PROPHETIC FORESHADOWS

A Global Economy Under the Anti-Christ's Dictatorship?

Revelation 13:15-18:

15 "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the of the beast should be killed.
16 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18  "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

The Scripture makes it plain in Rev. 13:15-18 that during the Tribulation period the anti-Christ dictator will impose a single monetary system upon the world's citizens. Apart from the 666 mark in the right hand or the imprint in the foreheads, individuals will be unable to conduct any business transactions.

Even unconverted sinners with little or no spiritual discernment, recognize that the nations of this world are heading towards a one-world global economy. Prominent politicians, economists, and social strategists from every section of the world are predicting and promoting a one-world "global" economic system.

On Mar. 15, 2009, the CNN News cast reported that the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown had called for "global" financial regu- lations." In analyzing the spring 2009 G-20 summit of the leaders of the world's 20 largest financial economies, another national media group stated that the G-20 gathering was "creating an essential world economic board," and an "international economic union." The report in- dicated that in the future, countries should look to Brussels, and not to Wash- ington, DC for economic direction and leadership.

A third report termed the G-20 Economic Summit as "global action together." In addition, China has proposed a "new global economy" to replace the American dollar. It is virtually impossible, after read- ing such analysis, without coming to the clear conclusion that the world's nations are rapidly moving toward a single global financial system. With the rapture of the saints an imminent event, this single monetary system could be just a heartbeat away.

The Spirit of Anti-Christ

II Thess. 2:3-6:

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

"Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

"And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time."

According to II Thess. 2:3-6, the person of the Anti-Christ can- not be specifically identified or known until after the Rapture. However, in Matt. 24, I John 2, and numerous other passages, the Scriptures unfold numerous traits of the "spirit" of this anti-Christ that will prevail before his official manifestation. Rev. 13:11-18 also delineates many details concerning his "lieutenant" com- mander, the false prophet, who will promote him in power.

From Rev. 13:1-7, it is abundantly clear that this indi- vidual empowered by Satan, will mesmerize the world's populace, receiving and requiring virtual hero worship by the unconverted world. Discerning saints know that this "spirit" of anti-Christ is rapidly rising in our world today via numerous means such as the ecumenical set-up, the economic signs and the erotic sensuality (adultery & sexual perversion) that is rapidly pervading nations every- where.

Rev. Chapter 17 makes it plain the Satan trinity described in Rev. chapter 13: the dragon (13:2 & 4), the beast (13:2, 4-8) and the false prophet (13:11-18 – the second beast) will work in coordination with each other to achieve this mesmerizing adulation that the anti-Christ will receive. A couple of new items cited below show that this mesmerizing spirit is powerfully existent in today's society.

"TWO DIE: SEVERAL INJURED IN 'DEADLY' STAMPEDE

AT RALLY FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI"

At a rally in Luanda, Angola, where 50,000 people had gathered, there was a "stampede" as thousands gathered to hear an address by R.C. Pope Benedict XVI. According to the report, a "boy and a girl" were "crushed" to death as they tried to enter the stadium gates. BBC News stated that "eight other people were injured" and "10 more people required medical assistance." At an event held a day later, 2,000,000 people gathered for a mass performed by the Roman pontiff.

When the anti-Christ makes his formal appearance during the Tribulation period, it is highly probable he will attract even larger crowds as worldly throngs gather to hear his mesmerizing voice and speech and his "lieutenant" com- mander – the false prophet – introduces him to the entranced massive crowds.

U.S. PRESIDENT DEPICTED AS POLITICAL MESSIANIC CHRIST

During the 2008 U.S. Presi- dential campaign, Barack Obama was depicted by adjulant followers as a political messiah. Nations of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan, referring to Obama stated: "When the Messiah speaks, the youth will hear, and the Messiah is abso- lutely speaking." Also speaking about Obama Farrakhan said: "A black man with a white mother became a savior to us."

In a speech given to Dartmouth College students on Jan. 7, 2008, Obama himself, referring to himself, made the following state- ment to prospective college student voters: "A light will shine through that window, a beam of light will come down upon you; you will experience an epiphany, and you will suddenly realize that you must go to the polls and vote" for Obama!

In an even more incredible action, in Jan. 2009, after Obama's election, "artist Matthew J. Clark, paraded a sculpture of Obama riding a donkey and preceded by waving palm fronds," that resembled Christ's entry into Jerusalem in the 21^st chapter of Matthew that was foretold by the prophet Zechariah.

Topping even the above en- deavor, in an apparent mesmerizing frenzy, painter Michael D'Antonio announced plans to "unveil a portrait of Barack Obama in a Christ-like pose with a crown of thorns upon his brow." The portrait unveiling ceremony, which was scheduled to be unveiled at New York's Union Square Park on Obama's 100^th day in office, was abruptly canceled when "over- whelming public outrage" flooded the media with e-mails, phone calls, online blogs and other forms of criticism.

As the world's society in- creasingly rejects the genuine, true and only Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ – John 5:40, the stage is being set by Satan with his pseudo-christs – Matt. 24:5, 11, 24, I John 2:18, for the arrival of his final Pseudo-Christ, who will deceive and blind the massive billions of gullible humanity into accepting his dictatorial powers – Rev. 13:2, and in worshiping his personage shrine – Rev. 13:14-15.

Biblical Christians, however, are not looking for the anti-Christ, they are looking for the true Christ, the only begotten Son of God – John 3:16, who loved them and washed them from their sins – Eph 1:7, who alone is the "blessed hope" of the saints – Titus 2:13.

Russia Moves Ahead with "Expansionist Plans"

In an article that was originally written and published in the Monetary and Economic Review and reprinted in Destiny News- letter, Marilyn M. Brannon stated: "An increasingly militant Russia is moving rapidly ahead with its expansionist plans, supported by increasing revenues from the sale of its plentiful oil and gas resources. Vladimir Putin . . . in- tends to press his country's power- ful energy advantage to build Russia once more into a Super Power among world nations . . ."

Brannon's comments are in line with a quoted conversation that author Joel C. Rosenberg had with Dr. Dore Gold, the "former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.," portions of which are delineated in Rosenberg's book on prophecy entitled Epicenter. Rosenberg quotes Gold as saying "The Russians want an empire and to get one they need to establish 'special relationships' with Arab and Islamic regimes in the Middle East whom they can use as their agents of influence . . . Iran is pivoted in Russian thinking. It is a major regional power in its own right, and it is a gateway into the rest of the Middle East."

Both Brannon's comments and Dore's remarks dovetail with the Biblical prediction concerning Rus- sia's goals and Iran's collaboration in Ezekiel 38:106 where an invader from the North – 38:15, 39:2, comes down upon the mountains of Israel – 38:16 for the purpose of destroying the Jews – 38:8.

Several nations allied with Russia, who collaborate with her in this devious plan, are identified in 38:5-6, one country of which is identified as "Persia," an ancient country, now known as Iran! Russia's diabolical invasion, how- ever, will end in disaster and failure as Ezekiel chapter 39 describes.

While Israel is presently in a state of unbelief concerning Christ as the promised Messiah, there is coming a day when this unbelief will vanish away. Zechariah chap- ter 12:20 prophetically declares that when all the nations are allied against Israel – 12:3, and her hopes of survival appear slim, the remaining population's remnant will "look upon" the one whom they had previously pierced in death on the cross and receive Christ as the Messiah in the "spirit of grace" which God will supply.

After Jerusalem is nearly des- troyed in a destructive siege – Zech. 12:2,14:2, Christ will return from the heavenlies – Jude 14 to the Mount of Olives – 14:4 from which He will lead heaven's forces in the battle of Armageddon – Rev. 16:16, 19:11-21. God will "choose Jerusalem again – Zech. 1:12, 3:2." In that renewed city, which will be called a "city of truth," Christ will build His millennial temple – Zech. 6:12 and the Lord will be "king over all the earth."

Bible prophecy has been ful- filled in the past, it is being fulfilled in the present, and it will be fulfilled in the future! Believing saints in this church age dispen- sation, should long for Christ's return – Phil. 3:20-21, look for His return – Titus 2:13 and live for His return – I John 3:3.

With a Rapture trumpet that could sound at any moment, giving the gospel to every living soul via the Great Commission mandate must be the chief labor of New Testament churches – Matt 28:18-20. V

This article taken from The FUNDA- MENTALIST DIGEST, Dr. Don Jasmin, Editor, P.O. Box 489, West Branch, MI 48661.