God's Judgment On America
Jim Bramlett (USAF ret.) (bramlett@magicnet.net)
Is the United States of America mentioned in biblical prophecy? If we
are, indeed, in the "last days" before Christ's return, as the
overwhelming evidence indicates, is it possible that the greatest Gentile
power in history would have been overlooked, or is irrelevant? Or, are references
hidden, as are many other prophecies, to be "unsealed" to seekers
in the last days according to Daniel 12:4?
I believe there are passages that do not name but do infer America. Interestingly,
these passages are compatible with current geopolitical developments, and
also visions and other supernatural revelations reported by several believers
over the years. The message is of severe judgment, and is ominous.
Judgment Already Decreed
First, a few words about our beloved country. This is hard for me to say
about America. When World War II started, I was age 11. My father fought
with the infantry in Europe; my uncle with the Air Corps in North Africa.
I went to a top military prep school. Later, at a large university, I practically
majored in Air Force ROTC, becoming the highest ranking cadet officer and
Corps Commander. I devoted my career to the nation's military service, retiring
early -- before I was eligible for promotion to full colonel -- only because
of a higher priority, a call into full-time Christian service. I laid that
promotion at the cross. But now, even retired, as a regular officer the
government has a claim on me as long as I live. I love my country. The flag
can still give me goose bumps. I have always been extremely patriotic. I
have researched and lectured on America's Christian heritage. I know how
God's hand has been on America, starting with Columbus. Yet to God the nations
are but a grain of sand, and as a nation America has rebelled against God,
insulted Him, and declared Him "not wanted." Some believe America
will get away with it because God "needs" America to fulfill the
Great Commission. He doesn't. We won't.
Many are praying for revival in America according to the promises of 2 Chronicles
7:14. God will surely honor the prayers. There will be revival, and there
will be a great harvest, the greatest the world has ever known. However,
based on the parallel of Jeremiah's warning to Israel and God's answer to
him, the part of 2 Chronicles 7:14 about "heal their land" --
as relates to the secular culture -- will not be answered until Messiah
returns. As with Israel in Jeremiah's day, I believe judgment on America
has already been decreed. God's moth-like judgment (Hosea 5:12) is in progress,
eating at us slowly, but His lion-like judgment (Hosea 5:14) will soon pounce,
devouring us suddenly and completely.
Applicability of 2 Chronicles 7:14? Even though 2 Chronicles was not written
for probably over a hundred years later, Jeremiah may have tried to implement
the principles of it. As a priest, he was surely aware of the promise to
Solomon several hundred years earlier, either from the oral tradition or
written records. But three different times (three for divine emphasis),
God said to Jeremiah, "Do not pray for this people nor offer any plea
or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you"
(7:16, NIV). Also see 11:14 and 14:11. In the latter, God says, "Although
they fast, I will not listen to their cry....I will not accept them. Instead
I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague."
In another passage, God reiterates His willingness to show mercy and urges
Israel to repent. "Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising
a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform
your ways and your actions" (18:11). But in His omniscience and foreknowledge,
God then says, "But they will reply, 'It's no use. We will continue
with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil
heart'" (v. 12). God knew what their reaction would be; thus, judgment
was decreed beforehand. (And even Solomon, after God's clear promises and
warnings in 2 Chronicles 7, fell into sin, soon died and the kingdom was
split.)
Why This Probably Applies to America
1. The End of the Gentile Age. The evidence is overwhelming that
the "times of the Gentiles" referred to by Jesus (Luke 21:24)
-- the same as the age of the "Gentiles" referred to by James
(Acts 15:14-16), and Paul (Romans 11:25) -- is in the final seconds. We
are in the final countdown to what God revealed to Daniel as "the appointed
time." It is no accident that America, the largest and most powerful
Gentile nation, has been in a precipitous cultural decline in the last half
of this century (as Israel, the fig tree, has blossomed) as measured by
numerous statistical indicators. And our global cultural influence is taking
the world with us, as we daily export worldwide our anti-God and perverted
national values.
God's prophetic plan and timetable will not be stopped, and it takes precedence
over everything. For example, Israel is still in rebellion, largely a godless
nation. But God promised to regather them in the last days. He has, in spite
of themselves, and with no effort on their part to comply with 2 Chronicles
7:14, but simply because of His plan. "It is not for your sake, O house
of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy
name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone....Be
ashamed and disgraced for your conduct" (Ezekiel 37:22, 32). Israel
does not deserve mercy, and a further chastening lies ahead. Yet God will
honor His covenant with their fathers, which Paul strongly reminds us so
that we will not be "ignorant" or "conceited" as saved
Gentiles, wild branches grafted into the natural olive tree (Romans 11:24-25).
2. The Pervasiveness of Evil. As before the Flood, and with Sodom
and Gomorrah, and with the idolatrous occupants of the Promised Land before
Joshua entered, evil is now so deeply pervasive and entrenched that it must
be purged by judgment. Such seems to be a clear message of the prophets
and the New Testament writers. The world is rushing madly toward the prophesied
Tribulation, "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this
time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matthew 24:21).
3. Veiled References to America. While America is not mentioned by
name in prophecy, some Bible students believe there are indirect references.
For example, some believe we are the last-days Babylon of Jeremiah 50 and
51 and elsewhere. The reason is that a number of the references seemingly
do not apply to ancient Babylon, or even to a possibly restored Babylon
in Iraq, and that America is now the world's major military and financial
power. For example, the "rich" Babylon Jeremiah describes lives
"by many waters" (USA, not ancient Babylon; 51:13). "She
made the whole earth drunk....they have now gone mad" (our drug/sex/rock
culture via MTV and other media pervades the earth; 51:7). Our soldiers
"have become like women" (homosexuals, women in combat; 51:30).
She will be attacked by "arrows" (missiles; 50:9), from "the
north" (direction of Russia; 50:3), with her judgment rising "as
high as the clouds" (nuclear; 51:9). NASA's space program is implied
in 51:53 (KJV), with Babylon mounting "up to heaven." Also, "They
sinned against the LORD....the hope of their fathers" (USA, not ancient
Babylon; 50:7). Economic Babylon of Revelation 18, the commercial capital
of the world, may be New York (the Babylon of chapter 17 may be Rome because
of the reference to the "seven hills" in v. 9). Chapter 18:4 mentions
that in one day, and verse 10 says in one hour, she will be destroyed, with
the world's government and financial leaders weeping and mourning (18:9,15).
A one-hour destruction of a great city is something possible only in the
past 50 years, and probable only this decade with the proliferation of nuclear
weapons, recently spreading on the black market from the former USSR to
terrorist organizations, according to intelligence sources. Only God is
holding back Iran, Iraq and other radicals from setting off a nuclear explosion
in New York, Washington, D.C., Tel Aviv and elsewhere, until "the appointed
time."
The above seems more plausible when the following is considered....
4. Soon Fulfillment of Ezekiel 38. Another possible reference to
America, by conspicuous omission, is in Ezekiel 38 and what most scholars
see as an invasion of Israel by Russia and a confederation of Moslem nations.
The geopolitical preconditions for this are rapidly forming. There are reasons
to believe this may occur in the very, very near future (perhaps at the
beginning rather than the end of the Tribulation as some believe). For example,
there has been a recent security agreement between Russia (Magog, 38:2)
and the leading terrorist state, Iran (Persia, 38:5). Russia is supplying
Iran with nuclear materials and, on the black market, with nuclear warheads.
(And I have heard the weapons have only a seven-year shelf life!) I have
a reliable report of a recent briefing by NATO intelligence that a nuclear
war in the Middle East is feared probable! America would surely be involved,
perhaps as below:
If Israel is attacked according to Ezekiel 38, it is strange that there
is no hint of help from its security partner, the powerful USA. Oddly, we
do not seem to even be a factor. I believe it may be because, from a military
standpoint, America has been neutralized and rendered powerless by a surprise
nuclear attack by Russia (see below). This would surely give Russian military
planners an assumed and enticing cakewalk to a Middle East takeover, ownership
of the oil fields, new mineral resources and an expansion to the Persian
Gulf, a stated goal of at least one radical in the wings, Vladimir Zhirinovski,
whose autobiography is prophetically titled The Last March South! While
Zhirinovsky may never rise to power, this territorial ambition is undoubtedly
shared by other radicals. Of course, we know from Ezekiel 39:1-6 that God
Himself will defend Israel and destroy the invaders, to make His holy name
known (v. 7). Again, the above still seems more plausible when the following
is considered....
5. End-time Supernatural Revelations. Acts 2:17 promises "visions"
and "prophesies" in the last days. I have become aware of and
have collected records of visions and prophecies from various believers
over a period of years. Some visions have clearly seen a surprise nuclear
attack on America from Russian submarines. I also know of an older, respected
pastor who had an apparent angel visit in his home, in his study late at
night, with the same message of a Russian surprise nuclear attack from submarines.
The being just suddenly appeared and disappeared out of nowhere. Also, George
Washington reportedly had a vision in his day of America's major wars and
a final military attack on America.
The idea of a submarine attack is exactly in line with Russia's present
defense policy. According to the Wall Street Journal (August 25, 1995),
"One puzzling aspect of Russia's defense policy is its emphasis on
submarines....is still completing construction of submarines begun in the
Soviet era, on about the same timetable as the Soviets produced them....(they)
will enter the next century with the largest nuclear submarine fleet in
the world." Submarines are basically an offensive weapon. Why are they
doing this? It must be part of God's plan. For years, high-tech and missile-carrying
Russian subs have shadowed U.S ships or invisibly and silently patrolled
the U.S. coast under the radar/sonar cover of their fishing trawlers.
For a nation near collapse, on the brink of fascism, this is not a picture
of peace and stability. Yet foolish American leaders continue to give billions
of dollars to Russia (which they are using on armaments) and shrink our
own military, crying, "peace and safety" according to 1 Thessalonians
5:3, "then sudden destruction shall come upon them." With uncanny
timing, just moments after I wrote this paragraph, Dateline NBC aired a
report that the secret nuclear shelter built in West Virginia for our Congress
is now closed and being dismantled -- because it is no longer needed, since
the "Cold War" is now over!
"Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against
you," God says. Russian submarines? He says to Magog, "You will
devise an evil scheme....You will say, 'I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting
people'" (Ezekiel 38:10). America, instead of Israel, or both?
Other Revelations. Highly esteemed missionary pioneer Hudson Taylor
had a vision in 1855. He saw both world wars, followed then a spiritual
awakening in Russia, Europe and elsewhere, as we are seeing, followed by
the coming of Christ. Also, in 1930 a prophecy was reportedly given in Russia
that a future leader named Mikhail, with a birthmark on his head, would
bring open doors for the gospel, which would remain open "only for
a short period of time, then it would end and the repression would begin
again." Plus, there were reportedly several prophecies in Russia in
1988 that "the door would stay open for about seven years." The
doors swung open in 1989!
Conclusion
There are three witnesses to the above scenario that seem to confirm one
another: (1) Scripture, (2) contemporary world events, and (3) agreeing
supernatural revelations, such as visions and prophecies. God will answer
and honor prayers for revival, even though judgment on the nation has already
been decreed. Revival and harvest will come -- but possibly as a result
of judgment, and not instead of, a typical biblical pattern. Where is the
Rapture in the above scenario? We cannot be sure, and must not be presumptuous.
Message to the Church. It is time to boldly "blow the trumpet."
The warning should be greatly sharpened to more of a Jeremiah-type warning,
that actual destruction is coming, not just deteriorating social conditions
or loss of freedoms. "If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who
will get ready for battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:8). The trumpet call
should be to God's own people, since "judgment must begin at the house
of God" (1 Peter 4:17). God's message to His people today is to humbly
walk with Him in obedience and to come out of the world's value system.
Christians should get ready to joyously meet their soon-coming King, and
tell as many others as possible about God's grace and salvation.
Confirmation of this Message! With amazing timing, as God often confirms
things to me, the same week this was first printed, NBC News reported new
Pentagon alarm at Russian submarines lurking just off the U.S. coasts! Also,
just as I was finishing this report, two different audio tapes came to me,
both unsolicited, from two people I have never met, and both tapes with
the message of God's coming judgment on America! One included the following
words in song, I believe a message from God, from the very same Scripture
mentioned above. The words and melody were woeful, with a deep sense of
sadness, from the grieving Holy Spirit of God. It is a message, I believe,
to all who read this:
"Come out of her, my people, be not partakers of her sins,
for death, mourning and famine shall overtake her....in one day....one day....in
one day." (From Revelation 18:4, 8.)
(Final Note: In one U.S. Air Force assignment, I was a "Minuteman"
-- the commander of a Minuteman ICBM nuclear missile launch crew responsible,
if so ordered in the event of attack, for vaporizing ten Russian cities/targets,
and in personal possession of the top secret war code. Always "on alert,"
I was only seconds away from the President's launch command, unsealing the
code, and ending civilization as we know it. America's leaders have now
dismantled our Minuteman defense system, but oddly, in a spiritual sense,
and in one of God's "coincidences," I am still a "Minuteman,"
still on alert, and still only seconds away from the King's shout and command,
with His code already being "unsealed," and with civilization
as we know it soon to end.)
For a free copy of the special report, Christ's Soon Return: the
Overwhelming Evidence, or a detailed, verified report on angel announcements
of Christ's soon return, send self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope
to
Jim Bramlett (USAF ret.) (bramlett@magicnet.net)
10637 Crystal Springs Court
Orlando, Florida 32825.
Specify which report desired; if both, include extra stamp for added weight.
Author's Note:
As I was finishing up this article on December 2 and 3, 1995, unusual
and unexpected confirmations came to me.
On December 2nd, I "accidentally" discovered in my car an old
3-4 year-old tape by David Wilkerson, one I had never listened to, about
coming judgment. I'm not sure where I got it or when. It confirmed the above
general message about soon-coming judgment (I borrowed and inserted the
Hosea 5:12,14 ideas from it). How strange it would pop up on that very day!
The very next day, on December 3rd, just as I was putting the finishing
touches on this article, I received a surprising, unsolicited tape in the
mail from visionary Larry Taylor, with the same general message, even quoting
from the same chapters in Jeremiah, and with a haunting song from Revelation
18.
I am aghast at the timing and similarity of these messages.
But in addition, on December 4 or 5, the 700 Club had a report
about Russia's political instability and a rising new military political
star, General Lebeb, who is young, tough, charismatic, an avowed atheist
and doesn't believe in negotiations or diplomacy. He is a dictator waiting
to happen. Also, in addition, on December 7, on the evening NBC News, Tom
Brokaw gave a report of Russian submarines lurking close off the U.S. coast
and shadowing our carriers, causing great concern at the Pentagon. Incredible
timing. I just mailed the above report out in the mail on December 6 and
7.
3/96
Editorial Comments by Lambert Dolphin
(1) 2 Chronicles 7 records God's answer to Solomon's prayer at the dedication
of the First Temple. The destruction of this temple, during Jeremiah's time,
was almost 400 years later.
Repentance on the part of God's people delays judgment. Ray C. Stedman in
his commentary on Revelation
notes,
"All through the Bible we see God's love is manifest to
men and women everywhere in urging them to escape this judgment. God in love
pleads with people, 'Do not go on to this end!' But ultimately he must judge
those who refuse his offer of grace. He says, in effect, 'I love you and
I can provide all you need. Therefore love me, and you will find the fulfillment
your heart is looking for.' But many men and women say, 'No, I do not want
that. I will take your gifts, I will take all the good things you provide,
but I do not want you! Let me run my own life. Let me serve my own ends.
Let me have my own kingdom.' To such, God ultimately says, 'All right, have
it your way!'
"God has three choices: first, he can let rebellion go on forever and
never judge it. In that case the terrible things that are happening on earth,
all these distressing injustices, the cruelty, the anger, the hate, the
malice, the sorrow, the hurt, the pain, the death that now prevails, must
go on forever. God does not want that, and neither does man. Second, God
can force men to obey him and control them as robots. But he will never
do that because that means they cannot truly love him. Love cannot be forced.
Therefore, third, the only choice God really has is that he must withdraw
ultimately from those who refuse his love. He must let them have their own
way forever. That results in the terrible torment of godlessness. If God
is necessary to us, then to take him out of our lives is to plunge us into
the most terrible sense of loneliness and abandonment that mankind can know.
We have all experienced it to some small degree when we get what we want
and then discover we do not want what we got! For that sense of bored emptiness
to go on forever, is unspeakable torment." (Ray C. Stedman, The
Time of Harvest, Discovery Paper No. 4206, March 18, 1990)
(2) With regard to possible references to the United States in Scripture,
I do not personally believe there are any. The U.S. is one of the "gentile
world powers," and closely linked with the European Community. The
Biblical term "coastlands" refers to the continents, or islands,
or countries, some far from the land of Israel. (For a better understanding see the following passages:
Esth. 10:1, Ps. 97:1, Isa. 11:11, Isa. 24:15, Isa. 41:1,
Isa. 41:5, Isa. 42:4, Isa. 42:10 , Isa. 42:12, Isa. 49:1,
Isa. 51:5, Isa. 59:18, Isa. 60:9, Isa. 66:19 , Jer. 31:10,
Ezek. 26:15, Ezek. 27:3, Ezek. 27:15, Ezek. 27:35,
Ezek. 39:6, Dan. 11:18).
In the coming Northern Invasion of Israel, described in Ezekiel 38-39, God
says, "I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in
the coastlands; and they shall know that I am the LORD. " This seems
to be a description of nuclear bombs falling on Russia but also, probably,
on the United States.
(3) For a comparison of Israel, the Church, and the
United States and the different way God deals with these three entities
see my article.
(4) The author notes (Paragraph 4 of this article) that we can expect a
great harvest at the end of the age. I agree. Revelation tells of multitudes
of people---hundreds of thousands or even millions perhaps---who come to
know the Lord Jesus during the Tribulation period. These will be previously
unevangelized masses reached through the valiant evangelism of the 144,000.
Throughout history God has graciously delayed judgment on nations or peoples,
and sometimes brought revivals which reversed for a season the downhill
course of human civilization. The Apostle Peter referred to such times when
calling the Jews to repentance shortly after the ascension of Jesus:
"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must
receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth
of his holy prophets from of old." (Acts 3:19-21)
(5) I can not help but strongly endorse the author's conviction that our
beloved nation is very close to the point of drastic divine judgment. Whether
this will happen by gradual decline, anarchy and overthrow of the government,
economic collapse or a nuclear holocaust no one can tell.
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