the chief prince (leader) of Meshech and Tubal (Turkey): ² And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: ³ And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. ⁴ Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I Will Give Thee Unto The Ravenous Birds Of Every Sort, and To The Beasts Of The Field To Be Devoured. ⁵ Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 39:1-5)

Here below the Lord indicates that He is not just content with destroying the invading forces that amassed against Israel ; God "will also send fire on Magog," that is on "the land  of Gog ."

“⁶I will send a FIRE on Magog (the land of Gog ), among them that dwell carelessly in the isles (the Black Sea ?): they shall know that I am the Lord. ⁷I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel . ⁸Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.” (Eze 39:6-8)

Many see this as God’s punishment and judgment on Russia for her long history of anti-Semitism and perhaps even for arming the enemies of Israel . Russia claims all the time that their selling of weapons to Israel ’s enemies is simply for “defensive” purposes but they know this is not the case. Russia is currently involved in building a nuclear weapons program for Iran , as it tried to in Syria only to be bombed by Israel . Russia and Iran are the state sponsors of terrorism worldwide. Their day of reckoning is coming.

The Tribulation: With the more Christianized nations in disorder due to a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, and the Islamic world in ruin due to the Psalm 83 War and Gog-Magog War, the Antichrist, will easily be able to fill the vacuum. With the Muslim nations shattered before the Tribulation due to both the Psalm 83 War and the Gog and Magog War, the Antichrist will have an easier time of making good on a peace covenant with Israel .

By Antichrist making his peace covenant with Israel and Israel having easily conquered the lands of the Middle-Eastern Muslim countries, the Roman Empire could be revived once more. The Bible records the continued existence of China . They too will be under the control of the Antichrist, until the end of the Tribulation, when China as “the kings of the east” (Rev. 16:12) will join the many nations that come against Israel and Antichrist at Armageddon. Again, of course the Lord will personally intervene in this war also, at the end of the Tribulation. The Lord will save Israel and destroy her enemies, and then set up His Millennial kingdom on the New Earth over a period of 75 days.

So, the signing of the peace covenant between the Antichrist and Israel actually begins the 7-year Tribulation period (Dan 9:27). We know the Jerusalem Temple must be rebuilt for Antichrist to occupy mid-Tribulation, 3-1/2 years into the Tribulation (Dan 9:27). This means there would be a 3-1/2-yr or more delay between the Rapture and the Tribulation, since Israel will have the prophesied “seven years… to burn the weapons with fire” (perhaps nuclear, Eze 39:9-10). These weapons will likely have been taken from the Gog-Magog War.

The ultimately horrific 7-year Tribulation will end with Jesus’ literal return to save Israel and destroy her enemies. At the end of the Tribulation the Antichrist and False Prophet will be the very first to be "cast into the Lake of Fire .” ALL the unbelievers who die in the Tribulation will go to the dark side of Hades to await the end of the Millennium and the Great White Throne judgment and “lake of fire.”

Scripture allows for a period of up to 75 days between the second coming and the actual start of the Millennial kingdom. Daniel 12:11-12 declares that the one who perseveres unto 1,335 days (3-1/2 years plus 75 days) from the time the sacrifice is taken away (at mid-Trib), would be wonderfully blessed.

The Lord Jesus will use the 75-day period after His Second Coming and His victory at Armageddon to judge the "wheat & tares" and separate the "goats and sheep nations (Gentiles)."  In that 75 days those who survived the plucking of Matt 13 as "wheat," and the “sheep” believers of the “Nations” (Gk., ethnos, Gentiles) (Matt 25:31-32), will enter the kingdom. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory…before him shall be gathered all nations (Gentiles): and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-32).” To the wheat and sheep Jesus will say, "enter the kingdom."  The tares will be burned (Mat 13:40), and the goats will “depart into everlasting fire” (Mat 25:41). All the surviving of the Tribulation will be believers. They will live on into the 1,000-yr reign of Jesus Christ’s in His kingdom of peace and righteousness on the New Earth.

The Millennial Kingdom will end with Satan being released from his 1,000 year incarceration. Satan will then lead the unbelieving newborns of the Millennium, those who never accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, against the Lord. The Lord will quickly destroy them with “fire” in this final war.

After the Millennial Kingdom , will come the Great White Throne Judgment of ALL the unbelieving dead of ALL ages. They will be resurrected to “stand” before the Lord to be judged (Rev 20:11-14). Then, not finding their names “written in the Lamb’s book of life,” ALL of them will be “cast into the Lake of fire,” called "the second death" (Rev 20:6b).

The Messianic Kingdom believers of the Tribulation will move from the Millennial reign of Christ into the Eternal Kingdom on the rejuvenated New Earth with its New Jerusalem. The Lord's "bride," which consists of all the resurrected believers of Israel , will reign with Him and serve Him, being in union with Him who "is the Temple " (Rev 21:22).

In all honesty, God has yet to reveal with any great clarity what life will be like for those who will dwell in eternal state of the Kingdom of God on the New Earth and in the New Heaven. We do know it will be most glorious for the believers of Israel and the members of the “body of Christ.” We do know that by then, the “body of Christ” will have already been a long time "reigning in heaven with Him" (2Tim 2:12), as they will for eternity, from the time of the Rapture (2 Cor. 5:1, Philip. 3:20-21).