The End Times has become a topic of interest for many recently as the events happening in the Middle East appear to be the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The intensifying violence, political turmoil, and war in Israel has led many to scrutinize biblical prophecies with renewed interest, searching for correlations between current events and scriptural predictions. News, social media platforms, and religious congregations are abuzz with discussions and speculations, as individuals grapple with the possibility that these events such as war in Israel, could be the preliminary signs of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan unfolding before their eyes.
The Bible lays out events, occurrences, and perimeters that must take place before Jesus returns again. That leads us to ask, is the war in Israel a sign of the End Times?
What and When Are the "End Times"?
After Jesus rose from the dead after His crucifixion, He did not go back to Heaven immediately. We are told in Matthew 28:16-20 of how He ascended and what He commanded of those left on Earth and for believers yet to be born. Known as The Great Commission, He shared: "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
This is vital for us to recognize not only the importance of how Jesus returned to Heaven, as He will return to Earth again one day, but also what is exceedingly important for us in the meantime. We are called to share the Good News of Christ and hold fast that He will indeed return. Since He left, the "end time clock" began. Therefore, we have been living in the End Times since Jesus returned to Heaven.
The Fulfillment of Israel Becoming a Nation Again
One of the most pivotal and important bricks to be laid out for the return of Christ was the necessity for Israel to become a nation again. After World War II and the Holocaust, several nations rallied together to restore Israel to its homeland once again. On May 14, 1948, Israel once again became home to thousands of Jewish people, thus bringing forward the prophecy laid out in Ezekiel 34:13, "I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land."
With the restoration of Israel as a nation many believers began to consider just what else was necessary before His return. This re-establishment is seen by many as a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy, setting the stage for further prophetic events that must occur, leading to widespread speculation about the signs and the times that may herald the imminent return of Christ. Now let's tackle the idea of war in Israel as a sign of the End Times and return of Christ.
Gog and Magog Battles
In the book of Ezekiel, many of the End Days prophecies explain what is to come before Christ's return. Ezekiel 38-39, in particular, speaks of a country, Magog, to the North of Israel invading Israel. We were also told that this country would form an alliance with Persia. Persia changed its name in 1935 to Iran, and many scholars agree that Magog is what we call modern-day Russia. One of the most prevalent calls toward prophetic signs here is the alliance of Iran and Russia. According to John Kiry of the National Security Council, "Since mid-2022, Iran has become Russia's top military backer." This formed alliance is a significant indication of setting the stage for things to come, especially with the attacks that occurred in the Fall of 2023 and the most recent attacks in the past few weeks. This is not to be confused with the battle mentioned in Revelation 20, for that will involve all nations, not just the ones to the North.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and these alliances are seen by many believers as the precursors to the prophesied events leading to the return of Christ. Recent escalations in military confrontations in Israel, as seen in these frequent attacks, are particularly alarming to those who follow biblical prophecy closely. They argue that these developments are aligning with prophetic narratives that predict severe trials in Israel before the ultimate reconciliation and peace. The fact that war conflicts are escalating at a time when alliances between historical adversaries are solidifying adds further weight to their significance in prophetic discourse, stirring up intense discussions among the faithful about the proximity of the prophesied End Times.
Red Heifer and Other End Times Mysteries
Other signs aligned with the recent attacks and imminent war in Israel invite great suspicion that these are the events prophesied about. One is that of the red heifers, "A huge buzz reverberated worldwide the week of September 12, 2022, when five red heifers arrived in Israel." The Jerusalem Post described how a Christian farmer in Texas raised and shipped five unblemished red heifers to the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. The heifers were inspected and approved by Jewish rabbis. Upon the arrival of these five red heifers, a group of roughly 300 people welcomed them. One person blew the shofar, a horn used in Judaistic ceremonies. The red heifers are now secured on a farm in Haifa."
This is something that has not been seen in 2,000 years. This matters to End Times prophecy as many believe Christ's return is imminent as the Red Heifer is important for the Third Temple. The Third Temple must be rebuilt before Christ's return. Another is that of the prophecy laid out in Zechariah 14:1-21 where attacks against Jerusalem would occur during the feast of Tabernacles, which occurred during the attacks on Israel back in October 2023. The verses also describe a curious plague that could potentially be telling of nuclear war to come. This is not to invoke fear but rather to be diligent in awareness of what is to come coinciding with what has already taken place.
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What to Watch For As Conflict and War in Israel Unfolds
Scripture lays out that many things are necessary before the return of Christ. One is the building of the Third Temple, which is yet to occur. Another is a massive earthquake prophesized about in Ezekiel 38:19 during a battle against Magog. Magog will not win the battle; God will intervene with this earthquake. We must be diligent to study the Word and what is to come to be aware of the events occurring around us, unfolding just as He said they would.
This vigilance involves not only recognizing these significant prophetic signs but also understanding their implications in the broader narrative of biblical prophecy. For Christians, being informed about the current events in Israel and how they correlate with prophecies involves continuous learning and engaging with both the scripture and reliable, scholarly interpretations that respect the historical and theological context of these predictions.
Awareness also means being prepared—spiritually, mentally, and practically—for the changes these prophetic fulfillments might bring. Christians are encouraged to maintain a posture of prayer and readiness, aligning their lives with God's will and purposes, and supporting each other in faith communities to stay watchful and hopeful as events continue to unfold. This preparation not only strengthens personal faith but also equips believers to offer reasoned, calm, and insightful perspectives in discussions about these often-misunderstood topics.
Antisemitism in the End Times
The Bible shares there will be antisemitism happening in the final days as well. Zechariah 12:3 conveys, "Moreover, in that day I will make Jerusalem a massive stone for all the people. All who try to lift it will be cut to pieces. Nevertheless, all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against her."
In a time of immense division and conflict, there is a great rise in antisemitism and hatred of the Jewish people. As Christians, we must take the stand to stand with Israel, for the Jewish people are God's chosen nation. Deuteronomy 7:6 reminds us that Israel belongs to God, "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." As Christians, we must stand with God's chosen people and nation, even in the face of opposition.
In addition to supporting Israel, Christians are called to be peacemakers and bearers of hope during turbulent times. This includes praying fervently for peace in the region, advocating for justice and reconciliation, and providing support to those suffering the consequences of conflict. Engaging in informed, compassionate dialogue about the situation can help foster understanding and reduce the spread of misinformation and hate. Ultimately, by embodying the principles of love, mercy, and justice taught by Christ, believers can make a meaningful contribution to easing the tensions and paving the way for a more peaceful future.
What Should We Do?
With all of this considered, what should we do when we hear of war in Israel, red heifers, earthquakes, and other prophecies? Should we stock up on food and create bunkers in fear? No. We should look up to God! Remember the words He shared in Luke 21:28, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
As Christians, we should take this time to be intentional with sharing the gospel with those around us; we should continue to cultivate our own relationships with God and be diligent in prayer. This is not a time to fear; it is a time to live the life God has called us to live. Not even the Son knows the exact time He will return to Earth, but we can still be aware of these incredible prophecies coming to pass. Let it strengthen us that our faith is true and our God keeps His Word. Let us continue to pray for Israel in the days to come.
More on Israel:
4 Miracle Prophecies Christians Should Know about Israel
Why Did God Choose Israel to Be His Chosen People?
7 Signs We Are in the End Times
Sources: https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/feb/24/iran’s-deepening-strategic-alliance-russia, https://harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/was-irans-attack-on-israel-bible-prophecy/
Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive" and Christine Caine's "Propel Women," among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging ladies to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, will be available everywhere on May 1, 2024. It is set to be featured in Jesus Calling and on The 700 Club on May 28, 2024. @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com
