What Are the Signs of the End Times? Is War in Israel a Sign of the End Times? Signs of the End Times As Christians, we should seize this opportunity to intentionally and purposefully share the Gospel with those around us; we should continue to cultivate our relationship with God and be diligent in prayer.
This is not a time to fear but a time to live the life that God has destined for us. Even the Son does not know the exact time of His return to earth, but we can be aware of the fulfillment of these amazing prophecies. Let this strengthen us in knowing that our faith is real and that our God keeps His promises. Let us pray for Israel in the coming days.
Recently, the topic of the end times has garnered attention from many, as events in the Middle East seem to be fulfilling biblical prophecies. The escalation of violence, political turmoil, and war in Israel has prompted many to look anew at biblical prophecies and seek connections between current events and biblical predictions. News outlets, social media, and religious gatherings are filled with discussion and speculation as people grapple with the possibility that these events, like the war in Israel, might be the early signs of a larger, divine plan unfolding before their eyes.
The Bible outlines events, occurrences, and conditions that must happen before the second coming of Jesus. This brings us to the question of whether the war in Israel is a sign of the end times.
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What Are the End Times and When Will They Happen?
After Jesus rose from the dead following His crucifixion, He did not immediately return to heaven. In Matthew 28:16-20, we are told how He ascended and what command He gave to those left on earth and to believers who had yet to be born. He shared what is known as the Great Commission: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
It is crucial for us to understand not only the significance of how Jesus ascended to heaven, knowing that He will one day return to earth, but also what is essential for us in the meantime. We are called to share the Gospel of Christ and firmly believe that He will indeed return. From the moment He left, the “end times clock” started. Therefore, we have been living in the end times since Jesus ascended to heaven.
The Return of Israel as an Independent Nation
One of the most important and critical milestones for the return of Christ was the necessity of Israel’s return as a nation. After World War II and the Holocaust, several countries united to restore Israel to its homeland. On May 14, 1948, Israel once again became home to thousands of Jews, thus fulfilling the prophecy stated in Ezekiel 34:13: “I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.”
With the restoration of Israel as a nation, many believers began to investigate what else is necessary before His return. This restoration is seen by many as a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy, setting the stage for subsequent prophetic events that must occur, leading to widespread speculation about signs and times that may indicate the imminent return of Christ. Now, let us examine the idea of war in Israel as a sign of the end times and the return of Christ.
Wars of Gog and Magog
In the book of Ezekiel, many end-time prophecies describe what will happen before the return of Christ. Particularly, Ezekiel 38 and 39 speak of a country called Magog from the north of Israel that will attack Israel. We are also told that this country will be allied with Persia. Persia changed its name to Iran in 1935, and many scholars agree that Magog is what we now call Russia. One of the most prominent calls to prophetic signs here is the alliance between Iran and Russia.
According to John Kirby from the National Security Council, “Since mid-2022, Iran has become Russia’s largest military backer.” This formed alliance is a significant sign in preparation for what is to come, especially with the attacks that occurred in the fall of 2023 and the recent attacks in the past few weeks. This should not be confused with the war mentioned in Revelation 20, as that involves all nations, not just those from the north.
Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and these alliances are seen by many believers as precursors to the prophesied events leading to the return of Christ. The recent escalation of military conflicts in Israel, as seen in these repeated attacks, is particularly concerning for those who closely follow biblical prophecy.
They argue that these developments align with prophetic narratives predicting severe tribulations in Israel before final reconciliation and peace. The fact that military conflicts are intensifying while alliances between historical enemies are solidifying adds weight to their significance in the prophetic discourse and ignites intense discussions among believers about the proximity of the foretold end times.
The Red Heifer and Other End-Time Mysteries
Other signs aligning with recent attacks and impending war in Israel raise strong suspicions that these are the prophesied events. One of these is the red heifers: “In the week of September 12, 2022, a major stir occurred worldwide when five red heifers arrived in Israel.”
The Jerusalem Post explained how a Christian farmer in Texas bred and shipped five flawless red heifers to the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. These heifers were inspected and approved by Jewish rabbis. Upon the arrival of these five red heifers, a group of about 300 people welcomed them. One person blew a shofar, a horn used in Jewish ceremonies. The red heifers are now being kept on a farm in Haifa.
This is something that hasn’t been seen in 2,000 years. This is significant for end-time prophecy because many believe the return of Christ is imminent as the red heifer is crucial for the Third Temple. The Third Temple must be rebuilt before Christ’s return. Another prophecy is mentioned in Zechariah 14:1-21, which describes attacks on Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, which occurred during the attacks on Israel in October 2023. These verses also describe a strange plague that could potentially foreshadow a future nuclear war. This is not to instill fear but to be alert to what is set to align with what has already happened.
The Bible states that many things are necessary before Christ’s return. One of these is the construction of the Third Temple, which has not yet happened. Another is a massive earthquake prophesied in Ezekiel 38:19 during the battle against Magog. Magog will not win the war; God will intervene with this earthquake. We must be diligent in studying God’s word and what is to come to be aware of the events around us happening exactly as He said they would.
This vigilance involves not only recognizing these crucial prophetic signs but also understanding their implications in the broader narrative of biblical prophecy. For Christians, being aware of current events in Israel and how they relate to prophecies entails continuous learning and engaging with both Scripture and credible scholarly interpretations that honor the historical and theological context of these predictions.
Awareness also means being spiritually, mentally, and practically prepared for the changes these prophetic fulfillments might bring. Christians are encouraged to maintain a state of prayer and readiness, aligning their lives with God’s will and purposes and supporting one another in faith communities to stay vigilant and hopeful as events unfold. This preparedness not only strengthens personal faith but also equips believers to provide thoughtful, calm, and insightful perspectives on these often-misunderstood topics.
Antisemitism in the End Times
The Bible predicts that in the last days, antisemitism will increase. Zechariah 12:3 says: “On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.”
In an age of severe division and conflict, antisemitism and hatred toward the Jewish people have risen sharply. As Christians, we must stand with Israel, for the Jewish people are God’s chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6 reminds us that Israel belongs to God: “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.” Christians must stand with God’s chosen people and nation, even in the face of opposition.
Besides supporting Israel, Christians are called to be peacemakers and bearers of hope in turbulent times. This includes praying fervently for peace in the region, advocating for justice and reconciliation, and supporting those affected by the conflict. Engaging in informed and compassionate dialogue about the situation can help foster understanding and curb the spread of misinformation and hatred. Ultimately, by embodying the principles of love, mercy, and justice taught by Christ, believers can contribute significantly to easing tensions and paving the way for a peaceful future.
What Should We Do?
Given all these points, what should we do when we hear about wars in Israel, red heifers, earthquakes, and other prophecies? Should we stockpile food and build shelters out of fear? No. We should look to God! Remember His words in Luke 21:28: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
As Christians, we must use this opportunity to share the Gospel with those around us; we should continue to cultivate our relationship with God and be diligent in prayer. This is not a time to fear but a time to live the life that God has destined for us. Even the Son does not know the exact time of His return to earth, but we can be aware of the fulfillment of these amazing prophecies. Let this strengthen us in knowing that our faith is real and that our God keeps His promises. Let us pray for Israel in the coming days.
