May 23, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
The views expressed in this article are personal opinions based upon current world events and my understanding of Bible prophecy. Readers are encouraged to study the Scriptures for themselves and seek God’s wisdom and guidance.
For thousands of years, Jerusalem has stood at the crossroads of history. Empires have risen and fallen, armies have marched across its soil, and countless leaders have fought over who should control this tiny piece of land. Yet despite its small size, no city on earth commands more attention than Jerusalem. Today, as war continues in Gaza and tensions remain high between Israel and Iran, the world’s eyes are once again fixed upon the nation of Israel.
To many people, these events are simply political conflicts. To students of Bible prophecy, however, they may represent something much larger. While no one can know the exact timing of God’s prophetic calendar, believers are watching current developments with great interest because the Bible repeatedly identifies Israel as a central player in events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.
Jerusalem: The World’s Burdensome Stone
Nearly 2,500 years ago, the prophet Zechariah wrote words that seem remarkably relevant today:
“And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people…”
(Zechariah 12:3, KJV)
Consider what we witness in our generation. Nations debate Jerusalem’s status. International organizations pass resolutions concerning its future. Religious groups claim spiritual ties to it. Political leaders continually discuss peace plans centered around it. News headlines frequently focus on events occurring in and around this ancient city.
Why does Jerusalem generate such intense global attention? Why does a city smaller than many modern suburbs occupy the concerns of presidents, kings, diplomats, military leaders, and religious authorities across the world?
The Bible suggests that Jerusalem would become a focal point of international concern during the last days. That is indeed happening right now! Whether through military conflict, political negotiations, or religious disputes, the city continues to occupy a unique position unlike any other location on earth.
When Jerusalem is Compassed with Armies
Jesus Himself warned His followers about a future time involving Jerusalem and military forces:
“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.”
(Luke 21:20, KJV)
The word compassed means surrounded, encircled, or enclosed on every side.
In modern English, the verse could be understood as:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its destruction is near.”
The word desolation means devastation, destruction, ruin, or a place being left empty and abandoned.
In the biblical sense, desolation often refers to God’s judgment resulting in a city or land becoming devastated and deserted.
Putting It Together
Jesus was warning that when Jerusalem became surrounded by military forces, the end of Tribulation is near.
The reality remains that Jerusalem has repeatedly found itself surrounded by conflict, and today the region remains one of the most militarized and closely watched areas in the world.
The current war involving Israel and Hamas, combined with regional tensions involving neighboring nations and military alliances, has caused many Christians to revisit these prophetic passages and consider whether the stage is being set for events foretold long ago.
The Growing Influence of Iran
Another nation attracting significant prophetic interest is Iran, known in biblical times as Persia. In recent years, Iran’s influence throughout the Middle East has expanded considerably. Military tensions, nuclear negotiations, proxy conflicts, and diplomatic efforts to prevent wider war have kept Iran at the forefront of international discussions.
Students of Bible prophecy often point to Ezekiel’s description of a future coalition of nations:
“Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:”
(Ezekiel 38:5, KJV)
This verse is part of the prophecy concerning Gog and Magog found in Ezekiel 38–39. God describes a future coalition of nations that will come against Israel in the latter days. In verse 5, three nations are specifically named as allies:
- Persia – generally associated with the region of modern-day Iran.
- Ethiopia – translated from the Hebrew Cush, which historically referred to territories south of Egypt (often associated with Sudan and parts of Ethiopia).
- Libya – translated from the Hebrew Put (Phut), generally connected with North Africa, including the area of modern Libya.
Ezekiel 38:1–6 (KJV)
“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army…
Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.”
Many end times prophecy believers watch developments involving Iran (Persia) closely because it is one of the few nations specifically named in this prophecy. However, Christians differ on exactly when and how Ezekiel 38–39 will be fulfilled. The passage itself states that the invasion occurs “in the latter years” and “in the latter days” (Ezekiel 38:8,16 KJV).
Persia is one of the few ancient nations in Scripture whose modern identity is generally recognized. Today’s Iran occupies much of the territory once known as ancient Persia. Because Ezekiel specifically mentions Persia in his prophecy, many believers closely monitor developments involving Iran and its relationship with Israel.
It is important to acknowledge that sincere some believers hold differing views regarding the timing and fulfillment of Ezekiel 38–39. Some conclude these chapters describe events that occur before the Tribulation. Others place them during or after it. While there is no universal agreement, there is widespread interest whenever Iran becomes involved in major Middle Eastern developments because Persia is clearly named in the biblical text.
We are commanded to watch and remain spiritually alert. Jesus repeatedly instructed His followers to pay attention to the signs of the times and to live in constant readiness for His return.
Current events remind us that the world can change rapidly and that the conditions described in Scripture appear increasingly plausible with each passing year. Can you see this happening? Do you realize that God wants you to know all of the detail s of the end times, which is why He has revealed all of these events to his prophets as recorded in the bible?
Our Important Responsibility
As fascinating as prophecy can be, the ultimate purpose of biblical prophecy is not merely to satisfy curiosity about future events. God gave prophecy to encourage faith, produce spiritual readiness, and point people toward Jesus Christ.
Wars will come and go. Political alliances will rise and fall. Nations will make treaties and break them. Yet God’s message remains unchanged. Here is what Jesus Christ expects of us to prepare for the end times, which will sucre a spot for us in the Rapture.
John 3:3
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.“
John 3:5-7
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
1 Peter 1:23
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
(Remember the rapture scripture referring that those “in Christ” will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Savior?)
Saved by Faith in Jesus Christ
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 10:9-10
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.“
Acts 16:30-31
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Assurance of Salvation
John 10:27-29
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
1 John 5:11-13
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Simple Summary
The Bible teaches that every person must be born again through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3-7). We do this by accepting Jesus Christ into our life as our Savior and Redeemer through prayer, recognize that we are a sinner, accept His atonement, repent of our sins directly to HIM, and not through a church.
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We can no longer believe that “We must do all that we can do first” in order to receive salvation. I believe that this is offensive to the Savior. What He did HIMSELF in His atoning sacrifice was ENOUGH, COMPLETE, and all that is necessary for our salvation. It does NOT require a temple ordnance, nor other “religious ceremonies” It is A GIFT!!!!! Then we must have faith in His atonement; Faith that our sins are forgiven through His sacrifice and our repentance and commitment towards Him. Those who trust in Christ alone for salvation receive everlasting life, are made a new creature, and can then know they have eternal life through Him (John 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 5:13).
This is the message of the day. This is what is important as you consider the end times prophecies, and are discovering that the end is actually near. Have you been “Born Again” as detailed in the Bible. Are you “in Christ” as required to be included in God’s rescue plan of the rapture?
These aren’t just “my beliefs.” They are the teachings of God and Jesus Christ. This is His gospel. If you are not there yet… GET THERE TODAY!!!
Those who are raptured will avoid ALL of the 7-year Tribulation. We know that the time of the rapture is very near, and our focus should be on ensuring that we have been born again, not just the details of the end times.
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