World War 3
Notes
Transcript
World War 3
The Bible prophesies there will be a third world war. Revelation 9:15 (NLT) says,
15 Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth.
It is shocking to read that this many people will die but the Bible says it is going to happen.
The King James Version of this passage says, “ ... to slay the third part of men.”
The New King James Version says, “ ... to kill a third of mankind.”
The Good News Translation says, “ ... to kill a third of all the human race.”
After checking 15 to 20 different translations, we can correctly conclude this is exactly what this passage said — one-third of humanity will die.
Consider how many have died due to past wars.
At the end of World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, 8.2 million were dead. Prior to the 20th century, there had never been a war that even came close to that many casualties. It was called the Great War. They said, This can never happen again. To keep it from reoccurring, the League of Nations was formed.
But 20 years later, World War II began. By the end of this war, 52 million people had died. Due to a second attempt to prevent such an atrocity, the United Nations was formed. However, according to Revelation 9:15, the problem has not been fixed.
There will be another great war and the Bible prophesies one-third of humanity will die. That’s over 2.5 billion people, which is about 40 times the number of World War II. Although we don’t know exactly when it will happen, as you will learn in this chapter, it will happen. It will be the worst war that has ever occurred. In the approximate 6,000 years of human history no war had ever ended with several million casualties, yet within a single century two world wars resulted in 8.2 million dead and 52 million dead.
There are almost 8 billion people alive in our world today. According to Bible prophecy, the third world war that is coming very soon will end with over 2.5 billion dead.
We are in a time when man is more educated than he has ever been — our knowledge base is doubling every two years. Yet, it seems as if the only thing we are getting smarter at is killing people.
Divorce rates are up.
Suicide rates are up.
Jails are fuller than they have ever been.
We are in a profoundly serious time in our human history.
The Bible tells us where World War III will begin. It is found in the Sixth Trumpet prophecy of
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
These angels who are bound in the Euphrates River are spirits.
The Bible tells us angels are ministering spirits to us who are the heirs of salvation.
But these four angels referred to in Revelation 9:14, however, are not ministering angels.
They are part of the one-third portion of angels who rebelled with Satan — they are evil spirits.
We know these angels are evil because this verse says they are bound. When they are loosed, their assignment is to kill one-third of humanity.
The Scripture says there were four angels bound in the great river Euphrates.
Have you ever wondered why angels are even mentioned here?
The Bible tells us angels are spirits.
In the Book of Daniel, Daniel was praying, fasting and seeking God’s face for 21 days. When an angel finally showed up, he said, Daniel, I heard you the first day you prayed but the Prince of Persia withstood me. Now I go to fight with the Prince of Greece. Persia was ruling the world at that time. The Grecian Empire came afterward and conquered the Persian Empire.
Daniel was praying but there were spiritual forces at work.
The Prince of Persia stopped the angel until Daniel overpowered him in his prayers. The angel then said he would go fight with the Prince of Greece. (Daniel 10:13, 20) According to this passage, it appears nations have their own angels.
Four nations house the Euphrates River.
The Euphrates River starts in Turkey, flows down through Syria, and enters the northern boundary of Iraq then empties into the Persian Gulf. The Euphrates and Tigris Rivers meet to form the last 50–60-mile border between Iraq and Iran.
Could the angels mentioned in Revelation 9:13 be the four angels of the Euphrates —
the angel of Turkey,
the angel of Syria,
the angel of Iraq and
the angel of Iran?
It appears to make perfect sense.
Sixty to 70 percent of the Euphrates River is in Iraq, which is where the United States has had troops stationed for years. War has been raging up and down the Euphrates River almost continuously since America invaded Iraq in 2003. It is this area where the Bible says WWIII will occur. If it has not already begun, it appears as if we are on the brink of this great war.
Because over 2.5 billion people are prophesied to die because of this war, it is doubtful the war will be contained to this area.
Who will be Involved in This War?
Mao Tse-Tung, the late leader of China, boasted he could field an army of 200 million.
According to the CIA World Factbook, China currently has just over 300 million military-aged men and women.
16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.
It is no coincidence that this godless, atheist man would say the very number for his army that is the same number of the army found in Revelation 9:16.
Does this mean China will be a part of this end time war? It is highly likely; however, there are two other entities that could field a 200-million-man army.
The Islamic world has a population of 1.9 billion.
India has about 1.4 billion in population.
Any of these entities could fulfill this prophecy.
And we must consider the Islamic faction concerning this prophecy since this war emanates from the Euphrates River which is, at this time, controlled by Islamic nations.
We can be very sure the United States will be involved in this war. Again, America has had a military presence up and down the Euphrates River for decades. The United States also has the nuclear firepower to kill 2.5 plus billion people.
Opinions Vary on the Timing of This War
The Three Woes
The Three Woes
The magnitude of the Fifth Trumpet, the Sixth Trumpet and the Seventh Trumpet are so extreme God chose to name them the Three Woes.
A remarkably interesting passage regarding the Seven Trumpets is found in Revelation 8:13 immediately after the prophecy of the Fourth Trumpet:
13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”
The very next passage, Revelation 9:1-11, foretells the Fifth Trumpet.
Revelation 9:12 states, “One woe,” (Fifth Trumpet,) “is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.”
Immediately after this, Revelation 9:13-21 proceeds to describe the Sixth Trumpet War.
Revelation 10 reveals the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
Revelation 11:1-13 reveals events that transpire during the final 3 ½ years.
Revelation 11:14 then states, “The second woe,” Sixth Trumpet, “is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.”
Revelation 11:15 begins to describe the Seventh Trumpet (third woe).
Some contend, because the two woes are mentioned so closely in verse 14, the Sixth Trumpet War happens at the very end of the 3 ½-year Great Tribulation just prior to the Seventh Trumpet. Is this the case?
When will World War III Take Place?
When will World War III Take Place?
Do we have a timeframe? The Scripture tells us when it’s going to happen. It must happen before the Great Tribulation.
The Great Tribulation begins 3 ½ years before the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
I know a lot of people say well I thought the Great Tribulation was seven years before the Battle of Armageddon but that’s a mistaken notion. Let me give you the scriptures because some of you may be interested, especially if all your life you have believed that the Great Tribulation was going to be seven years. Let me give you the scriptures that explicitly tell us the Great Tribulation will be 3 ½ years. If you want a seven-year tribulation, I suppose you can have it but the Bible teaches it will last for 3 ½ years and believe me, that’s going to be long enough.
The scriptures are these:
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.
A time is one year, times is two years and a half time is a half year.
How do I know that? Because another prophecy says the exact same thing only states the time a different way.
Revelation 13:5 says about the Antichrist:
5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.
In Daniel 7:25 it says, time, times and half a time and in Revelation 13:5 it says 42 months.
In Revelation 12:6 it says
6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Divide it up - 1,260 days is 3 ½ years.
Every time we see a time period put on the Great Tribulation, it’s 3 ½ years.
Even Jesus spoke of the Abomination of Desolation. He said when you see the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, then let those living in Judea flee because then shall be great tribulation such as has never been before nor ever again shall be.
So, Jesus said the Great Tribulation would begin at the Abomination of Desolation and Daniel taught in Daniel 9:27 that the Abomination of Desolation happens halfway through the final seven-year period.
Every single place where we see the time of the Great Tribulation, it says it’s 3 ½ years.
There is a seven-year period but the first half of that seven-year period is not tribulation at all. It’s the buildup to the final 3 ½ years called the Great Tribulation.
How do we know this war must happen before the Great Tribulation begins? We know this because the prophecy about the Sixth Trumpet War is given in Revelation 9:13-20. Then we move into Revelation 10, and it talks about the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
Let’s go there now and look at Revelation 10:1-2
1 I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
2 He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
We are going to see this twice in the Bible and both times it indicates this is the event that marks the Great Tribulation.
5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven
6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,
The King James Version says, “ … there should be time no longer:”
We know that’s not the accurate translation because we know we move immediately into chapter 11 which talks about another 3 ½ years.
Then later in the Book of Revelation it talks about another 1,000 years.
When it says there shall be time no more, the New King James Version says there shall be delay no longer and all the translations agree with that.
It’s simply saying we have reached the crossroads; we have reached the turning point.
After this, we see the next thing in Revelation 11 which is a prophecy about measuring the temple and saying the temple will be trodden down by the Gentiles for the next 42 months so it gives us a timeframe.
We have this angel standing with one foot on the land and one foot on the sea declaring the delay shall be no longer.
Then immediately we move into the final 42 months.
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Both passages indicate from the time the angel stands one foot on the land and one foot on the sea, that begins the final 3 ½ years and we know that’s the Great Tribulation.
So we have
the Sixth Trumpet War, WWIII in chapter 9 and
the beginning of the Great Tribulation in chapter 10.
Then the final 3 ½ years in chapter 11 which culminates with the sounding of the Seventh Trumpet, the last trump.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
This event is also recorded in the Old Testament in Daniel 12:1. Notice carefully the similarities here.
1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.
This is talking about the Great Tribulation.
When Jesus described the Great Tribulation, He said, Then shall be great tribulation such as never was before nor ever again shall be.
This is the same event here. Daniel is describing a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.
Verse 1 continues, “ ... and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel is talking about the Great Tribulation.
As we read on Daniel 12:6-7 continues: “And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” Daniel said you just told me about the Great Tribulation beginning, how long will it be? “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever.” Here he stands upon the waters again and he holds up his right hand and his left hand to Heaven. This is the exact same event as in Revelation 10. “that it shall be for a time, times, and an half;” This is 3 ½ years. This is the same terminology again. Both in Daniel 12 and in Revelation 10, it says the exact same thing. “and when he,” the Antichrist, “shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.”
How long until the end of these wonders? Time, times and half a time – 3 ½ years.
So what do we see here?
We see this war will begin in Revelation 9.
It will kill one-third of humanity, then the Great Tribulation will begin.
We don’t know how far before the Great Tribulation this war has to happen. Could it happen two years before the Great Tribulation begins? Or four years or five years? That’s not given to us.
One more thing we need to consider is the timing of the sounding of the Seven Trumpets prophesied in Revelation 8-11.
• The First Trumpet is found in Revelation 8:7 and symbolizes World War I (1914-1918).
• The Second Trumpet is found in Revelation 8:8-9 and represents World War II (1938-1945).
• The Third Trumpet in Revelation 8:10-11 is the Chernobyl Nuclear Explosion (April 26, 1986).
• The Fourth Trumpet in Revelation 8:12 talks about the shortening of the days. The prophesied shortening of the days and the speeding up of world events happened with the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989.
• The Fifth Trumpet in Revelation 9:1-11 provides information about the Gulf War and Saddam Hussein (1990-1991).
• The Sixth Trumpet in Revelation 9:13-21 predicts WWIII.
• The Seventh Trumpet in Revelation 11:15 is the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
I want you to consider the Seven Trumpets’ prophecy was given over 2,000 years ago by John on the Isle of Patmos.
The first five Trumpets have sounded and these events have occurred in just over the last 100 years.
That is why we say the Sixth Trumpet is one of the next events to occur on God’s prophetic timeline, if it has not already begun.
Let us consider the likely order of prophetic fulfillments by using a timeline of events.
The Sixth Trumpet War begins either just before or just after the peace agreement in the Middle East. The Bible calls this the Confirmation of the Covenant.
When this peace agreement is made, the way will be cleared for the final borders of Israel to be established and the Temple Mount will be placed under international control, opening the door for a temple to be built.
This marks the beginning of the Final Seven Years to the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Abomination of Desolation
It appears as if the Third Temple will be built within the first 3 ½ years of the Final Seven Years.
Once the temple is built, the Jewish people will reinstate animal sacrifices.
Animal rights activists and those opposed to animal sacrifice will be against this, which will cause a multitude of problems for the Jewish people.
To appease those who are against the animal sacrifices, the
Antichrist will cause the sacrifice and the oblation to stop and will assert his authority on the Temple Mount.
The Antichrist will claim to be the ultimate authority.
The Bible calls this event the Abomination of Desolation.
It is called this because Almighty God said He would place His name in Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount.
But the Antichrist will stand on the Temple Mount and attempt to usurp the place of the real Christ and Satan will attempt to insert himself in the place of Almighty God.
The Abomination of Desolation is when the Antichrist is revealed to the world.
Although most of the world will not know he is the Antichrist, those who walk with God and understand Bible prophecy will know who he is.
Jesus said, when you see the Abomination of Desolation, then shall be great tribulation such as has never been before, nor ever again shall be.
When the Great Tribulation begins, the Mark of the Beast will be instituted.
Every person on Earth will be forced to pledge allegiance to the Antichrist and his one-world governmental system.
Everyone will have to have a mark or number to buy or sell.
This will go on for 3 ½ years during the Great Tribulation period of the reign of the Antichrist. According to Revelation 13:5, power was given unto the beast to continue 42 months and then finally culminates at the Battle of Armageddon.
What Happens Next?
Let’s consider what the world will be like after one-third of humanity — over 2.5 billion people — are killed and what happens to the United States and Israel after WWIII.
Who will be the key participants in the government of the Antichrist?
Because WWIII will kill one-third of humanity, we have been of the opinion (strictly speculation at this point) it will occur before the peace agreement in the Middle East — the Confirmation of the Covenant.
It doesn’t make sense that the slaughter of over 2.5 billion people would occur simultaneously with a peace agreement and Israel’s rebuilding of the temple.
But it does make sense that, in the wake of this great war, there will be an incredible outcry for peace.
A war of this magnitude would certainly be catastrophic enough to usher in the peace agreement in the Middle East.
The Antichrist will have his way paved as being the man with the answers to solve the world’s trouble.
Most of the world will believe it to be a wonderful thing.
What Events will Occur to Start WWIII?
Israel could attack Iran. Rumors say Israel may do this because of Iran’s nuclear aspirations. Israel knows one bomb will destroy their country and the president of Iran has said repeatedly they are going to wipe Israel off the map.
The United States could attack Iran in support of Israel. It could be another terror attack on the United States.
Although we don’t know what exactly will trigger the beginning of WWIII, we do know this war will occur.
Noted historians say we are already involved in this war.
Mr. James Woolsey, director of the CIA under President Clinton’s administration believed, “World War III began on 9/11 with the attack on the twin towers.”
Thomas Friedman, the famous columnist for the New York Times, believes the same thing.
Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, says, “World War III began on 9/11 and they’re just not telling our world what’s really going on right now because they launched the war on terrorism.”
President Bush said, “It might be a 30-year war.” 5 He also said on May 6, 2006, the revolt of Flight 93 by the passengers was “the first counterattack to World War III.”
Even President George W. Bush stated World War III did begin on 9/11.
Iran, one of the nations bordering the Euphrates River, is the number one state sponsor of terrorism on the planet.
In 2021 the Pentagon made the decision to relocate Israel out of the European Command, which it had been in since 1952, to the area of responsibility of the U.S. (United States) military’s Central Command (CENTCOM), which operates in the Middle East.
The Jewish News Syndicate stated: “Aside from anything else, Israel’s move into CENTCOM could boost deterrence against Iran by signaling a major step in the crystallization of a regional collective military partnership that recognizes the Israeli-Sunni alliance in the face of the radical Shi’ite axis.”
The Jewish News Syndicate also published an article by Ken Abramowitz titled, “World War III has already begun.” In the article Mr. Abramowitz states: “There is no compatibility between the national objectives of Iran and the United States. Either one or the other can prevail but not both. World War III, the conflict we now unfortunately find ourselves in, is far more complex and confusing than World War II.” “A good example is America’s principal enemy, Iran (supported by Russia, China, and the European Union), which declared war on America 40 years ago and continuously preaches genocide against the United States (“Death to America!”) and Israel (“Death to Israel!”).”
“As the aggressor, Iran relatively successfully uses all six forms of modern warfare: physical, cultural, economic, legal, demographic and cyber. It has created three worldwide terror arms, specializing in physical terrorism, narco terrorism and cultural terrorism, with an estimated 450,000 terrorist/operatives in over 30 countries.”
“Iran’s goal is to take over the world and convert everyone to Islam, particularly its Shi’ite version, using all forms of warfare. America’s goal, in contrast, is to live in peace and prosperity while encouraging all democracies (50 percent of the global population) and dictatorships (the other 50 percent) to join in worldwide economic growth.”
“There is no compatibility between these two national objectives. Either one or the other can prevail but not both.”
“Therefore, we find ourselves in World War III, even though we don’t want to be, don’t think we are and don’t even want to consider the possibility we might be.”
8
Whatever the cause, the conflict triggered when WWIII begins will engulf the entire world. And to kill over 2.5 billion human beings, it is unlikely that it will be anything other than a nuclear war.
In consideration of this, how will this war end? How long will this war take? It is difficult to believe anyone will survive a war like what we know is coming. Nations will be completely wiped out. There are people in power right now who are willing and able to push the button to begin the conflict of all conflicts.
The Bible says it is going to happen. Although we know these frightening events will occur, there is a place of safety — that place is in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 18:10 states,
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
What will Occur After World War III?
What will Occur After World War III?
What’s the world going to look like the day after? Here you have one-third of the world’s population dead. Gone! Many of them never to be seen again. Vaporized by the intense heat of nuclear exchanges. Others dying a slow agonizing death from nuclear radiation.
The world, everything is upside down.
Nobody knows where to turn.
The structures of the world are shaken and the United States will probably be regarded as a pariah nation because we’ll probably be responsible for most of the fatalities.
What’s the world going to look like? Well, believe it or not, there’s a prophecy in the Bible that tells us.
It’s Revelation 13 and there we read about the one-world government and this passage is 3 ½ years before Armageddon so, this passage is after this war. This war must end before the Great Tribulation begins. The Great Tribulations begins 3 ½ years before Armageddon. This scripture is 3 ½ years before Armageddon. Let’s look at it; this is Revelation 13:1-3. It’s a prophecy about the one-world government of the Antichrist and about the Antichrist himself.
1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.
2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.
The entire world is going to follow this beast. What in the world is this?
We have learned before now that a beast in Bible prophecy always represents a nation.
Multiple heads on a beast represent the number of times that nation will rise and fall.
Remember back in Daniel 7 there were four beasts:
a lion representing Great Britain,
an eagle’s wings representing the United States,
a bear representing Russia,
a leopard representing Germany and
a 10-horned beast representing the revived Holy Roman Empire — the countries of Europe.
They were four separate beasts back in Daniel 7.
When we move from Daniel 7 to Revelation 13, look at the components. You can see a picture of the beast here. It had the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear, the mouth of a lion but all seven heads are there because there was a total of seven heads back in Daniel 7. This prophecy was given way back in 550 B.C. in the Book of Daniel. The Book of Revelation was written in about 95 or 96 A.D. Six hundred fifty years later we have the Book of Revelation. That’s a long time between writings, right? Yet the exact same symbols are used only they are being used in a different way.
When you look at these symbols and the way they are being used, notice it has
the body of the leopard (Germany),
the feet of the bear (Russia),
the mouth of the lion (Great Britain).
Great Britain, Germany and Russia are going to be integral parts of this one-world governmental system.
Then the 10-horned beast is there, the revival of the Holy Roman Empire.
Remember those eagle’s wings back in Daniel 7? No eagle’s wings here. What does that mean? Does that mean we’ve been wiped off the map? Or does that mean we’ve gone into isolation? What does it mean? There’s no United States of America. You say well that scares me. It shouldn’t. That’s good news, because if you’re included in this conglomerate beast, you’re under the reign of the Antichrist.
American-Israeli Friendship
To discover the United States’ role in end time prophecy, let us consider what will happen to the nation of Israel. We know Israel will survive WWIII because she will build her Third Temple on the Temple Mount when the war is over. It is at that time Israel will resume animal sacrifices. This indicates a religious revival for Israel. All of this will occur before the Antichrist assumes global power. It is evident this time will be a short time of peace — Israel believes the key to peace on Earth is to rebuild the temple and for the Messiah to return.
To identify America’s end time role, we must also consider who will be a part of the one-third of the people killed during WWIII.
It seems likely Islam will be a part of that number since the Islamic world controls the Euphrates River and that area is where the war begins.
Additionally, because of their strong belief in their Islamic doctrine, it is unlikely Islam will be willing to compromise enough to blend in with a one-world government.
This could result in their being mostly wiped out with 2.5 plus billion dead.
China is not represented as one of the beasts in Daniel 7 or Revelation 13.
The dragon very specifically refers to Satan giving power to the one-world governmental system — it is not referring to China.
But Revelation 16 mentions when the Euphrates River dries up, the Kings of the East come down to make war with Israel.
Many believe this may be referring to China. We know China is not included, however, because Ezekiel 38 names who will come from the east to make war with Israel when the Euphrates dries up. It lists Meshech, the original word for Moscow, Russia.
It also names Iran, Persia, Libya and Ethiopia.
These countries are the coalition of nations under the U.N. (United Nations) flag who will come down against Israel.
So, if China is not a part of this coalition of nations, will she be wiped out?
There are 1.4 billion people in China, so it is very possible.
But if China is included in the one-third of the world who will be killed, there is still another one billion plus people who are unaccounted for.
Another consideration with regards to America’s role in the end time is who the center of power will be that will sweep Europe.
The prophecy identifies this power as the combination of Germany (the leopard), Russia (the bear), Great Britain (the lion) and the revival of the Holy Roman Empire (the 10-horned beast).
This center of world power will swing to the European Union and the euro and make way for the peace agreement to be made.
Alongside this world political power will be a world religious power. There will be a coalition between the Antichrist and this religious leader who the Bible calls the False Prophet. This False Prophet will be the leader of apostate Christianity — Christians who feel doctrine no longer matters — Christians who say it does not matter what you believe. Because of their lack of doctrine, Christians will eagerly rejoin themselves to the leadership of Roman Catholicism.
The one-world religion and one-world political system will work together.
Politics and religion will form these alliances clearly depicted in Revelation 13.
The Roman Catholic Church will be the strongest religion on Earth.
Religious extremism will be blamed for WWIII, so anyone who does not conform to mainstream religion will be outlawed as religious terrorists.
The Bible says they will be persecuted for His name’s sake.
Those who are unwilling to bow to the belief that all religions are accepted under Christianity will be persecuted. This is already taking place. Anyone who tries to proselytize people in some of the European countries can be imprisoned for religious conflict. The Mark of the Beast will also be forced upon humanity forcing people to obey the edicts of the Antichrist. Will America be a part of this New World Order?
What About the Eagle?
Where does the United States fit into this one-world system? Why are the eagle’s wings missing from this beast? Revelation 12 is the only other place eagle’s wings are mentioned. Verse 13 says the Antichrist will make war against the woman — Israel. She has 12 stars around her head.
14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
Israel’s place is the Promised Land. It is the land promised to Abraham and we know Israel is going to stay there safely until the Battle of Armageddon. The Antichrist will have to invade Israel at Armageddon because Israel will not have been under his power before this time.
Israel’s only friend is the eagle — the United States.
We have used our veto power (except for once under the Obama administration) at the United Nations to protect Israel so far for the last 60 years.
It appears the reason the eagle’s wings are not on the one-world governmental system is because we backed off. It looks like the United States will not be a key player in the one-world governmental system. This is good news because we don’t want to be a part of this evil system. Is it possible America could be in opposition to the Antichrist? It is generally true the entire world will follow the Antichrist. But Daniel 11 explicitly says there will be some who resist the Antichrist.
32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
In the middle of the chaos after the Abomination of Desolation during the final 3 ½ years, they that understand among the people are going to be in full evangelism mode.
Eagle Stands With Israel
The eagle’s wings, symbolic of the United States in Daniel 7, are not mentioned in the combo beast of Revelation 13. This indicates the U.S. will not be included in the world government of the end time. The prophecy also indicates world dominance will have shifted from the United States to the powers of Europe.
Revelation 12 is the only other place the eagle’s wings are mentioned in the prophecies of the end time.
13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.
says the dragon will persecute a woman with 12 stars around her head. The woman is Israel and the 12 stars symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel.
According to Revelation 13, the dragon (Satan) will use the Antichrist and his world governing system to do the persecuting.
13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.
John tells us in the next verse Israel will be protected during the Great Tribulation, which will occur during the final 3 ½ years immediately preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” (Revelation 12:14)
A clear understanding of Revelation 12 and 13 have allowed us to be sure of two things: 1) The United States will stand with Israel and protect Israel from the world government during the end time 2) The United States will not be a part of the world government and therefore, will not come under the reign of the Antichrist.
Sixth Trumpet War is not the Battle of Armageddon
Some believe the Sixth Trumpet War and the Battle of Armageddon are the same event. However, that is not biblically accurate.
The Sixth Trumpet War (WWIII) and the Battle of Armageddon are two separate wars. To determine this, we must look at the distinctions between each war.
The Sixth Trumpet War originates in the Euphrates River region, then spreads out around the world — Revelation 9:14-15 says, “Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.”
According to WorldAtlas.com, the 17 countries that make up the Middle East region only have a population of 370-375 million.9 Therefore, it must expand beyond the Middle East region.
The Battle of Armageddon will be localized in Israel — Revelation 16:16 says, “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” This is the only passage in the entire Bible where the
Chapter 4 - World War III 75
word “Armageddon” is used. The word “Armageddon” comes from two words: Har Megiddo or Hill of Megiddo. The city of Megiddo is on a hill overlooking the Plain of Megiddo, which is also known as the Valley of Jezreel. The Valley of Jezreel — the Plain of Megiddo — is seven miles wide and 15 miles long. This is where the Battle of Armageddon will begin. Israel will fight against the invading armies of the Antichrist and his world government. She will slowly fall back down the Jordan Valley before the superior firepower of the united forces. The battle will finish 160 miles to the south at the gates
of Jerusalem.
Secondly, we proved earlier the Sixth Trumpet War occurs before the Great Tribulation.
The Battle of Armageddon occurs at the very end of the Great Tribulation when the Seven Vials of the Wrath of God are poured out. How do we know? The First Vial provides the answer. The angels are commanded to pour out the Wrath of God upon the Earth. “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” (Revelation 16:1-2)
The First Vial cannot be poured out until the Mark of the Beast has been administered. Other passages tell us the Mark of the Beast is implemented during the Great Tribulation and the reign of the Antichrist, which is within the final 3 ½ years prior to the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “ … and power was given unto him,” Antichrist, “to continue forty and two months,” Great Tribulation, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them ... ” (Revelation 13:5, 7)
It is at the very end of the Great Tribulation when the Vials will be executed and that is when the Battle of Armageddon occurs. Therefore, the location and the timing of these prophecies lets us know the Sixth Trumpet War and the Battle of Armageddon are two different wars.
After This Catastrophic Event, Men Repented not of Their Sins
While analyzing the prophecy of the Sixth Trumpet War, it is easy to become mesmerized by the enormity of the event to the point we many times overlook the very last portion of this passage of scripture.
After one-third of all humanity has been killed by this horrific war,
20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.
21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Despite this war that is just ahead, people still will not repent! Instead, they are going to turn to human answers. They will turn toward the Antichrist and his one-world government.
That is not all. This is an unthinkable scenario and it is not the first or last time this eternal altering decision is recorded in the Bible.
20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent:
21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.
23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”
During the Fourth Vial, in
8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
It is astonishing to realize that while these men are being scorched with great heat, they are blaspheming the name of God instead of repenting. That is the wrong attitude. When we are chastised by God, we should respond with repentance instead of rebellion. It is no wonder God will be justified in punishing them.
This is the same unimaginable mistake people will make after the Sixth Trumpet War occurs. Other than the flood, where all but eight souls were destroyed, this will be the most cataclysmic event the world has ever known. Yet Scripture tells us most of humanity will feel no remorse for their sins and rebellion against God.
I believe God placed these passages in the Bible to show us not only the deceived, defiant mindset of humanity in the end time but as a warning or wake-up call not to be part of this unrepentant group.
As you will learn in this book, repentance is part of the salvation experience. It is both asking God to forgive you of your sins and a decision to turn away from an old sinful lifestyle and allow Jesus to be the Lord of your life.
It is so important to God that He included the inconceivable, unrepentant mindset of humanity after both the Sixth Trumpet War and during the Vials of the Wrath of God.
World War III is going to happen! One-third of humanity will die. It is prophesied in the Scripture and the prophecies always come to pass. Is there a place of safety?
There is only one place for safety —
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
The Bible says except a person is born again, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
Our only hope is in standing with Jesus Christ in the times just ahead.