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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Unlock the mysteries of the end times. As veteran cohosts of the nationally syndicated broadcast Exploring the Word, Alex McFarland and Bert Harper concisely answer biblical questions about God, Scripture, Christian living, and more. With fresh insight and thorough research, they make complex theological concepts easy for everyone to understand. In 100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times, Alex and Bert will guide you through some of the most fascinating and frequently misunderstood topics in Christianity: end-times prophecy and life in the everlasting new creation. Tackling common concerns about this world's present—and future—states, they will equip you to - understand the core truths of Bible prophecy, - recognize the signs of the last days, - discuss key apocalyptic passages, and - anticipate Christ's triumphant return. Face life's uncertainties with confidence and clarity, knowing that God's promises remain through any circumstances you face and any question you have about these days and those to come.
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BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC
Savage, Minnesota, USA
BroadStreetPublishing.com
100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times
Copyright © 2025 Alex McFarland and Bert Harper
9781424570331 (softcover)
9781424570348 (ebook)
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any way for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies. As per Article 4(3) of the Digital Single Market Directive 2019/790, BroadStreet Publishing reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com
Printed in the USA
25 26 27 28 29 5 4 3 2 1
CONTENTS
Introduction: Why Does the Bible Contain Prophecy?
Section 1: The Last Days
1.
Is Jesus really going to return?
2.
Some people say that those who obsess over prophecy are “so heavenly-minded that they’re of no earthly good.” Is it right to focus on prophecy?
3.
What is the Ezekiel 38 battle?
4.
What does the Bible say about Russia in the end times?
5.
Is China mentioned in the prophecies of the Bible?
6.
What happens to America in the end times according to Bible prophecy?
7.
Is Psalm 83 about a future battle?
8.
Does the Bible foretell the destruction of Damascus?
9.
What is the role of Iran in Bible prophecy?
10.
Does “the coming of Christ” simply refer to someone getting born again?
Section 2: The Signs of the End Times
11.
Will there be a global revival before the rapture?
12.
How can I make sure I am not left behind?
13.
What are the seventy weeks in Daniel?
14.
Does the Bible predict World War III?
15.
What are the rumors of wars the Bible mentions before Christ’s return?
16.
What does it mean that Jesus will come like a thief in the night?
17.
What does the Bible mean that Elijah must return before the end times?
Section 3: The Role of Israel and Bible Prophecy
18.
What will Israel’s role be in the last days?
19.
Why is modern Israel considered a major sign of the end times?
20.
Will the generation that saw Israel reborn be alive to see the rapture?
21.
Will all Israel be saved in the end times?
22.
What is the “time of Jacob’s trouble”?
Section 4: Views of the Rapture
23.
Was the rapture “invented” in modern times and thus not biblical?
24.
What does it mean that the rapture is imminent?
25.
What are the differences between the rapture and the second coming?
26.
What does it mean that “no one knows the day nor the hour of Christ’s return”?
27.
Who will go to be with Jesus at the rapture?
28.
What is the most likely outline of the end times?
29.
What are the different views of the rapture?
30.
Will people be saved after the rapture?
31.
What is the partial rapture view and is it biblical?
32.
What is the marriage supper of the Lamb?
33.
What will happen to pets after the rapture?
Section 5: The Antichrist and the False Prophet
34.
Who is the Antichrist?
35.
Who is the beast of Revelation?
36.
What is the mark of the beast?
37.
What is the meaning of the number 666 in the Bible?
38.
Can a person take the mark of the beast after becoming a Christian or become a Christian after taking the mark?
39.
Can a person accidentally take the mark of the beast?
40.
What is the image of the beast?
41.
What is the abomination of desolation?
42.
Will the Antichrist be gay or LGBTQ?
43.
What will the Antichrist’s religion be?
44.
Why do some people claim the pope will be the Antichrist?
45.
Who is the man of lawlessness?
Section 6: The Tribulation
46.
What are the different views of the tribulation?
47.
What is the revived Roman Empire?
48.
Who is mystery Babylon or the whore of Babylon?
49.
What is the global religion of the end times?
50.
Will there be a one-world government in the last days?
51.
What are the ten horns of the beast in Revelation?
52.
What is the significance of a red heifer in the Bible?
53.
Who are the twenty-four elders in Revelation?
54.
Who are the two witnesses in Revelation?
55.
Who are the 144,000 in Revelation?
56.
Who are the tribulation saints?
57.
What is the great tribulation?
58.
Will the Holy Spirit still operate on the earth during the tribulation?
Section 7: God’s Future Judgments
59.
What are the future judgments found in Revelation?
60.
What are the seven seals in Revelation?
61.
What are the seven trumpets in Revelation?
62.
What are the seven bowls or vials in Revelation?
63.
What is the importance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem in the end times?
64.
What are the differences between the trumpet in 1 Thessalonians 4 and the seven trumpets in Revelation?
65.
What is the battle of Armageddon?
66.
What is wormwood in Revelation?
67.
Who is Apollyon in Revelation?
68.
Who are Gog and Magog?
69.
Who are the four horsemen of the end times?
70.
What is the war in heaven in Revelation
Section 8: The Second Coming and the Millennial Kingdom
71.
What is the second coming and what will happen at that time?
72.
What does it mean that Jesus will return on clouds?
73.
Where will Jesus return?
74.
What is the relationship between Ezekiel’s temple and the millennial kingdom?
75.
Is the millennial kingdom a literal thousand-year period or is it symbolic?
76.
What is the purpose of the millennial kingdom?
77.
Who will live in the millennial kingdom?
78.
Will there be animal sacrifice during the millennial kingdom?
79.
What will happen to Satan during and after the millennial kingdom?
80.
What will occur at the final judgment?
Section 9: The New Heavens and New Earth
81.
What are the new heavens and new earth in Revelation?
82.
What will we look like in heaven?
83.
What will the new heavens and earth be like?
84.
What is the New Jerusalem?
85.
Will we recognize our family members and friends in heaven?
86.
How can heaven be perfect if some of our loved ones are not there?
87.
Will we eat in heaven?
88.
Will we see our pets in heaven?
89.
Is there a literal hell, and what will happen to people in hell during the new heavens and earth?
90.
Are Satan and demons real? If so, what are their roles in today’s world?
91.
Can a Christian be possessed by a demon or evil spirit?
92.
What does the Bible teach about angels?
Section 10: Technology and the End Times
93.
What does the Bible say about AI (artificial intelligence)?
94.
Is the technology for global surveillance now in place?
95.
Are RFID technology or similar tracking tools a mark of the beast?
96.
What does the Bible teach about a global currency? Does this involve cryptocurrency?
97.
How should Christians (especially parents) view the internet and social media?
98.
Will the beast of Revelation be a computer-generated entity?
99.
Do modern alien or UFO sightings have anything to do with the end times?
100.
Is there really a “deep state,” and could it have prophetic implications?
The Ultimate Question
About the Authors
Praise for
Exploring the Word
INTRODUCTION
WHY DOES THE BIBLE CONTAIN PROPHECY?
It has often been said of biblical prophecy, “Only God writes history in advance.” This, of course, is a reference to the Bible’s prophetic passages, which time and again have proven accurate regarding future events. The late Dr. H. L. Willmington, a prolific author and renowned Bible scholar, wrote: “One of the acid tests of any religion is its ability to predict the future. In this area (as in all other areas) the Bible reigns supreme. One searches in vain through the pages of other sacred writings to find even a single line of accurate prophecy.”1
The Bible contains roughly 26.8 percent prophecy. According to the Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy by J. Barton Payne, there are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament. This makes a total of 1,817 prophecies. These prophecies are contained in 8,352 of the Bible verses. Given that there are 31,124 verses in the entire Bible, the eight-thousand-plus verses containing prophecy constitute just under 27 percent of the Bible’s volume.2 And what has Scripture accurately predicted—often centuries in advance—that later came true? A very short list of fulfilled prophecies would include
that Israel would spend four hundred years captive in Egypt (Genesis 15:13);
that the descendants of Ishmael would struggle against the children of Isaac—and ultimately, the whole world (Genesis 16:12);
that Israel would spend seventy years captive in Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10);
and that the Jewish people would one day be scattered throughout the nations (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 28:64);
That Israel would be reborn, and Jews would return to their ancient homeland in the end times, just before the return of Christ (Deuteronomy 30:3; Ezekiel 36–39);
That in the last days, God would plant the Israelites back in the land of their fathers (Jeremiah 24:6);
That Israel would rebuild the ancient cities (Isaiah 61:4);
That Israel would one day turn the desert into a blossoming garden (Isaiah 51:3);
That God would increase the population of the Jews (Ezekiel 37:26).
OTHER PROPHECIES
Around 590 BC, the prophet Ezekiel made some startlingly clear predictions about the city of Tyre (one of the world’s oldest metropolises, with a population of thirty thousand at the time of Ezekiel). Biblical prophets warned that the Lord would bring judgment upon Tyre. Several nations were to attack Tyre, like ocean waves beating on the seashore (Ezekiel 26:3). It was prophesied that the city of Tyre would be captured by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, multiple other nations would participate in its destruction, its foundations would be leveled, the stones and lumber of the city would be thrown into the ocean, and that this great city would never be rebuilt as it was (cf. Ezekiel 26:2–14; Jeremiah 47:4; Isaiah 23:1, 11; Zechariah 9:4). All of this (and more) came true centuries after God’s prophets initially foretold it.
In the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Yeshua, in Hebrew) at least three hundred prophecies were fulfilled. God’s past record of absolute accuracy regarding the first coming of the Messiah (and other world events) means that we may fully trust Scripture regarding Jesus’ second coming and future events.
HOLY BIBLE, BOOK DIVINE
We believe that compelling lines of evidence indicate that the Bible is of divine origin. As such, God’s Word informs us about past history, provides salvific truth regarding our soul’s destiny, and has much to say about this planet’s future.
There are prophecies about moral and spiritual trends. There are prophecies about weather patterns. There are prophecies about people groups and specific countries. There are prophecies about followers of Jesus, whom the Bible calls “the church.”
There are prophecies about demonic activity that will escalate near the conclusion of history and the time of Christ’s return. And with sobering clarity, the Bible lays out prophecies about the Jewish people, their persecution, and the nation of Israel. From early in the twentieth century to the present moment in the twenty-first, we believe that humans live in the times of the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
The prophetic accuracy of the Bible represents knowledge of world events that mere mortals could not have possessed.
WHAT IS ESCHATOLOGY AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Scholars speak of general eschatology and of personal eschatology. What does this mean? Eschatology is the study of “last things,” the “end of time.” General eschatology asks, “What is going to happen, ultimately, to the world?” Short answer: Christ is coming back to reign in righteousness! But consider the issue we all must face: personal eschatology. This is the question, “What is going to happen, ultimately, to me?”
In considering what the Bible says about human destiny and the future, let us not forget the most pressing matter of all: our soul’s destiny and the need to be sure that we’re in a right relationship with Christ. This, really, is the purpose of this book.
AS WE BEGIN OUR STUDY OF PROPHECY AND THE END TIMES
In our previous books, 100 Bible Questions and Answers and 100 Bible Questions and Answers for Families, we were overwhelmed by the responses from many of our readers. For over a decade, we have been privileged to host the radio show “Exploring the Word” on American Family Radio. After the publication of our book, we heard from many readers about the ways God used the biblical responses to help them in their walk with God and as a tool for them to help others.
As we reflected on new areas to explore, we hit upon the subject of Bible prophecy. Our turbulent world includes conflict in the Middle East, increased globalism, and changes in our own nation that have fueled discussion about the end times like never before in our culture.
Just before we began writing this book, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in twelve hundred Israeli casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war, the first since 1973.
The enduring history of the Jewish people, marked by continuous persecution yet remarkable survival and influence, suggests the presence and involvement of the supernatural. Despite centuries of hardship, the Jewish people have not only endured but have significantly impacted global events.
Interestingly, I (Alex) was filming a video on Jewish history and end-time prophecies the day before the Hamas assault began.3 The events have led many people to consider afresh the importance of Bible prophecy. In my teaching on that day, I shared five reasons why prophecy is significant:
1.
The Bible contains accurate prophecy because only God writes history in advance (and God wrote the Bible).
2.
Bible prophecies show God’s sovereign reign over world history.
3.
Fulfilled prophecies demonstrate God’s omniscience and foresight.
4.
Fulfilled prophecies prove that the biblical God is the true God and that he reigns in time and in eternity. God “rules and overrules.”
5.
Fulfilled prophecies should compel every thinking person to bow before the Savior, who alone can offer salvation and amnesty.
Acts 1:7 reminds us that God controls “the times and the seasons” of history. And the historical era we are in is looking forward to the ultimate moment of history: Christ’s return.
In this book, we have sought to compile one hundred of the top questions we have heard in our decades of ministry. Some of these questions relate to new technologies that open up new possibilities regarding how the future could unfold.
We are indebted to many Bible prophecy experts who have gone before us, but we felt led to bring to you our unique perspective on these issues in a way we believe the Lord will use to encourage your faith and strengthen your resolve in these trying times.
One enjoyable aspect of this book is the options it provides. You can certainly read from beginning to end, but you can also jump to whatever question stands out to you. Each question and its corresponding answer is designed to stand alone, regardless of whether you have read the rest of the book.
We also encourage you to share this resource with others. Unlike many detailed Christian books that can be overwhelming to receive as gifts, this one is designed with sharing in mind. You can pass your copy along when you’re finished or, ideally, purchase additional copies to give to friends and family who are interested in exploring God’s Word. For outreach, the book concludes with an “ultimate question” that can help you convey the Bible’s message of salvation to others.
Before you start, a couple of notes: We tackle some of the most contentious prophecy issues of our time, and you may not agree with every conclusion, especially on questions where the Bible doesn’t provide a definitive answer. We base our responses on Scripture and encourage you to do the same. When interpretations are uncertain, we present various perspectives and allow you to reach your own conclusions as you study.
Second, it’s important to recognize the distinction between understanding the truth and living it out. Scripture encourages us not only to know Christ and understand the reasons for our faith but also to apply these beliefs in our lives, impacting both ourselves and those around us. Our aim is not just to provide answers to enhance your knowledge but also to support and inspire your daily walk with Christ.
We also invite you to reach out to us and share how this book has been helpful to you and to ask any further questions you might have. You can contact us through AlexMcFarland.com or email our “Exploring the Word” radio program by email at [email protected].
Finally, please know you are in our prayers. We eagerly anticipate connecting with you through God’s Word every weekday at AFR.net or on an American Family Radio station near you. May these pages continue to bless you as you seek to better know our Savior and share with others in the days ahead.
1Harold L. Willmington, 12 Essential Doctrines: Systematic Theology (Lynchburg, VA: Liberty Home Bible Institute, 2014), 71.
2J. Barton Payne, Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy (New York: Harper & Row, 2020), 674–75.
3Some of this section is adapted from Alex McFarland, “Why Does the Bible Contain Prophecy?,” The Christian Post, October 12, 2023, https://alexmcfarland.com.
SECTION 1
THE LAST DAYS
1. IS JESUS REALLY GOING TO RETURN?
The Bible refers to the return of Jesus on many occasions. For example, in John 14:3 Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” If the Bible is accurate, and we believe it is 100 percent true, then Jesus is definitely coming back.
Three areas can inform us about Christ’s return. They include the predictions of prophecy, Christ’s promises, and God’s preparations.
The predictions of prophecy include the numerous statements throughout Scripture concerning the return of the Messiah. The Old Testament includes over fifteen hundred passages that refer to the return of the Messiah. For example, Zechariah 12:10 speaks about the pierced Messiah who will appear again. That is why we confidently teach that every Bible-believing Christian believes Jesus will return, even if there is disagreement about the details.
Christ clearly taught that he will return. In Luke 12:40, Jesus said his return would be at an unexpected time: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” In Matthew 16:27, Jesus predicted, “The Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”
Even the angels at the ascension of Jesus foretold of Christ’s return. Acts 1:11 reveals the angels telling the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
The passages that prophecy researchers refer to as “rapture references” also point to evidence of Jesus coming at any moment in the future. First Corinthians 15:51–58 describes the Lord providing to believers a new body that will last for eternity. First Thessalonians 4:13–18 also details a future moment when the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers, to be with the Lord forever.
The Bible also notes many preparations God has made for Christ’s return. The book of Revelation provides the best description. Its twenty-two chapters outline both the future judgments upon our world and the new heavens and earth that await believers in the end. The description of eternity future was so powerful that the apostle John responded, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
The details of the end times can be confusing and complicated, but the response to Christ’s second coming is clear. The Bible teaches it, Jesus predicted it, and the Lord has prepared a glorious future eternal dwelling for all who have believed in him.
This is why sharing Christ with others today is urgent. We don’t know how long we have, whether a day or even an hour. Even if Jesus continues to wait longer to return, it is to allow us to have more time to share him with those around us as we eagerly long for our future time in heaven with our Savior.
2. SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THOSE WHO OBSESS OVER PROPHECY ARE “SO HEAVENLY-MINDED THAT THEY’RE OF NO EARTHLY GOOD.” IS IT RIGHT TO FOCUS ON PROPHECY?
It’s common to hear Christians, including ministers, say that people who focus on the end times are “so heavenly-minded that they are of no earthly good.” What does the Bible teach about focusing on unfulfilled prophecies?
A close look at Scripture reveals quite the opposite. Second Corinthians 4:16–18 says:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The apostle Paul was clear: our earthly bodies are fading away. What is eternal is what matters most.
What does it mean to focus on the eternal? First, it includes a deep, daily emphasis on Jesus Christ. He is the one who made us, saves us, and has made a way for us to live with him in heaven.
Second, focusing on the eternal includes an intense study of the Word of God. Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV), serving as an extension of God himself. As we discussed earlier, about 27 percent of the text of the Bible is predictive prophecy, indicating its importance for our lives today.
Third, our eternal focus must include current applications. The saying that we can be of “no earthly good” is true if we spend time studying details about the future without regard for how these teachings apply to our lives today. But God provided prophecies like those found in the book of Revelation to sustain us during difficult moments. Prophecy should also inspire us toward holy living and sharing our faith with those around us.
The prophet Daniel received an overwhelming view of the last days in a vision from God. When he asked about the vision, he was told, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:9–10). God told Daniel that he was to be faithful till the end, knowing that the Lord would fulfill his promises even if Daniel didn’t fully understand them.
A proper focus on the prophetic teachings of the Bible will motivate us to live godly lives that serve others with Christ’s love. We’ll also be sensitive to the need to share the gospel with everyone possible, knowing the consequences that await those who reject his message. Our goal is not only to understand what the Bible teaches about the end times but also to apply these teachings in helping others join us in the future glory that awaits us in the presence of Jesus.
3. WHAT IS THE EZEKIEL 38 BATTLE?
Ezekiel 38:1–17 describes a battle between Israel and many nations that will come against it. God will supernaturally intervene to help Israel win. Many people have asked us questions concerning these verses, including about the identities of the nations and the timing of this battle.
First, the Ezekiel 38 battle has not yet taken place. There has been no united effort by the nations involved against Israel in which God has miraculously defeated these enemies. This means the battle must occur in the future. Some argue that the Ezekiel 38 war could occur at any moment, while others argue that it will take place during the future seven-year tribulation period.
The Bible itself does not specify the timing of the attack and victory. The popular Left Behind book and movie portray the battle early in the series, with Israel defeating a military attack. Others suggest that the details in verse 11, particularly that Israel will be living in a time of safety, are an indication that the battle will occur during the first three-and-a-half years of the tribulation before the Antichrist defiles the future Jewish temple. This is most likely, though not certain.
A look at the nations involved also reveals important details. Gog of the land of Magog refers to the land located north of the Black Sea and its leader. This is currently Russia (or at least part of it), indicating that this nation will play a leadership role in a response against Israel during this battle.
Other nations mentioned in the text include Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer, and Togarmah. The first three nations—Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal—refer to areas around the Black Sea that include Russia and the surrounding lands, perhaps including some of the nations that were part of the former Soviet Union. Persia refers to modern-day Iran. Ethiopia (or “Cush” in some translations) refers to modern Sudan. Put refers to Libya, while Gomer and Togarmah refer to parts of Turkey. Some also argue that Beth Togarmah is instead Armenia.
The summary of the passage involves a leader from the land of Magog uniting the other nations in a battle against Israel. God supernaturally provides victory, with other nations watching from the outside, including Sheba, Dedan, and others (which likely includes modern Saudi Arabia or the Arabian Peninsula).
Tarshish and its merchants include an unclear reference, with some taking the traditional view of Spain as Tarshish. Others believe it refers to Western nations, including Europe and the Americas.
The battle will show God’s power as the ultimate victor. Those who oppose Israel will be defeated as part of the Lord’s unfolding future plans. It’s important to also note that this battle is different from the battle involving a reference to Gog and Magog in Revelation 20 that addresses an uprising at the end of the millennial kingdom.
4. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT RUSSIA IN THE END TIMES?
Many have asked whether Russia is included in the prophecies of the Bible. The nation is often noted among the discussions of Ezekiel 38. Magog, found in Ezekiel 38:1, is a group of nations north of the Black Sea that includes modern Russia. This nation will lead a future coalition of nations in a battle against Israel, according to Ezekiel 38. God promises to supernaturally protect Israel.
Some of the other nations Magog will join in fighting against Israel in the Ezekiel 38 battle include Persia (modern Iran), nations in northern Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, and Turkey. Many of these countries already oppose the nation of Israel, making it no surprise that such groups would come together against Israel in a future battle.
Revelation 19 also predicts that all nations will join in battle against God and his people at the end of the tribulation period in the battle of Armageddon. This would likely include Russia, though the country is not mentioned by name.
One faulty interpretation of Russia in the Bible, however, occurs when some Bible teachers equate Rosh with Russia. The word translated Rosh in Ezekiel 38 is from a Hebrew word meaning “leader” or “head.” This refers to the leader of a group rather than to a particular nation. Some have wrongly made the connection between Rosh and Russia due to the similar phonetic sounds between the two names. Others have equated the two names because Rosh is a leader from the area that is likely Russia.
Interestingly, Christianity spread into Russia in the ninth century. Russia has long been known for its Russian Orthodox Church, in many ways operating separately from both the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism. Christianity was persecuted under the Soviet Union in the twentieth century, though the church ended up growing during this difficult time. A period of revival spread following the fall of the Soviet Union, but growing persecution against Christianity has increased again in recent years.
The Bible has an important history in Russia, especially since what is considered the oldest complete copy of the Hebrew Bible, called the Leningrad Codex, is preserved in St. Petersburg. It has served as the basis for modern Hebrew Bibles used in translating Scripture into English and other languages. The Scriptures were not translated into Russian, however, until the nineteenth century. The Gospels were completed in 1819 with the entire New Testament completed in 1822 and the full Bible in 1876.
The history of Russia includes some significant aspects of Bible prophecy. The nation is predicted to be directly involved in leading a future attack on Israel, though many in Russia continue to live for Christ.
5. IS CHINA MENTIONED IN THE PROPHECIES OF THE BIBLE?
China has the second largest population of any nation and is one of the globe’s largest economies. Many have asked us whether China is mentioned in the Bible’s end-time prophecies.
The nation of China is not mentioned by name, but some predictions could include this influential country. One example can be found in Revelation 16:12–16. These verses mention “kings from the East” who will march against Israel as part of the battle of Armageddon. These kings could include China along with other influential nations in Asia. Verse 12 explains, “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.” Whoever these kings are, they will lead their armies toward Israel for a mighty day of battle.
A second possible example is in Revelation 9. Verse 16 mentions a future army of two hundred million. Currently, this massive number of troops likely could only be met by the military of China. However, this passage might not refer to a literal human army but rather a demonic force. The timing also appears different from the events of Revelation 16.
China will also likely serve as one of the nations led by the Antichrist during the future tribulation period. The Antichrist is predicted to lead the world, including China, though the nation is not directly mentioned.
While some believe China should be mentioned more in the Bible’s future predictions, it’s also important to remember that the focus of Revelation is on Israel and God’s unfolding plan for the Jewish people and Christians. Israel and the nations near it tend to dominate the discussion while other nations, including influential economies like China, the United States, Canada, Australia, and others, are rarely mentioned or are not mentioned at all.
In addition to the negative roles China may play in the end times, Chinese believers will certainly also be among those who worship the Lord in heaven. China may already have the largest population of Christians in history, though persecution makes an accurate number of China’s believers difficult to count.
Revelation 7:9–10 clearly predicts:
