THE ANTICHRIST: PART EIGHT

Some theologians, especially Jewish theologians, would say that the seminal event which gave birth to the nation of Israel was God's covenant with Abraham. Others might say that it was God using Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage. A few would point to May 14, 1948 when David Ben-Gurion declared Israel an independent nation. But very few, if any, would point to a future event as being the real birth of Israel. Their answer would certainly sound strange in that Israel's founding as a nation is mentioned in the very first book of the Bible (Gen. 12:1-3). Nevertheless, I believe there is evidence that such is the case. Let me explain.

Ever since the fall of Adam, this world, and all that is within it, is poisoned; some might even describe it as dead. Just like the character in the movie, The Sixth Sense, Jesus could have said, "I see dead people." In fact, He came close when he spoke with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21. Nicodemus was obviously alive physically, but he needed to be born again spiritually. Adam died spiritually the day he decided to disobey God (Gen. 2:17), and as a result, all mankind died with him (1 Cor. 15:22). Jesus told Nicodemus "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Jn. 3:16). Nicodemus appeared to be alive, but he needed to be born again; he needed everlasting life.

The same is true for all of creation; it needs to be restored to its original state (Rom. 8:22). The nation of Israel is no exception. It has existed physically from its founding, but it did not accept Jesus Christ, and therefore it is spiritually dead (Jn. 1:11). The passage goes on to say, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born (again), not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (v. 12-13).

Daniel wrote, "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy" (9:24). In the seventieth week, the Tribulation or the Time of Jacob's Trouble, the false Messiah will commit an abominable act that will open the eyes of Israel (Rom. 11:25). They will understand Daniel's prophecy concerning their Messiah being killed, and realize that the seven year covenant they had made was with the antichrist (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thes. 2:3; Rev. 13:1-10). At last, Israel will be looking for their real Messiah (Matt. 24:23-27).

The Apostle Paul wrote, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob" (Rom. 11:26). Yes, I believe the seminal act that results in the spiritual birth of Israel will be the abomination of desolation. It is amazing how God can take something so sinister and use it for good!