Lots of eyebrows have suddenly been raised to what we have been saying: Prophecy is playing out in real life. However, it may not be due to divine inspiration, but instead because ISIS is paying attention to prophecy and wants to accelerate what it deems as the end times.
CNN's Peter Bergen reports this tonight:
The name of the Dabiq magazine itself helps us understand ISIS' worldview. The Syrian town of Dabiq is where the Prophet Mohammed is supposed to have predicted that the armies of Islam and "Rome" would meet for the final battle that will precede the end of time and the triumph of true Islam.
In the recent issue of Dabiq it states: "As the world progresses towards al-Malhamah al-Kubrā, ('the Great Battle' to be held at Dabiq) the option to stand on the sidelines as a mere observer is being lost." In other words, in its logic, you are either on the side of ISIS or you are on the side of the Crusaders and infidels.
When American aid worker Peter Kassig was murdered by ISIS in November, "Jihadi John" -- the masked British murderer who has appeared in so many ISIS videos -- said of Kassig: "We bury the first crusader in Dabiq, eagerly waiting for the rest of your armies to arrive."
In other words, ISIS wants a Western ground force to invade Syria, as that will confirm the prophecy about Dabiq.
This may be tough to ponder for a more secular world.
A wide spectrum of religions, however, understand the deal quite well.. If these human sacrifices continue, and the Pope is in danger, a veil of darkness will descend over this world.. depending on your point of view, either Jesus comes back as the Judge, or Islam will be the true religion that inherits the earth.
So here we are, in a time when modern convenience is plenty and the joys of technology is often unparalleled. All the while, beheadings and burnings are being conceived by other humans--humans not at all rational.. Instead of projecting the intelligence of evolution and modern maturity, we are being taken back to the middle ages.. For so many right now under the leadership of ISIS, the dark ages are ruling..
With each step closer to Rome, I fear the steps will be closer to two different branches of faith believing that end times are upon us.. Sadly, many Christians will throw their hands up and wait for a rapture that, logic tells us, will not occur. Instead we will be faced to deal with death and a hell on earth.
And then what..?