Wednesday, April 3, 2013  

   
The Gates of Hell and the times in which we live

The Gates of Hell are claimed to be found by Francesco D'Andria, professor of classic archaeology at the University of Salento. D'Andria presented his findings at a March conference on Italian archeology in Istanbul, Turkey. According to the Discovery.com website, D'Andria found "Pluto's Gate" so named in Greco-Roman mythology as the "gate to hell" in Hierapolis, an ancient city located in southwestern Turkey. It is known for its mysterious vapor that kills anyone entering the cave, which is considered by ancient tradition as the gate to hell. Even today, birds and other animals wandering into the entrance die immediately. This discovery and its location may contain some confirming clues from Biblical prophecy.

Hierapolis was known for its hot springs and became part of Pergamon in 190 BC. When the Apostle Paul ministered in Ephesus, a church was founded there and it was not far from the church in Laodicia. It is said that the Apostle Phillip was martyred there. A study of ancient maps of Turkey reveals that Magog, Gomer, Togarmah, Meshech and Tubal are all regions of modern Turkey and many of them reside in the territories of the former Assyrian Empire. We know that Ezekiel 38 and 39 mention Gog of Magog leading a coalition of currently Islamic/Arab nations against Israel in a colossal end time battle. Many scholars now believe that Gog is who Christians call the "antichrist."

We also know that the "antichrist" is alluded to as the Assyrian in Isaiah 10:5,10:24,14:25, 19:23, 30:31, 31:8, Micah 5:5-6, and Hosea 11:5. It is quite possible that the antichrist/the Assyrian will arise from what is now Turkey. It is also interesting that Jesus Christ identifies modern Turkey as the seat of Satan. In Revelation 2:12-13, Jesus says, "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: These things says he which has the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells."

Modern Turkey plays a tremendous role in end time prophecy. Jesus said the seat of Satan is in Pergamos, which is located in modern Turkey. Ezekiel speaks of Gog of Magog leading an end time force against Israel, which includes Persia (Iran), Libya and Ethiopia (Sudan) and other areas of Turkey and the former Assyrian Empire. These are all currently Islamic and Arab states who are specifically named as coming against Israel and many originate out of parts of Turkey. Now we have a news story claiming that the gates of hell have been discovered not terribly far from the seat of Satan. Symbolic? Mythical? Literal? All three? Irrespective, these findings in Turkey could be clues to the end times scenario.

 
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson