Symbols! The prophecies contained in the book of Daniel are replete with them. The secret to gaining a full understanding of the events outlined in these great prophecies lies in our ability to unlock the meaning of these symbols. In this study we will be focusing Daniel chapter eleven, the last prophecy to be presented by the aging prophet. It holds to the principle of repeat and enlarge as it repeats some of the events outlined in previous chapters and enlarges upon the conditions that develop in our day. After the prophet has retraced the events that occurred in the distant past we find that he introduces two new symbols as he brings to our attention what is to transpire in our day. These symbols are namely "The King of the North" and "The King of the South." Although these symbols remain constant, we find that their definitions can change as we pass through history. What is the massage given through this final prophecy? As the ebb and flow of the nations is brought to our attention we notice that there is one thing in common, and that is the power that stands behind them all, Satan himself. Once again Daniel portrays the great cosmic battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. This theme is the foundation of our understanding of the prophecies contained in the book of Daniel.
The eleventh chapter was written during the first year of the Medo-Persian empire. Since Babylon had already faded into history there was no need to begin the prophecy with the Babylonian Empire. Instead Daniel commences this sequence of events with the Medo-Persian reign. The four kings mentioned are Cambyses, False Smerdes, Darius and Xeroces. Daniel then quickly reveals the rise of Alexander the Great and the dividing of his empire to his for generals rather than to his heirs.
In Daniel eleven verses five to fifteen the symbols
of the King of the North and the King of the South are introduced. This
is to portray the various divisions [north, south, east end west] that
occurred with the breakup of Alexander's Empire. In verses sixteen to thirty
is described the dominance of the King of the North, who evolves into the
pagan Roman Empire during these verses, note that the symbol stays the
same but the nation represented by the symbol changes as time continues.
In verses twenty to twenty eight Pagan Rome's activities are described;
Pagan Rome---the great taxer of the people. Then in verses thirty one to
thirty six Daniel pictures this medieval Church of the Dark Ages desecrating
God's Temple by claiming to be the rightful heir to the Christian
heritage, whilst at the same time destroying the essential element of Christianity---freedom
of worship. As the King of the North is seen to do the same work as the
papacy there can be but one conclusion, namely that the King of the North
refers to the papacy. (Please read study notes)
"But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things."
Daneil 11:38
NOTE AND ANSWER: The identification of the King of the North is one of the most important themes tat could engage our attention. All the previous prophecies of Daniel find their consummation in this last prophecy. In the book of Revelation was described the dangers, conflicts and final deliverance of the Christian Church in connection with the Satanic forces of Spiritual Babylon. In Daniel we have described the same things in connection with the King of the North. In verse thirty eight this King of the North power introduces Saint worship into its religion. In the past this was not known or practiced in the worship style of the Christians, and saint worship became known as the protectors of God. Also introduced as part of this system of worship was the "Eucharist", a wafer god---a god such as the early Christian Church knew not. Another aspect to this verse is the veneration of Mary which was also foreign to the early Christian Church. These gods they honour with millions of dollars worth of jewelry and precious stones. Costly shrines have been multiplied every part of the world, all dedicated to some patron saint, and in some instances entire nations have been given her the protectionof patron Saints. This is nothing more than a new modern system of idolatry
"Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain." Daniel 11:39
NOTE AND ANSWER: This power was the god of a new system of idolatry. Now to honour a god or guardian with such things is to enrich their institutions dedicated to the guardian saints. The churches, chapels, cathedrals and especially the universities and centers of education are the strongholds ; this is true of any church or nation. For centuries it has the studied plan of this power to gain control of these strongholds. The strength and prosperity of a nation or church is determined by its centuries of learning. Thus the one that controls these centers ultimately will control the country or church. By gaining control of a church or country's educational system, in just two generations a change can be brought about in the way the people and think behave, to the point that the whole moral fabric of that society can be overturned. This strange system of worship has divided the earth, its countries, and cites have not only been parceled out to the patron saints but also to clericals of various ranks. The representatives of the papacy have and will always work for the gain of the papacy. For a price one can be extracted from purgatory---for a price one can have a special mass or infant baptism or even forgiveness---for a price we can see their shrines, the saint's houses. They are truly bazaars of spiritual merchandise.
"And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over." Daniel 11:40
NOTE AND ANSWER: Before we begin to analyze verse forty we need to set these events into there correct time frame. To do this we need to understand a little about the Hebrew language, as this was the language the prophecy was originally written in. it will be noticed that the second word in this verse is the word "AT". in English grammar this word is known as a `preposition'. It indicates at a point of time. However, in Hebrew grammar there is no preposition "AT". The closest word we have is the preposition "IN" or "DURING". These words indicate a period of time rather than a point of time. This may seem to be a small correction, however the implications are very significant in our efforts to fully understand this prophecy. To gain an accurate interpretation the prophecy must correlate with history. In this instant we are looking for events that take place "IN" or "DURING" a period of time rather than "AT" a point in time. This small correction is very significant as the period of time under consideration is from 1798 until the close of human probation sometime in the future.
In verse forty we have the second major power, "the King of the South" representing atheistic philosophy, introduced. And if we are reasoning correctly this power's first business would be to attack the King of the North and inflict a deadly wound upon the Papacy. Verse forty also indicates the time frame when this attack would take place. History reveals that it began in 1798 with the French Revolution, this revolution being primarily an attack upon Roman Catholicism. However, due to its atheistic philosophy all religion was oppressed and opposed. Having defeated Rome this atheistic philosophy would developed into what is today called "Communism" and would continue to push or spread throughout the world, with many Catholic countries accepting this new ideology and severing all ties with the Catholic Church. With the spread of Communism in Europe we saw many divisions occur between east and west resulting in the establishment of the cold war which for many long decades prevented the privileges of real gospel ever reaching those countries. However the prophecy stated that this situation would not last forever. It clearly stated that the Papacy would recover and come back against Communism and destroy it. How well we remember the events of 1989 under Perestroika. The communist block began to crumble and fall and all were stunned at the speed with which it all happened. Some commentators even used the words of prophecy to describe the speed of the collapse. "Like a whirlwind" the prophecy said. (Please read study notes.)
"He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon." Daniel 11:41.
NOTE AND ANSWER: The "King of the North will enter into the glorious land" does not mean the Papacy will relocate or establish itself in Jerusalem. In the New Testament the term "The Glorious Land" is reserved for the place of the "Christian Church." During the Religious tyranny that reigned throughout Europe in the Dark Ages a group of people known as the Pilgrim Fathers fled Europe in search of a new country in which they could establish a nation with a style of Government that would be without a "King or Pope" ---where liberty and religious freedom would be practiced. It would be a true republican form of Government. (This country was to be the USA)
The Lord has done more for the United States of America than for any other country upon which the sun shines. Here He provided an asylum for His people where they could worship Him according to the dictates of conscience. Here Christianity has progressed in its purity, the land over which for long years the shield of omnipotence has been spread, the land which God has favored by making it the repository of the pure religion of Christ. But the enemy has designs upon God's purpose for this country, and through forming a confederacy with the United States of America many countries shall be won over to support the papacy in her efforts to gain control of the world. The success of the Papacy depends upon her gaining the support of [the Jewel in the Crown, as it were] Protestant America. Having done this, many countries would automatically be drawn into her net. However, not all will be deceived; some will escape out from her control. The reference to Edom and Moab cannot be taken literally as there is not an Edomite on the face of the earth today. Traditionally these people were the enemies of the Jewish and Christian Church. The Bible also refers to them as the "gentiles" or "unbelievers". They escape through accepting the gospel message and becoming part of the Christian Church.
"He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape." Daniel 11:42.
Here is a direct reference to the Communist block of countries. Egypt is a symbol of atheistic and secular systems of thought which has become a dominant philosophy of the world for the last one hundred and fifty years. After one hundred and fifty years of dominance by the "King of the South", the world has and still is witnessing the demise of this power. This is exactly what the prophecy foretold.
Time magazine in December 1991 featured an article
on the current debate about the Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. One
of the fascinating revelations in this article was the following statement
germane to the question of who caused the fall of Communism.
"John Paul is firmly convinced...that Mary brought an end to communism throughout Europe...The virgin predicted the rise of Soviet Totalitarianism before it happened. In the subsequent vision, she directed the pope and his bishops to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart in border to bring Communism to an end...John Paul carried out Mary's directive in 1984---and the very next year Mikhail Gorbachev's rise to power inaugurated the soviet collapse. Says Farther Robert Fox of the Fatima Family Shrine in Alexandria, South Dakota: "The world will recognize in due time that the defeat of Communism came at the intercession of the Mother of Jesus. Handmade or feminist,
Time Dec., 30 1991. Pp. 64, 65.
In reality the downfall of Communism was not accomplished by Rome alone. She had a very active partner in Ronald Reagan, president of the United States of America. (Please read the study notes provided.)
"But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps."Daniel 11:43
NOTE AND ANSWER: The power of money, who can estimate it? When God foretells the future He leaves nothing to chance. In verse forty three we are informed of the economic measures to be used by this powerful "King of the North" (Rome). It was harsh economic measures and the control of money that brought about the collapse of the Communist block. Through trade sanctions and the manipulation of the money markets, these Communist countries where brought to the place where they were forced to surrender their atheistic philosophy in order to acquire the basic necessities of life. Faced with shortages of food and long cold winters, along with a huge foreign debt that stifled growth and manufacturing, these nations soon fell prey to the advances of the Papacy. Those people that are fortunate enough to live in the west should not become complacent and think that they shall remain free from such measures. We only need to look at the recent establishment of such agreements as GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) and NAFTA (North American Free Trade Alliance). These treaties, designed to bring about a level playing field among the nations, will only eliminate the advantage enjoyed by the west as a result of the protestant principles enshrined in there constitutions. These agreements (GATT and NAFTA) have quickly developed into what in now called the World Trade Organization or WTO. This will allow Rome and the USA to control the world economy, through the manipulation of such things as the stock market, the money markets, along with fluctuating interest rates and trade in essential commodities. As a result of these treaties, Rome, acting silently through the United States of America, has the ability to manipulate both the import and export markets of the world to her own gain. Privatization will also be used to establish giant monopolies that effectively hold the sovereignty of these nations in there hands. The Libyans and the Ethiopians represent the black and colored nations and the prophecy indicates that these shall also follow in his steps or become part of the "New World Order." It should be remembered that most of these nations are Islamic, but there will be no barriers as all the world will fall into line. The United States of America in the aftermath of the Gulf War, which was used to bring the Islamic Nations of the Middle Eat into line, has suddenly emerged as the undisputed world leader. All the world looks to her for leadership. For the first time in her history the United States of America is poised to fulfill the prophetic role of Revelation thirteen. Meanwhile the Pope waits for a supernatural sign that will brig America fully into his camp. America will then lead the world to the Papal banner. Thus will be born the totally "New World Order," reestablishing the pre-eminence of Rome in the controlling of the world.
"But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many." Daniel 11:44
NOTE AND ANSWER: Not all will be deceived by this move through the United Nations, along with the United States of America, into uniting under the banner of the Papacy. Just as the Great Reformation of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries brought freedom and liberty, so this last attempt to gain control of the world will be met with decided opposition.
In prophecy God is always portrayed as the true "King of the North", but his position has been usurped by the arch deceiver working through his agents on earth, namely Rome, The United Nations and America. In relation to the earth God's direction is east. God always approaches this world from the east. So tidings out of the east and the north refers to another mighty religious awakening that will occur at the time when the attempt is made to force the nations and their people into accepting this false system of worship. Many of the civil wars that we see and hear of at present are just the beginnings of what will burst upon the world. The Remnant of the Christian Church will rise up and oppose the efforts of this Religio-Political power. The Christian church will not be left to fight alone. Their effort will be accompanied by the power of God, as was the work of the disciples on the day of Pentecost. This last warning to be given to the world exposing the plans and work of the Papacy will only infuriate her. It is then that she will call upon the power of the state and the command will be given, submit or be destroyed. However, the true Christian church will not submit.
"And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." Daniel 11:45.
NOTE AND ANSWER: Many believe that this verse refers to the land of Palestine and in particular Jerusalem. However, in examining the origin of Israel will discover that the name originated in a spiritual context--- given to a spiritual person when he was converted to God. To belong to Israel was to receive the spiritual promises made to Abraham, the promise of Christ and the promise of the Heavenly Canaan. Therefore, these promises cannot apply geographically or racially. The can only be applied spiritually to converted people, to the true Christian church. Faithfulness to the covenant is the only criterion. Geographical or genetic inheritance has no merit with God, as all that matters is the personal relationship and experience with Jesus Christ. To be a Christian one must be born again in the truest sense of the term. In prophecy seas are a symbol of people. That being the case, verse forty five gives vital information about the intentions of this power toward faithful Christians. The Papacy with its power restored attempts to invade the Christian Church and establish her principles and style of worship in its midst. The word palace in its original language means "idol", so this confederation of evil---the Papacy, Protestant America and the Governments of the world---will endeavor to compel the covenant people to bow in humble obeisance to their "idol", their system of worship. However, they will not succeed for the prophecy states "that he shall come to his end and none shall help him". God will not leave His church to be destroyed, for He intervenes on there behalf. In order for the "New World Order" to establish Satan along with the Papacy in total control of the world, the Christian Church has to be absorbed or destroyed. Down through the ages faithful Christians have been the "Voice of God on Earth". This is the reason for the spiritual conflict between Christ and Satan, good and evil, right and wrong. (Please read study notes.)
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Daniel 12:1
NOTE AND ANSWER: Verse One of Chapter twelve
should accompany the previous verses of chapter eleven. At the climax of
all this activity, involving the Papacy in the old world and the Protestant
churches of the United States of America in the western world, will come
the conflict that hangs so ominously over the world today. As the "New
World Order" begins to emerge we can expect to experience a time of trouble
that is unprecedented in the history of this world. National apostasy will
bring national ruin. At this time Michael---Jesus Christ--- shall stand
up. Probation for this world will be closed, the great struggle of the
ages will be over, and the Church of God will be delivered.
Dear friend, on what side will you stand? You cannot be a spectator.
To make no decision is to decide for wrong.
The most dominant symbol throughout Daniel chapter eleven is that of the King of the North. Interestingly we have discovered that this symbol changes meanings as the chapter progresses. It begins as one of the divisions of the Grecian Empire, then is used to symbolize the Pagan Roman Empire, and emerges finally as the great apostasy that controlled the world through the medieval church of the dark ages. In this symbolism we see a gigantic struggle going on behind the scenes. Down through the corridors of history this struggle has raged until finally in Daniel eleven we are brought to the climax, showing powers and the nations that the forces of evil are using in an effort to erase from the earth all knowledge of the One that created all things. The Bible reveals that the God of Heaven is the real King of the North and all others that are symbolized under that title are impostors. They have usurped the title in an effort to seize control and ownership of this world. All prophecy is given to expose the plans of those involved so that the inhabitants of planet earth may not perish.
WHO IS THE KING OF THE SOUTH? In like manner, the King of the South is introduced initially as on of the divisions of the Grecian Empire. Alexander the Great having died, his empire was then divided into four sections; north, south, east and west. The southern section was referred to as the Egyptian division under the reign of Ptolemy, one of Alexander's four Generals. In 31 BC in the Battle of Accius, Egypt was defeated and her territory became a province of the Roman Empire. Egypt is not mentioned again in prophecy as a major player until we enter the climax of the great struggle brought to view in Daniel eleven. Egypt's most notable time in history took place some fifteen hundred years before Christ, when Moses came before Pharaoh to request that he let God's people go from the bondage that he had for so long held them in. The reply given to Moses from Pharaoh gives some insight into his belief and philosophy to life. In that notable encounter, found in the book of Exodus chapter five and verses one and two, we are informed that Pharaoh was an atheist. He did not believe in the existence of God, neither would he obey and let the people go.
Throughout the Bible Egypt is a symbol of Atheism, and is the philosophy and ideology of the King of the South in Old Testament times. To be consistent with Biblical analogy linking Egypt with atheistic philosophy, it would only be logical to expect that the next time that such a power re-emerges in prophecy it would still be characterized by its atheistic philosophy. It is generally agreed that during the French Revolution we see atheism re-emerge as the power that attacked the medieval church of the dark ages---The Papacy. This revolution was primarily an attack on Catholicism for it was the predominant religion of the day. The French Revolution was the result of centuries of persecution and cruelty, and eventually the nation of France rose up against the Papacy and killed thousands of its priests and nuns. Bibles were confiscated and burned along with all other religious material. So determined were the French that they rebelled against all religion and tried to establish atheism in its place. In rejecting Romanism France rejected all religion with their leaders inaugurating the age of reason. Their efforts to destroy the Bible were not successful, for out of the asses of this rebellion the Bible has risen to world wide distribution. However, the philosophy of that revolution did not die, the seed had been sown and atheism was still alive in the hearts of the people until today it has developed into what we would call Communism. In the years that followed, the Communist philosophy made enormous inroads into the many Catholic countries with a number renouncing their ties with the church in order to follow this new ideal. But as the prophecy states, Communism would not last, for the Papacy would recover from the deadly wound it received in 1798. That recovery began in 1801 a concordant was signed between Napoleon and the Papacy. From that time the papacy decided on a programme that would see it attain spiritual control of the world. She desired to be established once again as the Mother Church.
That was the beginning. Political power was restored to the Papacy in 1929 when Vatican State was established. Vatican City became a small but very significant city-state, under the control of no government on earth. It was a civil power in its own right. Newspapers reported this event as follows:
"Mussolini and Gasparri sign historic Roman Pact...heal wound of many years."San Francisco Chronicle, Tuesday, February 12 1929. Page 1.
Today we are witnessing the restoration of the papacy as a dominant world power, with many countries having established diplomatic ties with her, and America during the Reagan administration voting to send an ambassador to Rome to represent their interest at the Vatican. How did Rome attack Communism and bring about its demise? Only in resent years have we begun to learn a little of Rome's secret plans for this event. The collapse of Communism actually began in Poland through the solidarity movement. Most people in the west did not realize that solidarity was a child of the Papacy. Only through her influence did solidarity gain a foothold in Poland.
"...But the election of John Paul II, a Polish Pope in 1978 was the single event, when he visited Poland in 1979 six million of his countrymen, a sixth of the population, turned out to see him. He proclaimed Christianity and Communism incompatible. The Church became center of political protest in Poland. With the Pope's support, solidarity was formed and John Paul II sent word to Moscow that if soviet forces crushed solidarity he would go to Poland and stand with his people. The soviets were so alarmed they hatched a plot to kill him. In 1981 the Pope was shot by a professional killer in St. Peters Square, miraculously he survived".
Communism's Incredible Collapse---How It Happened.
By Fred Barns. Readers Digest March 1990.
This incredible event was just as the prophecy of Daniel 11:40 had predicted. The King of the North would come against the King of the South like a whirlwind. However, if the prophecy was to be totally correct Rome would not be the sole instigator, she would have an active accomplice---The United States of America and President Reagan.
"On June 7, 1982, Reagan and John Paul met for fifty minutes at the Vatican. During that conversation the plot was hatched to eliminate Communism. In that meeting, Reagan and the Pope agreed to undertake a clandestine campaign to hasten the dissolution of the Communist Empire declares Richard Allen. Reagan's first national security adviser. This was one of the best kept secret alliances of all times."
Time Magazine February 24, 1992 "The Holy Alliance"
A confederacy was formed between the USA and Rome, to bring about the demise of Communism. Rome was on the move, assisted by Protestant America: She is destined to rule the world.
"Until solidarity's legal status was restored in 1989, it flourished underground, supplied, nurtured and advised largely by a network established under the auspices of Reagan and John Paul II. Tons of equipment---fax machines (the first in Poland), printing presses, transmitters, telephones, short-wave radios, video cameras, photo-copiers, telex machines, computers, and word processors, were smuggled into Poland via channels established by priests and American agents and representatives of the ALF-CIO and European Labour Movements.
Ibid.The key administration players were all devout Roman Catholics---CIA Chief William Casey, Allen, Clark, Haig, Walters and William Wilson, Reagan's first ambassador to the Vatican. They regarded the US-Vatican relationship as a Holy Alliance, the moral force of the Pope and the teachings of the church combined with their fierce Anti-Communism, and their notion of American democracy. Yet the mission would have been impossible without the full support of Reagan, who believed fervently in both the benefits and practical application of Washington's relationship with the Vatican. One of the earliest goals as President Reagan says, was to recognize the Vatican as a State "and make them an ally".
Ibid p.31
Not only did Poland fall into the control of the papacy, but the entire Communist block began to fall like dominoes. Even the might of Russia could not withstand the push for freedom that was sweeping through Europe. Even Mikhail Gorbachev recognized the role the Pope played in the downfall of Eastern Europe..
"now it can be said that everything which took place in Eastern Europe in resent years would have been impossible without the Pope's efforts and the enormous role, including the political role, which he played in the world arena. Pope John Paul II will play an enormous political role now that profound changes have occurred in European history."
Toronto Star, Canada, March 9, 1992 by Mikhail Gorbachev.
Now that Communism had given way to the papacy, what are the aims of Rome today? We should not be deceived by the apparent gentleness with which she is wooing the western world today, for her aims are exactly the same as they were in the dark ages, total domination of the world. After John Paul II was shot in St. Peters Square and was convalescing, it was reported that he received a vision, the only vision of his pontificate. The information reveled to him concerned the massages received by three young children at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917. It was this event that John Paul was commemorating when the attempt was mad on his life. After the vision the pontiff requested that the messages received by the girls be brought to him. It is said that the messages contained vital information relating to the world agenda for the Catholic Church. Roman Catholic scholar and former Vatican insider Malachi Martin, in his recent book "The Keys of This Blood", has some very interesting things to say, especially for students of prophecy. He says
"In the final analysis, John Paul II is a geopolitical pope who spent the first part of his pontificate establishing himself and his Holy See as authentic players in the millennium end game which during the same period of time has become the "only game in town" and in this last decade of the second millennium will absorb the energies, the efforts and the vital interests of the great powers in this world."
The Keys of This Blood pp. 638, 639.He his waiting rather for an event that will fission human history, splitting the immediate past from the oncoming future. It will be an event in public view in the skies, in the oceans and on the continental land masses of the planet. It will particularly involve vour human sun, which every day lights up and shines upon the valleys, the mountains and the plains of this earth for our eyes. But on the day of this event, it will not appear merely as the master star of our so-called solar system. Rather it will be seen as the circumambient glory of the woman whom the apostle describes as "clothed with the sun" and giving birth to "a child who will rule the nations with a scepter of iron." visioning it will be as an event, in John Paul's conviction of faith, for it will immediately nullify the grand designs the nations are now forming and will introduce the grand design of man's maker. John Paul's waiting and watching will then be over. His ministry as the servant of the grand design will then begin.
Ibid 639.
What Malachi Martin is saying is that some miracle
working supernatural event will occur within the decade of the nineties
that will unite the world and reject its present order of secular thinking.
The Pope will then emerge as the leader of the "New World Order" in which
the church is in control of society as it was in the dark ages. The Pope
realizes that the foundation of a truly united Europe and a united world
is Catholicism. However, he delays the issue, waiting for that spiritual
event to occur, which will be seen as a sign from God that will bring the
world to him, and he will commence not only to rule Europe but the whole
world. That is why he is waiting.
"In Papa Wajtijlas' outlook, the grand design of which he is the nominated servant is the design of divine providence to recall men to the values that are derived only from belief in religion and in divine revelation. His is an unpleasant message, and for the moment, a thankless job. He has to warn his contemporaries of his conviction that human catastrophe on a world scale, according to his information, is impending. He has to admit that he, like everybody else, is in the dark as to when it will occur, although he does know some of the horrific details of that world wide catastrophe. He knows also that it will not come without prior warning but only those already renewed in heart, and that would probably be a minority, will recognize it for what it is and make preparations for tribulations that will follow. He also knows that these will start unexpectedly and be accompanied by overall confusion of minds and darkening of human understanding and will result in the shattering of any plans for a "greater European space" and the mega market plans for "Greater Europe" and the "Pacific Rim". It will be the death and entombment of Leninist Marxism and the effective education of the long, centuries long, war that the forces of this civilized world have waged against the church of Christ founded and the religious belief of that church. The battle between the gospel and the anti-gospel will be over. The other two major contenders in the millennium will be eliminated."
Keys of This Blood. 656, 657.
As Malachi Martin says "The New World Order" will be dominated by the Papacy. Rome will have defeated the two contenders, Russia, Communism and the West. He is halfway to his goal. The end of western philosophy as a dominating power will end the same supernatural event. This is such an accurate fulfillment of prophecy that one can only wonder at how quickly the rest will occur.
THE GLORIOUS HOLY MOUNTAIN: For many years there has been confusion over the term used in verse forty five of Daniel chapter eleven. The popular opinion has been that it refers to literal Palestine and in particular the old temple site in Jerusalem. If this is so the we are bound by principles of prophetic interpretation that would require all prophecies concerning New Testament time fulfillment's to be interpreted in a literal sense. This idea is responsible for most of the confusion that exists within Christendom today. Any Israelite would know there is only one glorious holy mountain. Mount Zion, and the Bible indicates that salvation will come to Mount Zion. As most of us would realize, this is impossible from a literal stand point, so we must begin to look for a more logical interpretation. In brief, the principle of interpretation of Old Testament prophecies that find there fulfillment in New Testament times should be applied to the Christian Church. We shall now give some reasons as to why this is so. Many who preach about last day events envision a gigantic battle in the Middle East between Arabs and Israelites, or a battle that some way includes the nation of Israel now located in Palestine. Some governments have even set their foreign policy around this belief. They think that if they throw up an umbrella of protection over Israel, that somehow God will throw up an umbrella of protection over them when this battle begins. However, if we apply the term "Israel" only to the people residing in Palestine we have interpreted it in a strictly geographical sense. If we apply the term to all of Jewsh descent, then we have applied the term racialy. However, if we apply the term spiritualy, as the Bible does, we may well arrive at a entirely different conclusion than those who interpret it in a geographical or racial sense. So how does the Bible define the term "Israel"? around 2,000 BC God called a man by the name of "Abram", later called "Abraham", to travel to a land called Canaan. When he arrived God made him two promises. {Geneses chapter thirteen verses fourteen to sixteen.} These promises where "land" and "offspring'. In other words he would possess the land of Canaan and would have many offspring, or become the father of a great nation. Normal promises you might say. When we come to the New Testament our understanding is amplified as these promises are the basis of the covenant and must be seen in the light of the New Testament. In Galatians chapter three verse sixteen and Hebrews chapter eleven verses ten and sixteen we find that what appeared to be literal physical promises at first glance are really spiritual promises when seen through God's eyes. Not only were offspring promised to Abraham, but the offspring---Christ. It wasn't just the deserts of the Middle East that were promised but the heavenly Canaan itself. The promised land on earth was just a type of the heavenly land itself. These promises were given to all who had entered into a covenant relationship with God. The promises cannot be inherited genetically. The name Israel originated in a spiritual context, given to a spiritual person when he was converted to God. To belong to Israel was to receive the spiritual promises made to Abraham (Geneses thirty two verses twenty five to twenty eight.) in these verses we discover the first time that the name "Israel" was given. The experience of Jacob, whose name meant "supplanter" or "cheat", having wrestled with angel all night, prevailed with God. Jacob is now numbered with the overcomeres. So he was given a name that would represent a redeemed person. That name was "Israel". Therefore, these promises cannot apply geographically or racially. The origin of Israel requires a spiritual application of the term. As the descendants of Jacob formed themselves into a nation they took upon themselves the name of their father "Israel". As they became the converted people of God they rightfully assumed the name of the covenant people. As long as they remained faithful they could rightfully be called Israel. If they left the covenant they could no longer be called by that name, even though they racially belonged to the descendants of Abraham. When the literal nation of Israel in the Old Testament sinned and left God He sent His prophet to inform them that they had become a harlot., for they were claiming to be Israelites, a spiritual people, when they were not converted. A person cannot lay claim to the spiritual title unless he or she is a converted person. In Luke chapter thirteen verses thirty four and thirty five, and Luke chapter nineteen and verses forty one to forty four, we notice that the nation of Israel was rejected because they knew not the time of their visitation. The issue was clear, only those who accepted the Messiah could still be called Israelites. In Galatians chapter three and verses twenty eight and twenty nine, Paul announces just who would constitute the new Israel. There was no salvation by race because with Jesus all people are one in Christ Jesus. Paul's startling conclusion was that this new "Israel" was the Christian Church., and any prophecy referring to Israel that is fulfilled under the cross will not be fulfilled to ethnic Israel but to the new Israel,, the Christian Church. Now how does this principle work. In Joel chapter two and verse thirty two is a prophecy reaching the end time. This prophecy focuses specifically on a geographical location. Mount Zion and Jerusalem.
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Joel 2:32.
If we take this passage literally. It would be easy
to conclude that deliverance shall only come to those who travel to Jerusalem
and stand on Mount Zion. However, if we accept the New Testament teaching
that Israel after the cross refers to the Christian Church then we can
conclude that deliverance in the last days will come to the Christian Church.
There is no need to buy a plane ticket, for the prophecy does not refer
to a geographical city.
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