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Vol 15. Issue No.2 Spring 2002

THE BIBLE MAGAZINETHE BIBLE MAGAZINESpring 2002 Vol. 15. Issue No.2.A WITNESS OF BIBLE TRUTH FOR OUR TIMES

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”— John 17:17.

LOCAL INFORMATION

Study & Doctrine

PAGE 3. John Thomas, explains how the Revelation provided a vision of the future to believersdown all the long centuries since John first received the vision on the isle of Patmos.

PAGE 6. The Ark of the Covenant is a a subject that has intrigued many — but what was its messageand purpose? In this article Paul Billington looks at the ark and its contents, finding in it powerfullessons which relate to the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Christendom Astray

PAGE 21. Don Pearce brings us another Milestones update, this timefocussing upon events in Israel and the Middle East. The continuing violenceand failure of diplomacy has caused many Israelis to turn to prayer. Is anysolution in sight?

PAGE 10. When people have found the Truth of God’s word— the “pearl of great price,” whateverwould cause them to relinquish it? In this article Frank Abel gives us ten reasons that cause someto fall away from the Faith that they once embraced. The warning for each of us is a real one!

Editorial

Prophecy Fulfilling

BACK PAGE In this issue we take a look at what’s going on in the classroom.

Notice Board

PAGE 4. Events and news of special interest to Bible Magazine readers.

Creation

PAGE 12. Our cover story in this issue discusses the methods that have been used to silence thetestimony of prophecy, as this is seen in the fulfillment of history over the past 2000 years. With thistestimony silenced by the Roman Church —and Protestantism neutralized— the way has beenprepared for the growth of the Ecumenical Movement in Christendom.

Editorial & Subscriptions

PAGE 4. Fred Crawford draws our attention to the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew chapter25 and analyses the vital lesson that applies to all of Christ’s disciples. Here is a strong andcompelling motive to act wisely in the necessary discipline required in our reading habit.

PAGE 18. An extended editorial in this issue examines the impasse in theMiddle East, and especially in the light of prophecy. A peace agreementwould be seen as a miracle; a miracle that some could attribute to Antichrist!

PropheticViewsDiscarded in Today’sEcumenicalClimate

Cover Story

The ForgottenApostasyTriumphant!

Interpretations of prophecy such as those by Joseph Mede & Isaac Newton (shownabove) are now discarded because the message they contain condemns the false Church.

Shadows on theWall, as Jews

desperately prayfor peace.

Publishing Editor: Paul BillingtonPhone/Fax: (519) 449-3446

Editorial Address:The Bible MagazineLPMPO Box 2104784 Lynden Road,

Brantford, Ont. Canada.N3R 6B0e-mail:

[email protected]

SubscriptionsNorth America

As Editorial address Above

United KingdomMrs. A. Barnes1 Woodrow LaneCatshill, Bromsgrove,Worcs.B61 OPS

Phone/Fax: [email protected]

For Books & Videos (U.K.)Mrs. Judith White.23 Brookvale Drive,Thornhill, Cardiff, S.Wales.CF14 9EG

[email protected]

AustraliaAleck Crawford6 Ingomar Court,Hallett Cove,South Australia [email protected]

Phone: 08-8381-3616

Christadelphian Scripture Study ServiceLocal Representatives.

New ZealandMr. D Archer11 Hampton Hill Road.Tawa, Wellington, NZ 6203

Phone: [email protected]

South AfricaMr. E. DuckworthBox 1606Pinetown,Natal 3600

WRITTEN OVER 100 YEARS AGO

THE APOCALYPTIC VIEW OF HISTORY

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 15. ISSUE No.2.

HE APOCALYPSE IS INTELLIGIBLE; for it is “the Revelation, which Godgave to Jesus Christ, of the things which were soon to come to pass”after its communication to the Apostle John. A blessing is

pronounced upon him who comprehends it, and upon those who give heedto the interpretation of it so as to understand it, and to keep, or narrowly toobserve, the things which it reveals. It is an open book, containing anunconcealed, or unsealed, prophecy. It requires intellect undimmed by theillusions and delusions of sectarian hallucinations; a knowledge of theprophetic style and manner of expression; acquaintance with the history ofthe past, and present; and understanding of the scriptures of the OldTestament; and “wisdom” rightly to divide and apply events to theirappropriate localities—in order to present a consistent and intelligibleinterpretation of this wonderful book.

We know of no author extant who has given to the world a scripturalor rational exposition of the Apocalypse. None can interpret it who drinkof the waters of Babylon. Confusion of intellect and confusion of tonguesare the characteristics of those writers on this book, who have not becomeas little children that they might enter the Kingdom of God. A clericaleducation, which is based upon subserviency to authority, utterlyincapacitates a man for the business of unfolding the simple, yet beautifuland expressive symbols, of this portion and integral part of the propheticword. A man must first drink of the fountain of the water of life freely, andhe will then, other things being equal, be prepared to know and teach thesayings of the prophecy of this book.

The Apocalypse is remarkable for its sevenfold divisions. Hence thebook is sent to seven churches, which are symbolized by seven goldenlampstands, through which shine the seven spirits from before the throneof God; and it is sent by seven messengers which are represented by sevenstars in the right hand of the son of Man, whose countenance is as the sunshining in his strength.

The little scroll which John saw “in the right hand of him that sat uponthe throne” (Rev. 5) may be compared to a telescope of three slides besidesthe case. The case when the sliding tubes are shut up contains them all; soalso the scroll unopened contained the seven seals, seven trumpets, andseven vials. When the largest brass sliding tube is extended from the case,it still contains two lesser tubes; and when the second is drawn forth ityet contains the smallest; and this being extended we have the telescope inits full length. Nevertheless, though the tubes are all drawn out, they arenot detached; they are still partially within each other at the joints.

Now “a door was opened in heaven”—chap. 4:1—through which Johnlooked, and he saw “things which,” he was told, “must be hereafter.” Thegreat object which attracted his attention was “a Throne with one sittingupon it.” —they were “things which must be hereafter.” He saw JesusChrist sitting upon this throne, whom he compares to a jasper stone. Seeverse 3, and chap. 21:11. Read all the fourth chapter, and from verse 8 ofthe fifth to the end. This passage describes what will be on earth whenJesus shall sit upon the throne of his father David in Jerusalem—Isaiah24:23. Now to take a comprehensive view of these things it was necessaryto put into the reader’s hand a spiritual telescope by which he might lookto the end of the vision.

Hence this little scroll is introduced, which, fully extended, enableshim to stake his stand with the apostle in Patmos, and looking through thecelestial tube, extending its lenses through subsequent ages, to behold athrone, surrounded by the saints and angels, and Jesus on it in their midst,set up by the God of Heaven upon the Land of Glory according as hepromised it to Abraham and David.

John Thomas in Herald of the Future Age, 1848.

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he Apocalypse throws great light upon the Book ofDaniel, the “hidden mystery” of which it expounds. TheEternal Spirit, styled by Peter “the Spirit of Christ,” is the

real author of both prophecies; and what he omitted to tellDaniel, he communicated about seven hundred years after to theapostle John; and all for the benefit of those who “walk byfaith,” and are “the called according to his purpose.” Should itbe necessary, then, to exhort such to make both the Apocalypseand the Book of Daniel the subject of diligent and persistentmeditation, that they may be able to take heed to the “sure wordof prophecy,” which is in very deed “a light shining in a darkplace?” No genuine believer of “the gospel of the kingdom” willneed such an exhortation. It is the honor of the kings and priestsof the Deity to search out what he has condescended to reveal. John Thomas in the Preface to Exposition of Daniel.

he Apocalypse is “the things concerning the kingdom ofthe Deity and the name of Jesus Anointed,” with the timesand the seasons, symbolically and dramatically exhibited;

in other words, “the Mystery of the Deity as he hath declared theglad tidings to his servants the prophets”—chapter 10:7. Thegospel must, therefore, be understood as an indispensableprerequisite to the true and correct exposition of the book.John Thomas in the Preface to Eureka Vol.1.

ONE SECTION ISCONTAINED INANOTHER & MAYTHUS BE EXTENDED.THE CONSTRUCTIONOF THE REVELATIONMAY BE VIEWEDSIMILARLYAS SHOWNBELOW.

CASE

JOINTS

SIR ISAAC NEWTON’SHOME-MADEREFLECTINGTELESCOPE.

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By John Thomas

BIBLE MAGAZINE NOTICE BOARD

he Lord Jesus Christ gives us threepowerful parables in Matthewchapter 25, and he identifies twogroups of people in them: Those who

will enter into Life Eternal and the Kingdom ofGod, and those who will not—the rejected.

It is vital that we understand clearly thebasis of this acceptance or rejection into theKingdom so that we can prepare ourselveswhile there is yet time and opportunity to do so.

The Ten VirginsThe first parable, known as the Parable of

the Ten Virgins, provides the foundation for thesubject before us. The two factors to be notedhere are, first, that the two groups are describedas being either wise or foolish. It is the wisewho are accepted, while the foolish are not.Secondly, this parable is about being ready (seeverse 10 and 13). The wise are ready when thebridegroom comes—so the parable is teachingus about our attitude and our actions.

The teaching of this parable points out theneed for oil in the lamps—here is the very basisof the message, and of our ultimate acceptanceor rejection. The wise virgins saw to it that their

lamps were filled with oil (verse 4), but thefoolish were without oil (verse 8). Thesefoolish virgins were unprepared to meet thebridegroom (Jesus) when he arrived. A lastminute effort to rectify their lack of oil was tono avail—they were too late! The door wasshut! (verse 10). The wise however, saw to itthat they had sufficient oil in their lamps so thatthey were ready to meet the bridegroom—andso they represent those who are accepted intothe Kingdom.

The parable closes on a tragic note and wesee the foolish striving desperately to begranted an entrance into the marriage (that is,the Kingdom), only to be told “I know younot!”

What a powerful message this is. Jesus istelling us about our attitudes and our actions.

The Word in usThe dictionary defines wise as being

prudent, sensible, practically wise— andfoolish as dull, sluggish, stupid and heedless.Other points in this parable that we need toappreciate may be explained as follows:• The virgins represent the followers of Jesus

Christ (c/p Rev. 14:1-4).• The Lamps represent the minds of the follow-

ers or disciples—they are “vessels” thathold the oil.

• The Oil represents the word of God.

By Fred Crawford (Victoria, B.C. Canada)

After a false start due to an equipmentproblem The Bible In The News can now beviewed on our web site. You need Realplayeron your system for this, which can bedownloaded from www.Biblemagazine.com

Different presenters will appear each atintervals God willing, commenting upon TheBible in The News — whether prophecyfulfilling or some other aspect that has caughtthe speaker’s attention.

RUGBY MILESTONES PROPHECY DAY ON VIDEOThe Milestones Prophecy Day held in Rugby UK on February 2nd 2002 is availableon video from Don Pearce at [email protected] a very successful event with some 550 attending, another Prophecy Day isplanned for 2003, Saturday February 22nd at the Benvue Hall, Rugby.PROPHECY & WITNESS: EXHIBITION & STUDY DAYA Study Day under the theme Our Preaching & Witness Today is planned for April20th, 2002, at the Branlyn Recreation Centre, Brantford Ontario. The study will beaccompanied by a unique exhibition of prophecy related material under the title:Rome, Jerusalem & The Bible. There will be a public presentation in the evening.SIGNS OF OUR TIMES PROPHECY DAYThis will be held in Brantford Ontario, on Saturday October26th 2002. Our speaker will be Michael Ashton (UK) andone other to be announced in our next issue..MILESTONES 2001 AVAILABLEMilestones 2001 by Don Pearce (100 pages) is now available,providing a review of events during 2001. In the UK it is nowavailable from the author: [email protected] or inAustralia from CSSS agents (see our inside cover). In NorthAmerica contact Mrs Carol Wilson at [email protected]

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• The Light, coming from the lamps, representsthe understanding of the Truth of God’sword, that directs our actions.So what is the meaning that Jesus intended

by this parable—the meaning that is intendedfor our spiritual and eternal well being?

All Christ’s followers have minds intowhich the word of God must enter in order forthem to receive the Truth and then manifest itslight in actions (c/p 2 Cor. 4:2). This is requisitefor salvation—see John 3:19-21; also John8:12.

Wise disciples of Christ will ensure thattheir lamps, vessels —minds— are continuallysupplied with God’s word—for they readilyperceive and accept the divine principle thatsalvation is predicated upon “the Truth in us.”In John 8:31-32 we have these words:

“Then said Jesus to those Jews whichbelieved on him, If ye continue in myword, then are ye my disciples indeed; Andye shall know the truth, and the truth shallmake you free.”

Foolish disciples of Christ will adopt anattitude of mind that suggests that they arealright as they are, and that very little of theword of God has to be put into their minds.They have neither the time nor the inclinationfor it—and so they are led to presume upon thegrace of God when, at the last, they come faceto face with Jesus Christ at his return.Alternatively they will then rush about at thelast minute attempting to make up for theirfailure. Either way, it will be to no avail—thedoor will be shut!

From this parable then, we conclude that itis vital for us to have a clear understanding asto why it is so essential to have the word of Godwithin us—and why it must be written upon ourhearts and minds.

How Much do we Need?So what is sufficient? This question can be

one of genuine and real concern—but it mayalso be asked by those who are really asking:“How little can I get away with?” That is theattitude of the foolish!

Perhaps we can suggest some answers tothose who have a concern in this area:• There must be spiritual growth in a believer.

We cannot and do not remain at a fixedlevel of spiritual mindedness. We are eitherprogressing or regressing. In order to growwe must have a continual and balanced dietfrom God’s word; c/p 1 Peter 2:2.

• There must be sufficient of God’s word withina person in order to produce thatconviction, belief and conscience whichwill result in the way of life that is inharmony with the will and purpose of God.In other words, it must result in the personbeing “born again”—1 Peter 1:23.

• There must be enough of God’s word in aperson’s mind, that it becomes a power toconvert the natural, earthly, human andoften sinful thinking (with the actions) intoa mind and character that reflects God’sways. From Romans 8:6 we learn:

“For to be carnally minded is death; but tobe spiritually minded is life and peace.”

We read further in the chapter:“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:but if ye through the Spirit do mortify thedeeds of the body, ye shall live. For asmany as are led by the Spirit of God, theyare the sons of God” (verses 13-14).

• There has to be enough of God’s word in us soas to enable us to overcome the Battle forthe Mind. It is impossible for the humanmind to be brought into harmony with themind of God without the daily influence ofthe power of the word (see Isaiah 55:6-11).It is impossible to resist and combat thesubtle influences of humanism upon ourminds, without the continual supply of theword of God.

“Incline thine Ear unto Wisdom”So says Proverbs 2:2. Let us then

emphasize this message from other Scriptures.In Proverbs 29:18 it is written: “Where

there is no vision the people perish.” We musthave a mental picture—a vision— of the futureglory that God has in store for those who arefaithful. Without this vision we shall not bemotivated to prepare ourselves, and so wewould perish as the Proverb says. It is onlythrough God’s word—and in particular throughprophecy—that we can obtain the vision and sostrive to be a part of it. Without this vision ofthe future we will only see the present worldand what if offers—1 John 2:15-17.

In Hosea 4:1 and verse 6 the lack ofknowledge (of God and His purpose) is shownto be a very serious problem. As God declared,to reject knowledge of Him—that is to refuse toread, study and obey His word on an ongoingbasis—will result in Him (that is God) rejectingus!

Yet another example is given to us in 2Peter 3:15-18. The apostle Peter refers in verse16 to certain of the apostle Paul’s writings as“hard to be understood.” He then goes on to saythat “they that are unlearned (not sufficientlygrounded in God’s word) and unstable wrest(distort the meaning of) unto their owndestruction.”

This is what happens when there is not

enough oil in our lamps. There is insufficientlight of the Truth to be able to discern Truthfrom error.

“Wise unto Salvation”The apostle Peter speaks of believers

“being born again, not of corruptible seed, butof incorruptible, by the word of God, whichliveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). Wenote that it is the word of God whichaccomplishes this.

Again in 1 Timothy 4:12-16 we find theapostle Paul instructing Timothy for thepurpose of leadership and guidance over thecongregation at Ephesus. His words are “Giveattendance to reading”—the word of God wasto be read with diligence—verses 15-16, “thatthy profiting (growth and progress) may appearto all.” He says, “for in doing this thou shaltboth save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

Also, again, in his second letter to Timothyhe declares plainly that “the holy scriptures...are able to make thee wise unto salvation...”This, of course, provided we read and studythem.

Moses, in the Old Testament teaches thesame essential message:

“...he humbled thee, and suffered thee tohunger, and fed thee with manna, whichthou knewest not, neither did thy fathersknow; that he might make thee know thatman doth not live by bread only, but byevery word that proceedeth out of themouth of the LORD doth man live” (Deut.8:3).

The word of God then, is the source andbasis of true Life. That is why the Psalmist tookdelight in it and meditated upon it “day andnight” (Psalm 1:1-2).

Having considered the vital need to fill ourlamp, “vessel,” or mind with the oil of God’sword of Truth, we would point out that one ofthe most important ways of doing this is to readthe Bible daily. We hope to consider this in afurther article, God willing.

There must be sufficientof God’s word within a

person in order toproduce that conviction,

belief and consciencewhich will result in the

way of life that is inharmony with the willand purpose of God.

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AN ERROR INOUR LAST ISSUE

Editors and authors have nightmares aboutthis sort of thing, and it had to happen sooneror later! In the last issue (page 8) we statedthat President Roosevelt of the USencouraged Britain to issue the BalfourDeclaration — but of course, that was not so.The error occurred first in typing from thewritten manuscript where an inserted fewwords were missed. In the rush of productionthis error was included in the caption underRoosevelt’s picture. We apologise for this.The section in the article should have read:

“They were Bible readers, whoencouraged Britain to issue the BalfourDeclaration, as were later U.S.Presidents Roosevelt and Truman whowas first to communicate recognition ofthe new Jewish state in 1948.”


he ark of the covenant was thecentre-piece of Israel’s worshipand the writer of the epistle to theHebrews tells us that it—togetherwith the rest of the tabernacle—

was “a figure for the time then present” (9:9).It “is a parable” says the Revised Version. Itwas a similitude or symbol constructed so asto resemble in some way the real significanceof God’s purpose and (in this case),“covenant” with Israel.

The fact that this symbology is representedin the Revelation and thus occupies a part ofthe “things which must shortly be done”(20:6), shows us that it has reference to thefuture, when “the temple of God” is to beopened in the new heaven (the kingdom),wherein will be “seen in his temple the ark ofhis testament (or covenant) from whichlightnings, voices and thunderings proceed”(Rev. 11:19).

What then does it all mean?

The Ark and its ContentsThe Ark (Hebrew ‘aron) was a box or

chest. The same word is translated coffin (Gen.50:26), so that the idea is clear enough. It wasoverlaid with gold—a metal that is oftencompared in the Scriptures to faith (e.g. Job23:10; c/p 1 Pet. 1:7). Faith in the contents ofthis ark is therefore suggested—faith, that is,in the covenant.

Inside this golden ark, box or coffin were

the stone tables of the testimony or covenant,“written with the finger of God” (Exodus31:18); for “he wrote upon the tables the wordsof the covenant, the ten commandments” (Ex.34:28). We can read these commandments inExodus 20:1-17 and in Deuteronomy 5:1-22;this latter passage clearly stating that thesecommandments constituted a “covenant”(verses 2 and 3). Israel feared to hear the voiceof God (verses 23-27), asking that Moses speakwith them. So, out of these ten basiccommandments, all the “commandments, thestatutes, and the judgements” of the Law ofMoses were developed—Deut. 6:1-3.

Moses summarizes the essence of thecommandments in the well-known words of

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (the shem‘a yisrael),which Jesus places alongside Leviticus 19:18,saying: “on these two commandments hang allthe law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:40). Also

the apostle Paul in citing five of thecommandments says that they are “brieflycomprehended in this saying, namely, Thoushalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Romans13:9).

With the two tables of stone, a golden potof manna was placed in the ark. This mannawas—and represented—“the bread whichcometh down from heaven” (John 6). Thelesson and meaning of this manna-bread isclearly stated in Deuteronomy 8:3,

“And he humbled thee, and suffered theeto hunger, and fed thee with manna, whichthou knewest not, neither did thy fathersknow; that he might make thee know thatman doth not live by bread only, but byevery word that proceedeth out of themouth of the LORD doth man live.”

By Paul Billington (Ont., Canada)

“... the ark of the covenant overlaid round aboutwith gold, wherein was the golden pot that hadmanna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablesof the covenant; And over it the cherubims of gloryshadowing the mercy seat...”—Hebrews 9:4-5.

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When Jesus discusses the manna in Johnchapter 6, it is clear that he has the same idea inmind, for being the word made flesh (John1:14), he embodied the teaching of God. Hesaid:

“It is written in the prophets, And theyshall be all taught of God. Every mantherefore that hath heard, and hath learnedof the Father, cometh unto me” (Jn. 6:45).

So Jesus declared: “I am that bread of life”(verse 48), but in saying that he was the breadthat came down from heaven and that the breadhe would give was his flesh—he was speakingof “eating” in a much higher sense: that of anintellectual or mental assimilation of his wordand teaching. As he says in verse 63,

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the fleshprofiteth nothing: the words that I speak

unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”His words were “the words of eternal life”

(see verse 68). This was the true ‘bread of life’symbolized by the pot of manna in the ark.

The prophet Jeremiah says: “Thy wordswere found and I did eat them” (chapter 15:16).Likewise, Ezekiel says: “he caused me to eatthat roll” or scroll (chapter 3:2). This eatinginvolves a process of digestion andassimilation so the words thus eaten form aman’s thoughts which are subsequentlyexpressed in the message he has to deliver.They also form within him a character—whatPeter calls “the hidden man of the heart” (1Peter 3:4), which is thus “the hidden manna” ofRevelation 2:17. It is hidden in the ark—evenin a coffin—until the day when Christ will“bring to light the hidden things of darkness,and will make manifest the counsels of the

hearts: and then shall every man have praise ofGod” (1 Cor. 4:5).

These symbolic items—the tables of stoneand the golden pot of manna—wereaccompanied by a third item: Aaron’s rod thatbudded. Here was a dead stick selected by God(see Numbers 17:5), and which came back tolife again.

The first principle involved is that ofselection. God says that “the man’s rod, whomI shall choose, shall blossom...” So it was that“the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi budded,and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms,and yielded almonds” (verse 8). Thebackground to this was the challenge of Korah,Dathan and Abiram who gathered a followingand claimed equality, saying to Moses andAaron “Ye take too much upon you, seeing allthe congregation are holy, every one of them,and the LORD is among them: wherefore thenlift ye up yourselves above the congregation ofthe LORD?” (Numbers 16:3).

The human mind is naturally opposed tothis principle of selection. The thought is, Whyshould God choose some before others? Hisstated prerogative, “I will be gracious to whomI will be gracious, and will show mercy onwhom I will show mercy” (Ex. 33:19) is notliked. The natural man sees this as unfair. Theapostle Paul in discussing this issue (Romans9:9-21) says: “Nay but, O man, who art thouthat repliest against God? Shall the thingformed say to him that formed it, Why hastthou make me thus?”

The spirit that moved Korah and hiscompany was that of the human mind whichsees all men as being equal and cannot respectthat God chooses some above others—that Heshows mercy upon some but hardens others. AsMoses and Aaron were chosen by God, so alsowas David chosen to lead Israel. As Korah wasrejected, so was Esau, Eli and Saul. Theprinciple is thus clearly established that “theyare not all Israel, which are of Israel... Theywhich are the children of the flesh, these are notthe children of God: but the children of thepromise are counted for the seed” (Rom. 9:6-8).

As Aaron’s rod was chosen out of all therods so a selection, or “election” was madefrom Israel and “the rest were blinded” (Rom.11:7). To use another Bible phrase, they werecut off from among their people (c/p verse 20).

This cutting off of the unbelieving Korahclass however, does not alter God’s purposewith the nation of Israel—“the gifts and callingof God are without repentance” says Paul inRomans 11:29. Thus Israel, as a dead stick orrod, “shall take root (in Christ): Israel shallblossom and bud, and fill the face of the earthwith fruit” (Isa. 27:6). The nation will awakento spiritual life!

The Word...The pot of manna, the tables of the

covenant and the rod of Aaron were later joinedby an autograph copy of the book of the law(see Deuteronomy 31:26). This would witness

Note: This is a composite graphic only & does not claim visual accuracy.


against the Jewish nation—and when it wasfound many years later during the reign ofJosiah (2 Chronicles 34:14) it brought about areformation which delayed judgement uponthe nation. Again however, this was onlytemporary. The covenant-in-the-box could not(as Hebrews 9:9 says) make the worshippers“perfect as pertaining to the conscience.” Thisperfecting of conscience—that is to say that“the worshippers once purged should have nomore conscience of sins” ( chapter 10:2),required something more than the law couldprovide.

Consider what was in that ark or box.They were words of a testament, or covenant.The tables of stone, the manna and the bookall represented the words of God. The rodrepresented the Hope of Israel also—but asyet it was only a hope.

The Voice from the BoxThe lid of this box or “ark of the

covenant” was beaten out of one piece ofgold, forming the “covering,” with twocherubim—one on each side. In Exodus 25:19the instructions were:

“...make one cherub on the one end, andthe other cherub on the other end: even ofthe mercy seat shall ye make thecherubims on the two ends thereof.”

The Revised Version here has, “...of onepiece with the mercy seat shall ye make thecherubim on the two ends thereof.” The facesof the cherubim were to look one towardanother and toward the mercy seat. Thus inExodus 37:7,8 we are told:

“And he made two cherubims of gold,beaten out of one piece made he them, onthe two ends of the mercy seat; Onecherub on the end on this side, andanother cherub on the other end on thatside: out of the mercy seat made he thecherubims on the two ends thereof.”

This design is full of deep meaning—andit was from this mercy seat or covering thatMoses “heard the voice of one speaking untohim, from off the mercy seat that was upon theark of testimony, from between the twocherubim...” (Num. 7:89). It is as though thewords in the box found an expression throughthe lid or mercy seat. As God had said (Ex.25:22), “...there I will meet with thee, and Iwill commune with thee from above themercy seat, from between the twocherubims...” Here then was—as it were—asound box; a box or coffin from which a voicespake through the lid!

Whoever heard of a voice speaking from acoffin?! Well, we do hear people’s words outof the box so to speak when their will ortestament is read out. Hebrews 9:16-18 makesthe point:

“For where a testament is, there must alsoof necessity be the death of the testator.For a testament is of force after men aredead: otherwise it is of no strength at allwhile the testator liveth. Whereuponneither the first testament was dedicatedwithout blood.”

The covenant—all that was in the ark—could not be brought into effect without thedeath of the one who made the will ortestament. God Himself is immortal, and Hisagents the angels cannot die either—so howcould the covenant or will be brought intoforce? It was to be activated through thedeath of the Son of God who was therefore“set forth to be a propitiation (the Greek wordis the same as that translated mercy seat inHebrews 9:5) through faith in his blood. Inother words, the word (of God) was madeflesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, sothat his death brought into force the will ortestament. As he himself said, “This is myblood of the new testament (or covenant),which is shed for many (Mark 14:24). Theblood-sprinkled mercy seat representedChrist.

The CherubimThe word cherubim is merely a

transliteration of the Hebrew original. Boththe inspired writer of Hebrews 9:5 (usingGreek) and those who have translated theBible into English make no attempt to find anequivalent word or expression for it. Itremains before us as a distinctly Hebrewconcept. A survey of concordances andlexicons will show a complete failure on thepart of these “authorities” to arrive at aconsensus at to its derivation and meaning. Inconsidering this subject therefore, we havetwo facts before us. First, that this is a conceptwhich is only expressed in Hebrew, andsecond, that to gain some understanding of it,we must look at what the Scriptures tell usabout it.

A complete and thorough analysis of thissubject is beyond the scope of this present

article (we may use the words of Hebrews 9:5,“of which we cannot now speakparticularly”—or in detail). Nonetheless itmay be said that the idea of the “cherubim” isused in a variety of settings and applications.The word certainly refers to or sometimesrepresents, “living creatures” (c/p Ezekiel10:15), but with wheels (verse 13 etc.) andtherefore creatures that are “chariots” who areridden—see Psalm 18:10 and 1 Chron. 28:18.These “cherubim” are also said to be livingcreatures in whom God dwells (or sits)—1Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chron.13:6; Psalm 80:1; 99:1; Isa. 37:16.

The covenant of course, was one whichconcerned Israel— the nation of Israel is to bethe beneficiary. It is stated in Exodus 34:27-28,

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Writethou these words: for after the tenor ofthese words I have made a covenant withthee and with Israel. And he was therewith the LORD forty days and forty nights;he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.And he wrote upon the tables the wordsof the covenant, the ten commandments.”

This is why the “cherubim” is a Hebrewconcept; the living creatures relate to Israel—but it is an Israel that is joined to Christ themercy seat. Gentile believers in the gospelbecome joined to the commonwealth (Gk.politeia) of Israel and the covenants ofpromise by baptism into Christ and so are alsorepresented by these “living creatures” orcherubim (c/p Eph. 2:12,13, also verse 19).

Hebrews 9:5 terms them “cherubims ofglory,” and from Revelation 5:8-10 it is clearthat in this case they refer to the redeemedsaints in whom God dwells (2 Cor. 6:16), andwho are the chariots (vehicles) of Hismanifestation (2 Cor. 4:10) or phanerosis,through the Truth in them—verse 2.

The cherubim on the ark, which is ourfocus here, pointed forward to the time whenthe disciples of Christ (from all ages) will “bemade perfect in one” (John 17:23). They were“beaten” out of one piece with the mercyseat. They were “moulded by hammering”says Strong’s concordance. They were thus“conformed to the image of his Son” asrepresented by the mercy seat (Rom. 8:29; c/p2 Cor. 3:18).

The construction of the ark with its lid orcovering (including the mercy seat andcherubim) teaches us that the unity andoneness of Christ and the saints arises fromthe word of the covenant, or word of God.Note the words of Jesus in John 17:20,21,where he speaks of those “also which shallbelieve on me through their (the inspiredapostles) word: that they all may be one...” Itis the belief of the word that forms them (orconforms them) into one—as the apostle Paulsays: “Till we all come in the unity of thefaith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,unto the perfect (or complete) man, unto themeasure of the stature of the fulness of Christ”(Eph. 4:13). It is the word that conforms us tothe image of Christ, and to the mind of Christ,

THE CHERUBIMOF ISRAEL

ISRAEL AS A LIONJudah is depicted as a Lion inGenesis 49:9 and Revelation5:5.ISRAEL AS AN OXIsrael is described as an Ox inIsaiah 1:3. Those who serveGod are so described in 1Corinthians 9:10 and in 1Timothy 5:17,18.ISRAEL AS EAGLESJacob (another name of Israel)shall renew strength as eaglessays Isaiah 40:27-31. Theredeemed are indicated inRevelation 8:13 and 14:6,7.ISRAEL AS A MANSee Judges 20:1; Ezra 3:1 etc.Also the saints in Ephesians4:13 and 1 Peter 3:4.


so that there are no divisions—“...that ye beperfectly joined together in the same mind andin the same judgement” (1 Cor. 1:10).

This feature is fundamental in theconstruction of the ark and its lid. This is whythe cherubim have their faces one towardanother—for “they shall see eye to eye, whenthe LORD shall bring again Zion”—Isa. 52:8.They look towards the mercy seat (the sourceof their redemption) and towards oneanother—see 1 John 3:16—in self-sacrificinglove.

The New CovenantAll those things that we have

considered—the ark, its contents and itscovering lid—formed a part of those thingswhich Hebrews 9:9 says was a figure orparable. They pointed forward to those thingswhich would be revealed following the deathof the testator, who came and confirmed thecovenant or testament (Romans 15:8). Thedeath of Christ activated the covenant that hadbeen in the box, and brought it into force.Thereafter it is called the New Covenantbecause it is new in the sense of its activityand operation.

No longer was the the law upon tables ofstone, now it was to be written “in fleshlytables of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:3). The breadfrom heaven that would be eaten now was theincorruptible word of Life manifested in thebody of Christ (1 John 1:1), and like the rod ofAaron it would bring forth fruit in those whobelieve and have faith in the blood-sprinkledmercy seat. Fruit, that is to say, first in works

of faith and ultimately in a never-ending life.The book of the law of the kingdom of Israelwill then be in the hand of the mediator of theNew Covenant, who having magnified the lawand made it honourable (Isa. 42:21), willestablish it as the law that will go forth fromZion (Isa. 2:3), judging the world inrighteousness (Acts 17:31).

The power of the New Covenant—itsforce and active principle—is derived fromChrist’s sacrifice of himself. This is whattouches the heart and conscience. The love ofChrist for his Father was of such depth andintensity that he was willing to be obedient,even if it cost him his life. John tells us that“the Father sent his Son to be the Saviour ofthe world” (1 John 4:14); and there was noother way of accomplishing this other than by“sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfulflesh, and for sin condemning sin in the flesh”that the righteousness of God’s law might befulfilled in those who would walk after itsessential spirit (Rom. 8:3,4).

Let us understand and appreciate whatChrist has said: All the law hung upon theprinciple of love—love of God and love ofneighbour. Hence, “love is the fulfilling of thelaw” (Rom. 13:10). The obedience of Christthen, was not cold and rigid; it was not a merelegal obligation—it was an obedience borneout of love for his Father and because heshared his Father’s love for a world thatsuffered the consequence of its foolishnessand sin.

How could men and women be releasedfrom the real grip of their sinful nature? The

solution can be seen in the love of Christ. Ifthat same love could be generated in the heartsof men and women by faith, then they couldbecome eligible for justification through themercy of God. This is the work of the NewCovenant in Christ’s blood; “For the love ofChrist constraineth us: because we thus judge,that if one died for all, then were all dead (i.e.they are constrained to follow his example):And he died for all, that they which liveshould not henceforth live for themselves, butfor him who died for them” (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

Now here is the issue: Are they willing todie as he was willing to die? Put it anotherway: Are the pleasures of sin so tremendousand rewarding that they cannot be sacrificedfor Christ who gave his life to rescue us fromthat deadly grip? The desire and will to beconformed to the pattern of Christ’s death(Philippians 3:10) results from the influenceof his word and sacrifice upon the mind andheart of the believer, purging his consciencefrom dead works to serve the living God—Hebrews 9:14. For this reason he is themediator of the New Covenant, putting hislaws (based upon love) into their hearts andminds (Heb. 10:16), having activated theCovenant by his death as the testator, somaking possible the fulfillment of the promiseof an eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).

Symbols for the FutureThat the “figures” that we have considered

from the Old (or Mosaic) Covenant pointedforward to Christ is surely clear enough. Wehave seen also that they testified to the futurerelationship between Christ and the saintswith a reformed Israel. We can nowunderstand why this symbology appears in thebook of Revelation (chapter 11:19), where ithas these words:

“And the temple of God was opened inheaven, and there was seen in his templethe ark of his testament: and there werelightnings, and voices, and thunderings,and an earthquake, and great hail.”

The “temple” referred to here is theecclesia, the body of the saints (as described in2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:19-22 for example). Therewill be a literal temple—a house of prayer forall nations—built in the kingdom age, but thatis not the focus here. The truth is that thetemple of the living God—Christ and thesaints—will form the administrative or rulingauthority in the new heaven (c/p Isa. 65:17-18). The “ark of his covenant” will no longerbe hidden from view as it was under theMosaic system—it will be “seen” says theRevelation. “Seen” that is also in the sense ofbeing understood. The ark and its cherubimwill judge the world, putting down allopposition to Zion’s King—hence thelightnings (c/p Ezek. 1:14), and the voices(Ezek. 1:24) of the host; the voices, thethunderings of judgement and the politicalearthquake described in Revelation 16:17-18—all will bring the great climax of God’spurpose, and He will be “seen” or known inthe eyes of many nations.

GOLDEN POTOF MANNABread From

Heaven

ROD OF AARONResurrection &Hope of Israel

TABLES OF THECOVENANTThe Testimony

BOOK OFTHE LAW

Of TheKingdom

THE WORD OF GOD IN A BOX

THEREDEEMED

Saints in Christ


his article is about the reasons whysome people who find the Truthgive it away. Although it is hard

to imagine that anyone reallyunderstanding and possessing the pearl ofgreat price would just give it up willingly,sad to say it happens frequently. In somecases they just give it away, like Esau,who for a single meal gave away hisbirthright. Others abandon it becausethey are not prepared to pay the costnecessary to maintain it (see Luke 14:38-23). That is, when it becomes apparent tothem that faith is required, they, like therich young ruler who conversed withJesus, turn away with a sad heart(Matthew 19:22). Still others leave theFaith only to become dedicated enemiesof the Truth later on. The real question forthe reader to ask is if any of the followingexamples sound familiar. Take a littletime and ponder these ten scenarioswhere the scripture records that peopleeither were at risk of leaving the Truth, orfell away altogether. Our first line ofdefence is to correctly assess our ownweaknesses.

Reason 1 — Itching Ear Syndrome! In the latter part of his life, the apostle Paul

witnessed the sad picture of believers leavingthe sound teaching of the scriptures and givingtheir ears to things that sounded better. “Forthe time will come when they will not enduresound doctrine; but after their own lusts shallthey heap to themselves teachers, havingitching ears; And they shall turn away their earsfrom the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”(2Timothy 4:3-4). It is not to be expected thatany of those afflicted with this problem reallyhad itching ears in a literal sense, rather theapostle was using a figure of speech torepresent those believers who were giving theirattention to something that sounded moreappealing than the Truth. For instance, onemight guess that it was for this simple reasonthat the doctrine of the immortality of the soul,a complete and total lie, came into thecatechisms of the more ‘progressive’ churches.As long as the pastor or priest involved couldshow a couple of texts, like the words of thethief on the cross, the new teaching would seemto have biblical support. What a wonderfulthing to hear— we are immortal after all!However, to students of the Bible this new ideawas utterly false and could not be reconciledwith the scriptures.

Reason 2 — The Love of Money! Jesus made it clear when he said, “ye

cannot serve God and mammon.” To thepeople of Ephesus who saw material gain as ameasure of godliness, the Apostle Paul spokestrong words of rebuke. “Perverse disputingsof men of corrupt minds, and destitute of thetruth, supposing that gain is godliness: fromsuch withdraw thyself” (1Timothy 6:5). In thiscase the departure in thinking was sofundamental that Timothy was advised towithdraw himself from those who believed andtaught such things. The apostle respondedfurther by saying that the love of money was areason for people getting into all kinds of evil,so that they “...erred from the faith, and piercedthemselves through with many sorrows” (1Timothy 6:10). The truth of this statement isnot hard to see in our covetous society aspeople continue to desire the immediatepleasures of materialism. Seeking treasure onearth places many demands on our time, ourenergy, and ultimately on our allegiances.Students of the Bible will recognize the truth ofthe parable of the sower: “He also that receivedseed among the thorns is he that heareth theword; and the care of this world, and thedeceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and hebecometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22).

Reason 3—Succumbing to Seducing Spirits! Many people have had the experience of

wanting to say ‘No’ to a persuasivesalesman and yet in the same instant hada difficult time finding real reasons tosupport a resistance. In some cases wemay have actually ended up saying ‘Yes’because we couldn’t think fast enough ofa way to counter the clever reasoningwoven into the sales pitch. Likewise, inthe arena of religion, we are warned,“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, thatin the latter times some shall depart fromthe faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils” (1Timothy 4:1).So, some depart from the Faith becausethey are seduced to follow the ways ofothers. It may be that an association witha wicked person has an innocent start, butonce the evil influence is recognized ourbest defence is to flee, like Joseph didbefore Potiphar’s wife. The scriptures areemphatic enough, “Do not be deceived:‘Evil company corrupts good habits” (1Cor 15:33,34 NKJV). It is good to be alittle sceptical about new ideas and applythe same test that the Bereans did whenthey searched the scriptures daily to seewhether what they were hearing agreed

with the Word of God (Acts 17:10,11). Theapostle John adds a further warning: “try thespirits, whether they are of God: because manyfalse prophets are gone out into the world” (1John 4:1-3).

Reason 4 — To Avoid Persecution!The Lord tells us in the parable of the

sower that there is a whole class of people whofall into this category: “the same is he thatheareth the word, and anon with joy receivethit; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth fora while: for when tribulation or persecutionariseth because of the word, by and by he isoffended” (Matthew 13:20,21). In having todeal with the pressures of life in the Lord, allare tested, and necessarily so, for testing isessential to help us develop a character of valuelike the pearl of great price. In former timesone might be talking of the nature of testingthat led to martyrdom, however today, at leastin western society, it is much more likely thatthe most a person will suffer is social rejection,or loss of employment. The Lord mentionedthat a group of priests of his day had thisprecise problem, “Nevertheless among thechief rulers also many believed on him; butbecause of the Pharisees they did not confesshim, lest they should be put out of thesynagogue: For they loved the praise of menmore than the praise of God” (John 12:4243).What cost are we willing to pay? The questionwe ought to be asking ourselves is whether we

Ten Reasons Why People FallAway From The Truth!

By Frank Abel (Ont., Canada)

A Pearl of Great Price!The real pearl is saving Truth,

but are we prepared to count thecost —and pay the price of

holding on to it?

T


likewise would seek to evade ourresponsibilities to witness if we thought thatunpleasant consequences were likely to follow.The wrong choice would lead to a searedconscience— and to a forsaking of Truth.

Reason 5 — Becoming Tolerant of Error!Jesus put it this way, “Notwithstanding I

have a few things against thee, because thousufferest that woman Jezebel, which callethherself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce myservants to commit fornication, and to eatthings sacrificed unto idols” (Revelation 2:20).The believers at Thyatira, should haverecognized the evil involved and stopped thisspiritual Jezebel before she had successfullyseduced other members of the congregation.One can think of many characteristics that thisJezebel may have had which made it difficult todeal with her influence, but the longer theproblem was put off, the more difficult it wouldbecome. The record indicates there were a fewindividuals who remained in the samecongregation unaffected by her influence andteaching, but they had not been able to dealwith her treachery. The elders in a congregationshould be quick to recognize trouble and actsoon enough, powerfully enough, and equitablyenough to effect change. False doctrine is likean infectious disease, if left without restraint, itwill eventually overcome everyone.

Reason 6 — No Love of the Truth! Truth cannot prosper where apathy rules.

Many times in the history of Israel, when noone stood up for Truth, the nation wasimpoverished. God put it to Isaiah like this:“None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth fortruth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; theyconceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity”(Isaiah 59:4). With all the scientific‘discoveries’ of the last few centuries it hasbeen amply demonstrated that wonderful thingscan happen if you understand the truth behindit. Surely every mature adult understands thevalue of truth in that sense, so why is it that sofew fall in love with ‘truth’ in a general sense?It must be clearly understood that when peopledespise the Truth, and show cold indifference toGod’s wonderful and gracious offer of eternallife, there is a consequence. False teacherswould come, says Paul, “...with alldeceivableness of unrighteousness in them thatperish; because they received not the love ofthe truth, that they might be saved. And forthis cause God shall send them strong delusion,that they should believe a lie” (2 Thess2:10,11). If through indifference and the lack ofmaintaining the Truth in our life, our love for itis allowed to grow cold, one day we may findourselves out in the cold and defending lies.

Reason 7 — To Champion New Ideas! Even in the lifetime of the apostle Paul it

was obvious that some who came into theflock, came in with less than genuine motives.For instead of being humbled by the word ofTruth and remaining teachable, they introducednew doctrines with a hidden agenda. Warning

people about this threat to the Faith became animportant part of the gospel Paul preached, ashe said: “For I know this, that after mydeparting shall grievous wolves enter in amongyou, not sparing the flock. Also of your ownselves shall men arise, speaking perversethings, to draw away disciples after them”(Acts 20:29,30). In direct opposition to theclear teaching of the Faith, these peoplepreached another Jesus and enticed as many aspossible to join them in their departure from theoriginal belief. Driven by pride and the lusts ofthe flesh, these teachers have often beencharismatic leaders, fired by their success of

acquiring a following. No wonder that the Lordcould say, “Beware of false prophets, whichcome to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardlythey are ravening wolves. Ye shall know themby their fruits” (Matt 7:1316). In recent timesthe false prophets have greatly multiplied, suchthat Christendom has become so splintered,that the adversaries of Christ have been given areason to mock the Truth itself.

Reason 8 — Too Content to be a Spectator!In our western world, the technological

advances in electronics have provided

consumers with massive TV screens, such thatquite often they get a better view of events thanthose in actual attendance. And there is noneed to miss a moment, for with the ability ofvideo-taping and instant replays, one can relishthe favourite moment time and again. This hashad such an enormous effect on people inNorth America at least, that the number ofpeople on the streets during a major sportingevent has noticeably decreased. Our age has

become the Spectator Age, where people havediligently sought out inventions to enable themto be entertained, while they in comfort onlyneed to have enough energy to now and then,press a button. For Christians, this is a deadlyhabit, as Jesus warned, “Not every one thatsaith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into thekingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the willof my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).Individuals with this problem do not leave theTruth per se, but their lifestyle is a reason forconcern. Jesus thoroughly condemned the manwho had been given a talent but didn’t use itwhen he said: “...cast ye the unprofitableservant into outer darkness: there shall beweeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 25:30).

Reason 9 — Once a child, Always a child!If conviction is to develop in a believer’s

life, then understanding one’s beliefs isessential. In the parable of the sower, Jesusmade the point that some who start on the roadof discipleship never progress and eventuallydepart from the Faith because they did notunderstand their beliefs. “When any oneheareth the word of the kingdom, andunderstandeth it not, then cometh the wickedone, and catcheth away that which was sown inhis heart” (Matthew 13:19). Studies associatedwith nutrition, have taught us that it isimportant for humans to have an appropriateand balanced diet throughout their life.Common sense tells us further, that a mancaught up in heavy labour in his field ofemployment, is hardly going to perform wellon the same diet as his infant son. The apostlePaul makes it very plain in the followingremarks, “For when for the time ye ought to beteachers, ye have need that one teach you againwhich be the first principles of the oracles ofGod; and are become such as have need ofmilk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12).People who never progress in theirunderstanding of the Truth become thestragglers in faith.

Reason 10 — Insufficient Fellowship! The Truth was never meant to be lived in

isolation. In fact, ‘agape’ the chief quality ofChristian life could not be developed apartfrom the pressures brought on by belonging toa community of believers. The apostle Paulsaid it was necessary: “...that thou mayestknow how thou oughtest to behave thyself inthe house of God, which is the church (orecclesia) of the living God, the pillar andground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). It maybe that those who see a liberal element infellow believers, and a way of life they abhor,wishing to avoid contamination, chooseisolation for themselves. The ecclesia orcommunity of believers is likened in theScriptures to a bride, one bride — the bride ofChrist. All genuine members of the Christiancommunity are either part of the body of thebride, or not part of the Christian community atall. It is needful that we are all part of thiscommunity that needs and depends upon thefellowship of each other.

The first complete Bible in English, the MilesCoverdale, had cost William Tyndale his life.Coverdale himself was exiled. In those dayspeople were willing to suffer for God’s word.

Truth cannot prosperwhere apathy rules.Many times in the

history of Israel, whenno one stood up for

Truth, the nation wasimpoverished.

‘

’


TESTIMONY OF PROPHECY

he dramatic growth of ‘Futurism’ inrecent years is a remarkable sign ofour times. It is an example of thegrowing power and influence of theEcumenical Movement, whereby

many would-be Christians feel the need togather ever closer together under the umbrellaof Rome.

So what is Futurism?At risk of over-simplification, we can say it

is a way of interpreting the prophetic messageof Revelation—the last book in the Bible. Itinvolves seeing it as being mostly unfulfilledand expecting its fulfilment in the future.

But there is a lot more to it than that, as weshall see.

The Bible’s Prophetic MethodFirst, let us turn to the Bible and see how

the Almighty reveals his plans for the future toHis own people and to His servants. Theprinciple was summarised by the prophet Amoswhen he said that God “...will do nothing, butthat he revealeth his secret unto his servants,the prophets” (Amos 3:7). The Apostle Peterconfirms this when he says that “...We havealso a more sure word of prophecy; whereuntoye do well that ye take heed” (2 Peter 1:19).God’s prophetic word is not only a surerevelation of his purpose but is like “...a lightthat shineth in a dark place.” It is not intendedto leave His people “in the dark” about what isgoing on around them in their own days, nor toprovide ideas for speculation about the future!

An excellent example of how this principleworks occurs in Deuteronomy chapter 28.Here, God outlines through Moses, the eventswhich were to befall the Jews from about BC1400 right through to the present day andbeyond. Although this could not be spelt out inexplicit detail, the prophecy does unfurl acontinuous programme of judgments to comeupon His people if they disobeyed Him. Manydescriptive symbols and metaphorical termsare used indicating that, first, the people would

be invaded by the Assyrians, then by theBabylonians, then by the Romans and indeed, itdescribes in graphic terms the suffering of theHolocaust. Most of this continuous programmeis now historical in that it has largely beenfulfilled, thereby providing us with goodgrounds for having confidence that the rest ofthe, as yet, unfulfilled prophetic word of Godwill come to pass. Indeed, fulfilled prophecy isa powerful witness to the truth of the Bible andto the fact that God can be seen to be at work inthe kingdoms of men.

Another example is that of Daniel who wasable to interpret the dream which theBabylonian Emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, hadabout events leading up to what are referred toas the “last days” (Daniel 2:28).Nebuchadnezzar was told that after his empirethere would come another empire symbolisedas silver (the Medes and the Persians);thereafter another empire symbolised as brass(the Greeks); and then would come the dividedempire of Rome symbolised by two iron legs.Now, no one disputes the continuous symbolic,but now mostly historic fulfillment of thatprophecy because for much of the way theBible interprets the prophecy itself. Indeed, it isworth repeating that believers down the ages

By John Ramsden (London, U.K.)

LOOKING FOR AFUTURE APOCALYPSE

LOOKING FOR AFUTURE APOCALYPSE

SILENCING THETESTIMONY OF PROPHECYAS WRITERS BUILD BRIDGES TO ECUMENISM

SILENCING THETESTIMONY OF PROPHECYAS WRITERS BUILD BRIDGES TO ECUMENISM

TT


Y

have been able to watch the unfolding plan of God anddraw confidence from the fact that what God had saidwould happen did in fact happen!

Daniel follows up this sure revelation by telling muchthe same story in chapter 7 but this time using animals tosymbolise the powers concerned. When he comes toRome, however, he uses the symbol of a uniquelyindescribable 4th beast which, lo and behold, turns upagain in the book of Revelation—but this time havingmetamorphosed into a rather different animal.(Incidentally, no one doubts that because a dull greencaterpillar metamorphoses into a scarlet butterfly that it isnot essentially the very same creature, albeit in a differentform! So it is with Daniel’s 4th beast!). Space does notpermit us to discuss yet another example from Daniel—his 70-week’ prophecy which pinpoints exactly the birthand death of Christ—a prophecy which is so sadlydistorted and misapplied by myriads of contemporaryProtestant paper-back writers.

The Continuous-Symbolic-Historic ApproachSo far then, we note the basic principle underlying

these examples is one of the use of symbols to representpowers, together with the continuous outlining of historyin advance. That is sometimes referred to as the“Continuous-Historic” approach to interpreting prophecy.Unfortunately that term suggests a backward lookingapproach involving the need for great knowledge ofhistory, concentrating only on the past. A more accuratedescription would be to call it the CONTINUOUS-PROPHETIC

approach, for that is precisely what it is — the continuousunfurling of future prophetic events. True, many of thoseevents will with the passage of time be fulfilled, thusproviding sound and rational reasons for havingconfidence that what has yet to be fulfilled will indeedcome to pass in its own due time. This is God’s way ofpresenting prophecy to us.1

However, it is only right to point out that even inBiblical times there were those who were not prepared toaccept the prophet’s words in the right spirit. For example,when the prophet Ezekiel warned of doom for his peoplein the days in which they were living, there were manywho said:

“...the vision that he seeth is for many days to comeand he prophesieth of times that are afar off” (Ezekiel6:3).

Similarly, Amos rebuked those who“...put far away the evil day”

and who said,“the evil shall not overtake us” (Amos 9:10).

Because they believed that these events were far off inthe future they could speculate about how they might befulfilled, instead of seeing the storm that was gatheringaround them at that time. Although not strictlycomparable, we note a rather similar attitude whenZephaniah was imploring his people to be aware of thesigns of the impending Scythian invasion from the north.They chose to ignore the signs of their times and to lookthe other way saying in effect, on the one hand “...the Lordwill not do good,” but on the other hand “...neither will hedo evil.” In other words, they were unwilling to relate theprophecies they had been given to the very events takingplace around them.

A FUTURE VIEW OF BIBLE PROPHECYVIRTUALLY IGNORES HISTORY

AND THE GREAT CHRISTIAN APOSTASY

YM

YM


On the other hand, there were those in NewTestament times (as there are today) whoasserted that certain prophecies had alreadybeen fulfilled even though they manifestly hadnot been! The Apostle Paul told Timothy toshun Hymenaeus and Philetus who argued thatthe resurrection had already taken place! Alas,by asserting that future events had eitheralready been literally fulfilled or at leastsymbolically so, they had shipwrecked thesimple faith of others. Such attitudes towardsprophecy have the same effect today! (2Timothy 2:18 & 1 Tim. 1:20).

When we come to Revelation, the specialmessage which Jesus addresses, not to the Jewsand the Romans who had just crucified him, butrather to his servants —the true believers— wefind he adopts precisely the same method; thesymbolic, continuous, unfurling of history toldin advance. Why should he do otherwise? Godis not a fickle, inconsistent God. On thecontrary, he even brings forward intoRevelation many of the symbols and metaphorsused when talking to the Jews.2 The very lastchapter of the Bible confirms that His servantshave been told about “the things that shortlymust be done.” So it is just plain wrong tosuggest that the word “shortly” actually meansa gap of about 2000 years before those thingswould be fulfilled!

Antichrist in the Epistles of JohnIn the book of Revelation, the message is

not about the oppression of His people, theJews, by a long extinct political empire calledBabylon— but rather of His people nowdescribed as “the Saints,” persecuted by areligious power described by the symbol“Babylon the Great.” It describes the growth ofan apostate religious power developing fromthe weaknesses of the early churches, theleadership of which eventually becomes knownas “the False Prophet”.3 In addition, theEpistles of John contain the Bible’s only fivereferences to the word “antichrist” and acareful reading of those passages shows that itrefers to false teaching being promoted in theplace of true Bible teaching. These clearlyindicate the doctrine of the Trinity and resultantfalse ideas about the Atonement. Collectively,these doctrines or “spirits” are known as“antichrist” and as such, characterise theteaching of the apostate church, the leadershipof which the Apostle Paul personifies as “theMan of Sin” (2 Thess. 2:3). Putting thesesymbols together and bringing forward certainothers from Daniel, it becomes so obvious thatwhat Jesus is giving to his people, the saints, isa prophecy concerning the future role of theRoman Catholic Church. In no way can thesesymbols be applied to say Islam, Hinduism,Buddhism or such like—they just don’t fit!

Strangely enough, however, at the end of theGulf War in 1991 some even said that theprophecy concerning Babylon the Greatreferred to Saddam Hussein’s hopelessly failedattempt to re-build the ruins of that ancientcity! What a sad example of the misapplicationof Scripture in an attempt to direct attentionaway from the real subject of the prophecy.$

Now, this is not some private, latter-day,Christadelphian understanding of Revelation—far from it! This was basically the approach toprophecy which the early Christian and secularwriters appeared to have, despite theirotherwise totally unsound ideas on otherdoctrines. For example, Hippolytus (c AD 200)saw that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was thecontinuous unfolding of world history from BC600 to the Roman days in which he was living.“Already the iron rules... we see these thingsfor ourselves,” he said. Then there wasIrenaeus who, in AD 180, in his book AgainstHeresies said that “The Apocalypse... teachesus what the ten horns shall be which were seenby Daniel.” Origen, too in AD 248, writing inAgainst Celsus sees that the Little Horn ofDaniel chapter 7 and the Man of Sin representthe same power— an apostate system.

So What has Changed?Why has this understanding of Daniel and

Revelation come to be discarded by so manypeople today in favour of the Futurist approach

John Wycliffe1324-1384 William Tyndale

1484-1536Joseph Mede

1586-1638Why is it necessary inunbelief to look for another

Antichrist? In the 7thchapter of Daniel, Antichristis forcefully described by a

horn arising in the time of thefourth kingdom... For so our

people see the lord pope...

The bishop of Rome made alaw of his own to rule his

church by, and put Christ’s outof the way. All the bishops

must swear unto the bishop ofRome... they be the right

antichrists, and deny both theFather and the Son.

...the Christian common people,called the Waldenses, Albigenses,Wiclifists, Hussites, and by othernames, began in divers places to

renounce the authority of theBeast, calling Rome Apocalyptic

Babylon, and the popeAntichrist... which being enraged

they tyrannized with fire andsword; but all in vain...

PROTESTERS THAT IDENTIFIED ROME

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threat to the power base of the medievalCatholic Church. And this is where the Jesuits(formed by Ignatius Loyola in Spain in 1534)emerge onto the scene. They formedthemselves into a sort of army of defencearound the papacy. It was their role to protectthe Catholic Church from further attacks by the“Protestants” with their damagingunderstanding of Revelation.

The Jesuit Counter AttackIt was not long, therefore, before the

counter attack was launched. In 1615 theSpanish Jesuit, Luis de Alcasar, wrote a 900page book, The Hidden Message of theApocalypse, in which he asserted that all ofRevelation applied to the past pagan RomanEmpire and to the first six centuries only,identifying Nero as the antichrist. Therefore asit had all been fulfilled it could not possiblyapply to the Catholic Church of the MiddleAges and could therefore be ignored(Remember what Paul had said aboutHymenaeus and Philetus?). This approach toprophecy is known as “Preterist” from Latinwords meaning “relating to the past.”

Earlier in 1590, another Spanish Jesuit,Francisco Ribera, wrote a 500 pagecommentary in which he proposed that theearly chapters of Revelation referred only topagan Rome and the rest (after a long gap of

to interpreting Revelation? The story is a longone but emerges prominently with thetranslation of the Bible, hitherto guarded frompublic use by the Catholic Church$. As God’sword became available in the 15th and 16thcenturies in the various languages of Europe, itwas quite obvious to Bible scholars in thosedays that the Roman Catholic Church, and thepapacy in particular, was precisely the meaningintended by so many symbols of Revelation.

It was really the work of John Wycliffe andWilliam Tyndale in England, John Huss inPrague and Martin Luther in Germany, whichfinally precipitated the outright rebellionagainst Rome and which saw the start of theReformation in about 1517 AD. But they wereby no means alone. There was Zwingli inSwitzerland in 1536, John Knox in Scotland,John Calvin in France— and they soon saw thereal meaning of those symbols of Babylon theGreat, the harlot, the little horn and beast ofDaniel all bundled up and referred to—albeitinaccurately—as “the antichrist.”

What was so remarkable was how so manymen from widely different backgrounds,stretching from Scotland through Europe toCzechoslovakia, could have been so united inthe way they understood the continuously-prophetic-symbolic message of Revelation.

Clearly this situation constituted a major

many centuries) applied to a three-and-a-half-year period immediately prior to the return ofChrist. He said that the antichrist would ariseduring that period and would rebuild the templein Jerusalem and proceed to conquer the world.His assertion of a three-and-a-half-year periodwas arrived at by taking the 1260 symbolic dayperiod of Revelation 13:5 and applying itliterally despite the fact that the book ofRevelation is, for the most part, a book of signsand symbols! Not for nothing, therefore, didDean Alford describe Ribera as ‘The founder ofthe Futurist System in Modern Times.’

Next, in quick succession in 1593 came yetanother Jesuit book, Polemic Lecture by thePope’s own nephew, Cardinal RobertBellarmine, in which he also disregarded thesymbolic nature of the 1260 day-years andcontended that “the antichrist” would emergeduring the final three-and-a-half year period ofthis world order.

Now the principal intention of publishingall these new Futurist expositions by the Jesuitswas to divert attention away from associatingthe papacy with Daniel and Revelation, byasserting that those prophecies were so far awayin the future that no one should dare to claimany certainty about what they meant but, in anycase, they certainly had nothing to do withRome! But the papacy had other potential

Peter JurieuPub. 1687.

Sir Isaac Newton1642-1727

Thomas Newton. pub. 1754

Now what is this tenth part ofthis City, which shall fall? In my

opinion, we cannot doubt that’tis France... France shall whollythrow off the yoke of popery... Itshall only be in the tenth part ofthe City, which shall fall by this

earthquake... Brotherly loveshall make all men equal.

a horn of the fourth Beast... wasa kingdom of a different kindfrom the other ten kingdoms,

having a life or soul peculiar toitself, with eyes and a mouth.

By its eyes it was a Seer; and byits mouth speaking great thingsand changing times and laws, itwas a Prophet as well as a King.And such a Seer, a Prophet anda King, is the Church of Rome.

You see a great apostasy in theChristian church, which consists

chiefly in the worship of ‘demons,’angels or departed saints, and is

promoted “through the hypocrisyof liars, forbidding to marry, and

commanding to abstain frommeats.’... In short, you see the

characters of ‘the beast and thefalse prophet,’ and ‘the whore of

Babylon’ now exemplified in everyparticular, and in a city that is

seated ‘upon seven mountains;’ sothat if the bishop of Rome had sat

for his picture, a greaterresemblance and likeness could

not have been drawn.

E IN THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

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enemies besides the Protestant leaders of theReformation. Away on the eastern horizon, thepower of militant Islam had overcomeConstantinople—the old Byzantine capital ofthe eastern Roman Empire. And now it washeading for Vienna—the very heart of theCatholic Holy Roman Empire. Herein liesanother remarkable example of the wayprophecy was unfurling events yet to happen—the Ottoman advance into Europe is what, forthe past 150 years, Christadelphians have seenas the fulfilment of the 6th trumpet judgment ofRevelation chapter 9—a point just not graspedby so many contemporary writers.

The Protestant ResponseBut the Protestants were undeterred. Joseph

Mede, a fellow of Christ Church College,Cambridge, wrote his Key to the Revelation anexposition of Revelation, which, when it wastranslated from the original Latin into Englishwas —astonishingly enough— published bythe British House of Commonsin 1641. The English had hadenough of papal interference intheir domestic affairs and it wasin 1646 that the WestminsterConfession of Faith, supportedby Protestant groups includingthe Baptists and theCongregationalists, waspublished. Clause 6 states quiteunambiguously: “There is noother head of the Church butthe Lord Jesus Christ. Nor canthe Pope of Rome in any sensebe the head thereof but is thatAntichrist, that man of Sin.”

Once again, it is remarkablehow great a variety of differentscholars joined in the rejectionof the Jesuit’s protectiveFuturist views of Revelation.John Wesley, in 1750,proclaimed the Pope to be“That Man of Sin.” Earlier, in1733, Sir Isaac Newton, betterknown for his physics andmathematics, echoed similarbeliefs in his Observations onthe prophecies of Daniel andthe Apocalypse. Then there wasthe Anglican Bishop of Bristol,Thomas Newton, who, in 1754, wrote “Theprophecies relating to Popery are the moststriking part of Revelation.” Space does notallow us to tell of the exploits of Faber,Cunninghame, and Keith in England, or PeterJurieu and Tillinghast in France. However, itwas the latter who wrote in 1670 about thedrying up of the River Euphrates, the propheticsymbol of Revelation chapter 16:12, referringto the end of the Ottoman Empire—an eventnot accomplished until some 250 years later!

Yet despite their robust opposition to theFuturist ideas of Rome, many Protestants haveover the years, wandered astray from Bibleteaching on so many other aspects of life-saving doctrines. Thus it is that whilst admiringthe courage and achievements of men likeWycliffe, Tyndale and Huss, Christadelphians

find themselves in opposition to so manyunscriptural dogmas of the present day Papaland Protestant religious systems.

Jesuit Infiltration and EcumenismHowever, it was back in the 18th century

that the Jesuit fight-back got fully underway.Their aim was then, as it still is, to eliminateopposition to Rome based on Bible prophecy5.Stories abound of various Jesuit plots and themethods of infiltration which they haveadopted in order to achieve their aim ofdebilitating the increasingly and more dividednature of the Protestant opposition. Suffice itto say that, although at the start of the 19thcentury the vast majority of Protestantdenominations saw Rome as the Antichrist, thedrift back to Rome was about to begin— a driftwhich dramatically gathered momentumtoward the end of the 20th century. In 1826, Dr.Samuel Maitland, Librarian at Canterbury, wasso impressed by the Futurist views of the

Jesuits that they were introduced into theAnglican Church at a high level. By 1826 thePresbyterians too, were persuaded to adopt theFuturist views of yet another Spanish Jesuitpriest, Manuel da Lacunza —The Coming ofMessiah in Glory, published in England in1826 by their charismatic pastor EdwardIrving, who was subsequently honoured withburial in a Glasgow Cathedral. John NelsonDarby produced his own translation of theBible and by 1838 had formed an alliance withthe Plymouth Brethren and their characteristicFuturist views— ideas which some believepermeate the works of W.E. Vine, whoproduced a very useful Dictionary of BibleWords.

In 1845, John Henry Newman de-campedfrom Oxford to Rome where he became a

Cardinal, leaving the Oxford Movement tocontinue its promotion of Futurism. 1877 sawthe publication of the Companion Bible inwhich Dr Bullinger incorporated his ownFuturist tendencies. Likewise, Cyrus Scofield,who in 1909 produced what became known asthe Scofield Reference Bible with its Futuristovertones and which, within a few years, hadsold millions of copies. Indeed it was one of hisstudents, Lewis Chafer, who went on to foundthe Dallas Theological Seminary in America in1924 among whose better known graduates arethose world-famous prolific “Christian paper-back” writers, Hal Lindsey, John Walvoord andKenneth Taylor, who himself later foundedTyndale House Publishers, renowned for thehugely popular Futurist works of Tim La Haye.

In passing, it is not inappropriate to notethat all the dozen or so churches represented inthe panel of participating translators in thepreface of the NIV may, generally speaking, be

noted for their belief in theTrinity (an implied teaching ofthe “spirit of antichrist” referredto in John’s epistles) and theirFuturist leanings, as is sometimesquite obvious in the study notes.

True, the time was when itcould be said that, if Futurismwas a concept designed to protectRome, then the Continuous-Prophetic-Symbolic approachcharacterised the Protestantrebellion. But that is just nolonger true today, for as we haveseen, the majority of Protestantand Evangelical churches havenow drifted towards the Futurismof Rome. As one commentatorpointed out, it is so much easierfor Missionary organisations topreach vague Futurist ideas tonew audiences unfamiliar withChristianity, than having tostruggle with the serious detailedBible study involved in graspingthe true message of Daniel andRevelation. It is probably just astrue to say that many people whoare now being attracted toFuturist ideas wrongly believethem to be the result of “fresh,”

“modern,” “independent thinking,” or “newresearch.” They seem to be unaware that thefundamental principles underlying so many ofthese ideas are over 400 years old!

The Incredible Success of RomeBy the 20th century, Rome had achieved

incredible success in persuading many of itsProtestant contemporaries that it was not, afterall, the Antichrist. Instead, and under theumbrella of the Ecumenical Movement, allChristians should unite in looking for themanifestation of Satan in Jerusalem during afuture three-and-a-half year period. This wouldoccur after the Rapture, in which Christ issupposed to take his followers to heaven beforereturning to earth after the battle ofArmageddon.

Naturally, when major prophetic items are

PUTTING A STOP TO PROTESTANTS ...WITH BARBED WIRE!

So-called Protestant Orange marches have been held inIreland (and Scotland) since the 1700’s, and are usually

peaceful affairs with bands and drums. As ecumenism hastaken over the mood in recent years they have become

unacceptable expressions of anti-catholicism.


supposed to be in the future, then —contrary towhat the Apostle Peter told us aboutprophecy— no one can be sure what thesymbols of Daniel and Revelation really mean.Thus there is the liberty to develop a stance thatsuggests: “as we can’t be certain, prophecyobviously can’t be that important.” Thisuncertainty is one of the attractions of theFuturist approach, and that being so, prophecyneed not form any part of a set creed orCatechism of beliefs. Indeed, on the pseudo-intellectual basis that “My-new-speculative-idea-is-as-good-as-yours” there is tremendousscope for yet more theories, yet more mass-circulation paper-backs with their incrediblemoney-making potential.6 There is scope forAmerican televangelists to improve theirratings, and, yes, even as in the United States inFebruary 2002— yet another Bible prophecyseminary and college.7

With astonishing brazenness, two of theleading modern paper-back writers flagrantlyignore the sign-and-symbol based nature ofRevelation when advocating Futurism. HalLindsey, describing Antichrist, says: “If youfollow scripture from Revelation without beingbothered by figures of speech you will see theBible explains the meaning”! Frankly, it justdoesn’t! And it can’t!

And then Walter Price in The ComingAntichrist blandly asserts: “Because theprophetic word is to be taken literally in mostcases the most literal translation is the best oneto use when studying prophecy.”

Jewish writer, Zola Levit, author of aninteresting booklet, The Coming RussianInvasion of Israel holds to the “strictly literalinterpretation of prophecy.” It is no wonder hefails to grasp the real message of Revelation.

All this sort of thing simply demonstratesthe inherent weakness of Futurism, namely itslack of demonstrable fulfilment and inability tomeet the test of Scripture:

“And if thou say in thine heart, How shallwe know the word which the LORD hathnot spoken? When a prophet speaketh inthe name of the LORD, if the thing follownot, nor come to pass, that is the thingwhich the LORD hath not spoken, but theprophet hath spoken it presumptuously:thou shalt not be afraid of him”(Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

Some Bizarre Futurist IdeasSo it is hardly surprising that Futurism

gives rise to some really bizarre ideas. In 1869,Count Leo Tolstoy, in his epic of Russianliterature, War and Peace, identifies Antichriston the opening page as Napoleon! In the 20thcentury the description was applied to Hitler. In1991, TIME magazine applied the title toSaddam Hussein. Only last year, as reported inthe Catholic press, the Cardinal Archbishop ofBologna, Giacomo Biffi, described the comingAntichrist as “a philanthropist, a zealouspacifist and a dedicated vegetarian.” Othersnow declare Yasser Arafat will be the Antichristand the Man-of-Sin. As if that is not enough,Jerry Falwell, the American televangelistcontends it could be a renegade Jew—whereas

UNDERSTANDING THAT THEBIBLE PROVIDED AN OUTLINE

OF DEVELOPING HISTORY,THE FOLLOWING

CONCLUSIONS WERE MADE:

• Approx 200 AD, the early writer,Tertullian, expected a false churchto succeed imperial Rome. • Also about 200 AD Hippolytuslooked for a revived form of theRoman power. Others like Cyprianof Carthage expected the samething.• In the 1600’s several writers suchas Joseph Mede and Peter Jurieuexpected the fall of the Turkish(Ottoman) Empire and the returnof the Jews to Palestine.• Increase Mather (1639-1723) sawthe ten kings of Rev 17:12,13 asbeing European nations who wouldgive their power to the Beast.• Peter Jurieu (1687) looked for arevolution in France “about theyear 1785.”• Robert Flemming writing in1701, saw that the Frenchmonarchy would be humbled byabout 1794.• Thomas Newton in 1754 expectedthe Jews to regain Jerusalem in1967 (on the basis of Dan 8:13,14).He also looked for the fall of theTurkish Empire.• George Stanley Faber writing in1806 expected the great maritimepower of the day to take the lead inrestoring the Jews. He alsoexpected a “united tyranny ofpopery and Atheism” beforeArmageddon.• John Thomas in 1860 foresaw thefall of the temporal power of thepapacy in 1870. He spoke of afuture United States of Europe andgave many details concerning therestoration of the Jews to theirancient land.

HISTORY FORESEENBEFORE IT HAPPENED

NOW HEAR THIS!“I will raise them up a Prophet from amongtheir brethren, like unto thee, and will put mywords in his mouth; and he shall speak untothem all that I shall command him. And itshall come to pass, that whosoever will nothearken unto my words which he shall speakin my name, I will require it of him.”— Deut18:18,19.Now compare Revelation 1:1,2; Chap. 22:16.


even more astonishingly, others claim it couldwell be a renegade Gentile, Protestant, non-conformist Christian! What total confusionexists amongst those who have been deceivedby the Catholic ideas of Futurism. How utterlyastray are they from the more sure revelationof God’s purpose of which both Amos andPeter spoke. How far they have wandered fromthe Bible’s definition of Antichrist— theirviews bear absolutely no relation to Bibleteaching.

The Heart of the ProblemAnd that is at the heart of the problem.

Serious study of the Bible’s prophetic word isfast becoming a thing of the past among theProtestant, non-conformist churches. Othersfind it inconvenient or unacceptable to talkabout contemporary apostate religious systemsand their political ambitions in the very Biblebased terms the Lord Jesus Christ himself usedin his special message to believers in these lastdays. To others, understandably confused by somany fanciful and speculative ideas,Revelation simply remains a closed book.

As a result, there is a generation growing upwithin Christendom at large that knows not thesigns of the times (c/p Psalm 74:9), that fails tograsp the importance of this subject to theirown spiritual welfare, that knows not where tolook for such signs and is consequently unableto discern the hand of God at work in thekingdoms and false religious systems of men.

Footnotes1. For an evaluation of the different approaches tounderstanding prophecy, the latest edition ofRevelation: Which Interpretation? by Graham Pearce willprove to be most useful.2. We have been told that there are 285 references fromthe Old Testament in Revelation but have not been able toverify this for ourselves.3. For a full length article identifying precisely who theFalse Prophet is please see the Bible Magazine forFebruary 2001.4. See for example the American paper back The Rise ofBabylon by Charles H. Dyer. 19915. The latest Bible Magazine video Rome and Revelationcontains a graphic account of the struggle by the CatholicChurch to prevent the Bible coming into the hands of thelayman.6. It has been said that Hal Lindsey’s book The Late GreatPlanet Earth has sold over 25 million copies. And at afew dollars a copy, imagine the total sales value of justone title! Many, many such Futurist books have beenpublished around the religious world with colossalfinancial rewards to their promoters.7. Tim La Haye opened his new Bible Prophecy Seminaryin February 2002.Editor’s Note: An outline of the Apocalypse fulfilled inhistory appeared in The Bible Magazine, Vol. 13; Issue 2.

he long and frustrating search for peace inthe Middle-East has proved to be moreelusive than for any other situation

since the Second World War—including the“Cold War” between East and West whichseemed to evaporate just over a decade ago. Afew years ago a peace agreement of sortsappeared to be in the making—and at one point(if the media was to be believed) even achieved.So what happened?

There have been many obstacles, but themost prominent one in the last year or two hasbeen that “burdensome stone,” Jerusalem. Thecity is of course the focus of three majorreligions—Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Allthree have interests in the city which are non-negotiable. As far as Israel is concerned,another item that it cannot afford tocompromise is that of security. Since a boat-load of arms and explosives was seized on theway from Iran to Gaza, the whole question of adeal with the Palestinians (and with YasserArafat in particular) must be in doubt. The U.S.News & World Report (Feb 4) commented thatthe ship, the Karina A,

“demonstrates how vulnerable Israelwould be if there were a sovereignPalestinian state to receive and accumulateweapons that could threaten both Israelisand the State of Israel. It also raises majorquestions about the whole concept of a de-militarized Palestinian state, side by sidewith Israel.”

The article concludes: “The time has cometo end the charade and admit the truth: Arafat isnot, and cannot be, a partner for peace withanyone.”

There are, as always, other interpretationsof course, but most seem to conclude that—forbetter or worse—Arafat is now too weakened to

be able to conclude a realistic agreement withIsrael. What is perhaps worse is the fact thatthe Palestinians have no one else to do better.As the Economist recently put it:

“...his departure is unlikely to open theway for a regime that is both in control andprepared to co-operate with any workableformula for peace.”

So the U.S. is now trying again!

What the Bible SaysThe identification of the modern State of

Israel with the return of the Jews to theirancient homeland, as foretold in the Bible, isbeyond serious question by anyone whobelieves what the word of God says. It is just ascertain that Ezekiel chapter 38 describes eventsconcerning this people and nation that are totake place in the not too distant future. Theseevents involve:

“...the land that is brought back from thesword, and is gathered out of manypeople, against the mountains of Israel,which have been always waste: but it isbrought forth out of the nations...” (verse8).

This will be a situation “in the latter days”says verse 16. However, this prophecy requiresthat the re-gathered “people of Israel” (verse14) shall dwell safely—or securely. The wordsare just too specific to allow misunderstanding.Verse 11 describes a “land of unwalledvillages,” “them that are at rest, that dwellsafely (or securely),” and “dwelling withoutwalls, and having neither bars nor gates.”Verses 12 and 13 go on to describe aprosperous condition also. Three times in thischapter we are told that Israel is to dwell safely.Furthermore, it seems that this security is notachieved through any ‘Land for Peace’ deal,

because Israel is described as being upon “themountains of Israel” and “in the midst of theland”—two phrases that identify that areaknown to us today as the West Bank.

So how is this condition of “dwellingsecurely” to come about? To most observerswho look at the current situation such adevelopment would seem impossible. Yet thedesire is there. Israelis certainly want peace—and demonstrated that they want it more thanthey want land when Ehud Barak offered toreturn 98% of it, together with East Jerusalemat the Camp David talks over a year ago. TheArabs in general want peace— and theirunwillingness to commit military forces to aidArafat and his Palestinians must be obvious toall. The Saudis recently put a peace-plan on thetable; the United States stands ready to supportany possible agreement— but the violencecontinues. The Middle-East is at an impasse.The prophets are clear, yet the situation that wesee on the ground does not correspond to theirvision—yet it must do so at some point, for atime.

A Pattern to ConsiderThere are details in Israel’s ancient history

which, whilst clearly narrative, nonethelessforeshadow events in the future. Manyparallels can be drawn, for example, betweenthe fall of Jerusalem to Babylon and its captureby the Romans— to a degree history was beingrepeated. Some students of the prophetic wordhave similarly noted certain correspondingfeatures between the return of Jews to theirland following the decree of Cyrus, and thatfollowing the British Balfour Declaration inour time— between the attempt of Haman inthe book of Esther to destroy the Jews and theattempt of Hitler, and so forth.

A passage has been pointed out to us thatmay be considered in this way. In 2 Chronicles15 we can read of the temporary reformationattempted by King Asa in Judah. Some of thislanguage seems to fit Israel as we may consider

MIDDLE EAST IMPASSE

EXTENDED EDITORIAL

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that people today:“ Now for a long season Israel hath beenwithout the true God, and without ateaching priest, and without law. But whenthey in their trouble did turn unto the LORD

God of Israel, and sought him, he wasfound of them. And in those times therewas no peace to him that went out, nor tohim that came in, but great vexations wereupon all the inhabitants of the countries.And nation was destroyed of nation, andcity of city: for God did vex them with alladversity” (2 Chron. 15:3-6).

At this time Asa “took courage” and begana reformation, only to lose his confidence andfaith in God later. After his death however, hisson Jehoshaphat took up the cause sendingprinces and Levites to teach the cities of Judah.

“And they taught in Judah, and had thebook of the law of the LORD with them,and went about throughout all the cities ofJudah, and taught the people. And the fearof the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms ofthe lands that were round about Judah, sothat they made no war against Jehosha-phat” (2 Chron. 17:9-10).

So in Asa’s time, after a long season when“Israel had been without the true God, andwithout a teaching priest, and without law,” aperiod of trouble moved them to turn and seekthe Lord God of Israel. The result was that Godsent the prophet Azariah son of Oded whosucceeded in stirring up Asa and the people toreform—“and the LORD gave them rest roundabout” (verse 15). This peace lasted for over 30years (verse 19), but then Asa lost faith andturned to the king of Syria for help andprotection—so war returned until the reign ofJehoshaphat.

Could we see the same pattern repeated inthe near future? Those in the Land pray to Godin their trouble; they are sent a prophet orteacher who brings about a partial reform; thena temporary peace (such as Ezekiel 38 requires)

comes into being.The suggestion may or may not have value,

but recent trends among some in Israel cause usto pause and wonder how God will view whatis happening and what is being said. There aresigns of a developing realisation that Israelmust turn and seek God. At present this may beno more than a groping in the thick spiritualdarkness of Judaism, but what might it lead to?

Seeking God?Articles appearing in The Jerusalem Post

during recent months, by Michael Freund,highlight this developing consciousness.Headlines such as REMEMBER THE BIBLE (June26,01) are unlikely to appear in any othernation’s newspapers these days, let alone pointout—as that article did—the role of Bibleprophecy in motivating British statesmen andAmerican presidents in theirinvolvement in Israel’srestoration. The suggestion inanother article by the samewriter that “Israel’s bestdefense is the power ofprayer” (August 29, 01) ishardly what we would expectto hear in such a faithlessnation as modern Israel isreputed to be.

We are not suggesting thatthere is a general reformationunder way in Israel yet—butthat is clearly what MichaelFreund and others would liketo see. He writes:

“Synagogues, churches andother places of worshipshould regularly recitespecified psalms on Israel’sbehalf, culminating in aninternational day of prayerat the Western Wall in Jerusalem. If tens ofthousands, or even hundreds of thousands,of voices are raised worldwide

simultaneously, the echo will resound, notonly through the corridors of power inWashington, Moscow, and elsewhere, butmore importantly, in the Heavens too...“The fact is that for the past decade, wehave given politics a chance, and it hasfailed us. Now is the time to give God achance, for unlike politicians, He canalways be relied upon to keep His word.”

That this writer served as deputy director ofCommunications and Policy Planning in thePrime Minister’s Office from 1996 to 1999,tells us that he is not just some upstartvisionary. That these ideas have now foundexpression in a special national day of fastingand prayer (March 13, 02) surely makes thepoint that if these trends continue, they can onlybecome meaningful if accompanied byenlightened instruction. If we may make the

analogy, it was when Asa criedto God, and when “they intheir trouble did turn unto theLORD God of Israel, andsought him” that a prophet wassent.

“How shall they Believe?”Israelis today know and

are taught the “text” of the OldTestament Scriptures, but thatword has been made of noneeffect through their tradition(c/p Mark 7:13). They are, asthe apostle Paul says “blindedin part” (Romans 11:25)—butonly for a time. The questionbefore us then is this: Whenthe time comes, how shall theybelieve?

The principle given by theapostle Paul in Romanschapter 10 can quite

legitimately be applied to the situation we arediscussing:

Israel Turn to Prayer


“ How then shall they call on him in whomthey have not believed? and how shall theybelieve in him of whom they have notheard? and how shall they hear without apreacher? And how shall they preach,except they be sent? as it is written, Howbeautiful are the feet of them that preachthe gospel of peace, and bring glad tidingsof good things!” (Rom. 10:14-15)

The need for teachers is obvious enough—and God has promised in His word to sendthem. For example, Jeremiah 3:14-15 says:

“Turn, O backsliding children, saith theLORD; for I am married unto you: and I willtake you one of a city, and two of a family,and I will bring you to Zion: And I willgive you pastors according to mine heart,which shall feed you with knowledge andunderstanding.”

Again, in Jeremiah 23:3-4 we read the samemessage:

“And I will gather the remnant of my flockout of all countries whither I have driventhem, and will bring them again to theirfolds; and they shall be fruitful andincrease. And I will set up shepherds overthem which shall feed them: and they shallfear no more, nor be dismayed, neithershall they be lacking, saith the LORD.”

The order given here is that there is first agathering of the flock from all countries towhich they had been driven. Then, shepherds orpastors are sent to feed them with knowledgeand understanding. This is followed by theKing reigning in righteousness (verse 5). Isaiah59:20 tells us that “the Redeemer shall come toZion, and unto them that turn fromtransgression in Jacob...”

As to the question “How shall theybelieve?” an answer is provided yet again inthe words of Malachi 4:5-6.

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophetbefore the coming of the great and dreadfulday of the LORD: And he shall turn theheart of the fathers to the children, and theheart of the children to their fathers, lest Icome and smite the earth with a curse.”

This is endorsed by Jesus in Matthew17:11,12 where he points out that the work ofJohn Baptist was a preliminary fulfillment ofthe prophecy, but his words (uttered after thedeath of John) are:

“...Elias truly shall first come, and restoreall things.”

This event must be seen in harmony withPaul’s statement in Romans 11:26, “...Thereshall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shallturn away ungodliness from Jacob...” The workof Elijah will commence and be contemporarywith the return of Christ. The apostle, underinspiration, however, has extended Isaiah’s“shall come to Zion” into “shall come out ofZion,” suggesting a process that could involvea period of time. In other words, a preliminaryinstruction is to be expected first, before a morecomplete conversion and reconciliation.

Against this background, a look at whatsome popular evangelical writers are saying

provides an amazing situation—and one whichmust eventually bring a separation betweenmodern-day ecumenical “Christendom” andIsrael.

A Coming Peace AgreementJohn F. Walvoord, the popular evangelical

writer and “recognized authority in biblicalprophecy” (that is, according to Zondervan hispublisher) offers his views to us in his twicerevised book Armageddon, Oil and the MiddleEast Crisis. In his 1990 edition (we are told thathis original 1974 edition sold more than200,000 copies) the future is all laid out for us:

“The only real solution (to the Middle Eastimpasse) is a peace treaty that settlesdisputes, disarms the antagonists, andprovides absolute guarantees. In short, apeace treaty backed up by force. Apowerful leader will seize world attentionby such an offer when the world is on thebrink of chaos. A peace settlement in theMiddle East is one of the most importantevents predicted for the end time. Thesigning of this peace treaty will start thefinal countdown leading to Armageddonand then introduce the new world leaderwho will be destined to become worlddictator—the infamous Antichrist.”

He continues:“The world energy crisis, accompanied bythe new independence and wealth of theArab states, has created a compellingmovement toward a final peace covenant.The fear of an international economicdisaster will cause the more sensible Arabcountries, Israel, and the industrializedcountries of the West to seek a finalagreement at any cost. These realities arenow present in our world.“A second set of realities predicted inScripture concern a leader who will arisein the Middle East. His emergence maywell come as an event immediatelypreceding the signing of a peacesettlement...

“There will be a covenant between the newworld leader and Israel (Dan. 9:27) thatwill permit Israel to continue and to renewher religious ceremonies, including thebuilding of a Jewish temple and thereactivation of Jewish sacrifices...”

In short, Walvoord (together with othersimilar writers) is teaching the evangelicalworld to expect a peace agreement in theMiddle East, and that when that happens, it willreveal a new leader—the Antichrist, whoWalvoord also terms “Satan’s substitute forJesus Christ.” As two revisions of this bookalready demonstrate—if events do not exactlyfollow the order and character indicated,another revision or two can quickly make thenecessary adjustments. But, when the manappears—be he prophet, politician or powerfulmonarch; the world will recognize him as theAntichrist!

The Ultimate ErrorIt is worthy of note that Roman Catholic

writers have been predicting the same things—more or less—as the evangelical team. Intoday’s ecumenical world the Roman Churchand her daughters would soon find commonground with each other if a leader appeared inthe Middle East (especially in Israel) whodenounced their key doctrines as false!

In a book entitled Catholic Prophecy(1970) the author, Yves Dupont, comments:

“He (i.e. Satan) knows that his time isrunning short; he is intensifying his effortsand, being intelligent, realizes that hismost likely co-operators are to be soughtamong those who crucified Christ. This hehas done throughout the centuries andmore particularly since the 18th century,until such time as the Mystery of Iniquitywill find its completion in the earthlykingdom of the Jews under Antichrist.Many private prophecies say so, and not afew Doctors of the church have though so”(Page 53).

Early Protestant writers knew of thisteaching and saw those who acknowledgedRome and the pope as “the worshippers of thebeast.” This was their understanding of theRevelation. In the early 1600’s Joseph Mede, inexplaining the symbols of Rev. 16:12 wrote:

“The sixth vial shall be poured out uponthat great river Euphrates, that being driedup, a passage may be prepared for newenemies of the Beast to come from theEast; that is, for the Israelites to bewonderfully converted to the pure faithand worship of Christ, and now to haveconferred upon them the kingdompromised so many ages since. Whom theworshippers of the Beast, haply, shallesteem for the army of their imaginaryAntichrist to arise from among the Jews,God so revenging the obstinacy of theirerror...”

As we witness the development of thesituation in the Middle East today, it should notsurprise us to see an apostate Christendomturning against the Jewish State.


Some predict a peace agreement, othersthat a war will reveal the Antichrist!

MILESTONESUPDATE

By Don Pearce RUGBY, UK.here have been several significantdevelopments in Europe since Milestones

2001 was completed, but it is to the MiddleEast and Israel in particular that we want todevote this update. Week by week the killingson both sides in Israel have been ratchetingupwards. In the first 11 days of March therewere 52 Israeli and some 200 Palestiniandeaths. What civilised country can live withsuch a situation? Both Jew and Arab are deeplyafraid. A Jerusalem Jew was being interviewedon the radio this morning and spokeof his reluctance to go to any publicplace. All his family have cellphones,and several times a day they check upon each other’s whereabouts andsafety. This is a far cry from dwellingin peace and safety as described inEzekiel 38:11.

We are reminded of the words ofthe angel to Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptianslave girl, concerning her yet-to-be-born son Ishmael.

“And he will be a wild man; hishand will be against every man, andevery man’s hand against him; andhe shall dwell in the presence of allhis brethren” (Gen. 16:12).

We note too, the words of Isaac toEsau when Jacob had received theblessing that his father had intended to bestowupon his firstborn son Esau.

“And by thy sword shalt thou live, andshalt serve thy brother; and it shall come topass when thou shalt have the dominion,that thou shalt break his yoke from off thyneck” (Gen. 27:40).

The blessing bestowed on Jacob by Isaac was: “Let people serve thee, and nations bowdown to thee: be lord over thy brethren,and let thy mother’s sons bow down tothee: cursed be every one that curseth thee,and blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Gen.27:29).

We know that in the fullness of time thisblessing will come upon a repentant andbelieving Israel. Until that time, we witness themillennia-old conflict there has been betweenthe children of Abraham.

When the Israelis seized Orient House ineast Jerusalem last year, they uncoveredevidence of Arafat’s plans to undermine Israelisupport of Prime Minister Sharon, by co-

ordinated acts of violence against the Israelipeople. Arafat had also undermined thesupport for Mr Barak and Mr Netanyahu, usingthe same tactics. A DEBKA File report (5thMarch) stated:

“Arafat’s spokesmen appearing over themedia on Tuesday made no bones abouttheir objectives. The Palestinian Authorityhas declared war on Israel, they say, andaims by means of terrorist strikes to kill asmany Israelis as possible and bring down

the Sharon government.”

Come let us cut them off from being a nation These words from Psalm 83 were some of

the Psalms that were read to seek God’s help inthe midst of Israel’s troubles. A press releasefrom the International Christian Embassy inJerusalem, 12-03-02, detailed this call tofasting and prayer.

“Prompted by concerns over thecontinuing violence and loss of life in theLand of Israel, Jewish religious authoritiesboth here and abroad have declared thisWednesday, 13 March 2002, a public fastday for the entire Jewish communitythroughout the world. The staff of theInternational Christian Embassy Jerusalemis joining in this time of prayer and fasting,and we strongly encourage Christiansworld-wide to do so as well. “The fasting period for those in Israel hasbeen set from sun-up to sundown onWednesday. You are encouraged tomaintain a similar fast in your location.

“There will be a special prayer service heldat the Western Wall in Jerusalem at around4:30 p.m. Wed. evening. Following Jewishtradition in times of great distress andneed, Psalms 83, 104, 130, and 142 will berecited. “Please pass this message on to all of yourfamily, friends and colleagues so morepeople can join together in this appeal toHeaven for help in time of need.“Shalom from Jerusalem!”

Palestine: A Royal Solution There was an interesting article that caught

my eye as perhaps providing a short-termsolution to the present conflict, which couldresult in Israel dwelling in a state of safety.

With the above heading it was guaranteed tocatch a Bible student’s attention! It was notabout the coming King of peace, however, but asuggestion that with Arafat being now regardedas a spent force, why not start looking for astrong leader who could unite the Palestinianpeople and lead them to peace with Israel. Thesuggested leader? King Abdullah of Jordan!

Abdullah has continued hisfather’s path of co-operation withIsrael, has the backing of the US andhas a Jordanian-Palestinian wife. Hisfather integrated the Palestinianrefugees into his country, grantingthem full Jordanian citizenship, witha measure of prosperity. All the otherArab nations treated the 1948refugees in their country asbargaining pawns leaving them incamps, in poverty. His father was ableto take on the militants. In the firstelected Parliament in 1989, Hamaswere allowed to stand and in fact won28 of the 80 seats. With the stabilitywhich Jordan enjoyed, the militantslost favour with the electorate, somuch so that at the 1997 electionsthey refused to stand for fear of losing

their political standing! In the 3 years since Abdullah became King,

he has built upon the ties with Israel, activelyco-operating with the Israeli army to combatPalestinian terror attacks launched from Jordan.He has also developed strong ties to the Westand with America in particular. He waseducated in Britain and America. Jordan andthe US signed a free-trade agreement last year— joining a select group sharing this tradebenefit — Canada, Mexico and Israel. Americahas rewarded Jordan’s help in the fight againstthe Al-Qaeda by injecting money into theJordanian economy. The US donated $150mlast year to help Jordan with her foreign debts,and has already given a further $37m so far thisyear.

It certainly would be an attractive plan forIsrael. To have a friend in control of the WestBank and the Gaza strip would answer a lot oftheir worries. After all, what is termed the WestBank was under Jordanian control until 1967.

One of the much-talked about plans for the

As many Jews in Israel and around the world fastand pray — what are the prospects for peace in theHoly Land? Could a break-through come soon?

T

Jews turn to prayer asking for peace upon Israel


Middle East is that which has been proposedby the Saudi Arabian ruler, Crown PrinceAbdullah (not to be confused with KingAbdullah of Jordan!). This offers not only therecognition of Israel’s right to exist in peace,but full normalisation of ties, in return fortheir withdrawal to the pre-1967 borders. AsIsrael has said that she will not give upJerusalem — which is part of the area she tookin 1967 — it is thought that this is a clevermove by the Saudi rulers to gain favour withAmerica. Israel’s expected refusal to go backto the pre-1967 borders would make Israelappear “intransigent.” The plan, however issaid to have originated from King Abdullah ofJordan, who also suggested that the ArabLeague should provide “security guarantees”to Israel. It will be interesting to see whathappens at the Arab Summit on 28th March,when the Saudi Arabian plans are due to beconsidered.

This week the American Vice-president,Dick Cheney starts his latest Middle East tour.His first stop was to London for consultationswith Mr Blair, then he is due to visit Jordan,Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel amongst manyother countries. Also this week the Americanspecial Middle East “security” envoy, Gen.Anthony Zinni, is due to arrive to resume hisefforts to press the two sides towards asustained cease-fire.

“Zinni will be accompanied by a smallteam of American monitors and willconcentrate in particular on Palestiniancompliance with the truce terms brokeredby CIA chief George Tenet last June. “Zinni is “going to stay in the region andfight his way through this,” said adetermined US Secretary of State ColinPowell in Washington yesterday. “We’renot going to allow acts of violence to stopGen. Zinni from doing his work.” (ICEJNews 11-03-02).”

These visits come against a background ofincreasing preparation on the part of PresidentBush to facedown Saddam Hussein; to finishthe work his father started in the Gulf War.Britain and America are quietly moving troopsand equipment into the area. It is reported thatthere are already an extra 20,000 US soldiersand sailors in the region. The US has 3 of hergiant aircraft carriers in the Gulf area. The RAFhas been moving Jaguar fighter plans intoOman. Tony Blair is expected to visit Americain early April to formalise plans, and air strikescould start shortly afterwards.

America’s plans for military action threatento divide EU

This was a headline in the Daily Telegraph13th Mar. Europe is against any action againstIraq. Britain is on America’s side, and in spiteof opposition within his own cabinet, TonyBlair is set to throw Britain firmly behind anyaction that may be necessary. This would puther at odds with her European partners yet onceagain. Britain is showing that her naturalalignment is with America not continentalEurope.

This threat against “the axis of evil” —Iraq, Iran and N. Korea — is also rockingAmerican-Russian relations. The honeymoonperiod of co-operation between Russia and theUS is beginning to show signs of strain. Russiais firmly on Europe’s side over this matter andit is not difficult to see that as America isincreasingly marginalised in Europe, Russia isstepping in to take her place. Both Russia andthe EU have close ties to Iran and the EU hasfriendly ties to North Korea.

The US Assistant Secretary for EuropeanAffairs, Elizabeth Jones, admitted that:

“much of the trans-Atlantic goodwill thatarose in the wake of September 11 hassince dissipated. Mrs Jones attributed thisto the absence of a “feeling ofvulnerability” in Europe. She said this layat the root of the EU’s lukewarm responseto Mr Bush’s warnings of the dangersposed by rogue states with access toweapons of mass destruction.” DailyTelegraph. 20-02-02

France and Germany are in the forefront ofopposition to threats against Iraq. This is notsurprising—they are both keen to pick uplucrative contracts in Iraq. Also the Pope hasbeen active in striving to get sanctions on Iraqlifted. Britain is at odds with her partners inEurope. Mr Blair has been working to getthem on board, with little success. Anyoperation is not likely to be a multi-nationalone. America and Britain are likely to be alonein this matter. There is talk of an invasion ofIraq in the autumn.

America’s treatment of Taliban prisonersfrom Afghanistan in the camp on Cuba has alsobeen a source of dismay in Europe.

America has further angered Europe by herimposition of a whopping 30% tariff on steelimports. Europe exports about £4.5bn of steel

to America. Europe also fears that FarEastern countries, unable to sellcompetitively in the States, will dump theirsurpluses in Europe, affecting the homesteel producers. This steel tariff is also set tohurt Russia as she exports a considerabletonnage. Russia has hit back by banningimports of American chicken drumsticks,allegedly on health grounds. It has certainlysparked general European fury withAmerica.

“America turns away from the weaklingsof Europe”

This headline in The Times, 19th Feb,summed up the rift between the twocontinents. Europe is increasingly regardedas irrelevant to America. “To the Bush team, the War on Terror is adefining moment in history, and they areproud to be involved in what they see as abattle that will prove decisive for thefuture of the world’s democracies... “The consensus in Washington —bothamong the people who influenceAmerican policy and those who make it— is that Europe is irrelevant to the worldtoday. Because it will not spend what isnecessary to matter as a military power, itsviews on issues that involve the use ofsuch power are of no consequence toAmerica... The increase in America’sdefence spending (15%) is almost halfagain as large as the total budget ofEurope’s biggest defence spender, the UK. Some in Washington are arguing that thereis an unfortunate coincidence of timing:the War on Terror has made clear Europe’simpotence at precisely the time that it hasdemonstrated America’s overwhelmingtechnological advantages. At least, that’show an increasingly self-confident WhiteHouse team sees things. “The military weakness of Europe is onlyone factor that is causing the EU to be seenas irrelevant. Administration officials areconvinced that Europe is completelyinward-looking, obsessed with tweakingthe various bureaucratic institutions thatare known here as “Brussels.” Theycontrast this with outward-lookingAmerica.”

America’s $48 bn defence budget increaseis in fact equivalent to the combined totaldefence budgets of Britain, Canada, Belgiumand Greece! The gap between thesophistication of America’s weaponry andEurope’s grows ever wider; making it harderfor other countries to work alongside Americaas equipment is incompatible.

The Lessons of Isolation This is the title of an interesting article in

The Globalist 7th Jan. It’s aim was to warnAmerica about the problems of pursuing anisolationist policy, using Israel as its cautionaryexample.

“The United States and Israel are known tobe close allies. But they are beginning toresemble each other in a new and

King Abdullah of Jordan


unexpected way — their isolation from therest of the world. While Israel has had itsisolation imposed upon it, the situation israther different for the United States. “Recently, political pundits have beentalking about the unilateralism and/or neo-isolationism of the Bush administration.However, America’s aloof stance is notnew. In fact, it can be traced back throughseveral presidencies. “While the United States is, in essence,choosing an isolationist path of its ownmaking, Israel has had such a pathessentially forced on it. Since its inception,the State of Israel has faced diplomaticisolation. “Israel’s isolation became especially acutein the 1970s and early 1980s. Newlyindependent states joining the UnitedNations, after attaining freedom from theirformer colonial masters, made a commonfront with Arab and radical Muslim states.They worked steadfastly to exclude Israelfrom as many international bodies as theycould. “Israel fought against thissystematic form of internationalexclusion tooth and nail. It useddevelopment aid, militarytraining and agriculturalassistance to win new friendsand supporters. It was a difficult— and, in many ways, futilestruggle. Arab nations had animportant weapon, oil, to keeppoor nations in line. “Israel’s example shows whatfailure isolation — whethervoluntary or involuntary —really is. Israel’s isolation wasimposed on it by Arab states.Largely because Israel had to labor in arelentlessly hostile environment and had tofight the permanent terrorist threat on itsown, the country developed a formidablemilitary machine and a dynamic economy. “And now, the mistrust that the Arab-imposed isolation of Israel built up overmany years is coming back to haunt theArabs by destroying the channels forcommunications between the adversaries.”

To Bible students the isolation of these twonations is of great significance. When theinvasion of Israel takes place “all nations” areprepared to come against her. Her friends arefew indeed — Sheba, Dedan, the merchants ofTarshish and the young lions. This aspect isexamined in the current issue of Milestones.

Egypt opts for US-Israel-Jordan bloc againstArafat.

In Milestones we sketched out the growingNorth-South divide in the Middle East, withRussia and continental Europe favouring Iranand Iraq, with Britain and America workingwith the southern Arab countries, Egypt,Jordan, Saudi Arabia, etc. This has beenfurther reinforced by another DEBKA filereport with the above heading. It stated that

Egypt had given up on Arafat and was aligningbehind America’s anti-terror campaign, andsupporting Israel’s attempts to curb thePalestinian terrorist attacks. PresidentMubarak’s change of heart came when Americapresented intelligence evidence of Arafat’ssubversive activities in Cairo and otherEgyptian cities. America also threatened holdups in the deliveries of the latest militaryhardware! Israeli and Egyptian officials havebegun talking after years of stand-off betweenthe two countries in spite of their peace treaty.

The way had been prepared by the dramaticarrest of a Palestinian owned ship loaded withweapons purchased from Iran. Israelintercepted it on 3rd Jan. when some 300 milesaway, travelling up the Red Sea.

“Israeli officials claim “Operation Noah’sArk” netted a cache of military arms, worthbetween $10m and $15m, provided by Iranand destined for the PA. “The haul, they said, included Katyusharockets, which, with a range of 20kilometres (12 miles), can hit Israeli cities

and destroy tanks. “There was also 1,500 kilograms of highexplosives, anti-tank missiles, mortars,sniper rifles and mines packed into crates,sealed in watertight plastic, Israeli officialssaid.” BBC News 10-01-02

If these sophisticated weapons had beendelivered into Palestinian hands, Israel wouldhave faced a terrifying escalation in her battleagainst terror. In spite of Arafat’s strenuousdenials, Israeli intelligence was able to showthe Palestinian hand in the affair. The spendingof large sums on 50 tonnes of arms could nothave been authorised without Yasser Arafat’sapproval. Indeed the name the Palestinian’sgave to this boat when they purchased it forsome $400,000 is significant — the A is said tostand for Arafat.

The US and Egypt were shocked at theintent that lay behind such massive armsspending. It strengthened President Bush’sresolve that Arafat must go. It also convincedhim of the truth of what Israel had beenclaiming for a long time, that Iran was a moreserious threat to Israel than Iraq. Iran—Persia—is one of the countries listed in Ezekiel 38 aspart of the confederation of nations who attack

Israel. Increasingly Arafat has been aligninghimself with Iraq and Iran, hoping to bebacking the winning side in what is seen as theinevitable future conflict between the US andIraq and Iran. In the Gulf War Mr Arafatpersuaded Saddam Hussein to make thePalestinian struggle against Israel a part of hiswar strategy. He backed the loser then, but he ishoping things will be different next time. Arafatwas one of the first leaders to visit Iran whenthe Shah was overthrown in 1979. He wasrewarded by being given the Israeli embassybuilding in Teheran. Relations later cooledwhen he supported Iraq at a time when Iraq andIran were enemies.

Recently Arafat has again been cultivatingfriendship with the Iranians as a source ofweapons and terrorist training camps.

“Vatican Paper Urges International Effort inHoly Land”

The Catholic World News site on March 7thcarried the following item under the aboveheading. Knowing the future role of the FalseProphet (Rev 16:13,14), its significance lies in

that the papacy, as the Babylonianhead of Nebuchadnezzar’s image inthe latter-days, will be behind thegathering of the nations against Israel. In a sharply worded new article, theofficial Vatican newspaper has saidthat violence in the Holy Land is “aprofanation of God and man,” andcriticized international leaders forbeing “slow to intervene.” L’Osservatore Romano expressedsurprise that the latest rash ofviolence—“100 deaths in oneweek”—had not been enough toconvince the Israeli and Palestinianleaders that it is time “to welcomeappeals for peace.”

But the Vatican newspaper added somepointed criticism of other world leaders.Pointing out that the violence in the HolyLand “threatens to throw an entire regioninto chaos,” L’Osservatore Romano askedrhetorically why “the internationalcommunity—which on other occasionshave been prompt to mobilize itself—is soslow to intervene in a decisive manner.”

Growing Anti-Semitism It is quite significant that there have been

many reports of increasing levels of anti-Semitism since September 11th. World opinionthat terrorism should be combated has causedthe world not to look at the situation in Israeland realise that Israel is trying to deal withterrorist attacks against her citizens, but to lookat her as the aggressor. Fuelled by the pro-Arabstance of many of the world’s papers and newsmedia, Israel is feeling increasingly isolated,and is fearful of what these levels of anti-Semitism indicate for the future.

We know that there can be no true peace forIsrael until they recognise the true “Foundationof Peace”—the Lord Jesus, their Messiah. Weearnestly pray for our Master’s return.

Troops march in Iraq— Unfinished business for the U.S.?


“Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14.

When the kids were taken on a school day-trip itturned out to be for a meeting with their “ancestors”— a couple of monkeys modeled to look like arespectable family (far left). Most of us are familiarwith the story of man’s supposed evolution — astaught in classrooms of course, so here was justanother attempt to persuade the kids that it all reallyhappened. You know the drill: amoeba to fish, then toland creatures; up a few notches to monkeys and then(after millions of years) came school teachers — andfinally us!We were recently handed a copy of the currentBiology Revision Guide as used in the UK (GCSEDouble Science) and found the interesting story ofour Circulatory System explained. The diagramsused in the book are reproduced below. You willnotice the difference between the circulatory systemin the fish (bottom left) and our own. The fish has asingle system whereas ours, actually, is a doublecirculatory system. How did the fish’s single pumpsystem evolve to our double pump system? Read thebook’s explanation below left.

If you think about it, it’s a mighty cleversystem to have evolved all by itself.Goodness knows how it ever happened.I mean how could a single pump system“evolve” into a double one like this? It’sgot to be all or nothing for it to workhasn’t it? That’s quite a mutation, to gostraight from a single pump heart thatpumps to the lungs and then on to therest of the body, to the double pumpsystem shown at right. But then life’sfull of little mysteries isn’t it!

‘

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THEY SAID IT!

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