Ukraine & End Time

[Gregory Matthews]

The following article presents an interesting view of End Time Events as related to the Ukraine.

https://spectrummagazine.org/views/2022/russia-ukraine-war-and-end-times-scenario

 

[TrevorL]

Greetings Greg,

The article states the following: "Revelation 12–20 presents a totally different scenario of how things will unfold in the time of the end." and also dismisses Ezekiel 38 as depicting Russia as the King from the north who will invade Israel before the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth. But Revelation 16:14,16 specifically mentions the Battle of Armageddon and I am not aware of the SDA view of these two verses and the term "The Battle of Armageddon". When will this battle be fought and what will be the outcome?

I consider that the prophecies of Ezekiel 38, Daniel 11:40-45, Zechariah 14 and Revelation 16:12-16 are parallel, giving different detail of the events at the time of the end. We are yet to see the outcome of the present Russia-Ukraine war, and there could be a number of different outcomes, but my personal belief concentrates more on the concept that Russia will take Istanbul and consolidate for some time before invading Israel. I disagree with many of the dispensationalist teachings that he mentions in the article and also some of his own statements. 

Kind regards Trevor

[Gregory Matthews]

I am not prepared to propose any specific understandings or the passages that you mention.  I cited the article simply because I thought it was an interesting view.

My overall view of Biblica prophecy is that it was not given to us to predict the future.  Rather it was given to us so that we can understand as the events take place that God has prepared and is in charge.  Therefore, we do not need to be concerned as to what is taking place.

 

[TrevorL]

Greetings again Greg,

4 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said:

My overall view of Biblica prophecy is that it was not given to us to predict the future.  Rather it was given to us so that we can understand as the events take place that God has prepared and is in charge. 

I agree in part, but consider that prophecy does indicate what will happen in the future, but many of the details do not become fully clear until the events actually happen. Compare the humble birth of Jesus predicted in Micah 5:2 with the events as they occurred Matthew 2:3-6 and other details and records of what occurred. I do not consider it incorrect to believe that God will replace the present kingdoms of men when Jesus returns to set up the Kingdom of God upon the earth Daniel 2:35,44 in contrast to the SDA view. Exactly what events will lead up to this event may be obscure, and the sequence of these events could also be difficult to establish.

In my fellowship for 170 years we have looked for the partial return of the Jews to the Holy Land in unbelief of their Messiah as predicted and depicted in Ezekiel 38 in preparation for the invasion of Israel by a particular King from the north as also predicted and depicted in Ezekiel 38, and in my understanding also predicted and depicted in Daniel 11:40-45. I do not see that this is predicting the future, but allowing and accepting what God has been pleased to reveal to us for our benefit. Although the following is from a different context, the same principle can be applicable if we have a correct understanding of the relevant prophetic word:

Luke 21:28 (KJV): And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

4 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said:

Therefore, we do not need to be concerned as to what is taking place.

I suggest that part of this is because the SDAs do not understand the relevance of the return of the Jews to the Holy Land, and God's future purpose with them when Jesus returns. SDAs are mainly looking for some proclamation of a Sunday Sabbath and then the scorching of the earth and thus the present events are not relevant to their religious perspective. 

Kind regards Trevor