Every time I read the 2nd chapter of Isaiah I am reminded of how close we are getting to the end times.  Verse 2 reads: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.”

We are told that Christ will return and rule in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:4  –  “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.  They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

Having visited Jerusalem with a number of our church members, I have been interested in the possibility of their temple being rebuilt.  Studying Bible prophecy it indicates that this will only be done in the last days and close to the time when Christians will be raised up into the air to meet our Messiah, Jesus Christ.  In doing research I have learned that there is an interfaith talk with Muslims who believe it is possible to share the temple mount. However, the majority of Muslims are strictly against such a project.

Presently the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim Mosque is located in such a way that If Muslims agreed, the temple could be constructed adjacent to it. Presently, the Temple Institute has been preparing for the temple’s existence.  Some of the instruments and furniture have been produced getting ready for the future temple.  Some have indicated that one goal of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is to rebuild the temple.  If that were to occur it could precipitate an immediate war with surrounding Islamic nations.

The Temple Mount is under Islamic control.  From a political perspective it would be almost impossible  to reach any kind of an agreement.  Yet, Scripture indicates a time is coming when a settlement will be reached and the temple can be built.  It is possible that it could be constructed in a one or two year period with modern equipment. It appears only certain Jews will be allowed to be involved in its construction.  It is considered holy ground and non-Jews could desecrate the property.

What will allow the temple to be built?  Will it take a war?  It appears the only time the Jews and Muslims agree is at the end of a war.  Politically, it does not seem that a peaceful agreement could ever happen; especially when many Muslims wish to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.  What could ever cause them to relinquish control of the Temple Mount or share it? All we know is that God will allow it to happen in His time.

Here is what we read: there is coming a time when there will be peace in the Middle-East.  A major world power will allow the temple to be erected.  I do not believe it will be an Islamic one.  We know that the Antichrist will rule from Jerusalem for 3½ years. It is very possible that Germany and the European Union could be the ones that brokers peace.

We believe, according to Ezekiel chapters 38 & 39, there could be a war instigated by Iran and Russia.  This is when we read in Isaiah that Damascus could be destroyed.  Then Daniel says: 9:27 – “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” NLT

We know the Antichrist will make the peace.  We just do not know who that is or from which country he will come.  But we know that Jesus will return and He will judge all nations.  We are told there will no longer be any weapons of war.  The entire world will be at peace.  Everyone will be believers who have returned with Jesus to rule for 1000 years and live according to His teaching.

Prior to the war of Armageddon, the church, with the Holy Spirit will be raptured or taken up.  There is just too many who disagree as to when that will happen.  It could be at anytime, but possibly later.  Our goal is not to be left behind and we are to help others go with us.

Armageddon is the final war between God and those nations that are anti-God.  Scripture tells us it will be held near Mount Megiddo at the southern end of the Esdraelon Valley. It is about 70 miles north of Jerusalem.  (Rev. 16:16) It is the final time that nations try to destroy Israel and take Jerusalem.

After Russia, Iran and other nations were defeated as covered in Ezekiel, an Asian army of 200 million came to Israel.  Revelation 9:15 – 16 – “And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of the mounted troops was two hundred million. I heard their number.”  Led by unified kings from the East they will kill millions on their way.  Like the previous battle with Russia, Iran and others this Asian army coming from the north is destroyed.  It is very evident that God protects His covenant people and their covenant land.   According to Zechariah 14:12 – “This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.”  This sounds like what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah or is it a result of nuclear retaliation?

God provides a description of the future.  There will be no excuses.  If we are getting close to the end times, are you spiritually ready?  Wouldn’t you want to be taken prior to all of this happening when God raptures His people?