A short time ago, someone posed the following question. " In Isaiah 17 the Bible seems to be predicting the future destruction of Damascus, Syria. Do you believe that is yet future and do you think it may take place before the rapture of the church?
Answer; Yes to both questions.
Even though Damascus has had many battles as well as defeats, it has never been devestated as foretold in Isaiah 17. This is yet future and make no mistake about it, if Syria in any major way attacks or poses a severe threat to Israel, Israel will defend herself and rightfully so. This could very well come into play and BEFORE the rapture.
Please do not make the mistake of so many who seem to think that before things get too bad the Lord will come for us. I do believe that we will be raptured BEFORE the great tribulation, but not neccesarily before all of the prophetic action takes place. For instance, I do not feel that the war of Gog and Magog in EZEKIEL 38 & 39 is the same as the one in REVELATION 19 & 20. They are two different battles altogether. If you read both of them contextually, that will become clear to you.
I believe that EZEKIEL 38 & 39 could take place BEFORE or AT THE SAME TIME AS, the rapture. There is a very real possibility that we will see the battle of Ezekiel 38 & 39 in our lifetime. At this time, a Russian-led Arab force will be devestated by Israel, I believe. Actually, the Bible says that God Almighty will defeat them. [Read Ezekiel 38 & 39 closely}
This war of Gog and Magog could very well be started by the turning of Damascus, Syria into a ruinous heap.[Isaiah 17] It is believed that approx. 10,000 terrorists live in Damascus and many believe that Syria is where Saddams weapons of mass destruction are being hidden.[ He really did have wmd's. He simply moved them]
The two facts above stated are enough reason to provoke a preemptive strike by someone against Damascus, Syria. I am not saying that is going to happen, but it is possible.
Also, I personally believe that the reason Gog is referred to again in Revelation chapter 20 is that Gog is a prince spirit, a principality if you will. Please be assured that it is very unlikely that Ezekiel 38 & 39 is the same as the battle of Armageddon. Some people think it is, but I feel that we can prove from scripture it is not. And again, I also believe that the Ezekiel war will be before the rapture and in our lifetime. Of course, no one knows for sure.
We must always be prepared for the coming of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Look-up and be watchful..
1 comment:
I do think there is a common belief among the church that the rapture will take place before things get to bad. I too used to believe this. However, I believe that God will allow us to see things we never thought possible so we have nothing else to do but to trust Him and cling to Him all the more. When we live through hard times we can often look back and see God's hand guiding us throughout. Though we have worse times to come we need to become firmer in our beliefs and trust Him even more. The scriptures tells us that many will turn away. Many will see the hard times and choose to stop believing. We know the hard times are coming; the Bible tells us so. Therefore we need to build up our armour of the Lord; know with unshakeable faith whom we serve and prepare our minds for battle. Just as God has led us thus far; He will lead us to the end of our life on earth; however that end may come.
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