Is Russia Gog of Magog

When Russia invaded Ukraine The phrase "Is Russia Gog and Magog" suddenly became a trending topic on google. This is probably because during the 70's, and 80's there were Bible teachers who speculated that the Soviet Union was Gog and Magog (Rev 20:8, Ez 38:2). This was a popular teaching among End Times enthusiasts until... the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Now no one is claiming that the Soviet Union is Gog of Magog.

But—Could it be Russia?

Most of those who try to answer the question, "Is Russia Gog of Magog?" have long complicated answers. We'd like to keep this simple. Then give you reference material if you'd like to do some further reading.

Modern Russia is not Gog of Magog.

Gog of the land of Magog is associated with Revelation 20:8. When you consider the context to which that verse belongs, it makes the modern Russia theory impossible. That's because Gog of the land of Magog will rise to power and make war against the Holy land AT THE END of the thousand-year reign of Christ. The verse says:

When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle...

Revelation 20:7-8

Whether or not there will be a land called "Russia" in the millennial kingdom, we don't know. What we do know is that the war of Magog is at least a thousand years in the future. So, modern Russia is not Magog.

If you would like more information on this topic you can take a look at this episode of End Times Today With John Claeys. He discussed this during the question and answer segment that begins around minute 22.

You might also find this Paper by John Claeys on the subject enlightening. It dives in much deeper to this particular incident.