Background
U.S. support for Israel is deeply intertwined with Evangelical Christian beliefs, particularly those concerning the end times. Many Evangelicals subscribe to the idea that they can hasten the “Second Coming of Christ” by setting the stage for an apocalyptic conflict. According to their interpretation of the Bible, this involves Israel reclaiming Jerusalem, Jesus returning, and ultimately eliminating all Jews who do not convert.
For numerous “Christian Zionists,” especially influential evangelists aligned with the Republican Party, support for Israel is less about political strategy and more about its supposed role in biblical prophecy. In this worldview, war is not something to be avoided but embraced as a divine necessity—an inevitable and even celebratory step toward Jesus’ rule from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The fate of Jews and Palestinians alike is, at best, collateral damage.
Ironically, the same Evangelical Christians who claim to worship Jesus have developed a near-cult-like devotion to President Donald Trump, seeing him as an instrument of God’s plan. This allegiance has led them to abandon traditional Christian ethics in favor of political power plays, reinforcing their apocalyptic vision.
Eschatology: The Study of the End Times
The theological study of the end times is called eschatology. Derived from the Greek word eschatos, meaning “last” or “final,” eschatology explores the biblical concepts of the Second Coming of Christ, the final judgment, and humanity’s ultimate destiny.
Christian eschatology varies widely across denominations but generally includes key themes such as the Tribulation, the Rapture, the Antichrist, the Millennial Kingdom, and the New Heaven and New Earth. The primary biblical sources for these beliefs include the Book of Revelation, the Book of Daniel, Matthew 24, and 1 Thessalonians 4–5.
The Antichrist and the False Prophet
The Bible describes two primary figures who play a pivotal role in the end times: the Antichrist and the False Prophet.
The Antichrist is portrayed as a powerful world leader who deceives nations, exalts himself above God, and demands worship. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, he is called the “man of lawlessness” who will oppose everything associated with God and proclaim himself divine. He will use deception and false miracles, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, performing signs and wonders to mislead people. Revelation 13:7 further states that he will have authority over all nations, wage war against God’s people, and establish global control while demanding loyalty and worship.
Working alongside the Antichrist is the False Prophet, a religious figure who deceives people into worshiping the Antichrist and enforces his rule. Revelation 13:12-14 states that the False Prophet will perform great signs, even calling down fire from heaven, deceiving the inhabitants of the earth. He will implement the infamous “Mark of the Beast,” which will be required for economic participation (Revelation 13:16-17). Together, they will establish a counterfeit kingdom in opposition to God, using political power, false miracles, and religious influence to lead people astray. However, their reign will ultimately end in their destruction at Christ’s second coming (Revelation 19:20).
The Bible warns believers to remain vigilant, as the spirit of the Antichrist is already present in the world (1 John 4:3). Jesus himself warns in Matthew 24:24 that false messiahs and false prophets will perform great signs to deceive even the elect. Ultimately, the Antichrist and the False Prophet represent a final rebellion against God, but their defeat is assured through Christ’s return and judgment. Believers are urged to remain steadfast in faith and avoid being misled by deception.
False Prophets and Their Modern Influence
The Bible repeatedly warns against false prophets who mislead people for personal gain, political power, or ideological influence. These warnings remain highly relevant today in the context of misinformation, manipulation, and the rise of leaders who claim to have all the answers while deceiving the public.
Examples of modern false prophets can be seen in:
- Political and Religious Manipulation – Leaders and influencers use fear, rhetoric, and false promises to manipulate people, often positioning themselves as the only solution to societal problems.
- Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories – The internet has allowed false prophets—those who spread lies and propaganda—to reach and deceive even well-educated individuals.
- Cult-Like Followings – Some leaders gain unwavering loyalty, convincing their followers to reject facts, critical thinking, and morality in favor of blind allegiance.
- False Promises of Salvation – Whether in politics, religion, or business, many claim to offer prosperity, security, or “the truth” while actually leading people into harm.
The warning in Matthew 24:24 serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, question what we are told, and remain rooted in truth, discernment, and ethical reasoning. The willingness of Christian Zionists to embrace war and deception for the sake of an apocalyptic vision highlights the dangers of unchecked religious extremism in shaping political policy. If history teaches us anything, it is that those who seek to manipulate faith for power often lead their followers—and the world—toward destruction.