What Is America's Prophetic Future?
By Perry Stone

There are four point on a compass and four divisions on earth: the north, south, west, and east. Early biblical civilization began in the Fertile Crescent, situated in modern-day Iraq and spreading into Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Northern Africa. Using the Bible as our compass, the four areas of the compass are identified from the center point of reference, which is Jerusalem – the city set "in the midst of the nations" (Ezek. 5:5)

From a biblical perspective, the North would be Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Russia. The East would be Jordan, Arabia, southern Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The South is Egypt and the Northern horn of Africa. The West includes the Mediterranean (most prominently Greece) and later western Europe and the British Isles.

When studying Daniel and Revelation, prophetic scholars and teachers point out there are references to the north, east, and south in passages alluding to the Antichrist, the tribulation, and time of the end. However, for some reason, little or nothing is said concerning the west. There are many theories.

The first theory teaches that activities linked with the Antichrist and his ten kings unfolds around the Mediterranean Sea, which would omit much of the western part of the European continent. This is partially true as the beast "Rises up out of the Great Sea," a reference to the Mediterranean. (Dan. 7:1-2). The areas alluded to in Daniel are the North, South, East and West. In John's time, the nations surrounding the Great Sea were annexed into the Roman Empire. At that time, North and South America (and the Western Hemisphere in general) were unknown.

The second theory stresses the idea that the Antichrist and his confederacy will have little or no impact on the west, as the main focus is on the east and the rise of the "Kings of the east" (Rev. 16:12). This theory is weakened by John's insistence that the beast system "causes all to receive a mark" (Rev. 13:16), and the fact that "he causes all that dwell on the earth to worship the beast" (Rev. 13:8). John also notes that the "world" is caught up in this deception, being amazed with the power of the beast (Rev. 13:3, 17:8). The fact that "all" and "the world" are involved with the Antichrist's activities suggest that the Antichrist system is universal and not limited to a specific location.

The third theory, becoming more popular lately, is that there will be natural disaster such as earthquakes and tsunamis that destroy much of the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. Some also believe that the US will be weakened after the Rapture and the nations will be swallowed up in an invasion from China or another world power.

There is no clear indication in either testament as to why the west appears to be absent from apocalyptic biblical visions, After discussing this issue with numerous prophetic scholars, some who are now with the Lord, there was a consensus that with the number of Christians in America, the sudden return of Christ for the church would thrust the entire nation into sudden chaos. Christians have military, banking, and communication codes, including information that cannot be accessed without their password knowledge. It's also possible that vast earthquakes and volcanoes could destroy major cities in the west. Scientific research indicates that the Pacific Rim, also known as the "Ring of Fire," is where 80% of the world's major cities exist. The majority of social media and tech companies are located on the west coast of America. A cataclysmic earthquake or devastating tsunami could destroy infrastructure as we know it.

It is very likely that natural disasters will negatively impact the United States at some point. There are major fault lines running across the west coast and Alaska, with a super volcano in Yellowstone National Park. There are massive faults along the Pacific and the Atlantic that would form deadly and destructive tsunamis if breached.

We who are lovers of truth must remain informed of God's latest word on the last day, plan and prepare, yet remain free from fear and anxiety, knowing that Christ will return for us. For all true followers of Christ, the best is yet to come.