BIBLE PROPHECY PUZZLE

Does Bible prophecy seem to be a bit of a puzzle?

Tod Hampson

Everyone recognises that world conditions are disintegrating at an unprecedented rate, but many don't see these conditions as signs of the end-times. And I understand why.

For the most part, people don't have a blueprint or a clear picture of what the world will look like. The thousands of prophecies are scattered all over Scripture, so it is difficult to piece it all together and get a clear picture unless you take the necessary time to study them!

That is the purpose of this article. Think of it as the box top of a 1000 piece puzzle. Without the box top, the puzzle pieces seem completely random and disconnected. But with the box top we have a clear picture of what we are supposed to be piecing together.

I could easily get caught in the weeds, because prophecy related details are developing at an unprecedented rate, but I want to keep this article as simple as I can, With that in mind, I've tried to share the most compelling broad strokes of last days Bible prophecy as I paint this picture.

So, here is a description of the prophetic last days box top. The context, or specific time frame mentioned for these prophecies, all relate to the end of the age.

Also, keep in mind that the youngest prophecies cited below are just under 2000 years old, and the oldest are approximately 2600 years old. I cited at least one Scripture reference for each point, but I could have cited several for each.

In other words, these are primarily well-founded prophecies - not obscure details.

For example, every one of the prophets, except Jonah, prophesied that Israel would become a nation again after being scattered all over the earth, but I only use a few verses to make that point below. Here is my attempt at demonstrating the box top picture:

END TIME PROPHECIES ABOUT: ISRAEL
Jerusalem and its temple will be destroyed and the Temple Mount laid bare (Matthew 24:1-2). Fulfilled.

The Jewish people will be scattered all over the world for a long period of time and will face hardships and persecution everywhere they go (Deuteronomy 4:27 & 28:64; Ezekiel 36:24). Fulfilled.

While they are away from their homeland, it will lie desolate - a wasteland, but once they are back it will spring to life (Ezekiel 36:34-35). Fulfilled.

It would also be controlled by Gentile nations during Israel's dispersion (Luke 21:24). Fulfilled.

After a long time, the nation of Israel will be reborn, as a unified nation (Ezekiel 37:15-22) called Israel, in a single day - springing to life from death (Isaiah 66:8) at a time when they have lost all hope (Ezekiel 37:1-12). Fulfilled.

First they will come to life as a nation (Ezekiel 37). The ancient Hebrew language would be revived again (Zephaniah 3:9, Jeremiah 31:23). Fulfilled.

A remnant will accept Jesus as their Messiah, but most from the nation will be blind (Romans 11:25) to the fact that their Messiah already came before the destruction of the temple as predicted in Daniel chapter 9. Fulfilled.

Soon after the nations rebirth, Israel would face hostility from all around, being greatly outnumbered and attacked from all sides by Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, but will miraculously survive as overwhelming victors (Psalm 83 - some also believe this, may be a partial fulfilment with another war to come). Fulfilled.

They will regain their capital city of Jerusalem and develop a very strong military (Zechariah 12:1-6). Fulfilled.

Damascus may be destroyed by Israel or one of her allies (Isaiah 17:1 & 14). Stage is set.

Additionally, there will be a great increase in worldwide antisemitism and anti-Israel positions and actions (Zechariah 12:1-9). Happening Now.

The nations of the world will be obsessed with the tiny nation of Israel - wanting to move her borders and condemn her at every turn (Zechariah 12:3). Fulfilled and continuing. Stage is set.

After Israel's rebirth, there will also be an increasing desire, preparation and push toward the building of a third temple and the reinstitution of temple sacrifices (Daniel 9:27). Fulfilled / Happening Now.

There will be some sort of a broad peace agreement between Israel and other nations (Daniel 9:27). Stage Set / Happening Now.

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Also in this edition

Powerpoint
From The Editor's Desk
In Touch
Bible Prophecy Puzzle
Our Statement Of Belief
Signs Of The Times
Zephaniah 3:10 - An Exposition (Part 5)
From Our Israel Desk
Is The Rapture In Matthew 24?
Why Churches Today Can't Understand The Times
What In The World is Happening?
What's On
Book Of The Month