Hi Randy, a lot remains to be seen.
I think the leader of Russia will be Gog in the Gog/Magog event to take place. I don't think the Russian leader, Gog, will be the Antichrist. The Antichrist will come out of the EU area.
Don't know yet what particular EU leaders will make up the ten king group that the little horn will emerge as leader over. I don't think Russia will a part of that confederation.
Yes, a lot of questions remain. Like the 666 name of the beast mystery. And I agree that perhaps we are not meant to know until the time is right. But as things develop, we can make posts in the thread.
Oh yea, I think it's fine and perhaps responsible to look at the possibilities, even if God isn't delivering it to us in a neat concise package yet. We're probably given as much as we need for the time. But we are getting close.
I went through a study a long time ago, researching how the Roman Empire, the "4th Kingdom," has evolved in history, in hopes of understanding what European states have been carrying the torch for Roman Imperialism. In this way I thought I might perhaps understand what states are going to turn to Antichrist?
I got some of my inspiration from little pamphlets by Gordon Lindsay, who pointed out that as the Roman Empire had two parts, so in history Europe has been divided into Western and Eastern Europe. I theorized that if these are the "two legs" of the "4th Kingdom" (Dan 2), then perhaps 5 states in Antichrist's Kingdom will come from the West and 5 from the East?
A number of European states have actually claimed to be "empires," carrying the Roman Imperial Tradition. We know Italy did, as the original Roman state. But so did France and Germany, Austria, Spain, and some in the East, as well, including Russia.
But European Civilization has expanded into two major states that extend beyond Europe, including the US and Russia (Europe and Asia). So I just wondered?
Also, I think like you do that Russia may be "Gog." And when we read about Gog in Eze 38-39, it reads like the last battle Israel must face. So I wondered if he may be part of Armageddon?
I really don't wish to think the US will join the Antichristian coalition. But the way things have been going I wouldn't be overly surprised. European Civilization is turning to apostasy from its Christian roots, including the US. I just keep praying that God saves and secures His Church in the US and elsewhere.
Anyway, I'm always interested in your thoughts, even if they fall well outside of my own thoughts. I don't claim to be right on any of it because it is so unclear at this point. But we will press ahead!
Take care...
