Iran prepares its people for appearance of the Mahdi
Posted by brittgillette on January 27th, 2007
Since coming to power, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been fascinated with the coming of the “12th Imam,” also known as “the Mahdi,” a messianic figure in Shiite Muslim eschatology. A recent series of Iranian television programs on the subject have highlighted characteristics of this man whose coming they say will lead to “liberal democratic civilization” being relegated to the “history museums”.
Many leaders throughout history have held strange beliefs, but what makes Ahmadinejad and the Iranians so different is their preoccupation with this Islamic apocalyptic scenario and their professed belief in bringing it about. As Iran gets closer to the acquisition of nuclear weapons, the probability of conflict with Israel and the United States increases accordingly. Ahmadinejad has told the world repeatedly that he will personally aid in the appearance of the Mahdi on the world scene by instigating the very global conflagration he believes will set the stage for the end times.
According to Shiite Muslim tradition, the Mahdi will lead a one-world government featuring himself as dictator. He will usher in peace and prosperity for a period of 7 years, culminating in the end of the world and final judgement. Ironically, the Bible describes a similar figure known as the Antichrist who will lead a one-world government featuring himself as dictator. He will rule for 7 years until Christ returns to earth and pronounces final judgment. Also of notable coincidence is that the Bible predicts that the Antichrist will rise to power sometime in the aftermath of the War of Gog/Magog, an attack against Israel featuring Russia, Iran, and a coalition of Arab Muslim nations.
As Christians, we should be paying close attention to the events unfolding in Iran and the Middle East. Whether or not these events are the prophesied War of Gog/Magog, we should take this opportunity to share what the Bible says with our friends and neighbors.
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