Page 175 - Eschatology - Masters revised

and that they would never be uprooted again. When the Jews were brought back to the land of Israel it
was the first time in 2800 years that Israel was both united and independent, just as Ezekiel had
lii
prophesied.

Isaiah, sometime prior to 681 BC, fore-shadowed the rebirth of Israel in a prophecy that speaks of Israel
being born in a single day. On May 14, 1948, the Jews declared independence for Israel as a united and
sovereign nation. That same day, the U.S. issued a statement recognizing Israel’s sovereignty, only
hours before a United Nations mandate had expired ending British control. Israel was literally born in a
single day!

Today, Jerusalem is increasingly recognized as the current capital of the nation of Israel, which has been
and still is contested by some.

The enemies of the nation of Israel are becoming more powerful and forceful in their intent to attack
and annihilate the nation of Israel. Iran, together with its proxy terrorist organizations, are flexing their
muscles and growing in power to the point that even other Islamic nations are becoming more afraid of
Iran. The current regime in Iran is intent on destroying Israel.

Ezekiel 38-39 reveal that an allied army from the Arab region will attack Israel and be repelled by God
Himself. Today Russia is allied with Iran, Libya, Syria and Lebanon and they have practiced with
combined war games as to how they would attack Israel. These countries have never been allies before
now. Turkey is turning against Israel and joining the Russian-Arab coalition. Israel’s current spiritual and
political leaders see this development as leading to the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39. This is all happening
in our day!

Jewish Temple Preparations

The nation of Israel must have a completed temple by the middle point of the Tribulation period in order
to have established a pattern of sacrifices which the antichrist will disrupt.

Daniel 9:27 (NIV84)27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’
he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination
that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

Matthew 24:15–16 (NIV84)15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes
desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who
are in Judea flee to the mountains.

2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (NIV84)3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until
the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will
oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself
up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Renald Showers describe his trips to Israel in order to view Israel’s
preparations for building their third temple. Israel’s first temple was built by King Solomon. Israel’s
second temple was first built by Ezra and then greatly increased by King Herod in Jesus’ day. Israel’s
third temple will be the Tribulation temple. And the Millennial temple will be the fourth, probably a
rd
remodeling of the 3 temple.
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