Erdogan says “They have commenced a struggle between the cross and crescent”
Turkish President makes stand against Europe and Christendom
By Craig C. White
Turkish President Erdogan has declared war between cross and crescent, between Christianity and Islam. Erdogan threatened that Turks in Europe will rise up against Europeans.
Erdogan along with his supporters plan to convert the ancient Christian cathedral Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Erdogan plans to lead Muslim prayers there even though it is unlawful for a secular leader to do so. By leading Muslim prayers Erdogan is proclaiming himself as an Islamic Imam. For eight decades the Hagia Sophia has stood as a symbol of Turkey’s dedication to a secular society, accepting of both Islam and Christianity. Converting the old church into a Mosque will declare that Turkey and Islam have usurped Christianity. The war between cross and crescent will have officially begun.
In the attached article, Walid Shoebat suggests that this could fulfill 2Thessalonians 2:4. I think that this is worth considering.
2Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
There will obviously be a physical temple building during the Tribulation period. In Revelation the Apostle John was instructed to measure its physical dimensions.
Rev 11:1-2 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
I wonder if the following two passages are describing two separate events.
Mat 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Verses
2Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Matthew 24:15-16 could be referencing theses verses Dan 9:27, Dan 12:11.
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
2Thessalonians 2:4 could be referencing these verses Isa_14:13; Eze 28:2, Dan 7:25, Dan 8:9-11, Dan 11:36; Rev 13:6.
Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
I wonder if the Antichrist standing in the temple of God (2Thess 2:4) is a separate event than the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (Mat 24 15:16). I wonder if Turkish President Erdogan standing in the Hagia Sophia showing himself that he is God could fulfill 2Thessalonians 2:4.
High Time to Awake 
Craig,
I have read about Walid’s thoughts in regards to the antichrist sitting in Hagia Sophia or his palace proclaiming himself to be God, and that he believes it could be the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2:4. In past articles he also put forth the idea that the antichrist putting a stop to the daily sacrifice could mean putting a stop to the Eucharist. I really believe that Walid has special insight into the Muslim mindset, because of his background, and like you he believes that Erdogan is the antichrist.
However, he and his son Theodore go too far in their support of catholic theology by calling those who do not observe the Eucharist demonic and being in the same camp as liberal evangelicals. They have even claimed that Martin Luther was demonic, and they seem to believe that Jesus will use a newly resurrected Catholic army and Mary to fight His battles against the antichrist.
With that said, I am thinking that Walid could be on to something in regards to the antichrist. Erdogan may very well begin his war against Christ and his followers at Hagia Sophia, and attempt to stop all Christian Sacraments. This is already happening in the Middle East and in Turkey. Erdogan could be installed as the Muslim Mahdi on April 16 after the referendum at Hagia Sophia. It might possibly be that satan will fall and take possession of his man at that very time and place. I also believe that we should not count out the possibility that Gulen will recognize who the antichrist is and seek to be reconciled with Erdogan. We must not forget that both antichrist and false prophet share the same end goals, and it could be that the coup attempt in Turkey was part of a grand scheme to give Erdogan the popularity he needs to win the referendum. Shortly after Erdogan’s coronation episode, his march towards Damascus and on to Israel could begin in full strength just as you have said. As you can tell Craig, I think I echo a pretty good Biblical Prophecy Teacher
Only time will tell, so we watch and pray. I still believe that the ultimate fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2:4, and Daniels prophecy concerning the stopping of the daily sacrifices will happen in the Jewish Temple (God’s House) in Israel.
We are getting so close to our call home,
David
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David, I agree with everything that you said. I wonder if Erdogan’s war on Christendom will launch the Church’s ten days of tribulation?
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
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What I’m confused about is that the body of Christ is the temple of God.
Acts 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
The funny thing is, is that this interpretation could be considered spiritualizing the text. But, I really don’t think so. Because we literally make up the body of Christ who is His temple.
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Hebrews 13:15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Are we not the daily sacrifice? Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
So I find this all very confusing. And I think what I’ve written above has a lot of problems attached to it. But I have a hard time seeing that the ‘temple’ is referring to Solomon’s third temple (and I really don’t see Hagia Sofia. If it is a Christian reference, the real temple, body, would make more sense).
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Hi Mark. There will obviously be a physical temple building during the Tribulation period. In Revelation the Apostle John was instructed to measure its physical dimensions.
Rev 11:1-2 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
I wonder if the following two passages are describing two separate events.
Mat 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Verses
2Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Matthew 24:15-16 could be referencing theses verses Dan 9:27, Dan 12:11.
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
2Thessalonians 2:4 could be referencing these verses Isa_14:13; Eze 28:2, Dan 7:25, Dan 8:9-11, Dan 11:36; Rev 13:6.
Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
I wonder if the Antichrist standing in the temple of God (2Thess 2:4) is a separate event than the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (Mat 24 15:16).
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I like all those scriptural relations and agree with them. But, I’m thinking Mat 24:15-16 and 2Thessalonians 2:4 are describing the same event. I see from: 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of 2sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits 3as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
That He is saying the Day will not come unless the falling away comes first which is connected with the man of sin being revealed. But afterwards is a description to explain the previous revelation: he is the “son of perdition, 4 who opposes..” I don’t think think there’s a chronological intent with describing who the man of sin is, even though it will come after the falling away and his revelation. If that makes sense…
Could that mean the son of sins revelation would occur after the rapture? Which would kind of makes sense if satan and his demons were restricted from heaven to Earth as He starts His judgement and wrath of the world and all that is in it. ?
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