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666 or 616? – The Number of the Beast

666 or 616? – The Number of the Beast
By endtimedeveloper on May 6, 2013 7 Comments

666 or 616

Some modern versions of the bible as well as recent news articles call the accepted reading of Revelation 13:18 into question. Do these claims have merit?

 

 

Pick up almost any English version of the Bible, and turn to Revelation 13:18. It will read something like, “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” While this Biblical verse may not be the best known, the number six hundred and sixty six contained within it is recognized by most. This number’s association with the last days’ character known as the antichrist has caused it to be popularized, sometimes glamorized, and often feared by religious and non-religious people alike. However, some have cast doubt on the authenticity of this reading, and asked the question, “Is 666 really the number of the beast?” For example, the margin of the New Revised Standard Version reads, “Other ancient authorities read six hundred sixteen.” The notes in the New American Standard Bible say, “One early manuscript reads 616.” Furthermore, news articles have appeared with such ominous titles as, “Beast’s Real Mark Devalued to ‘616’” and “666 Wrong Number of Prophetic Beast?” All of these things raise the question, “What is the real number of the beast as recorded in Revelation 13:18?”

Answering this question accurately is of great importance for two reasons. First, this verse was not penned in a casual work of literature. Its origin is the Bible, God’s Word. How important is the Bible? Deuteronomy 8:3 states clearly that, “Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD.” The Book of Revelation gives clear warning that its words are precious, and are not to be tampered with. In Revelation’s closing verses, we find Jesus saying,

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” – Revelation 22:18-19.

Knowing the number of the beast as given to John by God and not changing it is essential, if we are to please the Lord. The second reason for seeking an answer to this question is found in Revelation 13:18, the verse under discussion. It begins, “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast.” It is God’s will that mankind gain wisdom and understanding from His Word with respect to end time Bible prophecy and the signs given therein – including the number of the beast. Only by having an accurate understanding of the number of the beast can mankind successfully interpret Bible prophecy as it relates to the person of the antichrist. Given that we live in the last days, where many of these prophecies are now being fulfilled, this understanding is essential. Because Revelation 13:18 is found in God’s unchanging Word, and because we know that God wants us to understand Bible prophecy, let’s look at the evidence and answer the question, “The number of the beast – 666 or 616?”

NEW TESTAMENT MANUSCRIPTS

Understanding why some question the reading “666” in Revelation 13:18 as well as determining the correct reading of this verse requires an investigation into the area of New Testament studies known as textual criticism. Textual criticism is a branch of philology that studies manuscripts or printings to determine the original form of a text. New Testament textual criticism seeks to study the large body of manuscripts, early quotations, lectionaries (readings used for church services), and translations in an effort to ascertain the accurate reading of the New Testament. Some would ask, “Why is this necessary? Don’t we have the original manuscripts, as penned by their authors?” The answer unfortunately is no. No original New Testament writings exist today. However, we do have an abundance of New Testament manuscripts written in the original Greek language. In addition we have many citations of the New Testament contained in quotations from early church writers and lectionaries, as well as numerous ancient translations into other languages such as Latin, Coptic, and Syriac. With such a large number of documents spanning such a long period of time, it is no surprise that some differences have emerged between manuscripts, including those of the book of Revelation. New Testament textual criticism seeks to understand and resolve these differences. Textual criticism is an area of study that is very deep and very wide. In fact, some scholars are dedicated to nothing but the study of New Testament textual criticism. In light of that, it is impossible to present a complete treatment of the textual factors that go into determining the number of the beast in this article. In addition, research in this field continues and new discoveries are continually made. However, what follows is an overview of key factors that help to explain the questions and seek to provide reasonable answers.

TEXTUAL WITNESSES

According to Aland’s “The Text of the New Testament”, a well known text on New Testament textual criticism, over 2300 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament exist today [Aland, “Text of NT” 83]. Of these manuscripts, more than 280 contain some or all of the Book of Revelation. Examining Revelation 13:18 in these manuscripts reveals that here are differences between them. Some manuscripts spell out the number using Greek words, some use letters to represent numbers (similar to Roman numerals). Although the vast majority of manuscripts give the number of the beast as six hundred sixty six, four (two pre-sixth century and two no longer existent post-eighth century) are known to state 616 as the number and one 11th century manuscript gives 665. This explains why the question about 666 vs. 616 has been raised. Although one could argue that the fact that the majority of manuscripts contain 666 closes the question, textual criticism acknowledges that not all manuscripts are created equal. Some are more reliable than others, based on numerous factors, including age, condition, and history. So, let’s look at some of the oldest and most respected Greek manuscripts that contain this passage.

Much of the recent stir about 616 has arisen due to renewed studies of a group of very old manuscripts originally discovered in 1895 by archaeologists at the site of an ancient garbage dump in Oxyrhynchus in Egypt. Many of the Oxyrhynchus manuscripts consist of New Testament papyri, and are very old when compared to other manuscripts. One of them named P115 (also called P. Oxy. 4499), dates from around 300 AD and contains some or all of 12 chapters from the Book of Revelation, including Revelation 13:18. It records 616 as the number of the beast using Greek letters (see figure 1). Because of this manuscript’s age, some have jumped to the conclusion that this must be the original reading. However, this conclusion cannot be made. Other evidence must be considered. For example, three manuscripts from the Chester Beatty Papyri include portions of the New Testament. One of these named P47, dates from the 3rd century and contains chapters 9-17 of Revelation. In its reading of Revelation 13:18, it states that the number of the beast is 666, using Greek letters (see figure 2). So, two equally old papyri have both readings – 666 and 616.

Other ancient manuscripts contain similar differences. The uncial manuscripts consist of those written with Greek capital letters. Around 100 of these date from before the 7th century. Six uncials are known to contain Revelation 13 [Aland, “Text of NT” Chart 6K] and are noteworthy in this discussion. Codex a(Aleph – the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet), also known as Sinaiticus, was discovered by Constantin von Tischendorf in St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai in 1859. It dates from the fourth century and is one of the most revered NT manuscripts, due to its age as well as the fact that it contains all of the New Testament. Its reading of Revelation 13:18 denotes 666 as the number of the beast, spelled out with Greek words. Codex Alexandrinus (A/02), a fifth century uncial as well as Codex P/025 of the ninth century, and codices 046 and Codex 051 of the 10th century all agree with Codex ain their reading of 666 (with slight spelling differences). However, Codex C/04 of the fifth century has 616 spelled out with Greek letters as the number of the beast. So, it agrees with P115 as the only other ancient witness of this alternate text.

In summary, of the almost 300 Greek manuscripts containing Revelation, almost all of them state 666 as the number of the beast. The two oldest papyri are evenly divided in their reading, and over 80%of uncial manuscripts hold the reading of 666.

EARLY CHURCH WRITINGS AND TRANSLATIONS

In addition to the evidence of Greek manuscripts, we can also look to Biblical quotations found in early church writings, as well as ancient translations of the New Testament. One early church writer by the name of Tyconius recognized 616 as the number of the beast in his 4th century Latin version. In contrast, the writings of Origen and Hippolytus (both of the 3rd century) attest strongly to the value of 666 as the correct reading [Burgon 136]. Most noteworthy however are the statements of Irenaeus, the 2nd century bishop of Lyon, known to be a disciple of Polycarp. Polycarp is believed to have been a disciple of John, the author of Revelation. In his treatise, “Against Heresies,” Irenaeus deals with the subject of Revelation 13 and the number of the beast. In Book 5, Chapter 28 of this work, he states that the number of the beast is 666. In addition, Chapter 30 of the same work makes the following statement regarding the number 666:

“Such, then, being the state of the case, and this number being found in all the most approved and ancient copies [of the Apocalypse], and those men who saw John face to face bearing their testimony [to it]; while reason also leads us to conclude that the number of the name of the beast, [if reckoned] according to the Greek mode of calculation by the [value of] the letters contained in it, will amount to six hundred and sixty and six…(portion elided)…I do not know how it is that some have erred following the ordinary mode of speech, and have vitiated the middle number in the name, deducting the amount of fifty from it, so that instead of six decads (author’s note: a decad is 10) they will have it that there is but one. I Others then received this reading without examination; some in their simplicity, and upon their own responsibility, making use of this number expressing one decad; while some, in their inexperience, have ventured to seek out a name which should contain the erroneous and spurious number.” [Roberts 558]

In this illuminating passage, Irenaeus states that 666 is the reading found in the most reliable copies of Revelation, including those copied by men who saw John. In addition, he acknowledges the existence of the 616 reading, but considers it erroneous, attributing it to copying errors and the failure of some to properly examine the authenticity of the alternate reading.

As the knowledge of Greek decreased in the ancient world, many translations of the Greek New Testament into the common languages of the people were created. These early translations agree in their readings of Revelation 13:18. The 5th century Armenian, the Syriac of the 6th century, the Old Latin of the 13th century, the Coptic, and the Latin Vulgate all agree that the number of the beast is 666.

PROVIDENCE OF GOD

While New Testament textual criticism seeks to understand and resolve differences among versions of the Greek New Testament, our confidence in the text of the Bible is not reliant upon the intellect of men or the tools of science. Most importantly, we have a promise from God that He will always preserve the integrity of His Word. Psalm 100:5 states that, “His truth endureth to all generations.” With this promise, we can rest, knowing that God has carefully watched over the transmission of the New Testament from its original writing to the present day. Whereas 666 has always been the dominant reading of Revelation 13:18, it seems clear through faith in God’s promises that this is the original reading of the verse as penned by John on Patmos.

CONCLUSION

“And his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” This statement from the last days’ prophecy of Revelation 13 gives a clue to the identity of the antichrist. God’s stated purpose in this verse is that we understand it correctly. This is especially true for those of us who live in the days immediately preceding the coming of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, some have questioned the accuracy of 666 as the number of the beast. Some have suggested that 616 is the real number. However, the majority of almost 300 Greek manuscripts, including the oldest and most valued, along with the evidence of early church writings and translations, all stand together as a great witness to the authenticity of 666 against a rather small set of four manuscripts and one early writer that make their claim for 616.

By Dave Novick

Endtime Magazine – Nov / Dec 2007

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War in Heaven

War in Heaven
By endtimedeveloper on April 3, 2013 10 Comments

Revelation 12:7 says, “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.” It is very interesting when you find parallel passages of scripture. Now this passage in verse 7 about the war in heaven is located in the book of Revelation written about 96 AD. The same incident was recorded 700 years prior to 96 AD, approximately 600 BC by Daniel in Daniel 12:1.

Daniel 12:1 says, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: [Now we have Michael standing up in Revelation 12 and fighting against the dragon and we have Michael standing up in Daniel 12:1. Remember this passage was being addressed to Daniel, and Daniel was a Jew. This prophecy is specifically referring to the Jewish people when it says the children of thy people.] and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [This refers to the time called the Great Tribulation. We are going to see later that Jesus Christ uses almost the exact same terminology when He talks about a time of tribulation such as never has been before, nor ever again shall be.

 

We are discussing in Revelation 12 when the war in heaven begins to occur. This is the event that begins the Great Tribulation. In Daniel 12 when Michael stands up, it is the event that begins the Great Tribulation, because there shall be a time of trouble such as there never was before. Then Daniel 12:1 continues to say God's people will be delivered.] even to that thy people [The Jews] shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” So when it refers to “thy people” it is referring to Israel. The Bible says that the dragon went to make war against the woman, Israel. Every indicator points to the fact that the woman clothed with the sun is a symbol of the nation of Israel. Revelation 12:7-9 says,

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [This shows the casting out or banishment of Satan from heaven.] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: [Did you see what it said? We should not be astonished that the world is so deceived. The Bible says that the devil would deceive the whole world.] he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

The Bible specifically tells us that Satan has one-third of the angels of heaven. Satan was a real trouble maker in heaven. He sowed discord among the angels and one out of three were deceived by Satan. No wonder the Bible says the very elect would be deceived if possible. If the devil could deceive an angel then he could deceive you and I unless we really keep our eyes upon what the truth is.

 

The next question is when will this war which is prophesied take place? Many people have thought that this was has already occurred. Let’s look at the Revelation 12:10 to see if we can understand whether this war is passed or whether it is an event yet to occur. It is my opinion that this is an event that will take place yet in the very near future. I believe it will happen very shortly now. Your life will be affected by it and so will mine. Revelation 12:10 says, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

 

So when does the casting down of Satan occur? Revelation 12:12 says, “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” When Satan is cast down, he will know that he has but a short time. When he comes down having great wrath, this happens when he only has a little bit of time left. The Great Tribulation is the wrath of Satan not the wrath of God. Many people have thought the Great Tribulation is the wrath of God. This scripture plainly says, Satan has come down to you having great wrath, because he knows he has but a short time. The Great Tribulation will be Satan’s wrath upon the earth. Following the Great Tribulation is a very brief period of time that is called the wrath of God upon the earth. Those are two different things. The casting down of Satan begins the period known as the Great Tribulation.

 

Revelation 12:13-14 says, “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman [Israel] which brought forth the man child. [Jesus Christ] And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” When he is cast down, Satan launches his persecution called the Great Tribulation. The woman is given wings of a great eagle. This is the reason that I think that could speak of an American airlift is because at that time that is to be fulfilled which is just ahead of us, the nation that has the greatest airlift capabilities in the world is the nation whose official symbol is the eagle. It is on the back of your one dollar bill. That same nation is Israel’s only friend. I can’t teach that it is going to be an airlift. I cannot tell you that infallibly, but I tend to think that America will intervene for these people at a very crucial time.

 

I personally have made up in my mind—I have a friend, who is a friend to President Clinton. He has been on Air Force 1 with him and he’s slept in the Whitehouse during his administration. I heard it on the news and I know others have as well. So, I have made up in mind, if I see all of this coming to pass and I know that the time has arrived, I am going to go to my friend and say, now, look we have to pull all of our chips in now. We have to talk to the President and we have to tell him what he has to do. Now why would that be strange to us? Has it not happened throughout history? Did not Daniel and Nehemiah go to the king and say it is time to build the temple? I am telling you the exact same thing is getting ready to happen again. Whether you and I are direct participants are not isn’t what is important but what is important is that God is working in the earth at this time and He is going to accomplish His purpose. Don’t you worry about it. His purpose will be accomplished. The only thing that we have to worry about is being a part of it and let’s make sure that we are on the Lord’s side. So the woman is nourished for a time, times, and half a time. Now remember the point, the casting down of Satan begins the Great Tribulation.

 

Let’s look at it from another angle. We also can know that the Abomination of Desolation begins the Great Tribulation. Matthew 24:15-16 says, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.” and Revelation 24:21, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” So at the casting down of Satan it launches a time, times and half a time tribulation. At the time of the Abomination of Tribulation it launches a Great Tribulation such as never has been before nor ever again shall be. So this puts the casting down of Satan and the Abomination of Desolation at the same time. Both of them mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

 

Notice that the war in heaven also is specifically described as triggering the Great Tribulation. Daniel 12:1 says, ” And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, [It isn't all bad news.] every one that shall be found written in the book. [The Lamb's book of Life]” Some of the Jewish people will have their name written in the Lamb’s book of Life. So the war in heaven and the Abomination of Desolation occur at approximately the same time. It appears that they are almost simultaneous.

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Foreknowledge vs. Predestination

Foreknowledge vs. Predestination
By endtimedeveloper on March 5, 2013 28 Comments

God’s View from the Mountaintop

Predestination…Foreknowledge…Freewill. Do we really have a choice, or are we mere puppets in a much larger scheme of things? The coming world government…Interfaith-ism…the Middle East a cashless society-who is causing these things to happen? Is it God? Satan? Or man himself?

It has been widely taught in some Christian circles that we are not in control of our own destiny; but rather, our fate has been predetermined. It is sealed in concrete, and there is nothing we can do about it. Furthermore, we don’t know what that fate is, and so we must muddle through life hoping that we are one of the few who have been chosen.

 

Predestination vs. Freewill

The teaching on predestination is rooted in the assumption that there has always been a righteous seed and a wicked seed, dating all the way back to Adam and Eve. It is believed that the seed of Cain is the wicked seed and Abel the righteous seed. After Abel’s death, Seth assumed the righteous line. If you are of that seed, then you will come to the saving knowledge of Christ. If not, there is nothing you can do about it. Your fate is sealed.

The teaching of predestination destroys the biblical principle of freewill. From the gospels through the book of Revelation, scripture clearly tells us that whosoever will, let him come. Jesus said (Mark 8:35), “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” The same concept is echoed at the end of Revelation, which says, “Let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (22:17). The issue is our will, not the luck of the draw.

Yet the Bible does refer  to predestination. Romans 8:29 says, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

 

Predestinated According to Foreknowledge

According to the Bible, God knows the end from the beginning. He knows our thoughts while they are yet afar off. The question then is: “If God is never wrong, can He foreknow what we will do without forcing us to do it?”

Think of it like this: You are sitting on a hilltop looking down on a two-lane road that curves around the hill. Two cars are going in the same direction, one trying to pass the other. Due to the curve in the road, the passing car doesn’t see that a car is approaching from the opposite direction. From your vantage point, you foreknow there is going to be an accident. You didn’t cause it. You didn’t have anything to do with it. Yet you did foreknow it was going to happen. This illustrates foreknowledge as opposed to predestination. God is able to see the end from the beginning, but he does not control or dictate what our actions are. ”God puts before us life and death. It is His will that we choose life, but it is our choice.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 emphasizes that human beings have the power of choice. Moses  said, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live.” God puts before us life and death. It is His will that we choose life, but it is our choice.

While denying that a person is predestinated to be saved or lost, we must acknowledge that the Bible does teach predestination only “according to foreknowledge.” Notice Romans 8:29 once again, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.” The key to understanding predestination according to foreknowledge is as follows. God foreknew what we would choose and do from the beginning of time. This did not predestinate anything. However, knowing that each of us had exercised freedom of choice in every situation, God said, “It is good and so be it.” Once He saw that justice had been done in every case, and once He said “so be it,” then all things were predestinated according to foreknowledge… the foreknowledge of God concerning the choices that we made of our own volition.

“And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” -John 14:29

 

The Role of Bible Prophecy

God Almighty has shared with us some of His foreknowledge. It is called Bible prophecy. Amos 3:7 states: “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

So why has God chosen to make prophecy nearly one-third of the Bible? Because prophecy fulfilled provides us with a great foundation for our faith. In John 14:29 Jesus said, “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” Jesus added in Revelation 19:10: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

There are some prophecies that are set in stone. We know that Israel will build a Third Temple. Should we, as Christians, take active steps to help build it? I do not believe we should because scripture teaches us that God does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48). Rather, we should see the fulfillment of this prophecy as proof of the accuracy of God’s word and the nearness of His prophesied Second Coming.

What about the United States of America? Should we pray for our president and nation and be politically active? Absolutely. Why? The ultimate fate of the United States is not sealed in Bible prophecy. Prayer can change things! Only God knows how it will all turn out.

 

By Irvin Baxter
Endtime Magazine – Sept / Oct 2002

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Surviving World War III

Surviving World War III
By endtimedeveloper on January 2, 2013 23 Comments

Editor’s note: Many of you have requested information on what to do if America does become the target of a nuclear attack. This article is being made available in response to those requests.

The 6th Trumpet War is expected to be a Nuclear War. The Bible tells us that the end result of this war is that one-third of mankind will die. Many have asked questions about things we might do to prepare ourselves for this event and its aftermath. The following information and guidelines are intended to both educate and aid you in forming a plan of action so that you and your family might better cope with those first days and weeks after a nuclear strike .

Since so many will perish in this war, the most important thing anyone can do is to be sure you are ready to meet the Lord, and help as many others to be ready as you possibly can. For those who survive, there are some things you should be aware of and plan for.

In an all out nuclear war, military strategists believe that the initial goal of the enemy would be to knock out communications by detonating a nuclear weapon above the earth’s atmosphere to create an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). It is believed that an EMP can seriously damage electronic devices connected to power sources or antennas including communication systems, computers, electrical appliances, and automobile or aircraft ignition systems. According to FEMA, the damage could range from a minor interruption to actual burnout of components. Most electronic equipment within 1,000 miles of a high-altitude nuclear detonation could be affected. (Battery-powered radios with short antennas generally would not be affected.) The EMP is unlikely to harm people.

In such a scenario, people could find themselves  without the ability to communicate with anyone or get information on what is happening beyond their immediate surroundings. It is not possible to know the day of the week or time of day that a nuclear strike would occur, therefore it is possible that family members could be at a variety of locations, such as work or school, and unable to get home. Automobiles may not operate, and there would be no electricity. Therefore, it is in your family’s best interest to formulate a plan of what you will do during those first few days and weeks after a nuclear strike.  It could be of some comfort if you know that a stranded loved one has a planned procedure of where to go and what to do at given locations after a nuclear strike.

 

Targets
Military experts believe that primary targets would be missile silos, bomber bases, submarine bases, and command and control centers. Other targets might include major military, industrial, governmental, transportation, and population centers.

The effects of a nuclear explosion will vary greatly depending on weather, geography, size of the weapon, etc. If the weapon is detonated above ground there will be less fallout than with a weapon that detonates at or near the ground. The blast will pulse outward for several miles. For those who are far enough away to survive the blast, your immediate need will be for shelter from fallout, and possibly medical help.

 

Medical Help
Those survivors who are nearest to the blast are likely to receive first, second and even third degree burns. They may also receive injuries from flying debris.  Most survivors will be forced to live under primitive medical conditions, but remember that the majority of mankind survived under such conditions for most of human history.

The following information will give you some simple rules to follow with some of the medical needs that could arise.

1. Prayer is always in order and should be your first step in any emergency, medical or otherwise.

2. Remember that radiation sickness is NOT contagious! You can’t get sick by helping those who have been exposed.

3. Wounds: Apply only pressure dressings to stop bleeding unless an artery has been cut. If blood is spurting from a wound, apply both a pressure dressing and a windlass-type tourniquet. Loosen the tourniquet pressure about every 15 minutes, to allow enough blood to reach the flesh beyond the tourniquet and keep it alive. There is a fair chance that clotting under the pressure dressing will stop blood loss before it becomes fatal.

4. Infected wounds: Do not change dressings frequently. The formation of white pus shows that white corpuscles are mobilizing to combat the infection. In World War I, wounded soldiers in hospitals suffered agonies having their wounds cleaned and dressed frequently: many died as a result of such harmful care. In contrast, before antibiotics became available late in World War II, casts and dressings on infected wounds sometimes were not changed for weeks.

5. Pieces of glass deeply embedded: Do not probe with tweezers or a knife in an attempt to extract them. Most glass will come out when the wounds discharge pus.

6. Burns: Cover the area securely with a clean, dry dressing or folded cloth. Do not change the dressing frequently. For most burns, the bandage need not be removed until the tenth to fourteenth day.

7. Broken bones: Apply simple splints to keep the bones from moving. Do not worry about deformities: most can be corrected later by a doctor. Do not attempt traction setting of broken bones.

8. Shock: Keep the victim warm. Place blankets or other insulation material under him. Do not cover him with so many blankets that he sweats and suffers harmful fluid losses.

The severity of radiation sickness will depend upon the amount of exposure. The human body usually can repair almost all radiation damage if the daily doses are not too large. Typical symptoms of radiation sickness include varying degrees of nausea, diarrhea, and weakness lasting a day or two in most people, followed by a recovery time of days to weeks, and then a relapse which may be worse than the initial symptoms. Full recovery can take months. If a survivor has been exposed to enough radiation, death can occur within days to weeks.

 

Shelter
The most dangerous emissions from fallout are gamma rays, and avoiding further exposure is your goal. Simple fallout shelters will give the most protection, and there is much information available on the Internet to learn how to build a simple and inexpensive shelter.  Effective public shelters can be the middle floors of some tall buildings or parking structures, or below ground level in most buildings with more than 10 floors.

When the level of radiation decreases enough, you can begin to go outdoors for short periods of time. But unless you have the ability to measure the amount of radiation, you will be unable to know exactly when it is safe to emerge from a shelter. FEMA suggests that you not begin to emerge sooner than two weeks in lower radiation areas, up to a month in higher radiation areas.

Information from FEMA (www. fema.gov)

Nuclear radiation cannot be seen, smelled, or otherwise detected by normal senses. The three factors for protecting oneself from radiation and fallout are distance, shielding, and time.

  • Distance-the more distance between you and the fallout particles, the better.  An underground area such as a home or office building basement offers more protection than the first floor of a building.  A floor near the middle of a high-rise may be better.  Flat roofs collect fallout particles so the top floor is not a good choice.
  • Shielding-the heavier and denser the materials-thick walls, concrete, bricks, books and earth-between you and the fallout particles, the better.
  • Time-fallout radiation loses its intensity fairly rapidly.  In time, you will be able to leave a fallout shelter.  Radioactive fallout poses the greatest threat to people during the first two weeks, by which time it has declined to about 1 percent of its initial radiation level.

Any protection, however temporary, is better than none at all, and the more shielding, distance, and time you can take advantage of, the better.  If you are caught outside and unable to get inside immediately:

  • DO NOT look at the flash or fireball-it can blind you.
  • Take cover behind anything that might offer protection.
  • Lie flat on the ground and cover your head.  If the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit.
  • Take shelter as soon as you can, even if you are many miles from ground zero-radioactive fallout can be carried by the winds for hundreds of miles.

Decay rates of the radioactive fallout are the same for any size nuclear device.  However, the amount of fallout will vary based on the size of the device and its proximity to the ground.  Therefore, it might be necessary for those in the areas with highest radiation levels to shelter for up to a month.  The heaviest fallout would be limited to the area at or downwind from the explosion, and 80 percent of the fallout would occur during the first 24 hours.

 

Water and Food
The human body can survive longer without food than without water, so the need for uncontaminated water will be a top priority.  For the kidneys to eliminate waste effectively you must drink enough water.  It has been estimated that under cool conditions, a person could survive for several weeks on as little as 3 pints of water per day if he eats little food, but it is said that you should plan for a minimum of 1 gallon of water per day for each person.  Remember that you will need water for more than just drinking.  If you are caught in an area where there has been no water stored for emergencies, water from sources such as deep wells and covered reservoirs, tanks, and containers is the least likely to be contaminated.

Food stored in sealed dust-tight containers will not be contaminated.  Peeling fruits and vegetables removes essentially all fallout.  It is said that aside from water, food for babies, sugar, iodized salt, cooking oil, powdered milk, and foods that require no cooking, along with a supply of multi-vitamins, would be of high priority.  (Survival plans should not include dependence on hunting, fishing or gathering wild plants)

Some of the items on the list above may raise questions, but remember that in conditions of poor diet that could go on for extended periods of time, the body will begin to develop many unwanted symptoms and sicknesses when lacking such things as salt, Vitamin C, fat, etc.  Life will be very different after a major nuclear strike, and it is not known how long it might be before food and water or other supplies would be readily available again.

 

Supplies
Supplies that would be very useful to have with you in a shelter would include such things as flashlights and batteries; first aid kits; bedding; clothing; personal care items; sanitation supplies including buckets and plastic bags; and eating utensils.  Other items of importance might include valuables such as money, checkbook, credit cards, negotiable securities, and important documents.

Some practical instructions on a variety of subjects including sanitation are given in the “Nuclear War Survival Skills” book listed in the further reading section.  Another great summary of things to do can be found at www.ki4u.com/guide.htm.

 

Further Reading
Nuclear War Survival Skills by Cresson H. Kearny
This book can be read online at the website of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine http://www.oism.org/nwss/

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness by FEMA
This book can be read online at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website—see the Terrorism section http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/nuclear_blast.shtm

Be Ready
This information is available online from Ready.gov from the Department of Homeland Security http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html

 

Most important
Nothing can guarantee your survival of a nuclear war.  However, we can guarantee eternal life.  Jesus taught that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven.  You may get your own copy of “What do you mean…Born Again” at: http://www.endtime.com/

 

By Ginger Boerkircher
Endtime Magazine – Sept / Oct 2007
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Preterism: What is it? Is it Scriptural?

Preterism: What is it? Is it Scriptural?
By endtimedeveloper on December 21, 2012 13 Comments

Recently there has been a renaissance of the doctrine of preterism. The word preterism means past. Essentially, preterists believe that the prophecies of the Bible have all been fulfilled.  Full preterists teach that all the prophecies, including the Second Coming, were fulfilled by 70 AD. Partial preterists believe all the prophecies of the book of Revelation have been fulfilled up through Revelation 19.

History Behind the Doctrine
Preterism was first advanced in 1604 by Roman Catholic Jesuit Luis de Alcasar to destroy the Reformed Protestant teaching that the papacy was Mystery Babylon, the Great Whore and the historical Antichrist.

According to the 19th century Bible commentator Barnes, the Jesuits felt that Protestantism was winning the battle over Roman Catholicism by depicting Rome as the Great Harlot Church. Consequently, they attempted to counteract the Protestant Reformed teaching by propounding the preterist approach to the book of Revelation.

The doctrine of preterism rises or falls on the teaching that all of the events of the book of Revelation were fulfilled by 70 AD.
 

The Major Scriptural Problems
The doctrine of preterism rises or falls on the teaching that all of the events of the book of Revelation were fulfilled by 70 AD. Following is a partial list of prophecies in Revelation that have clearly not yet been fulfilled.
1. Revelation 9:15-16 prophesies a war that will kill one-third part of men… This has not yet happened in all of history. It must be future.

2. Revelation 11:1-2 says that Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles for 42 months prior to the Second Coming…This didn’t happen in 70 AD. The Romans simply destroyed Jerusalem.  There was no occupation.

3. Revelation 11:3-12 describes the ministry of two witnesses that will prophesy during the 1,260 days of the great tribulation.  They will then be killed and three and one-half days later rise from the dead… Nothing like this happened in 70 AD.

4. Revelation 13 describes a time when every person on earth will be required to have a number in order to buy or sell…This has never happened in all of history.

5. Revelation 13 prophesies the coming of the False Prophet who will pull down fire from heaven in the sight of men. He will deceive the world into following the Antichrist by means of those miracles that he has the power to do… Where is the account of this in history?

6. Revelation 16:12 states that the Euphrates River will be dried up to make way for the kings of the east to invade Israel at the Battle of Armageddon… The Euphrates did not dry up in 70 AD.

7. Revelation 20:1-6 teaches that Satan will be bound for 1,000 years at the time of the first resurrection… Preterism teaches that the first resurrection occurred in 70 AD. However, the 1,000-year binding of Satan has obviously not yet occurred.

 

Other Scriptural and Historical Problems

Core Teaching: Who is the “he”?
The core teaching of preterism is that the confirmation of the covenant spoken of in Daniel 9:27 was fulfilled by the ministry of Jesus Christ, and has nothing to do with a coming Antichrist. Preterists also contend that it was Jesus who stopped the daily sacrifice by the sacrifice of Himself on Calvary. It then follows that there is no gap between the 69th week of Daniel’s prophecy and the 70th week. Thus the 70th week has already been fulfilled.

If Jesus is not the one who confirmed the covenant, stopped the daily sacrifice and placed the abomination of desolation in Daniel 9:27, then the entire teaching of preterism is invalidated. So the pivotal question becomes, who is the “he” who confirms the covenant?

Notice that the same “he” who is to confirm the covenant in Daniel 9:27 is also to take away the daily sacrifice and to place the Abomination of Desolation.”

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the

overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel 11:30-31 tells us in no uncertain terms that it is the Antichrist (the king of the north) and his followers who take away the daily sacrifice and place the abomination of desolation.

“For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.”

This passage is obviously not referring to the Messiah. Would the Messiah ever” have indignation against the holy covenant?”  Would he ever “pollute the sanctuary of strength?” Obviously not! The entirety of Daniel 11:21-45 is discussing the actions of the king of the north -the Antichrist.

So we can see clearly that it is the Antichrist, not the Messiah, who takes away the daily sacrifice and places the abomination of desolation.

Remember that the one who takes away the daily sacrifice also is the one who confirms the covenant according to Daniel 9:27. So we know for certain that it is the Antichrist, not the Messiah, who will confirm the covenant for seven years. Daniel 11:22 strengthens this proof when it calls the king of the north (the Antichrist) the “prince of the covenant.”

This one core issue totally destroys the foundation of the preterist position.
 

This Generation Shall Not Pass
In Matthew 24:34, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

Preterists contend that Jesus taught in Matthew 24 that the generation to which He was speaking would not pass until all of the prophecies of that chapter were fulfilled. Of course, that would include the prophecy of the Lord’s Second Coming and the gathering of the elect from the four winds of heaven (verses 30-31).

However, that is not what the passage teaches. In verses 32-34, Jesus said, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

Jesus was saying that, when we see the fig tree putting forth its leaves, then we know that summer is near. Likewise, when we see the signs given in Matthew 24, then we will know that the generation that witnesses these things (such as the abomination of desolation) will not pass until all of the prophecy is fulfilled.
 

Judgment of Jerusalem in 70 AD was the Second Coming
In order to teach that all of the prophecies of Matthew 24 were fulfilled by 70 AD, preterism must give an explanation of the Second Coming described in verses 30-31:”And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

The explanation given is that Jesus coming in the clouds is symbolic of Jesus coming in judgment. It is contended that the judgment of Jerusalem in 70 AD was the Second Coming of Matthew 24.

However, there is a fatal flaw to this teaching. Revelation 1:7 describes this coming in the clouds: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”

This passage states that at the Second Coming in the clouds every eye shall see Him. Did every eye see Him in 70 AD? Obviously not.
 

Great Whore of Revelation 17 is Jerusalem, Not Rome
Both full and partial preterists teach that Revelation 1-19 was fulfilled by the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. However, Revelation 17-18 describes the judgment of the Roman Catholic Church in great detail. Since the Roman Church did not yet exist in 70 AD, it is obvious that the doctrine of preterism is wrong.

In order to explain away this problem, preterist proponents say that the great harlot, Mystery Babylon, is Jerusalem, not Rome.

The Roman Catholic Church loves this doctrine because it exonerates her of one of the Bible’s most severe indictments. However, to say that Revelation 17 refers to Jerusalem ignores the clues given to us about the identity of the great harlot.

Revelation 17 says the woman is a city that sits on seven mountains. Rome, not Jerusalem, is known around the world as the City of Seven Hills. Revelation 17:4 states that the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet (red). The two ruling bodies of the Roman Catholic Church are officially clothed in purple and red. Cardinals wear red, while the bishops and archbishops wear purple. There is no honest explanation of how this applies to Jerusalem.
 

Mystery Babylon is Rome, and the doctrine of preterism is proven to be wrong.

 

Futurists teach that the man of sin is the coming Antichrist. Preterists say that it refers to the Roman emperor Nero.

 

The Man of Sin in the Temple?
II Thessalonians 2:3-4 teaches that the man of sin, the son of perdition, will sit in the temple of God, claiming to be God. Who is this man of sin that sits in the temple and when did it happen?

Futurists teach that the man of sin is the coming Antichrist. Preterists say that it refers to the Roman emperor Nero.

However, Nero never even entered the temple. This prophecy of II Thessalonians has obviously not happened yet. This is another strong proof that the doctrine of preterism is not true.
 

Men Shall Learn War No More
Micah 4:3 prophesies of the 1,000-year millennial reign of Christ: “…and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

If all prophecies are past, when did the nations disarm and learn war no more? This has obviously not happened yet.
 

Closing Thoughts
As you can see, there are a multitude of problems with the doctrine of preterism. I am sure that many proponents of this doctrine sincerely believe it to be true. However, the scriptural contradictions are glaring.

In Daniel 12:9, God told Daniel that the understanding of the Bible’s prophecies would be sealed until the time of the end. Why did God decree in 600 BC that prophetic understanding would be “closed up” until the “time of the end?” The only conceivable explanation is that He wanted to place endtime prophecy in the hands of the endtime church for the purpose of igniting one last great endtime revival.

The teaching of preterism destroys this stated plan of God for the times in which we now live by teaching that the Bible’s prophecies have nothing to do with us today. Consequently, preterism runs counter to God’s expressed intention for endtime revival. Therefore, it should not be believed or taught.
 

Preterism, the belief that all prophecies have been fulfilled, is not biblical. Unfortunately, most Christians, including most ministers, don’t know how to refute its claims. 
 

By Irvin Baxter
Endtime Magazine – Nov / Dec 2003

 

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It’s All About Jerusalem and The Temple Mount

It’s All About Jerusalem and The Temple Mount
By endtimedeveloper on December 5, 2012 2 Comments

Sharon Defends “Eternal and Undivided Capital of Israel”

The speeches droned on for three solid days. Every head of state from 153 nations was allotted five minutes in the UN podium. Most exceeded that limit. Delegates typically wandered around on the General Assembly floor as the speeches were made, and whispered conversations betrayed the insinuated pomp and circumstances. Many of the speeches were clearly being ignored.

Five minutes before he was to step to the podium, Ariel Sharon rose up quietly from his seat beside his Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Perez and his Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and slowly traipsed his way behind the stage with what appeared to be an arthritic limp.

As the preceding speaker stepped away, the crowd grew conspicuously quiet. Those moving and standing quickly went to their seats. Suddenly, the entire General Assembly hall was transformed into a huge listening ear.

Sharon slowly and deliberately took his place in the podium, shuffling his notes for a moment. “I arrived here from Jerusalem, the capital of the Jewish people for over 3,000 years and the undivided and eternal capital of the State of Israel.”

He could have stopped there, and gone home. That single statement rumbled through the audience like an aftershock. He had already made the strongest statement that could possibly be made. Any other issues paled by comparison. It’s all about Jerusalem.

Talk about refugees, settlements, fences, terrorists, or anything else that peppers front pages around the world every day. But in the end, it’s all about Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is why Yassar Arafat walked away from so many negotiating tables. It is what has frustrated every politician and negotiator that has ever entered the fray. Israel will never surrender Jerusalem, and the Palestinians will never stand down until they do. The United Nations wants Jerusalem. The Roman Catholic Church wants Jerusalem. The Muslims want Jerusalem. The Jews want Jerusalem.

Who will finally get it?

Jesus Christ will. And there will be no lasting peace there until He comes. So when you “pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” as admonished in Psalm 122:6, you are praying for Messiah to come and save the day. Have no fear. He is on His way.

 “In a world full of people who have no regard for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sharon’s speech evokes a stark reminder that Israel and Jerusalem continue to be priceless pawns in the war between good and evil.”

Endtime magazine presents the full text of Prime Minister Sharon’s speech here for your review. In a world full of people who have no regard for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sharon’s speech evokes a stark reminder that Israel and Jerusalem continue to be priceless pawns in the war between good and evil.

As politicians negotiate to trade the Promised Land for promised peace, it is important to remember that “there is no peace, saith the Lord, to the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22). Eventually, the whole world will be forced to face that fact. Tensions over Jerusalem will continue to escalate until the Prince of Peace comes and resolves the conflict once and for all.

Make no mistake. Almighty God swore that “in Jerusalem, …will I put my name forever” (2 Kings 21:7; 2 Chronicles 33:7). Jerusalem is destined to be the capital of the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. “He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37).

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

SHARON’S SPEECH

 

My Friends and Colleagues, Heads and Representatives of the UN Member States,

I arrived here from Jerusalem, the capital of the Jewish people for over 3,000 years and the undivided and eternal capital of the State of Israel.

At the outset, I would like to express the profound feelings of empathy of the people of Israel for the American nation, and our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish to encourage my friend, President George Bush, and the American people, in their determined efforts to assist the victims of the hurricane and rebuild the ruins after the destruction. The State of Israel, which the United States stood beside at times of trial, is ready to extend any assistance at its disposal in this immense humanitarian mission.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I stand before you at the gate of nations as a Jew and as a citizen of the democratic, free, and sovereign State of Israel, a proud representative of an ancient people, whose numbers are few, but whose contribution to civilization and to the values of ethics, justice, and faith, surrounds the world and encompasses history. The Jewish people has a long memory, the memory which united the exiles of Israel for thousands of years: a memory which has its origin in God’s commandment to our forefather Abraham: “Go forth!” and continued with the receiving of the Torah at the foot of Mount Sinai and the wanderings of the children of Israel in the desert, led by Moses on their journey to the promised land, the Land of Israel.

I was born in the Land of Israel, the son of pioneers—people who tilled the land and sought no fights—who did not come to Israel to dispossess its residents. If the circumstances had not demanded it, I would not have become a soldier, but rather a farmer and agriculturist. My first love was, and remains, manual labor; sowing and harvesting, the pastures, the flock and the cattle.

I, as someone whose path of life led him to be a fighter and commander in all Israel’s wars, reach out today to our Palestinian neighbors in a call for reconciliation and compromise to end the bloody conflict, and embark on the path which leads to peace and understanding between our peoples. I view this as my calling and my primary mission for the coming years

The Land of Israel is precious to me, precious to us, the Jewish people, more than anything. Relinquishing any part of our forefathers’ legacy is heartbreaking, as difficult as the parting of the Red Sea. Every inch of land, every hill and valley, every stream and rock, is saturated with Jewish history, replete with memories. The continuity of Jewish

presence in the Land of Israel never ceased. Even those of us who were exiled from our land, against their will, to the ends of the earth—their souls, for all generations, remained connected to their homeland, by thousands of hidden threads of yearning and love, expressed three times a day in prayer and songs of longing.

The Land of Israel is the open Bible, the written testimony, the identity and right of the Jewish people. Under its skies, the prophets of Israel expressed their claims for social justice, and their eternal vision for alliances between peoples, in a world which would know no more war. Its cities, villages, vistas, ridges, deserts, and plains preserve as loyal witnesses its ancient Hebrew names. Page after page, our unique land is unfurled, and at its heart is united Jerusalem, the city of the Temple upon Mount Moriah, the axis of the life of the Jewish people throughout all generations, and the seat of its yearnings and prayers for 3,000 years. The city to which we pledged an eternal vow of faithfulness, which forever beats in every Jewish heart: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its cunning!”

I say these things to you because they are the essence of my Jewish consciousness, and of my belief in the eternal and unimpeachable right of the people of Israel to the Land of Israel. However, I say this here also to emphasize the immensity of the pain I feel deep in my heart at the recognition that we have to make concessions for the sake of peace between us and our Palestinian neighbors.

The Land of Israel is the open Bible, the written testimony, the identit y and right of the Jewish people. Under its skies, the prophets of Israel expressed their claims for social justice, and their eternal vision for allia nces between peoples, in a world which would know no more war. Its cities, villages, vistas, ridges, deserts, and plains preserve as loyal witnesses its ancient Hebrew names. Page after page, our unique land is unfurled, and at its heart is united Jerusal em, the city of the Temple upon Mount Moriah, th e axis of th e li fe of the Jewish people throughout all generations, and the seat of its yearnings and prayers for 3,000 years. The city to which we pledged an eternal vow of faith fulness , which forever beats in every Jewish heart: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its cunning!” —Ariel Sharon

The right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel does not mean disregarding the rights of others in the land. The Palestinians will always be our neighbors. We respect them, and have no aspirations to rule over them. They are also entitled to freedom and to a national, sovereign existence in a state of their own.

This week, the last Israeli soldier left the Gaza Strip, and military law there was ended. The State of Israel proved that it is ready to make painful concessions in order to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians. The decision to disengage was very difficult for me, and involves a heavy personal price. However, it is the absolute recognition that it is the right path for the future of Israel that guided me. Israeli society is undergoing a difficult crisis as a result of the Disengagement, and now needs to heal the rifts.

Now it is the Palestinians’ turn to prove their desire for peace. The end of Israeli control over and responsibility for the Gaza Strip allows the Palestinians, if they so wish, to develop their economy and build a peace-seeking society, which is developed, free, law-abiding, and transparent, and which adheres to democratic principles. The most important test the Palestinian leadership will face is in fulfilling their commitment to put an end to terrorism and its infrastructures, eliminate the anarchic regime of armed gangs, and cease the incitement and indoctrination of hatred towards Israel and the Jews.

Until they do so, Israel will know how to defend itself from the horrors of terrorism. This is why we built the security fence, and we will continue to build it until it is completed, as would any other country defending its citizens. The security fence prevents terrorists and murderers from arriving in city centers on a daily basis and targeting citizens on their way to work, children on their way to school, and families sitting together in restaurants. This fence is vitally indispensable. This fence saves lives!

The successful implementation of the Disengagement Plan opens up a window of opportunity for advancing toward peace, in accordance with the sequence of the Roadmap. The State of Israel is committed to the Roadmap and to the implementation of the Sharm e-Sheikh understandings. And I hope that it will be possible, through them, to renew the political process.

I am among those who believe that it is possible to reach a fair compromise and coexistence in good neighborly relations between Jews and Arabs. However, I must emphasize one fact: There will be no compromise on the right of the State of Israel to exist as a Jewish state, with defensible borders, in full security and without threats and terrorism.

I call on the Palestinian leadership to show determination and leadership, and to eliminate terrorism, violence, and the culture of hatred from our relations. I am certain that it is in our power to present our peoples with a new and promising horizon, a horizon of hope.

 

Distinguished Representatives,

As I mentioned, the Jewish people has a long memory. We remember events that took place thousands of years ago, and certainly remember events that took place in this hall during the last 60 years. The Jewish people remembers the dramatic vote in the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947, when representatives of the nations recognized our right to national revival in our historic homeland. However, we also remember dozens of harsh and unjust decisions made by the United Nations over the years. And we know that, even today, there are those who sit here as representatives of a country whose leadership calls to wipe Israel off the face of the earth—and no one speaks out.

The attempts of that country to arm itself with nuclear weapons must disturb the sleep of anyone who desires peace and stability in the Middle East and the entire world.  The combination of murky fundamentalism and support of terrorist organizations creates a serious threat that every member nation in the UN must stand against.

I hope that the comprehensive reforms which the United Nations is undergoing in its 60th anniversary year will include a fundamental change and improvement in the approach of the United Nations, its organizations and institutions, toward the State of Israel.

 

My Fellow Colleagues and Representatives,

Peace is a supreme value in the Jewish legacy, and is the desired goal of our policy. After the long journey of wanderings and the hardships of the Jewish people; after the Holocaust which obliterated one third of our people; after the long and arduous struggle for revival; after more than 57 consecutive years of war and terrorism which did not stop the development of the State of Israel; after all this, our heart’s desire was and remains to achieve peace with our neighbors. Our desire for peace is strong enough to ensure that we will achieve it, only if our neighbors are genuine partners in this longed-for goal. If we succeed in working together, we can transform our plot of land, which is dear to both peoples, from a land of contention to a land of peace—for our children and grandchildren.

In a few days’ time on the Hebrew calendar, the New Year will begin, the 5,766th year since the Creation. According to Jewish belief, the fates of people and nations are determined at the New Year by the Creator—to be spared or to be doomed. May the Holy One, blessed be He, determine that this year, our fate and the fate of our neighbors is peace, mutual respect, and good neighborly relations.

From this distinguished podium, on behalf of the people of Israel, I wish all the people of the world a good New Year.

 

Endtime Magazine — November/December 2005
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