What Just Happened is a Massive Breakthrough…

On September 30th, the Chinese Journal of Computers published a peer-reviewed paper highlighting a significant breakthrough, as reported by Interesting Engineering. Researchers used a quantum computer to breach military-grade encryption. According to The Quantum Insider:

“The study emphasizes that while a quantum computer has not yet revealed the specific passcodes used in the algorithms tested, it is closer to doing so than previously achieved. As the technology advances, the researchers suggest that further developments could yield more robust quantum attacks. The ongoing evolution in quantum computing points to potential new vulnerabilities in existing cryptographic systems as scientists push the limits of what these machines can accomplish.”

And according to CSO:

“Many cryptographic algorithms that enterprises rely on today, such as RSA and ECC, are based on mathematical problems that are computationally difficult for classical computers to solve efficiently,” said Prabhjyot Kaur, senior analyst at Everest Group. “However, the advent of quantum computing threatens the security of these algorithms.”

Make note of that last quote. It means the cryptographic algorithms protecting our sensitive information are extremely difficult, if not impossible, for today’s computers to break. But quantum computers can easily crack these codes. Needless to say, this poses a substantial threat to global military and banking systems.

As a result, governments and corporations all over the globe are racing to develop quantum computing and quantum computing applications. Quantum computers promise to advance almost every field of human endeavor – from traditional industries such as banking and energy to new emerging industries such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

But I think the area in which quantum computing will have the most impact is clear – national security. Quantum computing has the potential to break all known encryption methods now used to secure sensitive national security information and military communications. And this would be very destabilizing to the current world order.

What is a Quantum Computer?

So, what exactly is a quantum computer? Classical computers encode information in bits, represented as ones and zeroes. Quantum computers encode information in qubits, represented by the directional spin of an electron or the polarization of a photon. Unlike classic computer bits, quantum mechanics allow qubits to exist in both states simultaneously. So, instead of representing either a one or a zero, a qubit can represent both simultaneously. By linking qubits together via quantum entanglement, quantum computers have the potential to exponentially exceed the computing power of today’s most powerful supercomputers.

Why is This Important?

Why should you care? Such a computer would be so powerful it could instantly break the most sophisticated encryption methods of the current computer era. Imagine the military advantage a nation-state would hold over its peers if it developed quantum computing ahead of all others. It would have an overwhelming advantage.

If academic journals are openly discussing the arrival of quantum computing breakthroughs, what do you think governments are doing in secret?

The United States, China, the EU, Russia, and others have far more resources than the corporate world or higher education. Think they’ll be willing to spend a few hundred billion on a crash program to speed up the development timeline? I think so. And the uncertainty, distrust, and instability of a quantum computing arms race makes it certain. Too much is at stake.

Welcome to the Era of Cyber Warfare

Think about the problems and inconveniences created from short-lived disruptions in Internet service or utility operations. How long can you go without electricity, water, and Internet before a minor annoyance turns into a major crisis?

Consider the impact of two recent cyberattacks – one, a ransomware attack on healthcare processor Change Healthcare, and the other, a cyberattack by a foreign adversary on Texas municipal water systems. A ransomware attack on Change Healthcare back in February impacted over a third of U.S. citizens and cost parent company UnitedHealth Group over $2.9 billion. In January, the Texas town of Muleshoe, was victim of a cyberattack that caused its water system to overflow before a manual override was able to shut it down. The Muleshoe attack was just one of three attacks on small towns in the rural Texas Panhandle, showcasing the vulnerability of our vital infrastructure.

In both of these events, it’s believed criminal hackers were the culprits, but nation-states have far greater capabilities. And we’re entering an era where nation-states will soon have access to quantum computers capable of breaking all current encryption methods. Imagine what would happen in a full-blown cyber war. What would happen if your community lost electricity, water, and sewer service all at once? What if grocery stores went bare for weeks on end? The end result of a cyber war between major powers could be absolutely devastating.

A New World Order

When it comes to World War III or a serious military conflict between major world powers, many people continue to live under a false sense of security. Conventional wisdom says World War III is certain to bring global nuclear destruction. And because of this, every leader on the planet is determined to avoid it at any cost.

But is this true?

Unfortunately, it’s not. The current world order is based on Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD). MAD is the fear of total destruction and the idea no one can win a war between two nuclear powers. For 70 years, it’s all that’s kept us from World War III. But MAD won’t keep the peace forever. It’s based on technology. And that technology is on the verge of becoming obsolete. Like all previous military eras, the era of MAD will soon come to an end.

To work, MAD relies on certainty. A nation must be certain it can launch a nuclear attack if threatened. Otherwise, an enemy nation could prevail in a first-strike scenario. Likewise, the enemy nation must be certain it faces total annihilation if it launches a first strike. This certainty of “mutual assured destruction” is what’s kept the world from destroying itself for over seven decades.

Unfortunately, new technologies will soon eliminate this uncertainty. For example, nuclear-armed submarines are the backbone of a nation’s nuclear deterrent. A single nuclear-armed sub can carry dozens of nuclear warheads several times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Such submarines patrol the planet’s vast oceans where they’re more than able to evade detection from enemy nations. At the very least, they create uncertainty in the eyes of the enemy, who can never be sure about their ability to disarm every such threat.

But quantum computing will change that. It will accelerate the development of new technologies, such as quantum sensors. With powerful quantum sensors, a nation could detect every submarine on the planet. Once detected, those submarines could be disabled using other new technologies. For instance, quantum computing will also enable advanced modeling of chemical reactions. This will prove critical in the development of molecular manufacturing.

With molecular manufacturing, even a small nation could quickly develop legions of tiny swarming drones capable of disarming and destroying any conventional weapon of today. The first nation to develop advanced quantum computers will have the inside edge in the development of these next-generation technologies.

Where We’re Headed

The rise of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, drone swarms, and other emerging technologies is a destabilizing event. Together, these new technologies will overturn the post-war stability of MAD. They make World War III inevitable. When the war ends, one nation (or group of nations) will control all of humanity. That nation (or group of nations) will be the leader in the development of these new military technologies. And they will use them to conquer the globe.

Does this surprise you? It shouldn’t.

The Bible says another world war is certain (Revelation 6:4). It also tells us one nation will control the earth in the aftermath (Revelation 13:7). Is this just a coincidence? No. It’s just one of many signs pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ. Jesus said when you see all the signs converge, His arrival is near (Luke 21:28). Those signs are converging for our generation. So take advantage of what little time we have left. Spread the Good News and tell others about Jesus. The time is short. Jesus is coming soon!

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Britt Gillette is the author of several books on Bible prophecy and the end times. You can find more of his work at brittgillette.substack.com

Is the Current Israel-Hezbollah War a Fulfillment of Prophecy?

Two weeks ago, Israel pulled off what previously had only been imagined by Hollywood screenwriters and authors of best-selling spy thrillers.

To initiate an offensive against Hezbollah, Israel detonated explosives hidden within the communication devices of thousands of the terror organization’s top operatives. In the first 48 hours, they killed at least 27 and injured thousands more. Since then, aerial strikes have taken out additional Hezbollah targets, including high-profile individuals such as Ibrahim Aqil (long wanted by the U.S. for the 1983 attacks on the U.S. Embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut) and Hassan Nasrallah (the longtime leader of Hezbollah). As I write this, news reports confirm Israel has launched a targeted ground invasion of southern Lebanon named Operation Northern Arrows to uproot Hezbollah positions.

It’s clear Israel is determined to destroy Hezbollah as a threat to Israel. For decades now, Iran has funded, trained, and equipped Hezbollah. Iran has expended a significant amount of time, energy, and financial resources building proxy forces and positioning them around Israel. Their aim is to threaten (and eventually destroy) Israel from a distance while maintaining plausible deniability when it comes to their direct involvement. Nevertheless, it’s no secret Hezbollah is an extension of Iran. It’s the crown jewel of Iranian proxy forces.

Right now, Israel is in the process of wiping out that prized proxy force. The big question is what will Iran do? Will they simply stand by and watch all their efforts training, funding, and equipping Hezbollah come to nothing? Will they watch the destruction of Hezbollah from a distance and do nothing? If not, then what will they do?

What Will Be Iran’s Response?

As it stands, I believe Iran has only four options it can pursue. Iran can:

1) Do Nothing – Iran could make the choice to simply do nothing. They can stand by and idly watch as Hezbollah is uprooted, dismantled, and destroyed. To do so means Iran is willing to watch as years of meticulous planning and investment in Hezbollah as a military asset literally goes up in smoke. Is Iran willing to watch their proxy army get erased in short order, all while they do nothing? It’s highly unlikely, but it can’t be completely ruled out.

2) Engage in an All-Out Direct War with Israel – Iran could also make the choice to directly engage Israel in all-out war. I don’t think they have the option of launching an attack as they did back in April unless they’re willing to follow through with additional attacks and engage in all-out war. Based on statements from Israel’s leadership, any attack from Iran will likely be viewed as a declaration of war. And given the timing of events (the U.S. election is just five weeks away) and the prospect of another four years of the Biden-Harris administration, Israel will likely use any opportunity it has in the near term to eliminate any threats – including Iran.

If Iran chooses this option, they need to be confident they can survive such a choice. The missile and drone attacks Iran launched back in April were a total failure. If reports are true, the Ayatollah is currently in hiding because he fears for his life following a series of surgical strikes on high-profile Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iranian leaders in the region. Based on the failure of the April attack, Iran may fear the repercussions of a direct assault on Israel – especially if they’re incapable of striking a significant blow to Israel. It also begs the question – why build a proxy army if your first option is a direct strike? Given Iran’s past investment in its proxy forces (most notably Hezbollah), I think it’s unlikely they’ll engage in all-out direct war with Israel. However, this, too, cannot be ruled out.

3) Engage in an All-Out Proxy War with Israel – A third option available for Iran is to respond through its proxies by engaging in an all-out proxy war with Israel. I believe this is the most likely scenario. After all, why build up Hezbollah for decades only to see it destroyed without ever using its full capability?

If reports are true, Hezbollah has over 150,000 rockets, missiles, and drones at its disposal – many of them hidden in deep underground caverns. No doubt, Israel has identified many of these installations. It’s highly likely they will act swiftly to destroy as many of them as possible while Hezbollah struggles to reorganize following the decapitation of their leadership. With Hezbollah in disarray, Israel will move quickly to destroy them before they have a chance to rebuild their communications and backfill their leadership ranks. If Hezbollah is at all capable of acting and launching an all-out assault on Israel, now is the time. Iran will most likely give them a green light to do so.

4) Apply International Pressure on Israel – A fourth option available for Iran involves the application of extreme international pressure on Israel to call off its attack on Hezbollah positions. This fourth option could be pursued alone or in tandem with Option #2 or Option #3. Iran could even pursue Options #2, #3, and #4 simultaneously. While Israel’s enemies constantly appeal to the international community, hoping to apply pressure on Israel, Iran is unique in its ability to apply pressure guaranteed to make world leaders act. How? Just as its Houthi rebel proxies managed to close the Red Sea to all shipping traffic related to Israel and its allies, Iran is capable of closing the Strait of Hormuz – the most critical shipping lane in any body of water on the globe.

As the only way in or out of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz sees 21% of global oil production flow through its waters on a daily basis. Moreover, this equates to 40% of all the world’s exported petroleum. If Iran decides its best option is to appeal to the global community by closing the Strait of Hormuz until Israel ceases hostilities toward Hezbollah, then many world leaders will be desperate to find a resolution in order to restore the free flow of oil at market prices.

Foremost among these world leaders will be U.S. President Joe Biden. His Vice President, Kamala Harris, is in a tight election race with only five weeks to go. A prolonged closure of the Persian Gulf would cause oil prices to skyrocket. That, in turn, would solidify the current global downturn into a global depression. Gasoline for most U.S. consumers would exceed $10 per gallon. It’s hard to imagine such a scenario takes place and Harris doesn’t lose in a landslide. So, faced with this prospect, President Biden would likely demand Israel cease its assault on Hezbollah.

Other world leaders, whether engaged in reelection battles or not, will also want a quick resolution to such a crisis. Energy is the lifeblood of all economic activity. Without it, nothing moves. Elevated oil prices will result in much higher prices for everyday essentials, and the most important of those is food. Hungry people spark revolutions. So, every leader in the world will have a vested interest in seeing oil prices return to normal.

I’ll be very surprised if Iran chooses Option #1. I’ll be equally surprised if they don’t choose Option #4. My best guess is they’ll pursue Options #3 and #4. If they choose Option #3 – an all-out proxy war with Israel – then I believe Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 have a high probability of being fulfilled.

Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17

How do Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 factor in? It’s possible they don’t. Many people who have diligently studied the Bible believe Psalm 83 is not prophetic in nature. Others believe Isaiah 17 was fulfilled in the past, and it does not prophesy a future event. I believe differently. However, I’m not rigid in this position. I could be wrong. In fact, I hope and pray I’m wrong because of what it means for the people of Syria and Israel.

However, this is why I believe these two passages in the Bible point to a coming conflict involving great devastation:

The consensus view says Psalm 83 is an imprecatory prayer and nothing more. I believe it’s a prayer and a prophecy. First, Asaph – the author of Psalm 83 – is named as a prophet in Matthew 13:35. Second, when you read verses 4 thru 8, they cite many of the same people groups standing against Israel today, and they say the same things today that Asaph cites in verses 4 and 12:

“‘Come,’ they say, ‘Let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence'” Psalm 83:4 (NLT).

And…

“For they said, ‘Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God!'” Psalm 83:12 (NLT).

Verses 9 thru 18 consist of a prayer asking God to take specific actions against Israel’s enemies.

So, why do I believe Psalm 83 is more than a prayer, but a prophecy of things to come? Because God says He will answer this prayer. In verse 13, Asaph says:

“O my God, scatter them like tumbleweed, like chaff before the wind!” Psalm 83:13 (NLT).

In Isaiah 17:13, we read about God’s response:

“But though they thunder like breakers on a beach, God will silence them, and they will run away. They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind, like a tumbleweed whirling before a storm” Isaiah 17:13 (NLT).

Because of this, I believe these two passages describe the same event. Both use the same words for “tumbleweed” (Strong’s 1534) and “wind” (Strong’s 7307). Also, both verses use different words for “chaff” (Strong’s 7179 and 4671), but the translated meaning of both words is the same. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude both verses describe the same event – Psalm 83:13 as a prayer and Isaiah 17:13 as God’s response to the prayer.

So, if both passages describe the same event, what does Isaiah 17 point to? Isaiah 17 prophesies a future devastating event. Again, some people disagree. They say this has already happened, and maybe they’re right. But this is what I believe the scriptures point to.

Verse 1 says Damascus will disappear:

“This message came to me concerning Damascus: ‘Look, the city of Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins'” Isaiah 17:1 (NLT).

Some believe this occurred in 732 B.C. when Assyria defeated the Arameans, captured Damascus, and carried away its people as slaves (2 Kings 16:9). However, this did not result in the complete destruction of Damascus. It continued to exist. In fact, Damascus is believed to be the longest continuously inhabited city on earth, with a history dating back almost 5,000 years. So, I believe this is a prophecy yet to be fulfilled.

As if this isn’t bad enough, Isaiah 17 paints a picture of widespread destruction in Israel as well:

“‘The fortified towns of Israel will also be destroyed, and the royal power of Damascus will end. All that remains of Syria will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,’ declares the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. ‘In that day Israel’s glory will grow dim; its robust body will waste away. The whole land will look like a grainfield after the harvesters have gathered the grain. It will be desolate, like the fields in the valley of Rephaim after the harvest. Only a few of its people will be left, like stray olives left on a tree after the harvest. Only two or three remain in the highest branches, four or five scattered here and there on the limbs,’ declares the Lord, the God of Israel” Isaiah 17:3-6 (NLT).

How could all this happen? We can only speculate. But it’s not difficult to envision a cornered Hezbollah firing thousands of missiles, rockets, and drones into Israel. If they overwhelm the Iron Dome defense system or if a weapon of mass destruction makes it through, Israel will respond with overwhelming force – quite possibly using nuclear weapons. One of the most likely targets? Damascus – a city long known for harboring terrorist leaders.

Where Will This Lead?

So, what is the likely end result of the events we’re seeing play out in Israel and Lebanon right now?

Whether or not Psalm 83 or Isaiah 17 play into this, I believe once the dust settles from this current conflict, we will see the stage set for the events prophesied in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39.

These chapters foretell a future surprise invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations involving Russia, Iran, Turkey, and a number of other nations. The Bible is clear this invasion will come against the modern-day nation of Israel in the last days. It also clearly states Israel will be a land of unwalled villages, living in a state of tranquil peace (Ezekiel 38:11). Israel is currently not in such a state. However, if Israel pursues the goal of destroying Hamas, Hezbollah, and all the enemies on its border – all those enemies that pose an existential threat at the current moment – then we could see Israel end up in such a state of tranquility (at least for a time).

What Happens Between Now and Then?

In the meantime, what happens between now and then? I don’t know. I’m not a prophet. However, I know what the Bible says. Israel as a nation-state will not be destroyed (Amos 9:14-15). Between now and the events of Ezekiel 38-39, something has to take place in order to create the state of peace Israel will be living in prior to the Gog of Magog invasion. It’s quite possible the events we’re witnessing right now will result in the destruction of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations committed to the destruction of Israel. If Israel wipes out these threats, they may well find themselves in the state of peace outlined in Ezekiel 38-39.

If Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 are yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies, then it’s highly likely we’ll see them fulfilled in the very near future as this conflict unfolds. Again, I hope I’m wrong. To be right means catastrophic war. It means the destruction of Damascus. It means devastation to a large part of northern Israel. It means an entire world in turmoil.

It also means Jesus is coming. Because no matter what happens, the world is currently setting the stage for the seven-year Tribulation and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of that Tribulation. That means the rapture of the church (which I believe the Bible teaches will come before the Tribulation) will occur even sooner. In other words, Jesus could return at any moment. Make sure you’re prepared!

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Britt Gillette is the author of several books on bible prophecy and the end times. You can find more of his work at brittgillette.substack.com.