Q&A: Evangelicals: Obama’s victory is being described as global in proportion. Is this the beginning of the end?
Question by CassandraM: Evangelicals: Obama’s victory is being described as global in proportion. Is this the beginning of the end?
I’m interested in the perspectives of those who have studied end-time prophecy. (Eschatology) Do you believe there are aspects to this election which may foreshadow some of those prophecies?
Do you have any thoughts about the impact of Obama’s religious background which includes both Muslim and Christian roots? He is also bi-racial, bridging gaps between Caucasian and African-Americans (as the outcome of the election proves), and international – with childhood ties to Indonesia, and having family in Kenya today. As one person who was interviewed put it: “[Obama] had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president.”
Why do you believe people are celebrating his victory on a global scale? Is America truly becoming a “New World” as indicated in this article, and if so, is this the early steps of the New World Order foretold in Revelations?
Note: I am NOT calling Obama the anti-Christ or being disparaging to him in any way, so let there be no ranting here to that effect. I am asking you to look at the bigger picture and how this election may or may not relate to Bible prophecy……..this is not about who you voted for, so hopefully there will be response from both liberal and conservative perspectives.
Please keep it respectful….. thank you.
Obama victory sparks cheers around the globe
By JOHN LEICESTER, Associated Press Writer John Leicester, Slideshow: World reacts to U.S. election
PARIS – Barack Obama’s election as America’s first black president unleashed a renewed love for the United States after years of dwindling goodwill, and many said Wednesday that U.S. voters had blazed a trail that minorities elsewhere could follow.
People across Africa stayed up all night or woke before dawn to watch U.S. history being made, while the president of Kenya — where Obama’s father was born — declared a public holiday.
In Indonesia, where Obama lived as child, hundreds of students at his former elementary school erupted in cheers when he was declared winner and poured into the courtyard where they hugged each other, danced in the rain and chanted “Obama! Obama!”
“Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place,” South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, said in a letter of congratulations to Obama.
Many expressed amazement and satisfaction that the United States could overcome centuries of racial strife and elect an African-American as president.
“This is the fall of the Berlin Wall times ten,” Rama Yade, France’s black junior minister for human rights, told French radio. “America is rebecoming a New World.
“On this morning, we all want to be American so we can take a bite of this dream unfolding before our eyes,” she said.
In Britain, The Sun newspaper borrowed from Neil Armstrong’s 1969 moon landing in describing Obama’s election as “one giant leap for mankind.”
Yet celebrations were often tempered by sobering concerns that Obama faces global challenges as momentous as the hopes his campaign inspired — wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the nuclear ambitions of Iran, the elusive hunt for peace in the Middle East and a global economy in turmoil.
The huge weight of responsibilities on Obama’s shoulders was also a concern for some. French former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said Obama’s biggest challenge would be managing a punishing agenda of various crises in the United States and the world. “He will need to fight on every front,” he said.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hoped the incoming administration will take steps to improve badly damaged U.S. ties with Russia. Tensions have been driven to a post-Cold War high by Moscow’s war with U.S. ally Georgia.
“I stress that we have no problem with the American people, no inborn anti-Americanism. And we hope that our partners, the U.S. administration, will make a choice in favor of full-fledged relations with Russia,” Medvedev said.
Europe, where Obama is overwhelmingly popular, is one region that looked eagerly to an Obama administration for a revival in warm relations after the Bush government’s chilly rift with the continent over the Iraq war.
“At a time when we have to confront immense challenges together, your election raises great hopes in France, in Europe and in the rest of the world,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a congratulations letter to Obama.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski spoke of “a new America with a new credit of trust in the world.”
Skepticism, however, was high in the Muslim world. The Bush administration alienated those in the Middle East by mistreating prisoners at its detention center for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and inmates at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison — human rights violations also condemned worldwide.
Some Iraqis, who have suffered through five years of a war
Floid – a little rant there, but I had to laugh out loud when I read your response. Okay – we’ll see what we can do to help you out there. 
Andymcj78 (Atheist) – although the question is addressed to evangelicals, I’m glad you responded, and I don’t disagree with your insights. Thank you.
Suzanne YPA: Very insightful – I especially appreciate your knowledge of eschatology. Thank you!
Suzanne YPA – Regarding your EDIT, I’m thankful you added that. I agree – there is a MAN of perdition (anti-christ) who will be revealed. I know there are many spirits of anti-christ which have gone forth, but there will be a false Trinity (anti-christ; false prophet; satan) and a false Messiah who will set himself up in the temple as God. Also, thank you for those links -
derius537 – Thank you for your insights! I know there are many who share these views, and your answer shows alot of thought. I appreciate what you’re saying.
Lotta Lou – Thank you for the website link and your response. You serve to remind us that no matter how caught up we get in political matters, government is not the source of our salvation or provision – Christ is. Thank you for your reply.
Lover of Blue – we have some doctrinal differences, but I always enjoy hearing from you. You have the heart of an evangelist and some excellent insights here. I appreciate your response – (please check out Suzanne YPA’s edit)
To all the rest who responded, I appreciate you taking the time to think this through and share your insight. You all have given me alot to think about – thank you!
Solomon’s Glory – I’m so glad you weighed in on this one! A number of excellent points here – (Daniel 8, Job, the facts about Prince Charles, etc) I agree with you – the response of the Ecclesia (“the called out ones”, the church) should not be a reaction of fear. We are exhorted to be watchful and to pray, being mindful of the times and season we’re in. (Hence this discussion)
There is an inward grieving because we know there is much suffering yet to come….for a season. (Not that God takes pleasure in the destruction of the rebellious – Ezekiel 33-34) However, there are many who will come to Christ ONLY during the hour of extreme crisis and tribuation…..perhaps an interesting discussion for another day.
Thank you again and thanks to all!
Love in Christ, Cassandra
Best answer:
Answer by Floid
I don’t know, but I will make a deal with the Evangelicals… you can have your rapture if you take Obama and the rest of the Christian politicians (pretty much all of them) in Washington with you.
Give your answer to this question below!
TLDR
Man, I’m so glad that after 8 years America finally has a real president.
Stop making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Do you really think that this compares to the rise of Nazism, or the bubonic plague? It’s not that important in the grand scheme of life.
The world is celebrating because America has chosen a change of direction rather than more of the same aggression and hostility that characterised their foreign policy under Bush.
OMG I never thought of that
that is kinda creepy
Every new day is the beginning of the end. Obama has won a great victory. He is the FIRST non-white man to ever win Presidency in the United States. That is such an honor. And shows how far we the american have truely come. Alot of people believe he is the anti-christ. But, there have been alot of anti-christ rise and fall. Only God and satan would no if he is the Anti-christ. I didn’t vote for him, but credit is due to him. He has made World History.
yes….we are closer to the return of Jesus….be sure to repent..
As an Evangelical Christian who has exhaustively studied eschatology, I believe that Obama’s win is prophetically significant.
1) Ezekiel 38/39 tells us that, in the “latter days,” Israel will be invaded by a coalition of the following: Russia, Iran and several Middle Eastern (Muslim) nations. When the invasion occurs, the prophecy tells us that no other country will even attempt to assist Israel. Because Israel has no help, God steps in and miraculously saves Israel Himself, leading to national repentence to prepare her for the coming of Messiah. Had John McCain won the Presidency, the U.S. would have come to Israel’s assistance even before the invaders reached Israeli soil. Mr. Obama has made it clear that he believes the U.S. should keep to itself and let other countries — including Israel — fight their own wars.
Many Israelis feel quite unsettled this morning, concerned that they will be all alone in the Middle East as the U.S. begins to pack up and go home from Iraq. They are also concerned that Obama and his team do not appear to fully understand or appreciate the seriousness of the threat of Radical Islam. Sen. Obama told us during the campaign that Iran was a tiny country that did not pose much of a threat. Israelis are not convinced he will stand with them in a nuclear showdown with Tehran.
2) The Scriptures tell us that the Iraqi city of Babylon will be rebuilt prior to the Tribulation and will be a fully functioning city by that time; during the Tribulation, it will be the Antichrist’s headquarters. Mr. Obama has made it clear that we will pull out of Iraq, whether it’s best for that country or not. This leaves Iraq vulnerable to nations such as Iran, which has made it clear that Iraq needs to be turned from a secular society and government into a “religious” one. Clearly, Iraq has its own funds, but it cannot protect itself from this great danger. The question remains: once Iraq is unprotected, what country will step in to offer protection and a billion-dollar deal to build a magnificent city on the Euphrates that will symbolize Iraq’s new power? My guess is Dubai, which will seek to build a city equal to — or greater than — its own, which rivals any other city in the world.
EDIT: “Lover of Blue,” I’m not sure if you’ll see this, but I’ll write anyway: the belief that there will *not* be a man who embodies all things contradictory to God, a.k.a. “the Antichrist,” is an incorrect teaching. The Apostle John, who wrote Revelation, and who is the only one in Scripture to use the term “Antichrist,” had a student named Polycarp — some of his writings remain with us today. Polycarp had a “star pupil” named Iranaeus, who is Christianity’s first apologist. Drawing upon the mode of Scriptural interpretation taught to him by Polycarp, who learned from John, Iranaeus wrote within his book series “Against Heresies” that there WILL be one man who is properly called “THE” Antichrist. Further, Iranaeus confirms that John taught this man is the same one written about by Paul and Daniel, and who is portrayed in Revelation. I’ve given you several links below to these writings.
No, this is just a new beginning. Now people can start working on being happy again, instead of this cynical disenchantment we’ve been cultivating for the last 8 years. Now we have a president who will regain our lost respect with the rest of the world. Everywhere around the globe people are hopeful and optimistic.
Sounds very similar to the accolades of Stalin and Hitler when they came in power. The promises made are identical and their followers were just as rabid and closed minded to the truth. I do not think this has any bearing on prophecy in relation to the end times. The striking similarities in electing Obama is really frightening. May the Lord have mercy on us. Pray for the survival of Israel and for Christians who will face increased persecution around the world. Pray for us who are called racist because we see through the facade.
In Christ
Fr. Joseph
In terms of Eschatology I find Pres. Obama’s election interesting on a number of levels.
1st no where in the bible can America be identified conclusively. There are those who will say America is the Babylon of Revelations but there is nothing to conclusively state that.
We know that as the end times approach Israel will stand alone and when that happens a group of nations will attack her in an attempt to destroy her. Pres. Obama has said he would support Israel, but then he said he would accept public money for his election and then changed his mind. Only time will tell if he will abandon Israel or not.
We also know that historically no civilization has ever embraced homosexuality and survived. Not that they in every case have been completely destroyed but in most cases they have been reduced to a shadow of their former power. It appears that Prop 8 in California has passed. With the election of Pres. Obama that may become a moot point. His stated intent is to remove the defense of marriage act. Now that his supporters have failed in California I expect there to be a push in the next two years for a national law allowing gay marriage. Remember federal law trumps state laws and constitutions.
A lot is going to depend on what happens once he takes office but if he procedes a he has stated he will; I see America becoming a third world nation and no longer a player on the world stage. His economic policy of “Share the Wealth” will further destroy our economy. Universal Health care will cause a massive drain on the government and begin limiting health care for everyone, just as the population of those over 65 in this country begins to climb, it is projected to exceed 20% of our population by 2020.
The next four years will be interesting to say the least. I anticipate he will be more liberal than any have expected and the damage he causes will be irreversable.
I believe his election is a key factor in the end times. He has Muslim background, whether he chooses to acknowledge it today, tomorrow, whenever; he does. His views are hugely conflicting with what this country was founded on (as are MOST Democrats). That being said, if he lessens protection for Israel, and sides with Muslims and Russia (which his book says he WILL side with Muslims if the political wind gets ugly); may the Lord help us all. I believe under his term Christians will be more persecuted and those that oppose his victory will be called racists, bigots, hate-mongers, etc. It’s a sad day to see all the blindness in the world. A man has been elected leader of the greatest, most powerful nation of all. And as is said, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. I believe Barack Obama is this nation’s beginning to the end.
Apparently a well thought out question. I understand that the world is interested in who is president-some for reasons that are not good.I am impressed with the answer that derius53 gave–it was well thought out and well written.Like this individual states I,too, anticipate that Obama is more liberal than even his most avid supporters know. The next 4 years will tell
Globalization is a trend that I see as the man’s strong point, and perhaps may reveal some substance of biblical significance,
as his intentions become more and more detailed.
There is no doubt that president Obama had change history you know I was thinking the same on regards of the prophecies. I would not agree or disagree on the subject I do feel the the returned of Jesus Christ is near and the victory of Obama confirms it. With this I am not saying that Obama is part of the prophecies but he is in deed part of the upcoming events that would happen soon. I pray to God with all my heart that Obama would be a good leader and that he lead us with wisdom. Very good points in your question.
The peace of God be with you.
Obama being voted in is the Lord will right now. And I think it has something to do with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God being preached & published in all nations.
Some of the Middle East nations or African states are antichrist. So I think all things are working for the good for those who trust in the Lord.
I believe it is getting nearer to the time of the Rapture. But I think Obama is going to go up with the rest of the Church.
And prophesied for US is a Good Thanksgiving & Christmas & the next 4yrs are good economically. But what about after the next 4yrs? 2012! I wouldn’t be surprised the rapture happens about then. Only because I have heard that Nasa knows of some natural solar alignment that will have some possible affects on our planet. Then that would be why so many Christians disappeared! And then the son of lawlessness will be revealed & the falling away. And also the beast & false prophet, etc…
Just a possibility.
http://www.kimclement.com
Yes, I believe that God is tuning up the world for the arrival of Jesus Christ and the rapture of Christians. Israel, according to Ezekiel’s prophecy, will be left alone and vulnerable. The vulturous Mid Eastern countries of Russia, Iran and others will convince them that they are safe. After the rapture, peace will come to Israel.
Then, because of Israel’s wealth of land and oil, they will come against her. God will intervene for His beloved Chosen and save her. The vultures will turn on each Other and battle each other. This is Armageddon.
Derius, America is known as the young lion.
It is the beginning of the end of America as we have known it! He claims to be a Christian and perhaps he is but he isn’t very Christian when it comes to where he stands on the issues and the policies he has promised to implement..
As for his election relating to the end times. Yes and no. Yes in the sense that his policies will have a tremendous affect on the direction of this nation and the world. It’s gonna get much darker here and around the world and perhaps that is a sign of the times. And although he claims to be a believer and he may very well be, he in a sense has an “anti-Christ” spirit. The anti-Christ spirit, which is seen in every generation and among many leaders and peoples, is one that worships “The Beast” (the governments of the world) and offers an alternative salvation other than Christ. Anti-Christ isn’t just against Christ, it’s “over and against.” Thus it’s an alternative way of salvation.
Obama is promoting socialism and telling people to put their faith in (his) government and in him. He’s been saying to look to him to meet all of our needs (salvation), instead of Christ. He’s leading people to Uncle Sam instead of Christ. Yes, he’s in politics and isn’t an evangelist nor in the ministry but his policies and political leanings all support the love of and rule of the Beast.
He’s not “THE ANTI-CHRIST” in the sense that he’s THE ONE because there will not be “THE ONE ANTI-CHRIST”
As for his support or lack of support for national Israel is irrelevant! God no longer deals with Israel as a nation. (I’m sure that statement just ruffled a few feathers from many Christians!) He deals with the Church. That is His Body! (Rom. 12:5) That is His Holy Temple! (Eph. 2:21) That is His City, the New Jerusalem! (Rev. 21:1-3) That is His priesthood! (1 Pet. 2:9) That is His nation! (1 Pet. 2:9) National Israel has as much significance in God’s eyes today as Norway or New Zeeland or America or Russia. It’s a country full of believers (sheep) and non believers (goats). God looks at the nations in and through the church. If they bless His church, then they will be a blessed nation. If they persecute His church, then they will deal with His hand of judgement! (That is another reason why I fear the future with Obama at the healm! He won’t persecute Christians like China does but he will not bless them!)
But yes, Obama will help accelerate the end of America as we know it! It’s just the beginning and therefore his election was incredibly “historic.”
Perhaps, God will be merciful to America and give us another George W. Bush to lead us on the right path once again! He was our “David.”
But Obama isn’t evil, he’s just misguided! “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:14) America, get ready to fall! I pray that he’ll have a “Damascus Road” experience so America doesn’t fall!
(I’m sure I ruffed a lot of feathers with this one! That wasn’t my intent!)
Ok, trying to understand this from your perspective:
I don’t think Obama fits the bill of the Anti – Christ either. He has a wife and child, whereas Daniel ch 8 clearly says he will not regard the desire of women, indicating that he will either be celibate or a homosexual. He is not the first world leader to have his arrival heralded on the world stage, nor I suspect will he be the last.
As for the Sun “news paper” which is owned by Rupert “howling mad” Murdoch, you will find that he is a political chameleon. In the past he has switched his party allegiances in both England and Australia to keep his influence. Indeed, the main reason he took out American citizenship was so that he could hold media interests there as foreigners are, or at least at the time, were not allowed to do so.
Regardless of who won the election, America as been declining in power for some time now. There are far more players since the break up of the USSR, such as the EU, China, India, Islam and a once again resurgent Russia. Yes, these power blocks are looking for a shift in policy from the US, which is why there is much world wide optimism and enthusiasm, however only time will tell if Obama will make a good President, as indeed the same would have been true if Senator McCain had won the election.
From my understanding, when the end comes it’s supposed to come suddenly: And the beast is supposed to be the person people least expected to be so.
Yes, the new President indeed has international roots and varying degrees of affiliation with Islam and Christianity. Then again Prince Charles is a freemason and a future head of the church of England but few question his dual religious, or even different foreign connections, i.e: Part Greek with German ancestry. Ok, it’s a European back ground, but he still has religious, secular and global influence, especially being the future head of the British Common wealth. Yet no one seems to be tying him or other world figures who do similar things in with biblical prophecy.
Suzanne YPA makes some interesting points. However, Babylon whether it represents Rome or a physically rebuilt new manifestation of the ancient city, or just his system: No one is absolutely clear on this, is not supposed to be the centre of the Anti – Christ’s rule according to Christian eschatology. The whole point is to have the temple rebuilt in Jerusalem and be worshipped as God there: 2nd Thess ch 2 speaks about him sitting in the temple of God as God and exalting him above everything that is called God.
As for the Iraq war, whatever your politics, Obama can’t be exclusively criticised for wanting to pull out because the Republican party, at least stated that they eventually wanted to anyway, and were even setting time tables. Yes, by all means adhere to your faith and be concerned with what’s happening in the world. But don’t live in fear of future events. Doesn’t the scripture say that God has not given Christians a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind? So over concern may make you look in the wrong places.
“We have nothing to fear but fear itself”.
Franklyn Delano Rooseveldt.
Or by taking the course of fear, you may end up repeating the words of Job: “The thing I feared most as come upon me”. Even if the end is nigh, then for you Christians it’s supposed to herald a glorious new beginning. For the rest of us, the clear context as I understand it is that the great tribulation is supposed to be the biggest ever revival and persecution, designed to run simeoltaneosly in order to make mankind choose between God and the Beasts system so that Christ can bring in his own new world order.
I hope this helps.