Latest Bible Prophecy Commentary
ANALYSIS-After the crisis, a worldwide rise in unrest?; Systemic rise in worldwide unrest might just be beginning
With the Middle East in turmoil, other authoritarian states jumpy and post-crisis economic pain prompting protest in western Europe and elsewhere, some suspect a systemic rise in worldwide unrest might just be beginning.
Instability in the already volatile oil-producing Middle East could produce a feedback loop where unrest pushes up energy prices, fuelling inflation and deepening discontent both in the region and around the world.
In most countries, the so-called "misery index" -- an aggregation of unemployment and inflation long seen as a warning of protest and instability -- is pushing higher (Reuters).
Many Bible prophecy experts have pointed to a time for which such turmoil throughout the world would make for the perfect storm that would give rise to an international leader. I would not discount that this sudden Middle East revolt could rise up into a full-blown worldwide unrest. It certainly could lead to a world that would be eager to accept anyone who could bring the global unrest and instability back to a sense of normality.
Scripture indicates, when the Antichrist does rise, he will be marked first and foremost as a person that brings peace (Daniel 9:27). But at the same time, it should be stated that he will bring prosperity and be noted for his ability as a financial genius. "And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand (Daniel 8:25)." If this is the case, and the Bible says it will be, I look for a shift in global leadership in the near future.
As the US looks to the European Union to deal with the Libyan crisis, I believe this is the beginning of the decline of their role as the international leader. With the Islamic world and the Israeli government losing confidence in the US to bring peace to the Middle East I look for the European Union to be given this task as well.
This transition likely will not take root until after the rapture of the church takes place. The rapture will ultimately give rise to the Antichrist (II Corinthians 2:3-10) and he will bring peace. I would surmise that his charisma and remarkable leadership skills will demand that he be given this task.
I also believe that he will restore the world back to a sense of economic stability in the short run. His success, although short-lived, will be seen worldwide as simply remarkable. He will conquer both the economic and diplomatic world with a stunning succession of successes (Revelation 13:4). The world will seem to be back on track until sudden destruction comes (I Thessalonians 5:3).
However, this will all end in disaster. The Bible is clear, once he brings peace, he will try to maintain this peace by destroying many (Daniel 8:25b; Revelation 6:3-8). This will commence into one of the greatest wars in world history that will see one-quarter of the world's population die.
Following this great war, it is amazing that tiny Israel, with a population of 7.5 million, will ultimately be one of the surviving nations. You can bet the devastation and death will change the world forever. It is my belief, a world that previously revered this ruler as a very successful international leader, following the war, will cling to him as their only hope of survival. Hunger, fear, and survival will be the new reality and a driving force behind the Antichrist's call for worship. This new world order may very well be based upon a socialist model that guarantees government financial support upon taking his mark and worshipping his image.
Yes, much will change following this great war and life will never be the same. It will be so frightening the Bible says men's hearts will fail them for fear worrying about those things which are coming on the earth (Luke 21:26a).
One thing is for sure, Jesus, speaking of this time period said, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:36).
Friend, the only way that can be possible is to know Jesus as Savior. Do you know the Lord as Savior? Are you ready to stand before Him today? Actually, you could die today before the tribulation period even begins. Where then would you spend eternity? There are only two places a person will ultimately spend eternity... Heaven or hell.
Today I ask that you accept Jesus as Savior, repent of your sins, and turn your life completely over to Him from this day forward. This may be your final opportunity!
Are you ready to meet the Lord? If not, your time is running out!
Terry Malone
Calvary Prophecy Report
Want to know more about becoming a Christian click here.
If you haven't had a chance to take a look at my book "Revelation Revealed", I encourage you to go to my website and explore what this book has to offer. I believe it will give you a clear understanding of the end times and the order in which it may come. Pick up a copy today for yourself or a loved one who does not know the Lord. I know it will be a spiritual blessing to you and will help support this ministry. To order a copy of Revelation Revealed please click here.