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The Jewish Dichotomy In & Outside Israel

30 Saturday Jun 2018

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Webster’s Dictionary defines Dichotomy as: “mutually exclusive or contradictory groups; a system of branching in which the main axis forks repeatedly into two branches.”

And the verb form, dichotomize: “to divide into two parts, classes, or groups.”

In much larger geographic and demographic nations like the United States of America (population 327 million) you’d expect a wide-range of political, social, economic, cultural, and religious diversity. But with only 6.6 million Jewish citizens of Israel and only 14+ million Jews on the planet you would anticipate fewer differences and certainly not such dramatic dichotomies within Israel nor among Jews throughout the world.

At the same time, both Israelis and Jews outside of Israel are an extraordinary example of a cohesive dichotomy (an oxymoron) unparalleled on Planet Earth.

Nevertheless, differences between Jews themselves can be troublesome, especially when the Jews as a people and Israel as a nation have so many adversaries. Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism are still rearing their ugly global heads.

Though every society contains multiple groups of political, cultural, economic, and religious persuasions, invariably they can be narrowed into factions of two (one ideology or world view against its opposite). For example, the United States is more of a political dichotomy between Republicans and Democrats. Whereas nations like Russia are more defined by an economic schism such as socialism (including communism) versus capitalism. With Israel, the delineation is more along the religious scale.

(The Dichotomy between Republicans and Democrats Requires Two Totally Different Animals and Colors!)

Though there is significant solidarity of Jews within and outside of Israel, there are three basic Jewish dichotomies. Let’s examine this phenomenon; how these seemingly irreversible differences can be resolved and by whom. The remedy will impact the entire world.

First Jewish Dichotomy: Between Secular and Observant Jews

The following is an excerpt from my first book, a novel entitled: O Israel … the end is the beginning for those left behind, published in 2007; reflecting this dichotomy as seen through the eyes of one of the main characters—a Jewish scribe:

Avram marveled at Israel and its people. For a country not much larger than the state of New Jersey, with a population smaller than many of the world’s cities, Israel’s cultural, religious, and political diversity equaled that of many larger countries. No better expression of variance could be found than in the two cities that characterized Israel: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They balanced on the distant points of the cultural and religious pendulum, yet both cities were distinctively Jewish.

…It was Tel Aviv that best expressed and defined Israel’s remarkable progress: …beautiful galleries, grand theatres, contemporary concert halls, modern restaurants, seaside skyscrapers, and luxurious beach hotels…

Jerusalem was always the “ancient city.” Here you will find the long, storied past of Israel, with its patriarchs, judges, prophets, kings, and divinely appointed destiny of land and people.

…If a citizen of Israel preferred the label of Israeli, there was a good chance that person lived in Tel Aviv. In Jerusalem or surrounding towns, residents embraced the time-honored appellation of Jew. After all, the word Jew originated from Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob and ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Any Jew who had read the Torah, attended synagogue, or passed bar mitzvah, knew that Jacob blessed each of his twelve sons. For Judah, the blessing included two remarkable predictions. Like a lion, Judah would defeat its enemies. And “the scepter will not depart from Judah … until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom the nations will honor.”

In Israel, the majority of Jewish Israelis agreed they were either hiloni (secular) or masorti (traditional). For Jacob’s descendants who practiced Judaism, whether conservative, orthodox, or ultra-orthodox, Jerusalem was the main attraction. The secular, the atheistic, and the liberals preferred Tel Aviv. For the reformed, either city would do.

But all Israelis passionately exhibited one unifying trait and defended one ultimate purpose: the survival of Israel as a people, as a sovereign democratic state, as a nation reborn from the floods of dispersion and from the fires of Nazi death camps.

Jews synthesized over another common denominator, which Avram had not been afraid or embarrassed to articulate: “an enemy who wants to reduce them to ashes, to drown them in the sea, to erase Israel from memory, from all maps of the civilized world.” (Pages 15-16).

Israel’s parliamentary Knesset consists of 120 members … a fixed number. Although the current 20th Knesset is composed of 10 main parties (each with its own political platform) including 2 religious parties—Shas and United Torah with a combined 13 members—there is still a substantial separation between the religious and secular. This variance is evident throughout Israeli society; for example, whether all Jewish business should be closed on the Sabbath.

Or the even more divisive issue: whether thousands of young orthodox Jews (those who pursue a career as rabbis or just full-time students of the Torah) should be exempted from mandatory military service for all men and women at age 18. Based on the Jewish population of Israel, this is proportionally far more than just the occasional “conscientious objector” found in the United States or other democratic nations.

(There Are Those Observant Jews Who Gladly Serve in the IDF)

Before we examine the second and third of these dichotomies, let’s look at:

An Astonishing Statement by U.S. President Trump

In a recent interview with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee on the TBN Christian network, President Trump said in direct reference to his decision of moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:

“I tell you what, I get more calls of thank you from evangelicals, and I see it in the audiences and everything else, than I do from the Jewish people. And the Jewish people appreciate it, but the evangelicals appreciate it more than the Jews.”

He went on to say: “It was a campaign promise; I was going to keep it.”

It’s no secret: Were it not for the hundreds of thousands of evangelical Christians voting for Trump in the 2016 Presidential election, it’s unlikely he would have been elected. Although following through on his campaign promise was the main motivation for President Trump’s decision this past December to move the U.S. Embassy, an equally compelling reason was on behalf of Israel and the Jews. As Trump stated when he made the choice not to sign the waiver that would keep the embassy in Tel Aviv, “It was the right thing to do.”

It was a decision that finally enforced the Jewish Embassy Act of 1995 passed almost unanimously by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate; Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel. For that reason, our embassy in Israel should rest in Jerusalem, not Tel Aviv.

Trump was referring almost exclusively to Jews in America. Not to Israelis as it’s obvious they were ecstatic about the U.S. Embassy move. President Trump clearly said that (American) Jews were appreciative, but not as much as Christian evangelicals. Yet, it’s a foregone conclusion that most evangelicals do (or should) adamantly support the existence of Israel as the Promised Land given by God himself to the Jews. The people chosen by God to bring the light of his salvation through the Jewish Messiah, Jesus—the scepter from the tribe of Judah and descendant of King David, who established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital 3000 years ago.

I and many Christian supporters of Israel have no problem with the appellation of Christian Zionists. Simply defined, Zionism is the movement that began principally in the late 19th century for the return of exiled Jews to their ancient homeland. This global exile is called the Diaspora, which we’ll look at in more detail during discussion of the second Jewish dichotomy.

Why, then, wouldn’t American Jews be equally or more appreciative of the United States moving its embassy to Jerusalem than are Gentile born-again believers?

We’ll answer that question as the article progresses. First, a brief review of the stunning prophetic fulfillment or developments of the 20th & 21st centuries, as originally itemized in the two-part Eye of Prophecy series, Look Up, Redemption is Near (Posted 7-11 & 7-18-15).

Twelve Flash-Point Signs of the Last Days

  1. Rebirth of Israel as a Sovereign Nation, 1948
  2. Recapture of Jerusalem in the June 1967 Six-Day War
  3. Jerusalem, a Heavy Burden to the Nations
  4. The 3rd Rebuilt Temple
  5. Israel’s Phenomenal Agricultural Accomplishments
  6. Modern-Day Alignment of Gog/Magog Nations against Israel
  7. National and Ethnic Wars in the 20th & 21st Centuries
  8. Amazing Increase of Natural Disasters
  9. Moral & Spiritual Decline & Intense Persecution of Christians
  10. False Messiahs & Prophets
  11. Unequaled Increase in Quantity and Speed of Transportation and Information
  12. Unprecedented Spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the World

In terms of the sheer quantity of Biblical prophecies and emphasis, most significant of these signs are the first two on this list: (1) The rebirth of Israel as a sovereign independent self-governed nation followed by the enormous return of Jews to the Promised Land, even exceeding their Exodus from Egypt under Moses. (2) The reunification (liberation) of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital 2,000 years after the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and demolished the second Temple (70 AD).

Although the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem doesn’t (in and of itself) qualify as one of the Biblical prophetic mileposts, it certainly fits into the third item on the above list: Jerusalem, A Heavy Burden to the Nations.

This unprecedented global angst over Israel and Jerusalem was conspicuous in President Trump’s interview with Mike Huckabee. According to Trump, he didn’t fully comprehend why previous U.S. presidents had repeatedly (every six months) disallowed the U.S. Embassy to be moved. That is, not until he received numerous calls from world leaders pressuring him to keep the embassy in Tel Aviv. Then he better understood the staggering scale of international anxiety over Israel, especially Jerusalem.

Hardly a week goes by without world-wide media coverage of the Middle-East, particularly Israel or Jerusalem or both. The move of the U.S. Embassy has been an incessant global issue, with most nations of the earth opposing President Trump’s decision. With, however, a reluctant acknowledgment that their fear of increased overt Muslim hostility (most notably Palestinian) never materialized.

Even the Palestinian “Right of Return” march on Israel’s border with Gaza that began in late March and designed to climax on May 14th (date when U.S. Embassy was officially moved to coincide with Israel’s 70th birthday celebration as a nation) was not about the embassy move.

Rather it was what the designation said: the so-called right of return of Palestinian 2nd, 3rd & 4th generation refugees from Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, which would amount to some 5 million Palestinians. That would effectively (by sheer numbers that would uproot many Jewish communities) spell the functional end of the Jewish State of Israel. Which is exactly what the Palestinians and most Muslim nations want. When, in fact, no other indigenous group on earth except the Palestinians have been given United Nations refugee status beyond the original (first) generation, i.e. those who fled their countries as refugees at that time.

Please see Eye of Prophecy articles: What is a Palestine & Who Is a Palestinian? (Posted 12-2-17). Also, The “Right of Return” … For Palestinians or Jews? (4-7-18).

For that matter, the entire world has mostly forgotten, doesn’t know, or doesn’t care to know that when Israel declared statehood in 1948, several Arab nations evicted nearly all their Jewish citizens. By United Nations definition, these Jews became refugees; however, very few claimed refugee status. Instead, many moved to Israel and some to the United States and other non-Muslim countries.

As opposed to most Arabs (before they began calling themselves Palestinians in 1964) who were NOT forced out of Israel in 1948 by the Israelis. But rather by the five Arab armies that attacked Israel the day after statehood, insisting that the Arabs in Israel vacate their homes to make room for the invading Muslim armies, then return after Israel was “annihilated.”

The return of Jews to their homeland began primarily after the Balfour Declaration of 1917. However, by far, the greater number came home following Israel’s rebirth as a nation in 1948, continuing to this very day. Since 1948, some 3.2 million Jews have made Alijah (literally … going up or home to Israel from more than 100 countries). With the greatest number immigrating to Israel from Russia … well over a million.

Those are astonishing numbers, if for no other reason than many of these Jews didn’t need to leave their homes due to persecution, other than the Jews in Arab countries in 1947-1948. And Jews from Iran following the 1979 Iranian coup when it became a completely Islamic state ruled by the Ayatollah. Rather, most Jews who have made Alijah to Israel did so because they wanted to reunite with the heritage of their ancestors, to fulfill the centuries old Jewish dream of “Next Year in Jerusalem.” Even the secular among them knew deep in their heart that this return was a divine providential fulfillment of Biblical prophecy found in hundreds of passages proclaimed directly by God through Jewish prophets. Such as:

It would be (still going on) an Exodus even greater than the one from Egypt.

Read this phenomenal prophecy with me:

“In that day, says the Lord, when people are taking an oath, they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who rescued the people of Israel from the land of Egypt.’ Instead, they will say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the people of Israel back to their own land from the land of the north and from all the countries to which he had exiled them.’ Then they will live in their own land” (Jeremiah 23:7-8).

Because the zenith of Jews returning to Israel has not yet been reached, only a relatively small number of Jews in Israel and a smaller number outside of Israel have verbalized the massive return of Jews to Israel to match what the Lord said they would say. But at the beginning of the soon-to-come (after the Rapture and the seven-year Great Tribulation) Millennial Reign of Messiah Jesus, all or nearly all the (surviving) Jews will be gathered back to Israel.

Jesus, himself said that he (the Messiah) would, “…send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones (meaning God’s chosen people, the Jews) from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven” (Matthew 24:31, parenthesis mine).

Already, the number of Jews who have immigrated to Israel since 1948 (3.2 million) has substantially surpassed the estimated 1.5 to 2 million Jews who were freed from slavery during the original Exodus, resulting in the stunning fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy.

Notice also that the Lord specifically identifies “a land from the north” (in addition to all the countries to which he had exiled them) from which his exiled people would return. This is the same land (country) from the north that will lead the invasion against Israel during the early phase of the Great Tribulation—none other than Russia … Gog. (Ezekiel 38 & 39). Russia is due north of Israel. The fact that about 1/3 of the 3.2 million Jews who have made Aliyah to Israel are from Russia, further validates this prophecy. Not that Biblical prophecies need validation, because they all have come or will come to pass.

There’s more: In this same chapter of Jeremiah, immediately preceding the prophecy of “in that day” (the returning Jews will far exceed in number the Jews during the Exodus from Egypt), we read:

“For the time is coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: ‘The Lord is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

Note: the phrase, for the time is coming (verse 5) matches up precisely with verses 7-8 quoted earlier which begins with in that day.

Which is even more confirmation that during “that day” (generational time frame) of the Second Exodus (which has already exceeded the original Exodus, but still in progress), the return of the King—Messiah, The Lord who is our Righteousness—will be so very near.

Second Jewish Dichotomy: Diaspora Jews and Israeli Jews

Let’s return to the paradox posed by President Trump’s statement that evangelical Christians exhibited more support for the US Embassy move than did American Jews. Along with Jews throughout the world who have not yet returned to Israel, they are still called Diaspora Jews or Jews of the Diaspora. The Diaspora (meaning dispersion or scattered) is the term coined after the Romans demolished the 2nd Temple, destroyed Jerusalem, slaughtered over a million Jews, conquered Israel, and exiled most of the remaining Jews to the four corners of the earth.

With the term exile used frequently in the Old Testament, applied to the first destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. An exiled captivity that God through Jeremiah said would end in 70 years. Which is exactly how long it lasted. The second Temple was finished in 516 BC. Which fulfilled yet another prophecy when the Jews were commissioned by the Persian King Cyrus in 539 BC to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

The contemporary situation of Diaspora Jews is remarkably like the Jews exiled to Babylon—specifically those who chose not to return to Israel from the Babylonian or Persian Empires of which there were more than those who did return. First with Zerubbabel, the governor and Jeshua, the High Priest … then later with Ezra, the scribe. And finally, with Nehemiah from the Persian empire.

Yet, Israel never regained sovereign status as a nation for two main reasons: (1) Some of those who returned and particularly the next generation failed to learn the heavy lesson of their Babylonian captivity and, thus, failed to return to the Lord, which was the purpose for God’s discipline of Israel. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah, but especially the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, demonstrate this in dramatic, but distressing detail. (2) Only a minority of Jews returned to Israel, with the greater numbers remaining in the land of their captors. The Lord did not honor this less than half-hearted return (spiritual and literal … in numbers) of his people to once again trust, obey, and serve Him in the Promised Land of Israel.

All that began to change with the modern-day rebirth of Israel and the return of the Jews in larger numbers even than the Exodus. And in exceedingly greater numbers (proportionally) than the Babylonian/Persian exile.

Referring to Wikipedia (the statistics were up to-date through April 2018), the global Jewish population is 14,511,000. With 83% of Jews living in either Israel or the United States. The five countries with the greatest concentration of Jews:

Israel: 6.5 million

United States: 5.7 million

France: 465,000

Canada: 385,000

United Kingdom: 270,000

And in Russia: (Only) 186,000 left! Just as Scripture said would happen: many Jews of Israel would come from Russia, where several million resided at the outset of World War II.

Thus, for the first time (just in the past couple of decades) since the Diaspora of 70 AD more Jews live in Israel than in any other country on earth. This is a HUGE fulfillment of prophecy. One that tracks closely with end-times prophecies in which the return of Messiah will dovetail with not only the rebirth of Israel and the reunification of Jerusalem, but also with (from Jeremiah’s prophecy) the Second Exodus. And, of course, all the other prophetic signs listed earlier in this article.

In the context of President’s Trump reference to (Diaspora) Jews in America, it’s easy to understand why they wouldn’t have the same level of appreciation as Israeli Jews or even of Christians who ardently support Israel because we value the awesome truths (including prophecy) of the Bible. That these prophecies have unfolded before our 20th & 21st century eyes, and because we love and want to bless Israel however and whenever possible. We want to share in Israel’s joy of sovereign statehood and marvel at her amazing technological and agricultural accomplishments. We will speak against those who would seek to denigrate and even destroy Israel.

Undoubtedly the most common universal distinction (polarized dichotomy) between political, social, or religious ideologies is summed up as: Conservatives versus Liberals.

Most liberals are globalists. (See Eye of Prophecy article, Globalism or Populism … Which Will Antichrist Prefer? Posted 9-16-17).

Liberals are found in every society, including those whose agenda is even left of liberalism.

Some of these ultra-liberal Jews live in Israel; even more are American citizens, such as former Democratic presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders. Such as those on what is called “J Street.”

(Sounds Great, Who Doesn’t Want Middle East Peace? It’s Just That the J Street Organization Promotes the Palestinian Cause at the Literal Expense of Israeli Security)

By and large, they are those who do not support Israel’s government nor champion the sovereign existence of the State of Israel. They often accuse the Israeli government of (non-existent) oppression of the Palestinians. Contrary to the greater majority of Israeli Jews, many liberal Diaspora Jews disparage Zionism. Most Jews of the Diaspora (both liberal and conservative) prefer to remain apathetically neutral, if it means defending their Jewish brethren in Israel. With only marginal backing of Israel’s government, particularly when Israeli conservatives like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud Party) lead the nation.

There is a growing gap (albeit one that is tempered by the fundamental appreciation that the Jews now have their own land where they can not only live and prosper, but also defend themselves from their enemies) between Diaspora Jews and Israeli Jews. For example: Not that long ago, several members of the Knesset and other high-ranking Israeli officials scolded the Diaspora Jews for meddling in Israeli politics. Of being armchair quarterbacks.

Still, there is some solidarity, as seen by the continued economic support of Diaspora Jewry for their brothers and sisters in Israel.

I’m convinced that many American & European (and of course Israeli) Jews have descended from the so-called “ten lost tribes of Israel.” It’s just that most won’t know their ancestral tribe until Messiah returns. But 144,000 Jews will know beyond any doubt (Revelation 7).

See Eye of Prophecy articles One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Messianic Jews Part I & Part II (Posted 4-23 & 4-30-16). Which leads us to the third dichotomy in Israel and with Jews world-wide:

Third Jewish Dichotomy: Messianic Jews and Non-Messianic Jews

Both in and outside Israel, there remains a meaningful measure of unity between secular and religious, between Israeli Jews and Diaspora Jews. Although the differences between these seemingly polar opposites is not debilitating, it is, nevertheless, disruptive. To the extent that Israel’s enemies gloat over these divisions and are elated when (for example) liberal Jews promote the Palestinian cause no matter the Biblical, historical, and international mandated existence of the State of Israel.

But the greatest distinction among Jews is those who are Messianic and those who are not.

Although few compared to the 14+ million Jews world-wide, there are tens of thousands of Jews who have accepted the New Covenant prophesied in Jeremiah (Chapter 31) by believing and receiving Jesus of Nazareth as God’s anointed Messiah—the Savior of both Jews and Gentiles.

(See Eye of Prophecy article, Messianic Jews … Who Are They? Published 4-25-15)

This dichotomy is deep. With many non-Messianic observant Jews (especially the orthodox) denouncing Jewish believers in Messiah Jesus as traitors and outcasts to Judaism. Conversely, with Messianic Jews sharing the compassion of the most recognized Messianic Jew ever (the Apostle Paul—formerly an ultra-orthodox Pharisee who persecuted 1st century believers).

Said Paul: “…the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal” (Romans 10:1-2).

Messianic Jews know beyond all doubt that God has kept his everlasting covenant with Abraham through the rebirth of Israel and the reunification of Jerusalem; the Jews will forever possess the Promised Land. They also fully understand that it is they (and Gentile believers) who will rule and reign with Messiah Jesus during the Millennium, in fulfillment of God’s Covenant with King David. Accordingly, it is they who have fulfilled God’s two-part destiny (individual salvation through Messiah Jesus to be followed by national redemption when Jesus returns) for his chosen people.

They are Jewish through and through. It is their ancient ancestors—the twelve sons (tribes) of Jacob whose names will be written on the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem. And the names of Messiah’s twelve Jewish apostles will be written on the twelve foundations stones of this glorious city built by God himself (Revelation 21:10-14).

Since Israel’s rebirth as a nation, the unprecedented restoration of the all but dead Hebrew language, the amazing return of millions of Jews, the remarkable reclamation of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital, and the against-all-odds victory in four wars over vastly superior Muslim armies, the secular among them have recognized that these astounding achievements were in some fashion providential. It’s just that they have stopped short of giving the God of Israel (the only true and living God) credit.

Observant Jews are equally elated with Israel’s rebirth and the relative security of Jews world-wide (compared to past times, especially World War II and the Holocaust) but for a different reason: they once again can practice Judaism with much more freedom and safety. In that regard, they acknowledge the God of Israel as the source of Israel’s very existence, restoration, and final redemption. But not so good because they still refuse to accept that the New Covenant predicted by Jeremiah has come. They are still in practical denial that Temple Mount is devoid of the Temple and that the Levitical Sacrificial System is no more.

Please see Eye of Prophecy trilogy: Where is the Temple? Posted 11-29, 12-6, & 12-13-14.

The following excerpt from Part III is the rolling premise throughout these articles to (with love and respect for God’s chosen people) challenge them to think about the loss of the Temple and the cessation of animal sacrifices, the very existence and essence of which meant redemption. That the exclusive reason is because the New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant when their Messiah Jesus was crucified, buried, and arose on the third day.

No Temple, no sacrificial offerings. No sacrifices, no atonement forgiveness of sins. No forgiveness, no redemption. No redemption, no right standing with God.

This dichotomy between Messianic Jews and their unsaved Jewish brothers and sisters in the flesh is the most noticeable of all, but one that God knew was both inevitable and necessary.

For unless and until God’s people fully realize that Messiah has already come, bringing with him the New Covenant through his once-for-all substitutionary sacrifice for Jew and Gentile alike, and that he is soon to return, they will continue to misunderstand, “…God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (Romans 10:3-4).

Neither the dichotomy between secular and observant Jews nor the divergence between Israelis and Diaspora Jews will be fully resolved until the Jews recognize and turn to their Messiah, thereby fulfilling God’s ultimate purpose for choosing Abraham as the father of the Jewish people. Which was to bring the final Child of Promise to the entire world—the ultimate source of light and life to all people. The One who said:

Then validated that astonishing announcement by rising from the dead! Which is a historical fact.

Things to Ponder

To anyone with a truly open mind and heart, there should be no doubt that God has a Son; the Second Person of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Hebrew scriptures unequivocally declare this (Psalm 2 and Psalm 110).

God affirmed the divinity of the Messiah (Son of God, Son of David, Son of Man) through this magnificent proclamation:

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Anyone with that same open mind and heart will search the Scriptures and see that Jesus fulfilled every one of the dozens of prophecies regarding the first coming of Messiah. All one needs to do is to match up the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to the Hebrew Scriptures, such as found in Psalm 22, Isaiah 52 & 53, Zechariah 9, and other passages.

Anyone who is willing to examine all of God’s Word (both Old and New Testament) will better understand the reason for the world’s ills, including the split within the Jewish race itself (secular—observant; Israeli—Diaspora; Messianic—non-Messianic). As well as the universal dichotomy between light and darkness, good and evil, life and death.

Then to fully realize that the only bridge between moral, spiritual, ethnic, and geopolitical opposites on this planet is none other than the Prince of Peace.

“…and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10).

That one day soon there will be no more rival religions, no polarized politics, no fighting factions, with an end to irreconcilable differences between peoples.

From Jerusalem, “The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away (anyone who can settle differences between nations can certainly resolve dichotomies within nations). They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear” (Micah 4:3-4, italics for emphasis, parenthesis mine).

“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshipped” (Zechariah 14:9).

Globalism or Populism … Which Will Antichrist Prefer?

16 Saturday Sep 2017

Posted by in The Antichrist

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Polar Opposites

The North Pole and the South Pole are on opposite (vertical) ends of the Earth’s Axis. Thus we have a Northern Hemisphere and a Southern Hemisphere. With the (horizontal) Equator splitting the difference. Some have successfully traveled to these extreme poles on Planet Earth. However, no one has been to the eastern or western most point on the Globe; there is no such thing as an East Pole or a West Pole. North is up; south is down; east and west are left or right, depending on whether we’re facing north or south. All maps of the world are made in this fashion.

The North and South Poles symbolically characterize the extreme polarization taking place all over the world. East and West represent the immeasurable and unbridgeable distance between two opposite points of reference that otherwise don’t tangibly exist, except for the identifiable extremes between right and wrong, good and evil.

Left is left and right is right. East is east and west is west and never the two shall meet. However, the increasing polarization of the human race is just as predictably obvious on a horizontal level as the vertical polarity between those who have a personal relationship with the Lord and those who don’t. Between those who are spiritually reborn (John Chapter 3)—who no longer have a “polar opposite” disconnect with the Lord—and those who deliberately remain separated from their Creator and Savior.

In fact, when we believe and receive Messiah Jesus as personal Savior, then:

The first definition of pole in Webster’s Dictionary is the physical one that we would expect: “a long slender cylindrical object…”

The next definition set: “either extremity of an axis of a sphere and esp. of the earth’s axis. Either of two related opposites … point of guidance or attraction …. The fixed point in a system of polar coordinates that serves as the origin…” This definition expands the tangible nature of poles and polar to the intangible. So we often use the term “polar opposites” when discussing disparate political, economic, social, and religious paradigms, along with our beliefs and opinions.

Polar: “diametrically opposite.” Polarity: “diametrical opposition.”

All of which lead to a term used to describe the extremes that have always been the norm for the human race, but nothing like what we’ve progressively experienced in the 20th and 21st centuries … polarization. Our personal, state, national, and international pendulums swing far to the left or far to the right; we seldom see them stationary in the middle.

After depicting the physical characteristics, Webster’s Dictionary defines polarization as: “a division into two opposites.”

Polarize: “to break up into opposing factions or groupings; to become polarized.”

People and countries all over the world, especially western nations, are more polarized than ever before. These extremes have created a mentality of “us or them” with virtually no political or social or interpersonal conciliatory balance for the greater good of a state or nation.

We seldom communicate rationally or politely anymore, particularly on social media. We rant and rave. We yell and curse. We clash verbally and physically. It’s not, “I’m a Democrat (or Republican), but I respect your opinion.” Instead: “I’m a Democrat and the Republican Party shouldn’t even exist; it’s a threat to this nation. President Trump is not (my) president.” Some Republicans said the same thing about President Obama.

What amazes me most is that all those people out there who claim there is no absolute truth—everything is relative or situational—are the same people who are the most adamant that their world-view is absolutely the only one that should be tolerated. They are politically correct because of their tolerance; however, anyone who disagrees with them is wrong … and, therefore, shouldn’t be tolerated.

In today’s world—ready to explode and in some places has already exploded—if hatred could be registered on a meter, the needle would be deep into the red zone.

A rational polarization that at one time afforded some measure of point, counterpoint (agree to disagree) between individuals, groups, and entire nations has become irrationally dangerous to the point where there is no middle ground, no buffer zone, and no safe haven.

It use to be that:

Now it’s: “This world isn’t big enough for the both of us.”

It’s: Democrat OR Republican; liberal OR conservative (left or right); black OR white; federal OR state; poor OR rich; socialist OR capitalist. So much so that (for example in the United States) we now have physical clashes between the far “Alt-right” and the ultra-left “antifa” (anti-fascist)—as seen in the recent Charlottesville and Berkeley demonstrations.

Many say with their lips but not with their hearts: “Let’s make peace.” What they’re really saying is: “I want a piece of you.” In the Middle East, Muslim nations and the Palestinians don’t want peace with Israel. They want a piece of Israel here, a piece there, until the entire Jewish pie is theirs.

Or: If I can break you into little pieces, then I can put you back together the way I think you should be.

Only the Lord can put Humpty Dumpty (individuals and entire nations) back together again.

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (II Corinthians 5:16-17).

The most far-reaching polarization—increasing with kaleidoscope intensity—is the conflict between national sovereignty and international supremacy on Planet Earth. It is global in its scope and fateful in its implications; a socioeconomic and geopolitical rift that is preparing the earth’s population for the soon to come Antichrist. It is currently experienced on two levels between:

(1) Populism v. Ultra-Federalized Government (of the elite)

Webster’s Dictionary defines Populism as: “belief in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people.” It is the grass-roots premise that the ordinary person has equal say in electing and running the government of his/her nation. For the United States, it is the bedrock belief of America’s founding fathers proclaimed in our Declaration of Independence: the inalienable rights for all citizens of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is the noble idea so eloquently expressed by President Abraham Lincoln: Government of the people, by the people, for the people. It is the rank and file expressing and exercising their right to “equal opportunity,” whether that opportunity leads to success or not.

If it’s necessary to fairly but firmly, peaceably but persistently challenge the “elite establishment” who assume it to be their privilege and authority (just by virtue of being the self-defined elite) to govern the masses, then so be it.

Here is an excerpt from my second book, Out of the Abyss (in italics):

Ironically, that’s exactly what … natural scientists, human secularists, occult spiritualists, God-less governments, and agnostic academia in general try to do. They inevitably ascribe to themselves the controlled capacity, the distinctive domain, and the potent position of determining their destiny. And, if you will but afford them the privilege and opportunity; if you will “give them an ear,” they will gladly assist you in discovering your origin and purpose for life. Ultimately, if you yield complete attention and allegiance, they will be delighted to direct your future.

Okay, a little sarcasm here. And I don’t mean to unduly pick on the scientific, academic, philosophical, political, cultural, and social elite; though they carry a lot of weight and exert a significant influence on the common person. Ultimately every man and woman must choose what they believe, and to whom or what they will listen and follow. As Joshua said, “choose today whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15). (Pages 22-23).

Although U.S. President Donald Trump ran on the Republican ticket, he considered himself to be a “Populist.” Among other things his objective was to be a people’s president who would “drain the swamp” (of bureaucracy in Washington D.C.), change the status quo, take back the country for the people, and “make American great again.”

Essentially, he appealed to the rank and file and the silent majority of America’s population who, by and large, wanted a return to the Judeo-Christian moral and spiritual foundation upon which the United States was built, and then blessed by God.

A people who wanted to once again be “in charge” of their government instead of elite federalists determining and even dictating what (it assumed) the people needed or wanted. A bottom-up instead of a top-down administration that would get back to the uncomplicated basics of government that represents the people … not just in theory, but in practice.

Subsequent populism movements failed in the Netherlands when moderate Mark Rutte won the election of March 15, 2017 over the populist candidate, Geert Wilders. Also in France during the final election run-off on May 7, 2017 when liberal-moderate candidate Emmanuel Macron became President over populist Marine Le Pen.

Although the Dutch and French “people” candidates lost, their party platforms are still strong. These countries and others like Hungary, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and, of course, the United States have experienced an incredible change in geopolitics.

The following is a quote from Geert Wilders which conveys his passion for the common people of The Netherlands to regain control of their country. And also speaking for the populist movement in many nations. (An excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, The World Wants a Messiah … But Needs (The) Messiah, posted in January, 2017). Said Geert Wilders:

It breaks my heart when I see that people have become strangers in their own land—almost everywhere in Europe. But it is our country, it’s not their country—it’s our country. And it is unacceptable that you fear for the future of your children, that women are afraid, that Jews, ex-Muslims, Christians fear for their safety.

Our parties give the people an opportunity for good patriots. Patriots who want to make our borders safe again! Patriots who want to stop mass immigration. Patriots who want to restore the sovereignty of our countries, our money, our laws and our future.

The people are fed up with the political correctness of the elites! Are you fed up, or are you not fed up?

It remains to be seen who will win Germany’s election of 9-24-17; however, one of (many say the most controversial) key issues to all of these elections was/is immigration, both legal and illegal.

(2) Nationalism v. Globalism (International Sovereignty over Individual Nations)

This is a polarization that will supersede all other schisms: after the Rapture, one that will separate people into two global camps. One that will force “fence-riding” individuals and nations to choose a (would-be) messiah over personal and national interests. It will be a day and night contrast never before seen. A pre-tribulation polarization is already underway in the European Union, sparked by the United Kingdom’s popular vote last June to leave the European Union (Brexit). The United Nations is an even broader example of an international organization that is supposed to act as a defender and arbiter of the national rights of signatory members. Instead, it has become more of a totalitarian confederation whose underlying purpose is to delegitimize and eventually ostracize Israel from the family of nations.

Most of the recent UN Resolutions have been passed to sanction Israel for non-existent and unfounded reasons, not the least of which is so-called settler occupation of the West Bank (Judea/Samaria). UNESCO is rewriting history by claiming that all of the holy sites in Israel belong to Palestinian Muslims. Nearly all of these injunctions are drafted by Islamic nations, yet dozens of nations including Europeans vote in favor of condemning Israel, the only democratic nation in the Middle East. These sanctions are greater in number than the combined resolutions against such repressive countries like Iran, Syria, North Korea, and China combined.

Of the utmost irony is that polar opposite groups like the alt-right KKK and far left Black Lives Matter or white supremacists like Richard Spencer v. extreme liberalists like Linda Sarsour have one thing in common: they hate Israel and the Jews. As do the polar extremes of Communism and Fascism, and Islamic bitter rivals Sunni and Shi’ite whose governments and people have been at war with one another for several decades now. Both Sunnis and Shi’ites have called for the eradication of the State of Israel.

According to the Bible, that would be the way of it during the end-times. Nation against nation, ethnic group against ethnic group. And virtually all nations against Israel and her Messiah, who is the Divine Son of God, Savior of Jew and Gentile alike. Several passages in Scripture speak of multiple nations rising up against (reborn) Israel in the last days. And though I haven’t counted them in my constant study of Scripture, I would venture to say there are an equal number of times in which the Lord warns nations against harming his special possession Israel. Such as:

“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads. Just as you swallowed up my people on my holy mountain, so you and the surrounding nations will swallow the punishment I pour out on you. Yes, all you nations will drink and stagger and disappear from history” (Obadiah 1:15-16).

Though we don’t know for certain, it’s highly unlikely that Israel will be attacked (as happened in Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, 1967 Six-Day War, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War) by a coalition of (Muslim) nations before the Rapture occurs. I say this for two reasons: (1) It’s clear to many Bible scholars (including me) as well as Christians and (mostly Orthodox) Jews world-wide that we are living in the last days … leading imminently to the Messianic Age. (2) Thus, the next international attack against Israel will be the Gog/Magog coalition composed of Russia, Iran, Turkey and other smaller nations. I have written about this campaign in several Eye of Prophecy articles. God, himself will supernaturally and soundly crush this ungodly, anti-Semitic coalition. As I’ve written with strong supporting evidence, the Gog/Magog assault will take place in the early part of the Tribulation.

The Antichrist and his ten-nation coalition will then attempt to finish the job of conquering Israel (and nations opposing the Antichrist) that Gog/Magog never came close to accomplishing. Although Antichrist will break the seven-year treaty with Israel half-way through it (Daniel 9), his military campaign against Israel won’t take place until the end of the Great Tribulation.

Antichrist Will Appeal to Populists and Globalists, To the Common Man and to the Elite

Another irony is that these extremes will enable Antichrist Nero to capture the attention of many left behind at the Rapture. Both the far left and far right and everyone on a sliding scale in between will realize that there is no geopolitical or social solution to such polarization; only one man can bridge the chasm. This false messiah won’t need a world government or a world religion. Although he will assemble a ten-nation coalition for military purposes, his global appeal will extend far beyond individual differences, political poles, national boundaries, and international coalitions.

In my book, Out of the Abyss and in many Eye of Prophecy articles in the category of Antichrist, you will find an abundance of material from Scripture (including an in-depth study of every single passage on the Antichrist) and from secular history yielding convincing evidence that the Roman Emperor Nero is the Antichrist. For purpose of this week’s article, I will quote only two of those passages:

First Passage: “Why are you so amazed? The angel asked. I will tell you the mystery of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits. The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon (meaning abruptly) come up out of the bottomless pit… And the people who belong to this world (the unsaved left behind at the Rapture) … will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died” (Revelation 17:7-8, parenthesis mine, italics for emphasis).

This is the passage that riveted my attention in November, 2008, and which launched my quest to determine the identity of the Antichrist beast because Revelation 13:18 challenges, “the one with understanding (to) solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.” Who in the first century had already lived and died even before John saw the vision of the beast? Who would “reappear” from the Abyss to the utter astonishment of a chaotic world in shock because hundreds of millions had been taken from the earth?

Second Passage: “I saw that one of the heads (each one of the seven heads were Roman Emperors of the first century, with the composite beast the Antichrist himself) of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal would was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. They worshipped the dragon (Satan) for giving the beast such power, and they also worshipped the beast. ‘Who is as great as the beast?’ they exclaimed. ‘Who is able to fight against him?’” (Revelation 13:3-4, parenthesis mine).

(Please see Eye of Prophecy articles, Exposing Antichrist’s Identity … More Compelling Evidence, Part I & II, published 3-18 & 3-25-17)

There’s absolutely no ambiguity in either of these passages. The angel is revealing the mystery of the visions. Once a mystery is revealed, it’s no longer a mystery. It’s meant to be understood clearly and convincingly. The identity of the beast was meant to be known; in fact, the angel even challenges the reader to do so. In this passage, there was one and only one reason that people all over the earth gave their undivided loyalty to the Antichrist beast. They did so because they “marveled at this miracle.”

What was the miracle that they marveled at? They were amazed (Revelation 17) because an ancient Roman emperor had returned from a 2,000-year old grave. Thus, people from ethnic groups, from languages, and from nations all over the earth will, “give allegiance to” and “worship” this man. Many will set aside their differences. Common and elite alike will identify themselves with the same “mark (of the beast) … either the name of the beast or the number representing his name…” (Revelation 13:18).

(I Suppose a Bar Code Could be Used Instead of an Implant of the Numbers 666, But Many Will Simply Choose the Name of Nero in Their Hand or Forehead)

Nero will flaunt his miraculous return by claiming that he is the Messiah, that he is God. He will cut across cultural, religious, social, and political diversities. He will depolarize liberals and conservatives including the far left and far right. He will bridge an otherwise unbridgeable gap between the elite and the “average person.” He will eliminate the impassable gulf between the nationalists and the globalists. Polar opposites will be in shock and awe due exclusively to Nero’s “reappearance” on Planet Earth.

Nowhere in Scripture do we read that the Antichrist is a military, political, or economic genius or a great orator, a consummate politician, a charismatic leader—all traits commonly exhibited by a world leader. He is a braggart and a blasphemer of God Almighty (see Daniel 7 and Revelation 13) but he is not portrayed as an eloquent statesmen who will persuade the world with an irresistible personality. His magnetism will come directly from a world in wonder and fear of his incredible return from the grave.

From Out of the Abyss:

“The Antichrist is not afforded blind worship because he is a superman in terms of being an accomplished statesman, orator, or leader. The False Prophet does that for him. The superhuman qualities accorded him will literally lie in his mystical return from death” (Page 182).

In the context of Antichrist’s accomplishments upon his reappearance from the Abyss soon after the Rapture by galvanizing the attention and allegiance of a cross-section of people from every nation and language, let’s look at:

A Brief Summary of Nero’s Reign as the Fifth Roman Emperor

During the first half or so of his fourteen-year reign, Nero found enormous favor with the common Roman citizen and (to a lesser extent) with the nobility—including the Roman Senate composed mostly of the wealthy elite—despite his enactment of laws that favored the middle and lower class more so than the upper class. Actually, the masses adored him during most of his reign. When he began to display his base nature of gross immorality, brutality (mostly against Christians), and disregard for the everyday affairs of the Roman Empire, many still revered him … even after his death.

The following is an excerpt from the Britannica.com website (in italics):

He put an end to the more odious features of the later years of Claudius’s reign (Nero’s step-father, the Roman Emperor who preceded Nero, parenthesis mine), including secret trials before the emperor and the dominance of corrupt freedmen, and he accorded more independence to the Senate… His government forbade contests in the circus involving bloodshed, banned capital punishment, reduced taxes, and accorded permission to slaves to bring civil complaints against unjust matters… Claudius had put 40 senators to death, but between the murders instigated by Agrippina (Nero’s mother, Claudius’s wife, parenthesis mine) in 54 and the year 62, there were no like incidents in Nero’s reign. Nero also inaugurated competitions in poetry, in the theatre, and in athletics to counter attractions to gladiatorial events. He saw to it that assistance was provided to cities that had suffered disaster, and at the request of the Jewish historian, Josephus, gave aid to the Jews.

Scripture is clear: When Nero returns, one of his first accomplishments will be a seven-year treaty with Israel (most likely between Israel and the Muslim world). During his rise to power—propelled by world-wide allegiance because of his amazing reappearance—he will curry the favor of both the elite and the common person … just as he did during his first reign as Roman Emperor. Looking again at the above excerpt, it’s evident that many segments of society will adore him: the lower and middle class because of any number of sweeping changes he will make for their benefit; but also celebrity politicians, entrepreneurs, artists, actors, and athletes.

Because of the Jekyll and Hyde transformation of Nero (the overt, noticeable changes) in the latter years of his reign, the Roman Senate turned on him. And Nero turned against Israel when Jewish zealots began a rebellion against Rome in 66 A.D. Nero personally ordered Generals Vespasian and Titus (Vespasian’s son) to crush the uprising. As many know, this ruthless campaign against the Jews ended with destruction of the Jewish Temple and world-wide dispersion of the Jews in 70 A.D. Vespasian became Caesar in 69 A.D.; Titus in 79 A.D.

*Note: In Order, the following are color-tinted busts of Caesars Nero, Vespasian, and Titus

Another thing that appalled the noble senators and their wealthy constituents: their Emperor had embarrassed himself and the image of the powerful Roman Empire by performing in the theatre, including playing the role of slaves. In today’s world, artists and actors are held in much higher esteem than they were in the first century. Long and short of it: the Roman Senate agreed to depose Nero as Emperor, convincing several Roman Generals and their legions to go along with them. Nero knew his time was up and unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide—finally ordering his servant to strike the fatal blows (June 9, 68 A.D.).

An excerpt from Wikipedia (in italics):

According to Suetonius and Cassius Dio, the people of Rome celebrated the death of Nero. Tacitus, though, describes a more complicated political environment. Tacitus mentions that Nero’s death was welcomed by Senators, nobility and the upper class. The lower-class, slaves, frequenters of the arena and the theater, and “those who were supported by the famous excesses of Nero”, on the other hand, were upset with the news. Members of the military were said to have mixed feelings, as they had allegiance to Nero, but had been bribed to overthrow him.

Eastern sources, namely Philostratus II and Apollonius of Tyana, mention that Nero’s death was mourned as he “restored the liberties of Hellas with a wisdom and moderation quite alien to his character” and that he “held our liberties in his hand and respected them.”

Modern scholarship generally holds that, while the Senate and more well-off individuals welcomed Nero’s death, the general populace was “loyal to the end and beyond, for Otho and Vitellius both thought it worthwhile to appeal to their nostalgia.”

Galba began his short reign with the execution of many of Nero’s allies…

Otho overthrew Galba. Otho was said to be liked by many soldiers because he had been a friend of Nero’s and resembled him somewhat in temperament. It was said that the common Roman hailed Otho as Nero himself. Otho used “Nero” as a surname and re-erected many statues to Nero. Vitellius overthrew Otho. Vitellius began his reign with a large funeral for Nero complete with songs written by Nero.

The Treaty

One of Nero’s greatest accomplishments during his tenure as Caesar (which was tantamount at the time to being ruler of the civilized world) was a treaty he initiated between Rome and her bitter enemy, Parthia. Off and on for many years, Rome and Parthia (part of which was ancient Persia) had been at war until the treaty of 63 A.D.

Here is an excerpt from Out of the Abyss that explains both the historical and future implications of this treaty coordinated by Nero. (In italics):

Ancient historians tell us that Nero was obsessed with being popular. He wanted everyone to like him to the point of complete loyalty, adulation, and even worship. For most of his reign he achieved that popularity, especially with the common Roman citizen, but not because Nero was a brilliant speaker or a charismatic leader.

Of all things, it was a treaty that Nero engineered between Rome and Parthia that helped endear him to the Roman Senate, the Roman Legions, and the Roman citizens….

His popularity increased dramatically and this peace between Rome and Parthia would last for another 50 years. Moreover, this accomplishment was not a result of any extraordinary talents or gifts that Nero possessed. In fact, when examining history, the single most influential factor in negotiating a treaty relates to the state-of-affairs conditions and circumstances that gave rise to an agreement between people and nations.

After the Rapture, Nero won’t have much of a problem in negotiating a treaty with Israel. Remember, there will be no Christians left immediately after the Rapture. But there will be chaos, confusion, and disorder. Most Arabs and many Jews will be among the left behind. The world will be ripe for conciliation, for unity, for peace, for order. Nero will capitalize on this pandemonium by orchestrating a treaty, one that will allow the Jewish Temple to be built…. I use the word orchestrating, because one of Nero’s talents was that of arranging and synchronizing things, such as a group of people with dissident views or like a musical play, of which he wrote and performed several—in Greek.

And, who in the world is going to argue with a man who returns to the earth after a two thousand-year absence? With regard to the sack of Jerusalem in 70 AD, all Nero need say is that the Roman Generals went way too far. He will probably remind tribulation Jews that he died in 68 AD, two years before the Roman Legions destroyed the Temple. That he had not intended for the Jews to be exiled from Judea or for the Temple to be destroyed. After a fashion, he might even apologize to the Jews. His way of making up for the ancient Roman mistreatment of the Jews will be to offer them a new Temple.

He will also placate the Arabs, telling them that if there is a god to follow or worship, Allah would be that god. He will remind the Jews and Arabs that his hostility as a Roman Emperor was rightfully and justifiably directed against the Christians—those narrow minded, bigoted, self-righteous hypocrites whose disappearance has done mankind a favor by cleansing the earth of religious intolerance.

If you like, you could come up with any number of lies that a resurrected Nero will fabricate and foist on Israel and the nations. But the bottom line is that untold millions will follow him for the same reason that many have followed Jesus Christ: RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD (Pages 179-180).

Things to Ponder

All the other designations of Antichrist in Scripture—ruler, king, little horn, man of lawlessness, and beast—have been consolidated into one appellation that is much more well-known the world over: Antichrist. Or Anti-Messiah. (Please see the Eye of Prophecy trilogy: A Beast by Any Other Name … Posted 3-14, 3-21, & 3-28-15.

Nero will be anti-Messiah, but he will also counterfeit the true Messiah. The very idea of a Messiah comes from Scripture, through numerous Old Testament prophecies of the coming “anointed one.” Then the fulfillment of those prophecies in meticulous detail by Jesus of Nazareth.

Through his status as a messiah, Nero will depolarize individual and national differences. Most likely during the first half of the Tribulation, before he reveals his true colors—in the same fashion during his reign as Caesar. This time he will be given only seven years, not fourteen, with the last half of the Tribulation the (God-given) “…authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months” (Revelation 13:5).

For the globalists, Nero will unify and consolidate many (but not all) peoples and nations into a world utopia mentality as he almost did for the Roman nobility and masses with his pursuit of the Pax Romana. For the populists and nationalists, he will appear to champion individual rights by promoting personal pride and national identity, as he did with the greater populace of Rome. Before he destroys the Vatican, Nero will conciliate Roman Catholicism with Islam. (Pope Francis is already setting the stage for such an appeasement. See Eye of Prophecy article, The Vatican and Islam … A Perfect Match for Antichrist, posted 6-4-16).

Isn’t that what the world will want and expect? Isn’t that what a messiah is supposed to do?

Nero’s arrogant ambitions will coming to a screeching halt when he and his enemies vainly and absurdly decide to collectively fight the King of all kings, as they watch Messiah Jesus and the “armies of heaven” (we believers) descend to earth! (See Revelation 19).

The irreconcilable polarizations are: Good and evil, truth and lies. Though Nero will deceive billions into believing evil is good and his lies are the truth, he will not succeed in merging these polar opposites together. Good and evil are forever separated by their very definition and essence. The ultimate solution is not coexistence. Only Messiah Jesus—Son of God, Son of David, and Son of Man—can and will eliminate the Satanic polar opposite of all that is good, and right, and just.

“But then the court will pass judgment, and all his (Antichrist) power will be taken away and completely destroyed. Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him” (Daniel 7:26-27, parenthesis mine).

“Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, ‘It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah” (Revelation 12:10).