Questions: |
Here's a few frequently asked questions about Armageddon and the Endtime.
If your question isn't listed here don't hesitate to email: questions@countdown.org
Armageddon is actually a battle. According to the Bible it’s the battle where God finally comes in and takes over the world and rules it the way it should have been ruled all along. After Armageddon comes 1000 years of peace and plenty.
The reason it’s called Armageddon is because it in a place called the valley of Megiddo is modern day Israel. Armageddon means mount of Megiddo in Hebrew.
May 5th, 2000 Planetary Alignment
Many of you asked about the May 5th planetary alignment. Was something supposed to happen? Why didn't it happen?
Well as you probably heard, all the planets were in a (approximate) line on May 5th. AFAIK that was Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the sun, plus the moon and Earth which will come roughly into alignment.
That hadn't happened in 6000 years so it's quite significant, especially when you take the Biblical predictions into account.
When Jesus was on earth He gave us certain signs of things that would happen shortly before His return. These are described in detail on the site and are all happening around us with increasing frequency. One of those signs was
- And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; (Luke 21:25)
All throughout history a planetary conjunction (especially of this magnitude) was considered a major event. The Lord said there would be great planetary events and other signs in space preceding his return, so it's significant in that respect.
Was it supposed to bring Armageddon? Armageddon according to the Bible is a battle. It's the battle where God finally steps in and takes over the world and runs it the way it should have been run all along. It's the start of an peaceful and bountiful time known by some as the Millennium. (Revelations 20)
But certain things must happen first. The Bible tells us that the world will be run by a dictator heading up a worldwide government. This man (also known as the Antichrist) will rise to power on a wave of world euphoria, as he temporarily saves the world from its desperate economic, military & political problems with a brilliant 7-year plan for world peace, economic stability & religious freedom. (Read more about that here)
Although most of the world will initially hail the Beast as a political savior, three-and-a-half years after the enactment of the seven-year covenant, he will revoke the peace pact and show his true colors. He will outlaw all religions, except the worship of himself and proclaim himself saviour. The Bible tells us that the Antichrist's reign will last 7 years after which Jesus will return and Armageddon will take place.
So although this alignment is one of the signs which proves we are living in the times foretold in the scriptures, it's not a end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it on that date.
What happened or didn't happen on January 1, 2000
Well, it looks like there wasn't an overwhelming amount of Y2K bugs left when the year 2000 came. It was anyone's guess really how much or how little would happen. Many people associated the Year 2000 with Jesus' return or at least Armageddon.
Does that mean that the "Endtime" (or Last Days, Armageddon) is not happening, called off, and now everything's back to normal? Couldn't be further from it.
Armageddon, is a battle which takes place at the end of a 7 year rule of a One World Government. According to the Bible this Government is headed by a Dictator, known by some as the Antichrist. He purports to be the savior of the world. Among other things he could have used a Y2K type scenario to come to power, but it seems it's not yet.
Armageddon isn't in the year 2000. Although the events leading up to it could start soon, perhaps even this year, things get darker before Jesus returns. According to the Bible the Battle of Armageddon is when God finally takes over and rules the world the way it should have been ruled all along. It's a new and wonderful beginning.
How do we know it's going to take place any time soon? Well before leaving the Earth Jesus gave his disciples signs. Things that would precede His return. These signs are greatly expounded on at our site, but suffice it to say that all of them are happening right now and with great intensity.
Jesus promised (in Matthew 24:34) that the generation that sees these signs would be around when he returns.
(Here's the previous post for "What's happening on January 1, 2000")
Here's an interesting article on that subject: A Wild Ride Ahead
How do you know what the Bible says will happen?
History has proven the unerring accuracy of Bible prophecy. Many secular events were foretold hundreds of years before they happened. Literally hundreds of prophecies in the Bible have already come to pass. So there's really no doubt about whether the prophecies dealing with the "Last Days" and the time preceding Jesus' coming and Armageddon will come to pass. The only question is when?
The Countdown to Armageddon site shows that many of the Signs which Jesus said would precede His coming again are happening all around us.
One of the purposes of Endtime Bible prophecy is to let you know what's going to happen in the future so that you won't be taken by surprise by these great events, so you can rest assured that it is all a part of God's pre-ordained plan.
The best way to be prepared for the future is to receive Jesus as your Savior, as He has promised to be with His children to protect & provide for them and be their Guide through perilous times. Jesus will give you the strength and courage to bravely face these future troubles and help you survive until the End of this world, after which He will reward you beyond your wildest dreams in the Heavenly world to come!
If you don't yet know Jesus then we'd like to invite you right now to receive his free gift of everlasting life by praying this simple prayer:
Dear Jesus, Please come into my heart. Forgive me for my past mistakes & sins and give me your free gift of everlasting life. Help me to love You and help me to share your love & truth with others...Amen.
Of course with the possible Y2K crisis on the threshold we should also be preparing physically. You should have a common sense stock of necessities and supplies. Here's a common sense checklist that can help you prepare.
Even if Y2K doesn't happen as predicted, there are rough times ahead and it's best to be ready for any eventuality.
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