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Broadcast 16

Description: “The King of the North: His Eerie Path toward Becoming the Beast”

WAIT FOR INTRO, MUSIC, AND VOICEOVER

VOICEOVER: Welcome to End Times Today with Author, Speaker, and Bible teacher: John Claeys. This episode is entitled, The King Of The North: Becoming The Beast

We’d like to remind you what’s available at End Times Today Dot Org. You can sign up for notifications concerning upcoming episodes, watch previous broadcasts, and even send in your own questions for John. 

In addition you can get copies of John’s books by going to End Times Today Dot Org. 

We’ll take a look at The King Of The North: Becoming The Beast in just a moment, but first let’s see what’s happening in our the world right now. Here’s John Claeys

What in the World Is God Doing?

Viewer Screen: Iran's Shadow War with Israel - Yaakov Lappin (JNS)

According to Prof. Uzi Rabi, director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University, “The Iranian strategy for dominating Lebanon, Iraq and Syria” is being accomplished through Iranian-controlled militias and “has made major progress in recent years.”  

He adds: “The Iranians wish to gradually surround Israel with bases of attack.” This points to the reality there is an on-going war between Iran and Israel through which Iran is seeking to eliminate the Jewish state. 

Viewer Screen: Destruction of Iranian Nuclear Facility Should Remind U.S. of Israel's Unique Value as an Ally - John Hannah (Real Clear Defense)

This article reports that “an explosion at the Natanz nuclear complex on July 2 laid waste to the Iran Centrifuge Assembly Center (ICAC), designed to mass produce advanced centrifuges for enriching uranium.” “ ‘A Middle Eastern intelligence official," widely suspected to be Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, told the New York Times that Israel was responsible.’ ” 

“The destruction of the ICAC was a significant blow to Iran's nuclear program. Once deployed, the advanced centrifuges would have dramatically reduced the time required to produce enough highly-enriched uranium for a small nuclear arsenal.” By the way, “the ability to place an agent inside one of the crown jewels of the Iranian nuclear program, much less smuggle in a powerful bomb and detonate it at the point of maximum damage, is an absolutely stunning intelligence accomplishment.”

This demonstrates that God is protecting Israel from annihilation. We know, Biblically, that God will not allow Israel to be destroyed. In addition, God will provide for ten national leaders to confirm a 7-year treaty with Israel. This means that God will, most likely, take down the current Iranian regime—to protect Israel and to prepare for the end-times treaty. In fact, I believe that when the current Iranian government is taken down, national leaders from the Middle East and from Western Europe will begin to make preparations for the confirmation of that treaty. So, keep your eyes on the Middle East; and, more importantly, keep looking up! 

This is: “What in the World Is God Doing?”

FULL STOP. WAIT FOR MUSIC AND VOICEOVER

VOICEOVER: Thanks John! It’s amazing to see what’s going on in the world right now. Now, we’d like to connect that to what in the Bible God is saying to us, as we take a look The King Of The North: Becoming The Beast Here’s John to explain.

What in the Bible Is God Saying?

“The King of the North: Becoming the Beast”

Viewer Screen: The King of the North: Conqueror of the Middle East

Last time, on End Times Today, we introduced the mysterious King of the North, the future character described in Daniel chapter 11. During the first half of the Tribulation period, this future king will be attacked by the ruler of Egypt; and, in response, will conquer the Middle East, and will take his army through Israel on the way toward an invasion of Egypt. He will vanquish Egypt, and, as a result, two other North African countries—Libya and Sudan—prior to a final invasion of Israel at the mid-point of the Tribulation period. It will be then, in Jerusalem, where the King of the North will become the beast of Revelation, the one who will rule the world by Satan’s power.

But, before we go there, let’s go back to the origin of this mysterious king. 

The Old Testament book of Daniel indicates that this King of the North will arise from the boundaries of the old Roman Empire. If we compare Daniel chapter 2 with chapter 7, we can see that the fourth kingdom mentioned in Daniel 7 refers to the Roman Empire, which is represented by ten horns. (Biblically, a horn can be a metaphor for authority or rule.) According to verse 8 in Daniel 7, a little horn representing the king of the North arises from among them, indicating he is of the territory that once belonged to the Roman Empire. If we look at a map of the old Roman Empire, we would see that, at its height, the Roman Empire extended through Iraq. Keep that in mind.

VIEWR SCREEN

Another clue as to his origin is found in Daniel 11. Daniel 11 is an amazing vision of the future which includes the prediction of the death of Alexander the Great and the breakup of his empire into four distinct kingdoms (Dan 11:2-4; cf. 8:20-22). 

Viewer Screen: The Seleucid Empire = Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, part of Iran, part of Turkey

One of these four kingdoms is referred to as the Seleucid Empire, which covered an area including modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, part of Iran, and part of Turkey. Daniel’s prophetic revelation traces the succession of Seleucid rulers, each of whom is known as the king of the North. 

Viewer Screen: The King of the North, Past & Future

Daniel’s vision takes us through a continuous set of rulers, until the end of the rule of Antiochus IV (who died in 164 BC). Then, the vision leaps ahead more than two thousand years to a king ruling “at the time of the end” (verse 40). It is this king “ruling at the time of the end” who is the King of the North we are now examining. Since he will be from the area of the old Seleucid Empire, he will be from one of those modern-day countries we just surfaced.

Our final clue as to his origin comes from the revelation that he is Assyrian. We see that beginning with Isa 1425-26:

Viewer Screen: “That I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My mountains tread him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden removed from their shoulders. This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations” (Isa 14:25-26).

In a prediction that has yet to be fulfilled, the Lord announces inIsaiah 14:25–26 that he will “break the Assyrian” in the land of Israel. Briefly, we will leave this passage to go to Micah chapter 5 to see this same individual described there. To understand when this Assyrian is pictured in Micah 5, we first look at verses 2-5a:

Viewer Screen: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, thoughyou are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, . . . And He shall stand and feed His flockin the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; ⁵ And this Oneshall be peace” (Micah 5:2-5a).

Notice that these verses present the Lord Jesus Christ, culminating with the return of Jesus to establish God’s kingdom upon the earth. In this same context and timeframe, we now view verses 5b and 6:

Viewer Screen: “When the Assyrian comes into our land, and when he treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him Seven shepherds and eight princely men. They shall waste with the sword the land of Assyria, and the land of Nimrod at its entrances; thus He shall deliver usfrom the Assyrian, when he comes into our land and when he treads within our borders” (Mic 5:5b-6).

In Micah 5:5–6, the prophet predicts that Jews will rise up at the return of Christ against the Assyrian and his forces while he is in Israel. Since neither of these two passages has been fulfilled, we know they will be fulfilled in the future. As we look at them more closely, we will gain valuable clues that will show us how these apply to the king of the North. 

Each of these passages—Isaiah 14 and Micah 5—mentions a specific land: 

Viewer Screen: “I will break the Assyrian in my land and when the Assyrian comes into our land” (Isa 14:25).

Clearly, this is a reference to the land of Israel. After all, in the context, God, who is the speaker, refers to His land. The only land mentioned in Scripture as being uniquely God’s is the land of Israel—the land the Lord promised to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants) and the land in which the Lord will dwell in the future during the Messiah’s reign upon the earth. 

If we look again at those two passages above, we will see they both mention the Assyrian. The singular description indicates that these passages focus on a single Assyrian leader or ruler. 

Viewer Screen: “When the Assyrian comes into our land, and when he treads in our palaces, . . . He shall deliver usfrom the Assyrian, when he comes into our land and when he treads within our borders” (Mic 5:5b-6).

Micah 5:2-5a predict that Jesus will deliver Israel from the Assyrian. The context shows Jesus to be the one who will deliver Israel from the Assyrian, and this deliverance will occur at His return to the earth. 

These passages describe a future ruler who will enter the land of Israel. 

So, from where does this Assyrian king of the North arise? 

VIEWR SCREEN 

As an Assyrian, of course, he will come from the area that belonged to the Assyrian Empire, which is represented by the area on the map on your screen. As king of the North, he will belong to the territory within the boundaries of the Seleucid Empires, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and a small part of Iran. Both of these Empires intersect the old Roman Empire, which also serves as the origin of the King of the North. Putting all of this together, we see that this future king arises from the area of intersection represented on the map on your screen.

Viewer Screen: Why Iraq Makes Sense as the King’s Origin

More specifically, since the capital of Assyria (Nineveh) resides in modern-day Iraq, it is very likely he will arise from that country. In fact, Iraq is also the country with the largest population of Assyrians in the world and, interestingly, there has been a movement by Assyrians for recognized statehood in northwest Iraq, which could result in the beginning of an elevation of an Assyrian ruler. 

Viewer Screen: “ ‘. . . these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon’ ” (Dan 11:41).

In addition, Daniel 11:41 states that Jordan (referred in Dan 11:41as Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon), will “escape from the hand” of the king of the North, which, most likely means that Jordan will become an ally of the King of the North, rather than experience his wrath. The mention of Jordan, which borders Iraq to the west, may provide further evidence that the king’s country of origin will be right next door—in Iraq. 

Viewer Screen: Conquering the Middle East

If this king arises from Iraq, then we have an idea of what areas he will conquer on his way to Egypt. He will conquer countries in the Middle East, which will most likely include Syria and Saudi Arabia. 

Viewer Screen: “. . . a little horn [that will grow] exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land [Israel]” (Dan 8:9). 

In Dan 8, this same king is pictured as a “little horn” that will grow “exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land” (verse 9). This indicates that he will conquer countries that lie to the south—Saudi Arabia, and to the east—Iran. He will also enter into Israel (the Glorious Land). 

VIEWR SCREEN

So, when will this king begin his rise to power? Daniel chapter 8 tells us.

Viewer Screen: “He even exalted himselfas high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrificeswere taken away, . . .” (Dan 8:11).

First, in verse 11 there is an announcement that he will take away the daily sacrifices. This will occur at the very midpoint of the tribulation period—at the point the seven-year treaty with Israel is broken. At that point he will enter the rebuilt temple and abominate it.

Then, verses 13–14 show us exactly when he will begin his rise to power through the interaction of two angels. The first angel asks this question: 

Viewer Screen: “. . . ‘How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host [Jews] to be trampled underfoot?’ (Dan 8:13)

The second angel then answers in this way:

Viewer Screen: “ ‘For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed [at the return of Jesus]’ ” (Dan 8:14).

The entire period of time that relates to the vision of this man and his power—from his rise in power till the cleansing of the sanctuary (the holy of holies in the temple where the Man of Sin will enter to be worshipped as god)—is presented as 2,300 days. 

Viewer Screen: From rise in power of King of North till return of Christ = 2,300 days

However, the period of days from the removal of the sacrifices until the return of Christ is actually 1,260 days. 

Viewer Screen: Removal of sacrifices to return of Christ = 1,260 days

Thus:

Viewer Screen: 2,300 days total – 1,260 days (from mid-Trib to end) = 1,040 days

This means:

Viewer Screen: The King begins his rise in power: 1,040 days before mid-Trib

. . . the King of the North will begin his rise in power 1,040 days (2,300 – 1,260) before he abominates the temple (when he enters it to be worshipped as God). 

Another way of understanding this period of 2,300 days is to view it this way: 

Viewer Screen: 7-year Tribulation = 2,520 days

The total number of days for the entire seven-year tribulation period will be 2,520. 

Viewer Screen: 2,520 days - 2,300 days = 220 days

If we subtract 2,300 days from 2,520 days, we arrive at the number of days following the rapture of the church and the start of the tribulation period, at which point he begins his dramatic rise toward worldwide authority—220 days following the rapture. 

Viewer Screen: The King of North begins his ascent 220 days after the Rapture!

This means that, if you have believed in Jesus for eternal life, you won’t be on earth when the King of the North begins his ascent into power.

Daniel 8 shows that this man will be in a position of minor rule (a “little horn”) by this period of time, so it is possible that the Christian who is paying very close attention to what is occurring in Iraq could possibly identify him prior to the rapture of the church. It is also likely that we will not know his identity before being taken into the air. 

We need to pause for now in our look at the King of the North, but we have much more to learn about this mysterious king. Join us next time on End Times Today when we learn about “The King of the North’s Deal with the Devil.” 

FULL STOP. WAIT FOR MUSIC AND VOICEOVER

VOICEOVER: Thank you John for helping understand these incredible rise to power by the King Of The North. Before we go let’s take a look at some questions from viewers just like you.

Questions / Answers

Q: Melanie in Maryland writes: Will the believer who makes it to Heaven but has no rewards somehow be unhappy there? Melanie, Maryland

A: Good question, Melanie. The answer is no. Revelation 21:4 provides a clear answer to your question, as it reveals information about our experience on the New Earth:

Viewer Screen: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Rev 21:4).

Doesn’t that describe an awesome experience! No unhappiness, no sorrow, no pain! Sin and its consequences will be eradicated. However, that does not mean that everyone’s experience in God’s kingdom—whether in the Millennial Kingdom or in the Eternal State—will be the same. Everyone’s experience will be unique, dependent on the faithfulness of each believer. If you have believed Jesus for eternal life, you will be with God and His other children forever. But your eternal experience is dependent on the answer to this question: What have you done with what God has given you? 

God has given to each of us different experiences, differing challenges, varying abilities, diverse opportunities, etc. What have you done with to serve God with each of those areas, and did you finish faithfully for the Lord Jesus?

As Jesus revealed to us in Rev 22:12:

Viewer Screen: “ ‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work’ ” (Rev 22:12).

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, Jesus will reveal the eternal experience each believer. Some believers will be greatly rewarded, while others not so much. The Apostle Paul depicts it in this way:

Viewer Screen: “For no other foundation can anyone lay than . . . Jesus Christ. . . . If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1Cor 3:10).  

Some will receive reward, others will suffer loss of reward, that is, lose out on what they could have had if they would have faithfully served the Lord. This reward represents not simply a crown to wear, but a full-orbed experience. The Bible shows us that this reward represents greater honor, joy, service to our Lord, privileges, fulfillment, etc. 

Though everyone’s experience will be different, there will be no sadness for the believer in eternity. I have used this silly illustration to depict that truth about believers in God’s eternal kingdom: Everyone’s cup will be full, but some will have MUCH larger cups. 

Because there will be no sin in the eternal kingdom, there will be no jealousy or envy. Every believer will understand why others are experiencing what they are experiencing. And each believer will be so very grateful for the grace of God that provided for them to be in the presence of the Lord forever.

I would like to return to your question, Melanie. I believe I know what you meant by the wording of your question, but, for the sake of others who may be viewing this broadcast and who don’t have a clear grasp on “how to get to heaven,” I want to say two things. 

First, Jesus has paid it all. His perfect sacrifice for our sins has paid for our sins and has provided for Him to be able to offer life with God forever to everyone who simply believes Jesus for the gift of eternal life. There is no effort or striving or “good” life that can earn eternal life. We can only receive eternal life as a free gift by simply believing Jesus for it.

Secondly, heaven is not our final home. Heaven is a temporary dwelling for deceased believers until the rapture of the Church. (See past broadcasts of End Times Today as we discuss that blessed event.) In the future, Jesus will return to the earth where He will reign for a thousand years. At the end of that time, God will destroy the present universe and create a new one. In that perfect universe, those of us who have received eternal life will dwell on the New Earth with Jesus Himself. 

Melanie, thank you for a very good question which gave me the opportunity to clarify some important concepts.

Q:Jennavieve in Michigan writes:  Is eternal security true for all dispensations including the age after the church age during the time after the rapture? I ask because I read an article from a pastor saying that a person could lose their salvation by taking the mark of the beast. This seems to contradict what the scriptures say about eternal security. How do we reconcile the mark of the beast with eternal security. – Jennavieve, Michigan

A: Jennavieve, thank you for the opportunity to clarify this. Yes, eternal security is true for all who receive eternal life throughout all dispensations—from the time of Adam throughout the Millennial Kingdom. That means that once you receive eternal life, you can never lose it. The Bible tells us that once you believe in Jesus for your eternal destiny, you are “born again” (and once born, you cannot be un-born), you have resurrected life (once resurrected, you cannot be un-resurrected), you receive a new nature that is perfected forever, the Holy Spirit abides with you forever, etc. Because the reception of eternal life does not depend on us in any way—we cannot be perfect enough to obtain it, and we cannot be perfect enough to hang onto it—it depends solely on Jesus who promised we will be with Him forever. (If we could lose eternal life, then God gave it the wrong name.) 

As I state in The Impending Apocalypse, God will prevent believers in Jesus from taking the mark of the beast during the Great Tribulation. Faithful believers will not be tempted to take it; however, unfaithful believers could be so tempted. However, Jesus reveals that unfaithful believers will not survive the Great Tribulation; hence, I believe God will take their lives before they can take the mark of the beast. 

FULL STOP. WAIT FOR OUTRO VOICEOVER. 

VOICEOVER: Thanks so much to John, for the information in today’s fascinating program. Don’t forget, If you’d like to sign up for notifications, see recent episodes, get copies of John’s books, or even ask John a question you can do that and more at ENDTIMESTODAY.ORG. In addition if you are interested in becoming a financial pattern with this, or any of the shows produced by Free Grace International, you can donate at endtimestoday.org. Thanks for watching and we will see you next time on End Times Today, With John Claeys.