THE UNITED STATES IN BIBLICAL PROPHECY

With all the events, alliances and conflicts in the world today, the question about the United States in end times prophecies increasingly is being discussed. It is frequently pointed out that the USA is not specifically mentioned anywhere in the Bible. This is, of course, true. However, neither is India, China or France mentioned by name, yet it does not mean that they have no part in end time events.  The USA has been quickly written out of the prophetic picture by some good Bible teachers, but perhaps we should pause before hurriedly dismissing the United States. The USA is the most powerful nation on earth with a profound economic, military and cultural influence on the entire world. Russia, China and even groups like the European Union simply do not match the USA in influence. As this subject is discussed and debated certain ideas have emerged about America in the end times.

It needs to always be remembered that in the prophetic word, the only nation that is of great significance is the nation of Israel, the covenant nation. And Jerusalem is the epicenter of end times activity, not Washington DC, Moscow or any other city. But nevertheless, it is legitimate for Americans to ask about the United States. Certain views have been presented related to the USA in prophecy.

1. THE USA SIMPLY NO LONGER EXISTS. This view sees the United States as no longer a powerful, dominant nation. This can be because it has been overwhelmed by a nuclear exchange or perhaps a series of catastrophic events, such as multiple volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, pandemics, or terrible climate events, or perhaps an electromagnetic pulse destroying the nation’s infrastructure. The nation is reduced to third-class status and so, is simply not a factor any more. 

2. THE USA HAS GONE THE WAY OF ALL THE ANCIENT EMPIRES.  As Daniel declared to the wicked king Belshazzar, God weighs nations in regards to their righteousness and wickedness (Dan. 5:27). And it is suggested that this He will do with the USA. While the nation was founded on principles found in God’s Word, it has departed into apostasy, materialism, hedonism and wickedness of all sorts. Because of this reality, God has judged the USA and it is irrelevant to the prophetic picture. When the moral center of the empire collapses, then so does the empire, and, in this view, this applies to the United States.

3.  A NATIONAL REPENTANCE HAS COME AND THE RAPTURE REMOVES MUCH OF THE POPULATION OF THE USA.  This view states that there will be a massive revival which will turn this nation around. Millions come to faith and then the Rapture takes place. However, Romans 1:18-32 strongly suggests that the USA is already under the judgment of God and that revival is unlikely. And while the Rapture event will take believers out of this world, including the United States, this would certainly remove the “salt” preservative from this nation. While all would want to see the masses coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is probably not going to happen in light of the Bible’s declaration of the apostasy in the end times.

4.  THE USA IS PART OF THE WORLD EMPIRE OF THE ANTICHRIST.  At the moment, this seems to be a real possibility and perhaps is the best view. The Book of Revelation clearly declares that in the second half of the Tribulation all the nations of the earth come under the authority of the Antichrist (13:7), which would include the United States. That being said, the possibility exists that the USA might play a major role in this coming evil empire.

THE MATTER OF IMMINENCY.  Imminency is the doctrine that at “any moment” the Rapture could occur and end time events would quickly unfold. If we believe that the Lord Jesus could return at any moment, then it would seem that the United States would have to be factored into end times events. As noted above, the USA is economically, militarily, and culturally the most powerful and influential nation on earth. It is hard to imagine that if the Rapture were to take place next Tuesday, that the United States would be irrelevant on Wednesday. Granted, if the biblical end time events don’t take place for another 25 years, then this status of the United States may well have changed. But if these events do come soon, then the USA would need to be factored in.

THE ANTICHRIST AND HIS EMPIRE COME OUT OF THE WEST, THE ROMAN EMPIRE.  Daniel 2 teaches that the fourth and final empire of human kingdoms has two distinct parts to it. This fourth empire is Rome, and the first part was dominant in the days of the New Testament. It is the second part that is present in the very last days. It is from this empire that the Antichrist and his empire come to dominate the world. Daniel 7 pictures the four empires as four animals, with the fourth one (part 2) having 10 horns on it. These represent 10 nations. In this important vision, Daniel saw another horn, a little one, growing on the head of this fourth animal, but later after the 10 are in existence. The “little horn” is the Antichrist and he comes from a western nation but is not one of the 10. The Antichrist will defeat 3 of the 10 nations (Dan. 7:23-24) and the other 7 apparently simply submit to him (cf. Rev. 17:12-13). This confederacy of 11 nations will dominate during the first half of the Tribulation. With imminency in mind, it is likely that the USA would be part of this 11-nation confederacy, as a western nation with western culture.

THE EVENT THAT TRIGGERS THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD.  It is not the Rapture event that brings the beginning of the Tribulation. It is the signing of a treaty or covenant between the Antichrist and the leadership of Israel (leaders who are secular and not godly). Daniel 9:27 declares that “he (Antichrist) will make a firm covenant with the many (in Israel) for one week (seven years).” When Antichrist enters into this covenantal agreement with Israel, a nation still in unbelief, he has yet to form the 11-nation confederacy of western nations. This requires that he is the leader (king, president, prime minister, etc.) of a single, powerful nation that is able to legitimately support and give military support to Israel. So, certain nations simply would not fit such a covenant requirement. For example, it is hard to believe that he would come from Luxemburg or Portugal. Very few western countries fit the requirements of the covenantal agreement with Israel. Of course, it is not clear what the situation might be like in 20 or 30 years, should the Lord not trigger the events of the end times.

THE GLOBAL SYSTEM OF REVELATION 18: “BABYLON”. The Bible clearly teaches that globalism will dominate the last days of man’s kingdoms. Satan, the False Prophet and the Antichrist will put together a “unified” world system. This is not for the benefit of mankind, but so that Satan (along with the Antichrist) might be the sole object of mankind’s worship. At the mid-point of the Tribulation, all of this will come together (Rev. 13), so that for forty-two months all nations will come together under the authoritarian rule of Antichrist. There will be a global economy that will operate under the heavy-hand of the False Prophet and Antichrist. (This is where the infamous “666” will exist). The United States even today has a powerful economic influence over the entire world, much to the distress of China. Russia and other nations. But by the mid-point of the Tribulation individual nations have been molded into one. Revelation 18 speaks of the economic power of “Babylon”. 

There are significant differences of opinion among good Bible teachers as to the identification of “Babylon” in Revelation 18, especially where it might be centered geographically.  Is it a revived ancient Babylon on the Euphrates River? Is it in Rome or some other city? This will not be settled in this short article. But looking at the totality of OT and NT revelation, it seems that the geographic center of things in the second half of the Tribulation is Jerusalem and the Temple there. It makes good sense that the Unholy Trinity (Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet) would focus on Jerusalem, the only city where God has put His name. This is where the Antichrist will establish himself and “takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Thes. 2:4). All the nations, including the United States, will be part of this Satanically controlled empire. Fortunately, it will not last very long.

The Bible is a book about God and His work of reconciling and restoring all that was lost back in the Garden of Eden. He has chosen the nation of Israel as His means of accomplishing His divine purposes. And this He will do. Other nations will be used by Him in bringing about His goals, and this could well include the United States, if the end times are imminent. Nations are God’s idea. According to Revelation 21:24-26, there will be nations even in the eternal kingdom of God. Since nations were God’s idea, and in His wisdom, in eternity, He will divide the redeemed human race into nations once again, to be part of His accomplishing His eternal purposes.

CURRENT EVENTS AND BIBLICAL EVENTS

    That loud sound you heard recently was the internet exploding with blogs and videos on the current events in the Middle-East. Many of these presentations are dealing with the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39; the “Gog-Magog” war, wondering if the current conflict between Israel and Iran is what the Bible predicted. In looking at current events, it becomes pretty clear, pretty quickly that this present war is not what Ezekiel was prophesying. A brief review of the prophecy might prove helpful.

#1 – A review: the setting in Ezekiel’s prophecy for this end of times war. The war discussed in Ezekiel is located by the prophet in the end of times (38:8, 16; 34:28-29’ 36:15; 37:25). The purpose of this war is to begin the process of bringing Israel back into a right relationship with the Lord their God. Ezekiel 39:22 reveals that after God Himself annihilates the invading army of Israel’s enemies that “the house of Israel will know I am the Lord their God from that day onward.” This clearly will be a major event in the coming salvation of Israel. It appears to be the starting point when the nation of Israel throws off their ritualism, agnosticism, and atheism and comes to recognize that Jesus of Nazareth was/is their long-awaited Messiah. This salvation process will continue in the Tribulation period according to Matthew 24:8-9, Zechariah 12:8-14 and Daniel 9:24, 27.

This war will begin when over six nations, specifically mentioned in 38:1-6, come with overwhelming force against Israel. “Gog” is the title of the leader of the invading force, and he comes from the farthest point north of Israel (which happens to be Russia). Israel is helpless before this invading army. Ezekiel is quite clear that it is God Himself who will eliminate these enemy nations, as Israel appears to play no part in the total victory prophesied by Ezekiel. The description of how the enemy is destroyed leaves little doubt that the Almighty Lord does it (38:18-23). These divine activities remind us of how the Lord delivered Israel numerous times in the Old Testament, such as the great victory of Gideon over the Midianites (Judges 6 and 7).  Glory goes completely to the Lord Jehovah.  Also, it seems that no nation will side with Israel in Ezekiel’s war (38:10-13). The motivation for the Gog/Magog battle is the unusual prosperity of Israel in the end times (38:12).

#2 – The current events involving Iran and Israel are not the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39, the Gog/Magog battle. While Iran (Persia) is a prominent nation in the battle prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39, the other nations given by Ezekiel are not directly involved in the current war, which would be required if this was indeed the Gog/Magog war. In Ezekiel, the Israeli armed forces appear to have no direct role in the defeat of the invading forces. But the current situation has seen the Israeli air force dominating the scene. They and the Mossad, and not the Lord Jehovah, have received the praise for the victories. In the present war, other nations (especially the United States) have played a vital role in subduing Iran. The invasion of Ezekiel was motivated in large part by the desire to seize the wealth of Israel, but in the current war it is primarily religious hatred and the desire to remove Israel off the map. This was the fuel of the current conflict. The passion for annihilating the Jews dominates the activities of Iran. Of course, behind that is the deep hatred that Satan has for the Covenant people of Israel, through whom Messiah came and will come again. These are not the same wars, as there are too many differences between current events and biblical events.

#3 – The current events are most likely preparatory for Gog/Magog. God’s timing of the Ezekiel battle is not known though most all agree that it is in the end of the end times. There are some 8 or 9 views as to the exact time of Gog/Magog. It would not be surprising if it was getting very close. At this point, this writer leans towards the idea that the Gog/Magog battle occurs right after the Rapture and just prior to the start of the Tribulation period. 

     

Daniel 2:21 informs us that “it is He (the God of heaven) who changes the times and the epochs.” This is teaching that God is in charge of the major events (“epochs”) of this world, as well as the sequence of events (“times”). An event, like the current Israel/Iran war is somehow factored into the grand scheme of things. Iran has been weakened by the blows coming from Israel, and from the United States. They cannot go it alone against Israel. Another player in the Gog/Magog war is Russia. And it appears that they too are being badly weakened by the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. And the other nations that Ezekiel speaks about would not be thought of as mighty militarily. The “northern alliance” that attacks Israel in Ezekiel 38-39 is formidable because it is an alliance of these six nations (plus others). It would appear that these nations need one another to form the massive army that will come against Israel. Alone no nation would be victorious.

#4 – The presence of Israel in the land of Israel is key to interpreting biblical prophetic events.  When events such as the current Iran/Israel conflict take place, it is natural and right to ask if such an event has prophetic significance. Jesus Himself indicated that being alert to present situations is what a discerning person does (Matt. 16:3). But, of greatest importance, is that we must always pay close attention to the text of the Bible so that we are not carried away by current events.

What we all must remember is that there is one unmistakable indicator pointing to the arrival of end time events and that is the fact that the people of Israel are back in their God-given land. In Ezekiel 34-37, some 70 times, the prophet informs his readers that “God will” restore Israel. And there is a clearly defined order of events related to the restoring of Israel. It is a two-fold restoration. First, they will be restored physically back to their ancient land. It will be a process over time that is noticeable to all people. God Himself will bring them out of the nations of the world and they will return to their ancient land (36:28). However, they will return back to their land in unbelief (which is their present condition). Then second, in God’s timing, they will return back to the Lord, which will be their spiritual restoration. Ezekiel is clear that there is a specific order to Israel’s restoration and that is a physical restoration back to the land followed by a spiritual restoration back to the Lord. The physical restoration has been going on for decades and may well be near its end. The next step will be to restore Israel spiritually. Both Old and New Testaments teach that the primary purpose of the coming Tribulation is to restore Israel spiritually (Matt. 24:8-9; Ezek. 37:14; Dan. 9:24, 27). Israel’s spiritual restoration begins with the Gog/Magog war and will accelerate after the Church is removed at the Rapture event. Then comes the Tribulation period during which Israelites in great numbers come to faith in Jesus Messiah. Jesus made it clear that He would not return again until Israel recognized and accepted Him as Messiah (Matt. 23:39). And this they will do as the Tribulation period progresses and as Jesus comes again at His Second Coming.

The Apostle Paul declares that the day is indeed coming when the people of Israel will be saved. In Romans 11:25-27, he writes:

“FOR I DO NOT WANT YOU, BRETHREN, TO BE UNINFORMED OF THIS MYSTERY, LEST YOU BE WISE IN YOUR OWN ESTIMATION, THAT A PARTIAL HARDENING HAS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL UNTIL THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES HAS COME IN;

AND THUS ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED; JUST AS IT IS WRITTEN, ‘THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.’ AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.”

So, we wait, with one eye on the fast-moving events around us, and another eye on the heavens from which our Savior comes (Phil 3:20). The timing of Gog/Magog, the Rapture, and all other prophetic events of the Bible are completely out of our hands. There is but One who controls the nations and the events on the earth. However, for us, following the Apostle’s example (Phil 3:12-21) is a good way to live. We are to put forth great effort in our labors for Him until He triggers these end time events which includes our being taken to be with Him.

10 POINTS IN PONDERING PAYDAY

Today the teaching about the Judgment Seat of Christ is absent from too many evangelical pulpits. Why is it that most evangelical pastors, who are assigned by the Lord to proclaim the whole counsel of God, fail to have serious sermons about this coming payday for the believers in Jesus Christ? This was part of the discussion I had this past week with a good friend. We can’t answer the question with certainty, but we believe that such a subject focuses on our accountability, and accountability is something that many believers don’t particularly like. (This is one of those subjects that usually doesn’t fill the pews of the church). And furthermore, some pastors simply stay away from prophetic subjects, seeing them as too complex or controversial. But our appearing before the Lord Jesus Christ will be an awesome event and it is an event that will profoundly impact our position and privilege in the future, forever kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul succinctly covered the matter for us when he said,

Things which eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Cor. 2:9)

There are certain key points about this coming “payday” that would be valuable to remember and to have fixed in our thinking. 

#1 – God’s original purposes related to fellowship and rulership will be restored in the future kingdom of God and the judgment seat of Christ plays a significant part in that.

The future kingdom of God (Rev. 20-22) is best understood by looking at God’s original intentions in the creation account (Gen. 1-3).  The restoration of fellowship through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross is well understood by most believers, but the restoration of rulership through the Son of Man is often overlooked.  Rulership in the coming kingdom is a matter of focus at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Believers who are faithful in this life will rule in the next one. (2 Tim. 2:11-13). This emphasis on ruling and reigning with Christ is a theme found in the N.T. and is an issue that will be featured at the Judgment Seat. 

#2 – Salvation is a free gift of God that once received cannot be lost, but rewards can be lost.

The New Testament makes a distinction between rewards that are earned by good works and salvation, which is a gift from God with no human works involved.  Salvation is always viewed as a gift freely given by God based on the cross. Believers do not earn salvation, nor can they lose it.  Believers may, however, lose reward depending on whether their works are “good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:15). The Apostle is clear that believers at the Judgment Seat will be “recompensed” (given a paycheck). It could be good or not so good. 

#3 – Sin does not affect our POSITION as children of God but it does affect our present FELLOWSHIP as well as our future REWARDING.

All sin was fully paid for on the cross by the Lord Jesus. His work of redemption was complete.  This includes sins we may commit today or in the future.  While our sins as believers will not remove us from our position as God’s children, we are aware that they do have consequences. These sins, if not confessed, will not only hurt present fellowship and the quality of life now, but they will also impact our rewards at the Judgment Seat.  So, it is unwise and unbiblical to say that since Christ paid for all our sins, sin will not affect what transpires at the Judgment Seat.

#4 – In the Bible, rewards are presented as an important motivation for living the Christian life, but not the only motivation.

Many Christians view rewards negatively, suggesting that they are a poor motivation for serving Christ.  It is vital to remember that rewards are presented by Jesus and the Apostles as an important motivation for Christian living.  The Apostle Paul informs us that he was motivated by four realities: (1) by rewards, (2) by the fear of God, (3) by a love for Christ and (4) by the real needs of people (2 Cor. 5:10-16).  If rewards are an inferior motivation, then Jesus and the Apostles got it wrong.

#5 – The criteria used at the Judgment Seat consists of three factors.

We are not left in the dark as to how the Lord will evaluate believers. First, Jesus will use the Word of God, because it is the revealed will of God that a believer is to follow.  Obedience to the commands and principles of the Word is at the core of our evaluation.  Secondly, faithfulness is a key criterion, as each believer will be evaluated by what was given to him by the Master (1 Cor. 4:1-5).  The issue is being faithful, not being famous. High profile Christians are often thought to be ones who will receive great reward, but that might not be the case. All believers, however, can be faithful to Christ. Third, our motivations will also be part of our evaluation.  The question will be why we did what we did as we lived for and served the Lord Jesus.

#6 – Believers who live selfishly have something to be concerned about.

The Judgment Seat is an event where faithful servants are rewarded by the King.  But it is also a place where the unfaithful, disobedient child of God will be confronted by the Master.  Not everyone will hear “well done, good servant.”  Unfortunately, some will hear “you worthless slave” (Luke 19:11-27).  Believers who live self-indulgent lives and who have not taken seriously living for Jesus Christ will face loss of reward and their time at the Judgment Seat will likely be one of much shame.  These believers may presently wish to ignore living obediently now, but they will not be able to do so in the future.

#7 – Failure and sin in life, when repented of, do not eliminate the possibility of significant reward at the Judgment Seat.

What believer is there who is not chagrined by some past sin and failure in his or her life.  But the believer is to take heart by looking at men who sinned (like David and Peter) and yet will be rewarded greatly.  Since all believers have experienced failure in their lives, we are not to become despondent and give up. Repentance of the sin, followed by living diligently for the Lord Jesus, will bring about reward.  As long as we are alive, the promise in Hebrews 4:1 of entering His rest (reward) remains.

#8 – The Lord is generous and desires to greatly reward His children.

We know that the Lord delights in giving good gifts to His children (Luke 11). He is not stingy nor is He reluctant to give generously to believers.  He does not have a limited supply of rewards that need to be rationed out. That which limits His generosity is the unfaithfulness of believers.  Even our trials are designed to make it possible for Him to reward His children in a greater way. He is the creator of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17) and His desire to lavish these upon His own children.

#9 – Believers need to carefully evaluate their lives “today” to see if they are truly trusting and obeying.

This emphasis upon “today” being the appropriate time for laboring and evaluating is an emphasis of the book of Hebrews.  Believers really cannot afford to  put off to a future day serious reflection about their own walk with Christ. It is vital to decide to live fully and completely for the Lord Jesus now, and then to daily build on that decision in the power and guidance of the Spirit.

#10 – All toil, suffering and sacrifice will be more than worth it when we see our Lord Jesus.

Being a faithful follower of Jesus in this present evil world is not at all easy.  It requires all diligence (2 Pet. 1:5-12), alertness and sobriety.  Being “in” the world but not “of” the world is the requirement (note John 17:11-16).  Christians are seen as aliens, strangers and those whose citizenship is in heaven (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11).  All of this makes the task of being a faithful child of God a difficult one since Satan who is seen as the god of this world is actively opposed to such living.  

But the believer has impressive resources in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit and fellow believers. There is no doubt that when we see the Lord Jesus, all suffering and sacrifice will be immediately seen as worth it.  In the words of that faithful, diligent man, the Apostle Paul....

“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

“Momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”  (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Or to put it in less inspired terms but ones that are still accurate: “only one life, it 

will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

As we conclude, we again should reinforce a central truth of the New Testament that our future rewards are determined by our present living.  Whether it is something we deem minor like “the cup of cold water” given to someone in need or that which is seen as highly important like sharing the gospel, the Lord Jesus is aware of what we do or don’t do.  It should be our focus to live well for Him today, avoid the darkness of this world system and be diligent to “abide” (remain in fellowship) with Him. 

It has been said that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a 100-meter sprint. However, it seems that it is more like a marathon with an obstacle course added!  But as hard and as difficult as the Christian life can often be in this unrighteous world, when we remember the finish line we are encouraged to keep on keeping on.  When we are finally with the Savior, it will be worth it.  Seeing Him in His majestic glory will be an unbelievable moment for all of us.  And making our appearance before Him at His Judgment Seat and receiving His approval will be an amazing and enlightening moment for sure. Payday is coming.

THE HOLY SPIRIT, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SATAN

    There is an explosion of knowledge in our world today. A technically informed person said that

around the time of World War 2, knowledge doubled every 25 years; and now, with all our technology

it doubles every 12 hours. While it is hard to confirm or deny this, it is nevertheless clear to most

everyone in the modern world that knowledge is increasing at a speed so dramatic that the average

person simply cannot keep up with it. Mankind seems to be entering a very new territory. At the end of

his prophetic book, Daniel was informed by a majestic angel that at the end of times “knowledge shall

increase” (Dan. 12:4). The angel did not elaborate on this, but as time has gone by, information is

indeed expanding at an incredible rate.

• Adam and Eve and Science. Human beings alone were created in the image of God, and they alone can be truly educated, and grow in knowledge beyond the previous generation. Human beings were not only given dominion over the creatures of the earth but were commanded by God to “subdue” the earth (Gen. 1:28). Dr. John J. Davis observed that this word “subdue” “implies a degree of sovereignty, control, and direction over nature. This call to rule is a call to advance civilization and regulate natural forces” (Davis, “Paradise to Prison”, p. 81). God was giving Adam and Eve the open door to scientific investigation. 

• The Holy Spirit and Knowledge. Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth” (John 15:26; 16:13). One of the Spirit’s ministries is to convince the world that it needs a savior (John 16:8-11), and another is to help believers understand the Word of God (1 Cor. 2:6-13). Only believers can fully understand the Scriptures. However, all people can learn and (as given to mankind originally) can increase knowledge and build upon the knowledge of preceding generations.  

• Missional AI 2025. In April, 2025, some 500 people from over 100 organizations met in Plano, Texas to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be used by the Church of Jesus Christ. How might AI be used to expand missionary activity, Bible translation and other aspects of the church’s ministry? Along with addressing these issues were questions related to the place of the Holy Spirit and the danger of people being replaced by technology.

• Artificial Intelligence—Amazing and Frightening. AI is seen today as a great boon to mankind, but warnings are also being heard from those who understand AI. The warning is that there is a very real danger with this amazing technology. AI has been around for decades, and its presence is widely experienced. Today, AI can think far faster than people can and are able to “learn”, coming up with things that humans never thought of. Mankind benefits today with AI changing business approaches, making medical breakthroughs, processing language, countering cyber-crime, making self-driving vehicles, advancing image recognition and so many more innovations. But numerous individuals, such as Dr. Geoffrey Hinton (the “godfather of AI”), are now issuing warnings about AI. They point out that digital intelligence is rapidly becoming better than our biological intelligence, and the potential is there that it will soon pass and take over human intelligence. The concern is that there is no present solution to steer or control AI if a system goes rogue. Some say that mankind has just a few years (with 2030 as the outside limit) to figure this out. The fear is that AI will begin to control human society through such things as disinformation, controlling access to resources and opportunities, falsely replicating voices and pictures as well as powerful new weapons. And while it might be nice to have our AI coffee maker brew our coffee consistently the way we like it; the reality is that in the future AI may become far more malevolent. It is said that the one who will control AI, will control the world. What is clear is that the world is going to change dramatically in the very near future. Apparently, man won’t have to wait too long for this. 

• A Lesson from the Internet. One clear lesson from the Internet is that it can be used for good or bad. It does make our lives much easier in many ways and can enrich our lives. However, the Internet has contributed immensely to evil in our world as it regularly promotes a myriad of sinful things. It is used to seduce people with its ever-present pornography. Untold thousands have had their bank accounts drained dry by unscrupulous Internet thieves. Many lives have been deeply harmed by their “meetings” on the Internet. While it is true that many have had a wonderful exposure to the Gospel, it is also true that false philosophies and religions have sprung up everywhere on the Internet. While the Internet can be used for good or evil, given the fallen nature of mankind, it seems that evil has the upper hand these days. The same will likely be true of AI.

• Satan’s Coming Wonders and Deceptions. Will AI impact the future as laid out in the Scriptures? Satan’s miraculous demonstrations and breathtaking deceptions during the Tribulation are beyond dispute. Jesus declared that “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” (Matt. 24:24). In this succinct statement, two basic facts are given. First, these signs and wonders are “great”. Jesus was indicating that these supernatural acts are far beyond Satan’s usual activities. It will be a unique time. The second fact is that they will be very deceptive, so that even God’s elect would be fooled by them (if they were not protected by the Lord). 

 Paul, in speaking of the Antichrist, says that his satanic connection is clear and that he will execute Satan’s program, “with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness” (2 Thess. 2:9-10). “All power” being granted to the Antichrist strongly suggests that God is going to allow certain unprecedented satanic miracles to take place, and that these are miracles that will lead into that which is false.

  Another apostle, John, declared that “the dragon (Satan) gave him (Antichrist) his power and his throne and great authority” (Rev, 13:2). Whatever God is going to allow Satan to do, will be passed along to Satan’s two key minions, the Antichrist and the False Prophet. John is the first and only one to reveal the end time individual known as the “false prophet” (Rev. 13:11-18; 20:10). He is a religious figure that will receive miraculous powers. 

“And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast (Antichrist), telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And there was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” (Rev. 13:14-15).

This unique portion of scripture unveils an end of days phenomenon; that of an animated “image” of the Antichrist. Clearly demonic deception and empowerment is seen. Ten times in this final section of Revelation, this strange, but deadly, image is mentioned, which will plague the world during the second half of the Tribulation. The image can know who does not worship the Antichrist and will put them to death. It is the False Prophet that brings the image to life. How he does this is not detailed by John. However, the kind of worldwide activity and control that is described opens the possibility of the use and involvement of Artificial Intelligence. This sounds so “science fiction”, but AI is very real.

Revelation 13 also reveals that the False Prophet is the one who will institute the well-known “666”, the mark of the beast. It will be placed on individuals which will control many of their activities. It does seem that Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet could well use technology for their deceptive and evil purposes. And it may turn out that future technology will go far beyond things presently known.

God’s Tribulation Activity. At this point, there needs to be some clarity given. God will not need to employ advanced technology to accomplish His purposes in the Tribulation period. One of the major challenges for those who interpret biblical prophecy is to keep separate “what” God is going to do, from “how” He is going to do it. The interpreter must always keep in mind that the emphasis of scripture is on what God will do. And the interpreter must remember that God’s primary purpose of this end time of Tribulation is to bring Israel, and then many gentiles, to faith in Himself. To do that, it is His hand that must be clearly seen. Remember, if God had chosen to bring this age to an end in 1725 or 1825, when modern technology did not exist, He somehow would have managed to exactly fulfill all that Revelation talks about. And the interpreter ought to be aware that should the Lord put off the end times for another 50 years, we probably cannot imagine where man’s technology will be. Therefore, we need to take care about saying “this is how God will do it.” God does not need AI, computer chips, the Internet or any other technology to accomplish His goals of saving multitudes of people and judging sinful men and nations. When the end times come, mankind will curse God (cf. Rev. 16:9, 11, 21) but it is clear that mankind will be fully aware that the Sovereign God controls this universe. 

Our Response. We can be sure that the Lord will accomplish everything He said He would. He will save multitudes of people, and He will judge those who refuse His grace. He who is far greater than AI can be counted on to fulfill every promise to His own.

Like the Internet, AI can probably be used to advance the Lord’s work in the world. However, one of the ongoing dangers for believers is becoming too enamored with technology, including AI, so that focus shifts subtly from an active dependence on the Holy Spirit to the latest technologies. It is often said that the church must update its methods while not changing its message. Sounds good, but the church has constantly failed in this regard. Changing methods has often altered the message. And AI, along with other evolving technologies, must be carefully dealt with; using it but with that constant question: “am I really depending on the leading of the Spirit of God in His ministry?” For example, is the preacher going to forgo the hard work of study, personally wrestling with the Scriptures, with AI doing the “heavy lifting” for him. To be effective the Word must flow through the mind and heart of the one proclaiming God’s truth. Long ago, Moses said the truth must be “on your heart” (Deut. 6:6) before it is given forth. Anything less than this personal involvement produces deficient teaching. There is a real danger that the Holy Spirit will be put in a secondary role.

Our response today must be to serve Him faithfully. We don’t know the exact future of all this technology, but we do know that “everything pertaining to life and godliness” is found in the Scriptures (2 Pet. 1:3). The Word of God and the Spirit of God are ours and those are the essentials for godly living and ministry.