The signing of the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty in 1979 was a significant moment in Middle Eastern history. It brought together an Arab nation and a Jewish nation, offering promises of peace after years of conflict. As Australian Christians between 20 and 50 years old, we may wonder what this event signifies for Israel, a nation that has faced numerous struggles and received support from the United States. Can this treaty bring lasting security and peace to Israel? The Bible holds the key to understanding Israel’s future as revealed through remarkable prophecies.
According to the Word of God, true deliverance for Israel will not come until the kings of the east secure it. The final war of Armageddon, described in the book of Revelation, will involve all nations. Yet, amidst this global conflict, Israel will emerge as the victorious nation. The Bible speaks of an alliance known as the “kings of the east” in Revelation 16:12, who will intervene to deliver Israel from her oppressors. They play a pivotal role in establishing Israel’s eternal security.
Our study aims to shed light on several important questions. What is the nature of the final war of Armageddon, and how can all nations be involved in it? How can Israel be the sole survivor amid this catastrophic event? Who are the enigmatic “kings of the east” that bring about Israel’s victory? Furthermore, the drying up of the Euphrates River, mentioned in Revelation 16:12, holds significance in Israel’s deliverance from her enemies.
Before we delve deeper, it is crucial to discern whether the present nation of Israel is the same Israel referenced in the book of Revelation as the people of God. The book of Revelation contains powerful prophecies that predominantly revolve around the faithful followers of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “tribes of Israel” within the context of Jewish customs. Does this imply that the literal nation of Israel, engaged in warfare and conflict, will undergo a profound conversion and embrace the peaceful principles taught by Jesus, such as loving their enemies and turning the other cheek?
Many Australian Christians in our age group believe that such a remarkable transformation is necessary to fulfill biblical prophecy. They draw inspiration from prophecies found in books like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah, which speak of Israel’s restoration and ultimate triumph. However, we must carefully examine whether these promises are unconditional and irrevocable. Will the literal descendants of Abraham, as a nation, wholeheartedly turn to the Messiah, be restored, and experience salvation?
Exploring these questions requires diligent study and reflection to gain a deeper understanding of Israel’s role in biblical prophecy.
CONDITIONAL PROMISES TO ISRAEL
A thorough study of the Bible reveals that the promises made to Israel in the Old Testament were not unconditional. Israel was repeatedly warned about the consequences of disobedience. Depending on their obedience or disobedience, they were presented with blessings or curses. Due to their persistent rebellion, God allowed them to experience captivity in Babylon for seventy years. However, God also raised up prophets who foretold their return from captivity. It is important to note that the prophecies of restoration spoken by Isaiah and Jeremiah have already been fulfilled and should not be applied to a future gathering of Israel.
Throughout history, God made numerous explicit warnings to Israel about the possibility of rejection if they turned away from Him. He stated that if they deviated from His commandments, He would cut off Israel from the land He had given them, and they would become a proverb and byword among all people. These warnings can be found in passages like 1 Kings 9:4-7.
In addition, the prophet Daniel conveyed a prophecy from God concerning a probationary period of 490 years for the Jewish people to respond to the Messiah (Daniel 9:24). This prophetic timeframe, known as 70 weeks (with each day representing a year), began with Artaxerxes’ decree in 457 B.C. to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, and it ended in A.D. 34. In that same year, the gospel began to be preached to the Gentiles, Stephen was stoned, and Paul embarked on his ministry to non-Jews. This marked the formal and final separation of Israel from its covenant relationship.
Jesus Himself made it clear to the Jewish leaders that their rejection of Him would result in their own rejection as the children of the kingdom. He declared that the kingdom of God would be taken from them and given to a nation that produces its fruits (Matthew 21:43).
The reason why the specific promises of the Old Testament were not fulfilled to Israel is not a mystery. They failed to meet the conditions of obedience. If they had been obedient, they would have inherited the land, been delivered from their enemies, and made Jerusalem the worship center for all nations.
We should study these lessons from Israel’s history and recognize the importance of obedience in our own lives. Let us strive to fulfill the conditions set by God, knowing that His promises are conditional and that true blessings come through faithfulness and obedience to His Word.
TRUE ISRAEL REVEALED
As Australian Christians between the ages of 20 and 50, we seek to understand the identity of the true Israel mentioned in the Bible. Many believe that the promises made to the literal descendants of Abraham failed due to their failure to fulfill the terms of the covenant. They question whether these promises were transferred to another “nation,” as mentioned by Jesus when He spoke of the kingdom being given to a different group. Some still anticipate a future restoration of national Israel and divine favor. To find clarity on these matters, we need to establish a fundamental principle of biblical interpretation that will help us understand the books of Daniel and Revelation and identify the true Israel of today.
The principle is as follows: Prophecies have a primary, local, and literal application, which then points to a future, worldwide, and spiritual application. By applying this principle to the Scriptures, we can eliminate confusion regarding the role of Israel in prophecy and history.
The glorious promises made to Israel initially had immediate blessings in mind for the nation. However, they also pointed to a broader spiritual fulfillment on a global scale. Although the local fulfillment failed due to Israel’s lack of faithfulness, the promises were never nullified or withdrawn. Instead, they will be fulfilled by a “nation” different from the Jews, as indicated by Jesus. The New Testament provides explicit statements about the identity of this new Israel.
Peter describes them as those who were once “not a people” but are now the people of God. They are referred to as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people, called to proclaim the praises of God who has brought them out of darkness into His marvelouslight (1 Peter 2:9-10). This new nation replaces the nation of Israel, and it consists of the Gentiles who have received the true Messiah and entered into the New Covenant through the blood of the cross. They are the true spiritual Israel of God, counted as the actual seed of Abraham. As Paul affirms in Galatians 3:29, those who belong to Christ are considered Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. He further clarifies in Romans 9:8 that the children of the promise are the true seed, not merely those of fleshly descent. Paul emphasizes that a true Jew is one who is inwardly circumcised in the heart, not outwardly in the flesh (Romans 2:28-29).
Heart circumcision refers to being circumcised through Christ, removing the sinful nature of the flesh (Colossians 2:11). This spiritual circumcision signifies true believers who have accepted Christ and been born again. They are the genuine circumcised and the only true Jews. According to Paul, they will inherit the promises made to Abraham.
After Christ’s crucifixion, there is no indication that the literal Jews were recognized as God’s children. While the door remained open through the preaching of the apostles until A.D. 34, the end of Daniel’s seventy-week prophecy, Israel as a nation received no further recognition. From that time onwards, Israel consists of God’s people, encompassing all who accept the Savior, whether Jew or Gentile. The Old Testament terminology and imagery are still used, especially in the book of Revelation, but Israel now refers to the church.
The promises were not a failure; they were transferred to the true spiritual Israel, which is the church. The church, composed of all true believers in Christ, is the body of Christ and the spiritual temple. The Old Testament prophecies regarding a physical temple find their fulfillment in the living church. We should not expect the restoration of a literal temple to be built. As stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16, the church itself is the temple, and believers are the “lively stones” of that spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).
It is understandable that some may be confused by the continuity of Old Testament terminology in the New Testament description of the church, including words like kingdom, nation, Israel, temple, Jerusalem, Zion, and tribes of Israel. Even Jesus, speaking to the Pharisees, stated that the kingdom of God would be taken from them (literal Israel) and given to a nation (spiritual Israel) producing its fruits (Matthew 21:43). However, there is no need for confusion, as the New Testament clearly reveals that the church now replaces national Israel.
THE TWO BABYLONS: A WARNING FOR CHRISTIANS TODAY
Understanding the significance of the two Babylons mentioned in the Bible is essential for Christians of all ages. By applying the principle of dual application in prophecy, we can see the parallels between the experiences of ancient Israel and the events surrounding spiritual Israel in the book of Revelation.
Ancient Israel faced persecution from Babylon, and similarly, spiritual Israel, represented by the church, will also face persecution as depicted in Revelation 17:6. Both ancient Israel and the church were confronted with the demand to worship an image, exemplified in Daniel 3:13 and Revelation 13:15. The identification of Babylon the Great, mentioned in Daniel 4:30, finds its spiritual counterpart in Revelation 17:5. Furthermore, Jeremiah 51:13,14 and Isaiah 44:27,28 portray the presence of Babylon sitting on many waters, a concept echoed in Revelation 17:1. The rescue of ancient Israel from Babylon, symbolized by the drying up of the Euphrates River (Jeremiah 51:6-8, Isaiah 45:1), finds its spiritual counterpart in Revelation 16:12.
These parallels between the two Israels, one literal and the other spiritual, indicate that the church, as God’s people in the last days, will face similar trials and deliverance. The book of Revelation unveils the deliverance of spiritual Israel from spiritual Babylon in connection with the battle of Armageddon. Revelation 16:12-16 describes the drying up of the Euphrates River to make way for the kings of the east and the gathering of political powers for the battle of Armageddon.
In these verses, we discern the involvement of three powerful forces, symbolized as the beast, the dragon, and the false prophet. These forces, with religious underpinnings, influence political powers through miracles, drawing the world into the battle of Armageddon. These symbols encompass various forms of counterfeit religion present in our modern world. By rejecting the authority of God’s law and embracing pagan traditions, these combined ecclesiastical systems exert significant influence, contributing to the events leading up to Armageddon.
It is crucial for all Christians to be aware of these warnings and to discern the deceptive influences in our world. By understanding the dual application of prophecy and recognizing the parallels between ancient Israel and the church, we can guard against the allure of false religious systems and remain faithful to the true teachings of Christ. May we stand firm in our faith, rooted in the truth of God’s Word, as we navigate the challenges of our time.
ARMAGEDDON—THE FINAL BATTLE BETWEEN SATAN AND GOD
Understanding the true nature of Armageddon is crucial in recognizing its significance in the ongoing battle between Christ and Satan. This climactic struggle marks the culmination of Satan’s 6,000-year-long campaign to hinder the salvation of God’s people. Satan, who was cast out of heaven due to his self-seeking nature, has always sought to overthrow God and establish his own rule. His ultimate goal is to deceive and subvert the worship of God’s subjects through counterfeit religious systems and false worship.
Armageddon represents Satan’s all-out effort to destroy those who remain faithful to God, even in the face of persecution and death. This battle involves the entire world because people of both good and evil are scattered among all nations. Satan’s plan is to enforce a mark of loyalty on every person through the beast power, condemning those who refuse to death. By doing so, he aims to eliminate any obstacle to claiming all of creation as his followers.
It is essential to grasp the significance of Zion in this context. Satan desired to sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north, which refers to God’s dwelling place on Mount Zion. Zion represents a place of safety where God gathers His people. It is where God’s presence and protection are found. While Satan seeks to destroy God’s congregation, penetrating even the elect with his deceptions, God is drawing His people to Himself in Zion for their safety and deliverance.
Throughout the Bible, there are references to God gathering His people to Zion. It is a gathering that ensures their safety and salvation. On the other hand, Satan also has a gathering program, rallying his forces for Armageddon. This gathering is aimed at countering God’s gathering of His saints to Mount Zion. Armageddon involves every nation on earth, with Satan marshaling the kings and wicked people to oppose the faithful saints of God.
Armageddon represents the ultimate contest between Christ and Satan, with followers from both sides involved. The battle is intimately connected to Satan’s original threat to destroy the congregation of God in Mount Zion. It is the final attempt by the evil one to carry out his plan, reaching the culmination of earth’s history. However, in Revelation 19, we witness the victorious return of Christ, described as riding a white horse with His armies from heaven. They engage in battle, smiting the nations and treading the winepress of God’s wrath.
This symbolic depiction portrays Christ’s ultimate triumph over evil in the context of Armageddon. The armies of heaven fight alongside Him, prevailing over the forces of darkness. Armageddon is closely associated with the pouring out of the vials of God’s wrath upon the earth, affecting all nations. As God’s people are scattered throughout the world, the entire earth is impacted by the plagues, with Armageddon being one of them.
Understanding the true nature of Armageddon helps us recognize its significance as the final battle in the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan. It underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of persecution, as we await Christ’s victorious return.
THE SYMBOLIC MEANING OF THE DRYING UP OF THE EUPHRATES
In order to understand the prophecy of the “drying up of the great river Euphrates” and its connection to the “kings of the east,” we can look at the parallel experience of ancient Babylon. Babylon was the formidable enemy of God’s people six centuries before Christ. They held the Hebrews in bondage for 70 years until Babylon was overthrown by Cyrus the Mede, who came from the east. Cyrus diverted the Euphrates River, gaining access to Babylon by entering through the water gates.
The principle of interpretation suggests that the literal account in the Old Testament should be applied in a spiritual sense in the end-times. Thus, in the book of Revelation, we read about spiritual Israel (the church) being oppressed by “Babylon the Great,” which represents a counterfeit religious system manipulated by Satan. God’s people are delivered from the power of spiritual Babylon through the drying up of the waters of the Euphrates River.
However, it is important to note that the secondary application of this prophecy is not to be taken literally. The immediate fulfillment is always literal and local, while the last-day fulfillment reaches worldwide and has a spiritual application only.
So, we do not expect a literal river to be dried up by a literal Cyrus to deliver a literal Israel. Instead, we understand that all of God’s true people are spiritual Israelites. In this context, the water symbolizes “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” Babylon the Great, described in Revelation 17:1 as sitting “upon many waters,” is supported by the nations and people who align with false religious systems and persecute the true saints.
The drying up of the waters represents the withdrawal of support by those who had been followers of the Babylon system. This event occurs just before the coming of Christ, as people realize they have been deceived and turn against each other in anger. Zechariah describes this tumultuous period under the seventh plague, as Armageddon reaches its climax. In Revelation 17:16, John describes how those who were once supportive of spiritual Babylon will turn against her, leading to her desolation and destruction.
IDENTIFYING THE KINGS OF THE EAST
The “kings of the east” refer to an exciting aspect of the battle of Armageddon. Just as God’s place in Zion is located in the “sides of the north,” His approach is often depicted as coming from the east. This is because anciently, Zion was a hill north of Jerusalem, and anyone approaching from the east had to angle north due to impassable deserts. Thus, north and east are used interchangeably in the Bible to represent God’s dwelling place.
Christ’s return to Earth is described as coming from the east, with His glorious presence shining from east to west. The “kings of the east” mentioned in Revelation 16:12 are the same as the armies of heaven in Revelation 19, who triumph over “the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies.” The glory of God is associated with the east, as described by Ezekiel.
In Revelation 19:14 and 19:16, John paints a magnificent picture of Christ leading the armies of heaven, riding on white horses, and being recognized as the King of kings and Lord of lords. This grand scene portrays the kings of the east going against the kings of the earth and the forces of spiritual Babylon. The destruction of spiritual Babylon and her followers is brought about by the King of kings, who will reign forever and ever.
Cyrus, who saved ancient Israel from Babylon, serves as a type or foreshadowing of the kings of the east who would deliver spiritual Israel from Babylon. Just as Cyrus was called the “anointed one” and “the righteous man,” Jesus is designated by the same titles.
Thus, we can conclude that the second coming of Christ is the only hope for Israel. When the mark of the beast is enforced, and all human escape plans have failed, God’s faithful ones will be rescued from certain death by God and Christ, the true Kings of the east, who will appear at the midnight of humanity’s extremity.
MISDIRECTED ATTENTION
It is unfortunate that many Christians are looking in the wrong direction, expecting events to unfold in the Middle East that cannot fulfill the beautiful predictions of peace. While there may be temporary ceasefires or agreements between nations, it is important to recognize that these political maneuvers and conflicts cannot bring about the world of peace described in Isaiah’s “lion and lamb” imagery.
Moreover, it is crucial to understand that the nation currently known as Israel does not represent God’s true people. They have been replaced by a different nation, consisting of obedient and faithful individuals who come from every race, language, and people. These are the true Israel, and they will never resort to violence or engage in warfare. Instead, they will choose to live as Jesus lived and embrace death rather than compromise their integrity.
Therefore, the peace alliance signed on March 26, 1979, is not only futile but also irrelevant in the context of God’s plan. Similar alliances formed in the past, relying on human strength and alliances, were futile and brought shame and confusion. God is looking for those who trust in righteousness rather than military might. It is in trusting in God’s righteousness that He will provide deliverance from every enemy through the conquering kings of the east. Thus, we should shift our focus away from the political intrigues and oil fields of the east and instead fix our gaze on the eastern skies, from where our true allies will come to save us.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CLOTHING
While we have been able to understand and harmonize most of the verses in Revelation 16:12-16, one verse, 16:15, appears to be out of context. It speaks of the importance of keeping one’s garments and avoiding shame. The answer to this puzzle is found in Revelation 19:7-8, where the garments are described as the fine linen of the bride of the Lamb, symbolizing the righteousness of the saints. This sheds light on the meaning of Revelation 16:15.
The battle of Armageddon revolves around the issue of Christ’s righteousness. Only those who have wholeheartedly trusted in the merits of Christ’s sinless life and sacrificial death can triumph over the forces of evil. Their victory stems from faith in Christ’s righteousness, fearlessly sharing their testimony, and being willing to lay down their lives rather than sin. This threefold combination of faith, testimony, and unwavering commitment to God becomes the winning formula that defeats the accuser of the brethren.
Genuine faith in the sufficiency of the cross produces full obedience, encompassing both justification and sanctification. Those who would rather die than disobey God will be the only ones who refuse the mark of the beast. Many, however, who possess a lesser understanding of righteousness by faith, may not consider obedience to all the commandments worth dying for. They may wrongly believe that Christ’s obedience has been imputed to them, without grasping the transformative power of the gospel. True salvation is not merely forgiveness of sins but also liberation from sin itself.
Thus, Armageddon and preparation to meet Christ center on a personal relationship with the Savior. Clothed in the armor of His righteousness, the saints will prevail even in the face of a death decree. If you do not currently experience the assurance of this spiritual protection, I encourage you to put on His robe, woven in the heavenly loom, which contains no humanly devised threads. Embrace the merits and power of Christ’s life and atoning death, allowing it to shatter the authority of sin in your life. May this become your reality today.
