Posted by Smith on July 01, 2005 at 17:23:32:
I've been reading the bible and reading your posts on the reformation of Israel and I find it very interesting. The bible mentions that the generation that witnesses the reformation of Israel shall not pass, we assuming that it indicates the end times would come about in the generation that exists during the reforming of the nation of Israel.
This would essentially start the clock ticking at approximately 1948 when Israel's reformation was official. However, an argument was made that since Israel didn't actually regain control of Jerusalem until the 6 day war of 1967 that possibly the clock hadn't started in 1948, but 1967 for "generation to witness the return of the nation of Israel".
I have a question though. Since we are attempting to speculate on the "criteria" for the biblical meaning of the return of Israel indicating end times are near, have we met the criteria even today?
The bible mentions the nation of Israel containing 12 tribes, Judah (Jews) being one of them which re-inhabit the land today. Were all 12 tribes jews? Are we still awaiting the return of more tribes to the promised land?
Another question concerns the Jerusalem itself. While it currently is under occupation by Israel, only half of it is under the influence by the jews. The other half, being under Muslim control and a Mosque there. Can this Mosque exist along side a rebuilt temple? Is there another "event" needed to take place returning all of Jerusalem to Judah?
Another requirement is the reconstruction of the temple. Have any heard of such reconstruction plans? Has anyone heard of a planned or speculated start date?
How about the disputed areas like the gaza strip and west bank. These regions were clearly regions belonging to the tribes of Israel at one time. Do these areas need to be settled first? As current events dictate, these regions may indeed fall under a muslim government and not be returned to Israel under the foreseeable future. Requiring yet another war or some sort of major event that results in the "redrawing" of border lines of Israel and restoring them to true biblical lines.
Another requirement is for the restoration of Israel being ruled by a king. Does this mean that the monarchy need be returned? Or does the current government of electing a leader sufficient? I wonder if the criteria has still not been met and therefore the clock has not yet started at all.
What does Bibleprobe think?
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