WHAT IF?

What If?

Is there the remotest possibility that Judaism and Christianity could soon be massively discredited? Could the Bible be proved to be faulty and unreliable? Could Biblical promises made to Israel be proved to be untrustworthy?  If Iran and her allies, as described in Psalm 83:4-8, were able to achieve their often repeated objective to “Liberate Palestine and wipe Israel off the map” could this event spell the end of Judaism and Christianity forever? Can we even imagine what the world would then be like?  How could such a thing possibly happen?

The very nations described in Psalm 83:5-8, with the backing and incitement of Iran, are constantly issuing fresh threats about Israel’s imminent annihilation. There are already thousands of missiles and warheads sited on Israel’s borders with the capability of reaching every part of tiny Israel. Israel’s enemies are becoming more confident every day that they can finally achieve their stated goal.  Prime Ministers Netanyahu and Ahmadinejad are both mentally prepared to launch an attack on each other. A gigantic event could soon be ignited. We Bible believers must be mentally and spiritually prepared for the ultimate results of this enormous End Time event.

What could happen if the nations mentioned in Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12 were successful in their attempt to annihilate Israel? These very nations are currently determined in their fanatical intention to “wipe Israel off the map that even the memory of it will cease to exist” (Psalm 83:4).  Israel is currently living under a very serious threat of total destruction. Her enemies are obsessed with a long established fixated desire to conquer and subjugate Israel. This drastic threat is not an imaginary one. It is at the very heart and core of militant Islam. The people behind the threat are real fanatical people with paranoid intentions. The weapons they now possess are also real and highly dangerous and destructive. The predicted attack will not be a war game; it will be the real thing.  It is a very clear and present danger, an ominous immediate threat to the whole world.  It is highly possible that this war could happen within months from this present moment. The amount of highly sophisticated missiles and warheads that are now in the hands of these nations would appear to be sufficient to achieve their evil aim.  Missiles in the possession of Iran and her allies, could probably reach every part of tiny Israel incurring severe and irreparable damage. The attack could be so fierce and huge that Israel’s present defences would prove hopelessly inadequate to save the nation from chaos, confusion and defeat. If the enemies’ objective could possibly become reality it would involve:

1.     Israel’s long history, about which the Bible is the most reliable source, would be suddenly and completely terminated. It would then appear that Israel had never existed. The nation that God Himself birthed would be no more. God’s reputation and character depend on fulfilled prophecy. The destruction of Israel would seriously undermine God’s reputation.

2.     Temple Mount, which has had such a significant place in Jewish history, would become dominated by Islamic symbols perched high above the city of Jerusalem for all the world to see.

3.     Whatever population remained in the land, Jew or Christian would be strictly subjected to keep Islamic Shariah law or face execution.

4.     Every landmark in Israel that ever supported the history of Judaism or Christianity would be completely defaced or destroyed.

5.     Jerusalem would probably become the capital city of a new Islamic caliphate. This is a current aim of many Islamists.

6.     Following the conquest of Israel, the further intentions of fanatical Islamic fundamentalists would be directed toward the USA and all other “infidel” nations on earth.

7.     The long and persistent process of assuming world domination would be continued until every nation on earth would be ruled by Islamic law.

8.     Every religion, with the exception of Islam, would be systematically eradicated. Every Christian denomination, church and Bible College would eventually disappear. The ruthless hatred of Islamic fundamentalism would also seek to eradicate every evidence of Christianity from the whole world.  All believers would be forced to renounce their faith or be executed. Christians would be confronted with a choice between conversion to Islam or ignominious death.

9.     Every synagogue and church building, together with every other religious edifice, would be completely destroyed. The cultural heritage and emblems of Judaism and Christianity would be completely destroyed.

10.                        All Bibles and other religious books, particularly those supportive of Judaism and Christianity, would be destroyed and permanently banned on pain of death.

11.                        The whole world would be culturally downgraded. “Western civilisation” would be totally eradicated. Repressive Islamic culture would be prioritised.

The Bible is the only source of reliable information about a predicted attack on Israel in the Last Days and what the ultimate results of that attack will be.

1.     The attack is dramatically predicted in the Bible in Psalm 83, Zechariah 12, Joel 3 and several other prophetic passages.

2.     The attack will be launched by ancient enemies of Israel, all of which are now staunch Muslim nations sitting on the very borders of modern Israel. It will be the first of three great wars that will transpire in the Last Days. The other wars will be Ezekiel 38-39 and finally Armageddon.

3.     Initially the attack may appear fully capable of achieving its purpose which is the total elimination of the Jewish State of Israel. It may be launched through the use of long range missiles from Iran, or it may happen in retaliation for a pre emptive strike launched by Israel.

4.     Missiles armed with a variety of hi tech warheads could be rained upon Israel from Iran and all the neighbouring territories of Israel that are complicit with the attack. Each of these long time enemies of Israel are presently Islamic nations that view the very existence of modern Israel abhorrence to Allah and Islam.

5.     The attack may initially appear to be too great for any available defence system to adequately cope with. Israel’s enemies who have previously experienced defeat at the hands of Israel will wait until they are sure of a final victory.

6.     The attack may be so powerful that only a direct supernatural intervention could offer adequate protection to avoid the complete destruction of the nation. Israel has one of the smallest but most effective military defence forces in the world but it may finally prove to be inadequate.

7.     Israel’s generals (Alluphim) and her leaders will direct their hope of defence and deliverance to Yaweh Sabaoth, the LORD of heaven’s armies.   Zechariah 12:5 And the governors (Alluphim=Generals) of Judah shall say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.' NKJV

8.     Almighty God has pre determined the defeat every nation that is involved in this attack. Zechariah 12:9  It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.  NKJV

9.     The effective defence and deliverance of Israel will be in the powerful hands of the LORD of heaven’s armies and the Angel of the Lord who will go before the Israeli army (Zechariah 12:8).

10.                         Following Israel’s conclusive victory, God will pour out His Holy Spirit on the descendants of King David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:10)

11.                         God’s grace, together with fervent prayers, will fill the hearts and mouths of Israel’s citizens. The prayers will include words of earnest repentance.

12.                         All Israel will look upon the “Angel of the LORD” recognising Him as the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, and their Messiah.

13.                         A fountain will be opened for national cleansing and forgiveness. Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

14.                          A glorious national transformation will occur when a formal religion will again become a restored living relationship between the people of Israel and Yaweh, the Holy One of Israel.

Signs and indications can currently be seen all around the world today that indicate that the fulfilment of this awesome prophetic event could occur very soon. Thankfully the Bible contains numerous prophecies concerning this End Time attack which clearly reveal that the predicted attack will utterly fail. The prophet Zechariah reveals that Jehovah God will directly and supernaturally intervene in the war on behalf of Israel.

Zechariah 12:4-8 (AMP)
⁴ In that day, says the Lord, I will smite every horse [of the armies that contend against Jerusalem] with terror and panic and his rider with madness; and I will open My eyes and regard with favor the house of Judah and will smite every horse of the opposing nations with blindness.
⁵ And the chiefs of Judah shall say in their hearts, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are our strength in the Lord of hosts, their God.
⁶ In that day will I make the chiefs of Judah like a big, blazing pot among [sticks of] wood and like a flaming torch among sheaves [of grain], and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left; and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell and sit securely in their own place, in Jerusalem.
⁷ And the Lord shall save and give victory to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be magnified and exalted above Judah.
⁸ In that day will the Lord guard and defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he who is [spiritually] feeble and stumbles among them in that day [of persecution] shall become [strong and noble] like David; and the house of David [shall maintain its supremacy] like God, like the Angel of the Lord Who is before them.

The nations involved are sitting on the very borders of Israel on every side, waiting for a moment when their plan finally seems to be totally achievable.  However, what happened to Joseph in Genesis 50:20 will occur again, what was meant to be evil will prove to be good.

Genesis 50:20 As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. NLT

Joseph’s words could well be spoken soon by the Messiah. Every evil thing that was ever done to Him was meant destroy Him, but Almighty God meant them for the eternal good of all humanity.

The predicted enemies of Israel according to Psalm 83:4-8, are currently straining at the leash eagerly anticipating the planned attack on Israel. Numerous threats have been constantly reiterated. A large arsenal of weapons has been amassed, aimed at every part of Israel. The attack will not be launched until Iran finally believes that Allah has finally chosen to destroy Israel.  Israel too has been preparing for the expected attack. The battle lines are drawn, but the most convincing reasons why we know it will all happen are the clear prophecies and predictions in the Bible. 

Why Is This Article So Important?

It is a major Bible prophecy to which too little attention is given.

It is probably the next major Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.

It could decide the destiny of Judaism and Christianity.

It speaks about a major Islamic prophecy.

It gives opportunity to seriously investigate the hour in which we live.

Searching the scriptures regarding End Time events is essential.

It conveys information about Islamic expectations regarding Israel.

It warns Bible believers about the immediate future.

It enables believers to properly prepare for the prophetic days ahead.

To Every Believer:

1. Are You Really Aware Of What The Bible Predicts About An Attack On Israel In The Last Days?  Are you conscious of the possible immanency of the fulfilment of Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12 and the implications? Are you mentally and spiritually preparing for events in the near future?

2. Do You Realise That It Could Happen Very Soon? The prophets clearly described a situation in the End Times world that pertains even now. Islamic fundamentalist are looking forward to a scenario which is quickly developing right now. Activities that are transpiring now, particularly in the Middle East obviously fulfil Biblical prophecies concerning the Last Days.

3. What Will Be Your Reaction And Response To This Predicted Event? Every believer should be preparing for the dramatic events that will soon transpire and how they should respond to them. Many things will drastically change that will impact upon the Church. A spiritual and Biblical perception of what may transpire is absolutely necessary for valid preparation.

4. How Will This Event Impact On The Church And On You? The Church will be radically transformed through the Latter Day outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will initiate a new spectacular era of world evangelism (Joel 2:27-28). This evangelistic thrust will be accomplished by the emergence of the One New Man company (Ephesians 2:15) that will be comprised of Jewish and Gentile believers. They will together proclaim afresh the arrival of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14).

5. How Will You Face The Future After The Victory Is Achieved?  It is essential that both Messianic and Gentile believers recognise and acknowledge the Judaic connotations of the new Kingdom community. They will all need to adjust to the new emphasis of the Jew/Gentile culture of the Kingdom when the King will occupy the throne of David with its entire links to Biblical history and prophecy.

6. What Do You Perceive The Role Of Christian Believers Will Be? There will be very dramatic changes in the redeemed community. Many Jews will transition into a clear recognition and acceptance of Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah and King. Christians will also need a real and genuine transformation into the Messianic nature of the King and Kingdom of God that will be revealed on earth.

7. What Will The Church Look Like After This Dramatic Event?  The Church will revolve back to its original pattern portrayed in the earliest chapters of Acts. It will consist of Messianic Jews and Gentile believers living and working together in closest harmony

8. Will We Be Ready For The Prophetic Future Of The Church?  The whole world is going to change dramatically after the events of Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12, but perhaps the greatest changes will happen in Judaism and Christianity. Both of these groups are historically resistant to change and transformation. Changes are traditionally resisted like a plague. Both groups will change or fade away. Religious connotations will be shed and the citizens of God’s glorious Kingdom will eagerly embrace a fresh, living relationship with Almighty God. The culture of the Kingdom will emerge in and around its citizens and the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will begin to fill all the earth (Isaiah 6:3. 24:23).

©Gerald Rowlands www.israelspropheticfuture.org

WILL ISRAEL SURVIVE AN IMMINENT IRANIAN ATTACK?

Ezekiel 29:21 "And the day will come when I will cause the ancient glory of Israel to revive, and then at last your words will be respected. Then they will know that I am the LORD." NLT

The ancient city of Jerusalem is presently occupying centre stage of world attention because of its apparently uncertain future. So fierce is the dispute concerning Jerusalem’s future that many people can only visualize a violent war and ultimate destruction for the city the name of which ironically means “City of peace.” But Almighty God does not agree with this possibility. Not only does He intend to supernaturally rescue the city from a violent attack, He also intends to renew Jerusalem to a glory it has never yet experienced.

Israel's Prophetic Future

ISRAEL'S LAST DAY

For some time now Sky News on international TV has in its introduction been showing a video clip entitled “Israel’s Last Day.” The clip which has been seen by more than a million people on YouTube, and millions daily on TV, shows planes flying low over Israel dropping their bomb loads. The skies are filled with smoke clouds and the clip also shows shots of Israeli people on the ground in a state of great panic, fear and confusion. Their cries of alarm are loud, and full of fearful apprehension.

The amateur video is said to have been made by an Israeli civilian father in an attempt to portray what may happen to Israel in the event of an attack by Iran, but what is the intentional purpose of Sky news in airing the video around the world?

The fact that the program is entitled Israel’s LAST DAY surely gives the impression that the State of Israel will soon face extinction and annihilation at the hands of Iran and her allies. The father concerned tells Emma Hurd the Sky news correspondent, that while it took Germany nearly six years to murder 6 million Jews in WW2, Iran is capable of killing the same number of Jews in only 5 or 6 minutes using perhaps 2 bombs. The father suggests that the scenes depicted could happen in a counter attack launched by Iran in response to a pre-emptive strike by Israel.

The alarmed father is seen showing his young son how to quickly get down to their bomb shelter beneath their house. He also mentions that all children in kindergartens throughout Israel are being taught how to use such shelters.

15^th March 2012 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

"An attack on Iran could take place within a matter of months, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a series of television interviews," reports Haaretz. "'We're not standing with a stopwatch in hand,' he said. 'It's not a matter of days or weeks, but also not of years. The result must be removal of the threat of nuclear weapons in Iran's hands.'" Netanyahu gave separate interviews to all three Israeli television stations, the first he has given since his return from Washington....'I hope there won't be a war at all, and that the pressure on Iran will succeed,' the prime minister stressed, noting that his preferred choice would be for Iran to halt its nuclear program and dismantle the uranium enrichment facility located in an underground site near Qom. 'That would make me happiest,' he said. 'I think every citizen of Israel would be happy....Making decisions isn't the problem; it's making the right decision....If you don't make the decision and don't succeed in preventing this [an Iranian nuke], to whom will you explain this -- to the historians? To the generations before you, and the generations that won't come after you?'"

12^th March 2012 ISRAEL’S SOUTHERN COMMUNITIES UNDER FIRE: Over 200 rockets have been fired at Israel's southern communities since Friday evening. Monday afternoon's preemptive strike brought the death toll in Gaza from retaliatory raids to 25. Nonetheless, Gaza terror groups say they will "not be the first to blink" and rocket fire continues unabated. PM Binyamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the IDF would continue to operate with "great power and aggression." Defense Minister Ehud Barak said earlier Monday "if the rocket fire escalates, Israel will continue air strikes against terrorist targets." Minister of Strategic Affairs and Deputy PM Moshe Yaalon said, "At this point we see no need to enter Gaza, but the possibility exists." Yaalon has previously called for a major incursion into Gaza, but on Israel's terms at a time of its own choosing. Israel's top military commanders recently have said such an operation is becoming increasingly "inevitable." Meanwhile, Israel's powerful Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee called on the government to declare a "special situation" in Israel's south in order to provide residents economic relief. (INN)

12^th March 2012 - SCHOOLS CLOSED IN SOUTH DUE TO ROCKETS: Some 200,000 Israeli children throughout southern Israel are hiding in bomb shelters instead of going to school as Gaza-based Palestinian terrorists continue pouring missiles and mortars into the area. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system has managed to intercept the majority of the more dangerous Grad-type missiles, but simply cannot provide a comprehensive shield against such an onslaught. Deputy Mayor Heftzi Zohar of the large Negev city of Beersheva said the situation is unbearable, especially for children "who are living under terror." The attacks began on Friday afternoon 9^th March, when a handful of mortars were fired into southern Israel. Hours later, Israeli aircraft destroyed a vehicle in Gaza that was carrying two terrorist commanders. One was Popular Resistance Committee operative, Zuhir Kaisi, who intelligence had discovered was planning another major cross-border infiltration from the Egyptian Sinai into the Eilat area of southern Israel. Kaisi was also reportedly responsible for the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Following the destruction of the terrorist commanders, Palestinian rocket attacks intensified significantly. Israel responded with targeted air strikes that managed to kill 15 terrorists, some as they were preparing further rocket launches. Despite the ongoing terrorist assaults, the Israeli army ordered the two main border crossings with Gaza to remain open to allow a regular flow of Gazans into Israel and humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The literal fulfillment of Israel’s Last Day, is something that Iran and all the nations on Israel’s borders are eagerly anticipating. They have been steadfastly preparing for this day for many years but according to Jehovah God, the Holy One of Israel, it will never happen. Bible prophets have predicted this attack and the defensive supernatural intervention of God which will lead to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Israel. (Zechariah 12:8-10)

God is The Holy One of Israel -Isaiah 10:20-21
20 And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
21 The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God. NKJV

Jerusalem Is The City Of The Great King Matthew 5:35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. NKJV

God Himself Will Defend Israel Zechariah 12:8-9
Zech 12:8 On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the LORD who goes before them!
9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. NLT

The Last Shall Be First Zechariah 12:10 Israel’s expected LAST Day will be the first day of her spiritual renewal and restoration beginning with a glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the nation.

Zech 12: 10 "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. NLT

1. The nations named in Psalm 83 will form an alliance against Israel described in Zechariah 12.

2. The USA, UK and UN will fail to prevent this attack.

3. The Angel of the Lord and the IDF will shock the world with a show of superior strength.

4. The Muslim nations involved will be defeated and silenced.

5. Israel will expand its sovereignty over captured Arab soil.

6. God will pour out His Holy Spirit upon Israel.

7. The world will witness Israel’s new exaltation and dominance.

Gerald Rowlands.

www.israelspropheticfuture.org