The Late Great U.S.A.

It is interesting that I stumbled on the commentary quoted below this morning. Just last night I was watching a fascinating speech given by prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock regarding "What happens to America in end times prophecy?"

This is a very common question. Why is America asked about so frequently in the context of prophecy? The answer is obvious. America has been the world's superpower during our generation, yet biblical prophecy doesn't mention America. There are a couple of vague references in biblical prophecy that could serve as indirect references to America (personally, I don't believe these vague references do reference America), but if so, these references would only serve as mentioning that America exists but nothing regarding the fate of America.

Additionally, in our prophetic scriptures, we see many scriptures referencing the world powers who are in "in play" during the Tribulation: Israel, Russia, the Kings of the East, the Kings of the South, the ever-expanding EU into world dominance, terrorists states surrounding Israel, etc., etc., but no reference to America. Why not?

It seems obvious that America will lose its superpower status during or before the Tribulation.

There are many theories on how this will occur. We can consolidate these theories into three main categories:

1. The U.S. is considered (biblically) as part of the EU expansion. America can be viewed as an extension of Europe now, as America was founded and populated primarily by Europeans. Therefore, biblically, America would be considered as part of the EU (aka revived Roman Empire), and will ultimately and formally, be swallowed up by the EU expansion.

2. The U.S. will be severely damaged by terrorism, perhaps by nuclear terrorism, or electromagnetic pulse weapons which would take significant parts of America "off the grid", without power, lasting for years, or perhaps some other act of terrorism which hasn't been considered yet.

3. The U.S. will be dramatically affected by the Rapture of the Church, under the theory that America would be disproportionately affected by the Rapture, particularly the military, as statistical data indicates that the % of Christians in America vastly exceeds the % of Christians in other countries, particularly our enemies.

A combination of the above factors could also occur, leading to America being a non-factor during the Tribulation.

Below, is a commentary written by Thomas Ice, and can be found on RaptureAlert. This commentary expounds on the "New World Order", which is rapidly evolving and rapidly leading to America's decline as a world power. Additionally, we know from biblical prophecy that during the Tribulation, there will be a world economic system and government, as led by the anti-christ and false prophet:




The Late Great U.S.A.

By Dr. Thomas Ice

"My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change; for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from both of them?" ~ Proverbs 24:21–22

Former Clinton advisor and commentator Dick Morris announced:

"On April 2, 2009, the work of July 4, 1776 was nullified at the meeting of the G-20 in London."[1]
That is an amazing statement and a tragedy if true. One of my best friends in the ministry, with whom I have co-authored two books, Mark Hitchcock wrote a book, which was finished before last November's election, entitled The Late Great United States.[2] There are two other books listed on amazon.com with similar titles. Why are many concerned that our great country is on the verge of extinction?

Change

It is said after the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that a lady asked Dr. Ben Franklin the following: "Well Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic" replied the Doctor..."if you can keep it."[3] Well, apparently a growing number of Americans think that we have lost it after about 220 years. Some are suggesting that it was lost via suicide. What have we received in return for our once great republic? We are now part of an international oligarchy run by a bunch of global elites. How did this happen and when did this change take place?

Like many things that bring change, it has not taken place overnight. America has been gradually moving toward socialism for the last hundred years, but I do not want to trace that history in this article. I want to focus on recent events that are producing so much change since the election of Barack Obama as president of these United States.

Dick Morris notes that Obama at the recent meeting of the G-20 in London has agreed to enter the United States into an economical arrangement that will regulate our economy in terms of the international interests of this European dominated oligarchy at the expense of American interests. The agreement by which Obama has obligated the United States is called the Financial Stability Board (FSB), which is "a body of central bankers from each of the G-20 states and the European Union."[4] The head of the FSB is Mario Draghi, Italy's central bank president. In a speech on February 21, 2009, he gave us clues to his thinking. He noted that "the progress we have made in revising the global regulatory framework . . . would have been unthinkable just months ago."[5]

"Obama, perhaps feeling guilty for the US role in triggering the international crisis, has, indeed, given away the store," notes Morris. "Now we may no longer look to presidential appointees, confirmed by the Senate, to make policy for our economy. These decisions will be made internationally."[6]

So what does this mean specifically for the American economy? Morris said to Greta Van Susteren on Fox News the following:

Literally from April 2nd of this year-that is, today-it's a whole new world of financial regulation in which, essentially, all of the U.S. regulatory bodies and all U.S. companies are put under international regulation, international supervision. It really amounts to a global economic government.

. . . Just when Obama is accused of socialism, he's essentially creating world economic governance. This means that the FSB, . . . will make the decisions on what standards our own SEC and Federal Reserve board should apply to all firms in the United States of any significant size about executive compensation, market activities, and a whole range of issues that used to be under free enterprise reserved for private decision making.[7]
A New World Order

In 1989 President George H. Bush spoke of a new world order in one of his speeches. However, it produced a flurry of criticism and he stopped using the term in public. Many have known for a long time that the phrase "new world order" is essentially a code word for global socialism. The last couple of years, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown can hardly give a speech without making reference to the new world order. During a speech he recently gave in conjunction with the G-20 summit in London, sounding like a twenty-first century Neville Chamberlain, Brown said the following about the new world order:
"This is Collective action, people working together at their best . . . I think the New World Order is emerging, and with it the foundations of a new and progressive era of international cooperation...From today we will together manage the process of globalization...To secure responsibility from all and fairness to all."[8]
In January 2009, Henry Kissinger made a remark about the new world order during an interview with CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" hosts Mark Haines and Erin Burnett at the New York Stock Exchange. When Burnett asked him what international conflict would define the Obama administration's foreign policy, Kissinger said the following:
"The president-elect is coming into office at a moment when there is upheaval in many parts of the world simultaneously," Kissinger responded. "You have India, Pakistan; you have the jihadist movement. So he can't really say there is one problem, that it's the most important one. But he can give new impetus to American foreign policy partly because the reception of him is so extraordinary around the world. His task will be to develop an overall strategy for America in this period when, really, a new world order can be created. It's a great opportunity, it isn't just a crisis."[9]
No one can doubt that President Obama is currently taking advantage of the crisis. After all, Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both noted that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste.

Further the Chinese and Russians have called for a new global currency that would replace the dollar and would not represent any specific country. They want the new global currency to be issued by the World Bank, which is something that seemed impossible this time last year but now could be a very real possibility in the near future.

The European Union

Dick Morris not only emphasizes that the United States is now locked into the matrix of a global economic oligarchy but it is one that will be primarily under the control of the European Union.
"You know, I've had a long experience in dealing with the European Union, and this is how they operate," explains Morris. "And in the meantime, they slip this in under the radar, which is absolutely creating an international economic union."[10]

Then Morris concluded with amazement, "This truly creates a global economic system. From now on, don't look to Washington for the rule making, look to Brussels."[11]

Thus, from a prophetic view, the Bible teaches that the tribulation will be a time in which there will be not only a global government during the last half of the seven-year tribulation, but that governance will emanate from the Revived Roman Empire. This means a Euro-centric power base is what we can expect and that is exactly what is developing. Morris concludes his article with the following comment:
"The Europeans have been trying to get their hands on our financial system for decades. It is essential to them that they rein in American free enterprise so that their socialist heaven will not be polluted by vices such as the profit motive. Now, with President Obama's approval, they have done it."[12]
Conclusion

Where are all of these explosive trends heading? As Bible prophecy predicts, there will be a one world government during the seven-year tribulation, headed by a person we know as the Antichrist. Since the Antichrist will arise out of the Revived Roman Empire, which the European Union appears to be setting the stage for just such an entity, we should not be surprised to see things trending in that direction even before the rapture.

Previously, the United States was often the one standing in the way of a global economy and government. We are not yet there, but who can doubt that since the beginning of the Obama presidency that we are indeed seeing change and moving into harmony with the one world government crowd. In the past the United States stood in the way and acted in her national interest, as I believe we should still do, but now we are the last domino to fall and nothing of significance appears to stand in the way of globalism. Only the future return of Christ after the tribulation will really bring change for Christians.

I have noticed on the internet that certain Bible prophecy ministries are noting the very things that I have just outlined and often call these things a "fulfillment" of Bible prophecy. Such language is an overstatement and an incorrect conclusion drawn from the signs of our times. Instead, it is best to see these events as preparation for fulfillment, which will take place during the tribulation that we are currently not yet in. We are seeing the stage being set for future events. Such stage-setting certainly is moving our pre-rapture world toward the one world government and economy that is predicted by Bible prophecy for this future time.

There are so many events taking place each day one can hardly keep up with them. Nevertheless, we are to always be looking up for Him. Maranatha!

Endnotes
[1] Dick Morris, "The Declaration of Independence has been Repealed" (DickMorris.com, April 6, 2009).
[2] Mark Hitchcock, The Late Great United States: What Bible Prophecy Reveals about America's Last Days (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, 2009).
[3] Cited at Bartleby.com, number 1593.
[4] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[5] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[6] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[7] Dick Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster' at the G20 Summit," on Greta Van Susteren, "On the Record" (FoxNews.com: April 3, 2009).
[8] David Hinz, "Gordon Brown Declares New World Order is Emerging" (www.theminorityreportblog.com, April 2, 2009).
[9] Drew Zahn, "Kissinger: Obama primed to create 'New World Order'" (www.worldnetdaily.com: January 6, 2009).
[10] Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster'"
[11] Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster'"
[12] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."

U.S. - Israel divide grows

There has been a lot of rhetoric going back and forth between Israeli leadership and U.S. leadership this week, and taking a step back to review the situation reveals a big divide developing between the two traditional allies. It started last week when it was revealed that president Obama was demanding that Israel stop all settlements in the West bank and Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was vague about expanding settlements and stated clearly that existing settlements would be allowed to have "natural growth". Apparently this didn't sit well with Mr. Obama.

A couple of days later, Mr. Obama punched back, by stating that Iran should be allowed to have nuclear power, but verification should take place that they would not develop nuclear weapons. This is absurd, because Iran sits on a huge lake of oil, and is obsessively working to develop nuclear arms. This isn't exactly a well-kept secret in the Middle-East. Additionally, it would be virtually impossible to determine if nuclear arms are being developed in Iran, as such development takes place in deep underground facilities, in scattered locations throughout Iran.

Now with his trip to the Middle-East (he is not visiting Israel, interestingly) it seems clear that he is turning away from Israel and turning towards partnership with the Islamic states who are sworn to destroy Israel. The U.S. administration also threatened to pull any UN support from Israel this week. Relations between the U.S. and Israel are ice cold right now.

Prophetically, this is a very important development. We know from Ezekiel 38-39, and from Zechariah 12, that in the last days Israel would stand alone against the entire world. It seem evident that God has set the stage for this isolation of Israel for one reason: Only HE will protect Israel. Just like so many times in the Old Testament, and more recently in 1948 when Israel was invaded within days of their formation as a nation, God will come to the rescue of Israel - and again - it will be seemingly against all odds.

The U.S. is turning their backs on Israel, and is strongly favoring the enemies of Israel.

It had to happen. Now the stage is set for the next developments in the region. Israel has no allies now, just as bible prophecy predicted - all nations on earth are gathered against the tiny country. But God will watch over His people.

Several months ago, before giving a talk on prophecy, I was looking for some scriptures to close the discussion of Ezekiel 38-39. I opened my bible to the Psalms, and Psalm 33 appeared. This Psalm is SO germane to these discussions, in the context of "the nations", who think they can change God's overall plans:

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever
the purposes of his heart through all generations

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
the people he chose for his inheritance

From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth"

(v 10-14)

"We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield
In him our hearts rejoice
for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love rest upon us O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."

(v 20-22)

Quiet before the storm

It seems like its been a long time since we've had a "quiet" week, prophetically. Not much to report over the past week. I do expect however, some interesting news items to result from President Obama's trip to the Middle East next week.

Its an interesting point, however. I can recall years ago (pre-9/11), that in the course of a calendar year, there might be 2-3 interesting news items with prophetic significance. Now, if a week goes by without seeing news events highly pertinent to prophecy, it seems "slow". My, how times have changed! The "birth pains", as Jesus described prophetic developments, are certianly approaching the last stages.

During this quiet week, (and subsequent such times), it may be a good idea to revisit some of the fundamentals of biblical prophecy. One site that I highly recommend is the "Thomas Ice Collection", where Mr. Ice provides some nice summary articles on prophecy as viewed from a literal perspective.

The article below details some of the important distinctions between the rapture and the second coming of Christ:




The Rapture and the Second Coming: An Important Distinction
by Thomas Ice

In previous issues we have given a biblical basis or foundation for pretribulationism. In this issues I will begin by laying out specific biblical evidence for the pre-trib rapture. The first place to start is with the biblical notion that the rapture of the church is distinct from Christ's second coming to the earth.

John Feinberg notes that distinguishing between the rapture and second coming is important in establishing pretribulationism against the non-pre-trib claim that the Bible does not teach such a view.

The pretribulationist must show that there is enough dissimilarity between clear rapture and clear second advent passages as to warrant the claim that the two kinds of passages could be speaking about two events which could occur at different times. The pretribulationist does not have to prove at this point . . . that the two events must occur at different times, but only that the exegetical data from rapture and second advent passages do not make it impossible for the events to occur at different times. If he can do that, the pretribulationist has shown that his view is not impossible. And, he has answered the posttribulationist's strongest line of evidence.1

A key factor in understanding the New Testament's teaching of the pretribulational rapture revolves around the fact that two future comings of Christ are presented. The first coming is the catching up into the clouds of the church before the seven-year tribulation and the second coming occurs at the end of the tribulation when Christ returns to the earth to begin His 1,000 year kingdom. Anyone desirous of insight into the biblical teaching of the rapture and second advent must study and decide whether Scripture speaks of one or two future events.

FRAMING THE ISSUE

Posttribulationists usually contend that if the rapture and the second coming are two distinct events, separated by about seven years, then there ought to be at least one passage in Scripture which clearly teaches this. However, the Bible does not always teach God's truth in accordance with our preconceived notions or in such a way that answers directly all of our questions. For example, a Unitarian could design a similar kind of question regarding the Trinity. "Where is at least one passage in Scripture which clearly says that the Persons of the Godhead are distinct?" We who believe the Trinity reply that the Bible teaches the Trinity but in a different way.

Many important biblical doctrines are not given to us directly from a single verse, we often need to harmonize passages into systematic conclusions. Some truths are directly stated in the Bible, such as the deity of Christ (John 1:1, Titus 2:13). But doctrines like the Trinity and the incarnate nature of Christ are the product of biblical harmonization. Taking into account all biblical texts, orthodox theologians, over time, recognized that God is a Trinity and that Christ is the God-Man. Similarly, a systematic consideration of all biblical passages reveals that Scripture teaches two future comings.

Posttribulationists often contend that the pre-trib position is built merely built upon an assumption that certain verses 'make sense' if and only if the pre-trib model of the rapture is assumed to be correct. However, they often fail to make it clear to their readers that they are just as dependent upon assumptions as they say pre-tribers are. Their error stems from failure to observe actual biblical distinctions.

For example, Christ's ministry has two phases which revolve around His two comings. Phase one took place at Christ's first coming when He came in humiliation to suffer. Phase two will begin at Christ's second coming when He will reign on earth in power and glory. Failure to distinguish these two phases was a key factor in Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah at His first coming. In the same way, failure to see clear distinctions between the rapture and second advent lead many to a misinterpretation of God's future plan.

THE NATURE OF THE RAPTURE

The rapture is most clearly presented in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In verse 17 the English phrase "caught up" translates the Greek word "harpázô," which means "to seize upon with force" or "to snatch up." Latin translators of the Bible used the word "rapere," the root of the English term "rapture." At the rapture living believers will be "caught up" in the air, translated into the clouds, in a moment of time.

The rapture is characterized in the Bible as a "translation coming" (1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 4:15-17) in which Christ comes for His church. The second advent is Christ returning with His saints, descending from heaven to establish His earthly kingdom (Zech. 14:4-5; Mat. 24:27-31). Ed Hindson observes:

The rapture (or "translation") of the church is often paralleled to the "raptures" of Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2: 12). In each case, the individual disappeared or was caught up into-heaven. At His ascension, our Lord Himself was "taken up" into heaven (Acts 1:9). The biblical description of the rapture involves both the resurrection of deceased believers and the translation of living believers into the air to meet the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51 52).2

Differences between the two events are harmonized naturally by the pre-trib position, while other views are not able to account comfortably for such distinctions. (Notice the graphic on page four that lists passages that speak of the rapture and those referring to the second coming.)

RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING CONTRASTS

Rapture/Translation 2nd Coming/ Estab. Kingdom

1 Translation of all believers 1 No translation at all

2 Translated saints go to 2 Translated saints return to

heaven earth

3 Earth not judged 3 Earth judged & righteous-

ness established

4 Imminent, any-moment, 4 Follows definite predicted

signless signs including tribulation 5 Not in the Old Testament 5 Predicted often in Old

Testament

6 Believers only 6 Affects all men

7 Before the day of wrath 7 Concluding the day of

wrath

8 No reference to Satan 8 Satan bound

9 Christ comes for His own 9 Christ comes with His own

10 He comes in the air 10 He comes to the earth

11 He claims His bride 11 He comes with His bride

12 Only His own see Him 12 Every eye shall see Him

13 Tribulation begins 13 Millennial Kingdom begins

John Walvoord concludes that these "contrasts should make it evident that the translation of the church is an event quite different in character and time from the return of the Lord to establish His kingdom, and confirms the conclusion that the translation takes place before the tribulation."3

ADDITIONAL DIFFERANCES

Paul speaks of the rapture as a "mystery" (1 Cor. 15:51-54), that is a truth not revealed until its disclosure by the apostles (Col. 1:26), making it a separate event, while the second coming was predicted in the Old Testament (Dan. 12:1-3; Zech. 12:10; 14:4).

The movement for the believer at the rapture is from earth to heaven, while it is from heaven to earth at the second advent. At the rapture, the Lord comes for his saints (1 Thess. 4:16), while at the second coming the Lord comes with His saints (1 Thess. 3:13). At the rapture, the Lord comes only for believers, but His return to the earth will impact all people. The rapture is a translation/resurrection event where the Lord takes believers "to the Father's house" in heaven (John 14:3), while at the second coming believers return from heaven to the earth (Matt. 24:30). Hindson says, "The different aspects of our Lord's return are clearly delineated in the scriptures themselves. The only real issue in the eschatological debate is the time interval between them."4

POST-TRIB PROBLEMS

One of the strengths of the pre-trib position is that it is better able to harmonize the many events of end-time prophecy because of its distinction between the rapture and the second coming. Normally, posttribulationists do not even attempt to answers such objections and the few that try struggle with the biblical text. Yet, pretribulationists do not encounter difficulties in providing answers. What are some post-trib problems?

First, posttribulationism requires that the church will be present during the 70th week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27) even though it was absent from the first 69. This is in spite of the fact that Daniel 9:24 says that all 70 weeks are for Israel. Pretribulationism is not in conflict with this passage, as is posttribulationism, since the church departs before the beginning of the seven-year period.

Second, posttribulationism must deny the New Testament teaching of imminency-that Christ could come at any-moment. Pretribulationism does not have a problem with these New Testament passages, since they believe that no signs must precede the rapture.

Third, premillennial posttribulationism has no answer to their problem of who will populate the millennium if the rapture and second coming occur at the same time. Since all believers will be translated at the rapture and all unbelievers judged, because no unrighteous shall be allowed to enter Christ's kingdom, then no one would be left in mortal bodies to start the population base for the millennium. The pre-trib viewpoint does not have a problem at this point.

Fourth, posttribulationism is not able to explain the sheep and goats judgment after the second coming in Matthew 25:31-46. As in the previous problem, how would there be any believers in mortal bodies, if they were raptured at the second coming, who would be available to enter into Christ's kingdom? Pretribulationism does not have such a problem.

Fifth, since Revelation 19:7-8 indicates that the church, Christ's Bride, is made ready to accompany Christ to earth (Rev. 19:14) before the second coming, how could this reasonably happen if part of the church is still on earth awaiting Christ's Advent? If the rapture of the church takes place at the second coming, then how does the Bride (i.e., the church) also come with Christ at His return? There would not be sufficient time for this to happen within a posttribulational sequence, but the pre-trib position has no such problem.

CONCLUSION

The distinctions between Christ's coming in the air to rapture His church are too great to be reduced into a single coming at the end of the tribulation. These biblical distinctions provide a strong basis for the pre-trib rapture teaching. W

ENDNOTES

1John S. Feinberg, "Arguing for the Rapture: Who Must Prove What and How" in Thomas Ice and Timothy Demy, editors When The Trumpet Sounds (Eugene, Org.: Harvest House Publishers, forthcoming July 1995).

2Edward E. Hindson, "The Rapture and the Return: Two Aspects of Christ's Coming" in Thomas Ice and Timothy Demy, editors When The Trumpet Sounds (Eugene, Org.: Harvest House Publishers, forthcoming July 1995).

3The quotation and the first six contrasts in the graphic above are taken from John F. Walvoord, The Return of the Lord (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1955), 87-88.

4Hindson, Ibid

Pemuda dan Konstitusi

PEMUDA DAN KONSTITUSI

Oleh: Pan Mohamad Faiz

Disampaikan sebagai bahan pengantar untuk Acara “Kampus Konstitusi” yang ditayangkan secara tunda melalui jaringan TV Jawa Pos Multimedia Corporation (JPMC) di JakTV, JTV, C-TV, Batam TV, dsb. pada 28-29 Mei 2009 Pukul 22.00 WIB.

Pendahuluan

Terbukanya pintu reformasi yang ditandai dengan mundurnya Soeharto dari tampuk kepemimpinan nasional membawa banyak perubahan dalam struktur dan tatanan kehidupan bangsa Indonesia. Salah satu hal yang terlihat jelas yaitu terjadinya arus perubahan dalam memandang konstitusi sebagai paradigma baru dalam bernegara yaitu cita konstitusionalisme dengan menyinergikan antara konstitusi dengan demokrasi hingga membentuk konsep demokrasi konstitusi (constitutional democracy). Pensakralan terhadap ketentuan-ketentuan yang terdapat dalam UUD 1945 pun akhirnya tumbang setelah dilakukannya amandemen UUD 1945 melalui empat kali tahapan pada tahun 1999 sampai dengan 2002.

Walaupun dari segi nama tidak mengalami banyak perbedaan, namun dari sisi substansi UUD 1945 mengalami perubahan yang cukup mendasar. Konsep bernegara, struktur kelembagaan, dan penegasan terhadap perlindungan hak asasi manusia menjadi tiga hal utama yang menjadi tema sentral dalam proses amandemen tersebut. Hasilnya, 71 butir ketentuan yang ada sebelumnya telah bertambah menjadi 199 butir ketentuan.

Dengan demikian, sulit untuk dapat mengatakan bahwa sebagian besar masyarakat Indonesia telah memahami konstitusi (baru) secara baik dan benar. Oleh karena itu, agar masyarakat dapat lebih memahami secara mendalam terhadap konstitusinya sendiri yang dilandasi atas dasar konsensus bersama, maka konstitusi harus dapat lebih dibumikan sehingga menjadi bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dalam setiap tata kehidupan berbangsa, bernegara, dan bermasyarakat.

Di tengah gencarnya arus perubahan, maka pemuda dan mahasiswa yang menyandang status selaku agent of change menjadi elemen penting yang dapat membantu melaksanakan amanah konstitusi tersebut. Apalagi jika mengingat kembali jarum jam sejarah, merekalah yang awalnya menjadi tombak terdepan dalam mengantarkan perubahan ini. Oleh karenanya, selain diharapkan mampu memahami konstitusi secara utuh, para pemuda Indonesia sejatinya juga diharapkan dapat mengawal sekaligus melaksanakan nilai-nilai ketentuan yang termaktub di dalamnya.

Hak dan Kewajiban Konstitusi

Ketentuan dan kepentingan yang terkait langsung antara aktivitas warga negara dengan Konstitusi terutama terletak dalam hal kewajiban dan hak konstitusinya (constitutional obligations and rights). Jauh pada saat penyusunannya di masa kemerdekaan, para pendiri negara Indonesia telah menempatkan “hak” sebagai unsur penting di dalam Konstitusi. Kata “hak” pertama kali langsung terbaca pada alinea pertama Pembukaan UUD yang berbunyi, “Bahwa sesungguhnya kemerdekaan itu ialah hak segala bangsa …”. Kekuatan dasar dari peletakan kata hak tersebut tidak saja dapat dimaknai sebagai hak bagi bangsa Indonesia, namun juga secara universal menjadi hak dari seluruh bangsa-bangsa yang ada dunia.

Apabila dicermati secara rinci, ketentuan perlindungan terhadap hak warga negara pasca amandemen UUD 1945 menjadi jauh lebih banyak jumlahnya daripada perintah untuk melaksanakan kewajiban bagi warga negara. Perubahan kedua UUD 1945 yang disahkan pada tanggal 18 Agustus 2000 menghasilkan satu bab khusus yang mengatur tentang perlindungan terhadap Hak Asasi Manusia (HAM). Perkataan “hak” dalam Pasal 28A sampai dengan Pasal 28I sejumlah 47 kata yang apabila dihitung penormaannya tentu jauh lebih besar lagi. Keseluruhan dari penempatan ketentuan norma hak tersebut semata-mata sebagai penguatan jaminan atas perlindungan terhadap hak konstitusional bagi segenap warga negara Indonesia.

Beberapa hak tersebut di antaranya, yaitu hak untuk hidup (Pasal 28A), hak untuk membentuk keluarga (Pasal 28B), hak untuk memperoleh pendidikan (Pasal 28C dan Pasal 31), hak dalam hal pengakuan, jaminan, perlindungan, dan kepastian hukum (Pasal 28D), hak untuk berserikat dan berkumpul (Pasal 28E), hak untuk berkomunikasi dan memperoleh informasi (Pasal 28E), hak untuk memperoleh rasa aman dan bebas dari penyiksaan (Pasal 28G), hak dalam jaminan sosial dan perlindungan terhadap milik pribadi (Pasal 28H), dan hak-hak mendasar lainnya.

Lebih lanjut, UUD 1945 juga menentukan hak baik bagi lembaga negara, Presiden, maupun Pemerintah Daerah guna menjalankan tugas dan kewenangannya. Konstitusi turut pula menegaskan bahwa negara wajib mengakui hak-hak tradisional yang tumbuh dan berkembang di tengah-tengah masyarakat.

Sedangkan ketentuan “kewajiban” di dalam tubuh Konstitusi sebenarnya lebih menekankan pada kewajiban yang harus dilaksanakan oleh lembaga negara. Namun demikian, warga negara juga tetap memiliki kewajiban yang tidak bisa diindahkan, seperti misalnya kewajiban warga negara untuk menjunjung tinggi hukum dan pemerintahan (Pasal 27), kewajiban sekaligus hak untuk ikut serta dalam upaya pembelaan negara (Pasal 27 dan Pasal 30), kewajiban untuk menghormati hak asasi manusia orang lain (Pasal 28I), serta kewajiban bagi warga negara untuk mengikuti pendidikan dasar dengan catatan bahwa pemerintah pulalah yang wajib membiayainya [Pasal 31 ayat (2)].

Intergenerasi Konstitusi

Dalam sejarah ketatanegaraan Indonesia telah banyak bermunculan segudang para ahli, pakar, dan pengamat hukum tata negara Indonesia pada zamannya masing-masing. Setidaknya terdapat empat generasi yang membawa pengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan konstitusionalisme di Indonesia. Pertama, pada masa awal dan pra-kemerdekaan, hadir tokoh-tokoh nasional seperti Muhammad Yamin, Soepoemo, dan kawan-kawan. Kedua, pada masa orde lama menuju ke orde baru, hadir Djokosoetono, Padmo Wahyono, Sri Soemantri, Oemar Seno Adji, hingga Ismail Sunny. Ketiga, para begawan konstitusi yang turut membidani peralihan dari masa orde baru ke masa reformasi, seperti misalnya Jimly Asshiddiqie, Harun Al-Rasyid, Bagir Manan, Moh. Mahfud MD., dan Yusril Ihza Mahendra, serta para anggota Forum Konstitusi. Keempat, generasi terakhir pada saat ini yang turut membangkitkan gairah kehidupan konstitusi, seperti misalnya Satya Arinanto, Denny Indrayana, Saldi Isra, dan puluhan pakar tata negara lainnya pasca berdirinya Pusat Studi Konstitusi (PKK) di 34 perguruan tinggi di Indonesia.

Tentunya masing-masing pihak memilik versi dan pandangan yang berbeda mengenai generasi konstitusi di Indonesia, termasuk pula nama-nama lain yang belum tersebutkan di atas. Akan tetapi, dalam konteks ini yang hendak dikemukakan adalah bahwa generasi tersebut tentunya memiliki pandangan dan pemikiran yang beraneka ragam terhadap konstitusi dan konstitusionalisme di Indonesia. Garis perbedaan tersebut setidaknya terlihat pada cara pandang terhadap konstitusi yang awalnya bersifat tertutup menjadi semakin lebih terbuka dan progresif. Kajian terhadap konstitusi semakin hari di antara generasi menjadi semakin berkembang sebagaimana sifat asli dari konstitusi itu sendiri yaitu hidup mengikuti zamannya. Terlebih lagi, perkembangan sistem ketatanegaraan dan perbandingan konstitusi dari negara lain kini telah menjadi salah satu referensi yang diikutsertakan, sehingga objek studi dan kajiannya pun menjadi lebih luas dan beragam.

Mencermati pentingnya suatu konstitusi yang kokoh dan mampu mengikuti kebutuhanya zamannya, maka pembangunan masyarakat, khususnya generasi muda, untuk lebih memahami dan menyadari akan nilai-nilai konstitusi menjadi suatu keniscayaan. Untuk itu diperlukan pembinaan secara umum terhadap masyarakat dan penekunan secara khusus bagi para penerus dan pemikir-pemikir konstitusi yang telah ada. Sehingga, tidak akan lagi terjadi sedikit pun kevakuman berpikir terhadap konstitusi sebagaimana sempat tercipta pada masa orde baru yang lalu

Penutup

Memahami konstitusi beserta isinya baik secara sepintas maupun secara menyeluruh adalah suatu keharusan bagi setiap warga negara, tidak terkecuali bagi para pelajar dan mahasiswa yang berlatar belakang non-hukum. Hal demikian menjadi penting karena konstitusi memuat aturan tentang sistem penyelenggaraan bernegara dan perlindungan terhadap hak-hak dasar bagi warga negaranya (constitutional basic rights). Tidak ada satu pun dari negara demokratis yang tidak meletakan konstitusi sebagai pilar dasar dari kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegaranya.

Pemuda Indonesia yang pada saat ini jumlahnya mencapai sekitar 80 juta jiwa, menjadi amat penting sebagai subyek utama dan pertama yang harus memahami dan membumikan nilai-nilai yang terkandung di dalam konstitusi. Sebagai generasi yang berada di tengah-tengah, pemuda dapat menjadi katalisator dan akomodator sejumlah gagasan-gagasan segar baik dari generasi sebelumnya maupun dari generasi selanjutnya. Dengan demikian, perkembangan konstitusi diharapkan akan dapat terus berjalan sebagaimana mestinya melalui pembinan dan regenerasi pemahaman konstitusi yang berkesinambungan, sistematis, dan stabil.

Apalagi, pasca reformasi dan perubahan UUD 1945, konstitusi dan hukum ketatanegaraan bukan lagi sekedar objek teoritis. Akan tetapi dengan kehadiran Mahkamah Konstitusi, implementasi teori dan upaya hukum tata negara telah memperoleh ladang praktik yang subur. Pelaksanaan nilai-nilai yang terkandung di dalam konstitusi menjadi lebih hidup dan berkembang. Oleh karenanya, konstitusi kini bukan lagi menjadi lantunan pasal-pasal mati yang pada umumnya selalu dijadikan sebagai pemanis kebijakan dan formalitas belaka.

* Penulis adalah pemerhati hukum dan konstitusi.

Rumors of war

As Jesus stated in His end times discourse, known as the Olivet Discourse - He told us that we'd see significant warfare during the last generation and He also noted that we'd be hearing "rumors of war" as well. We've been consistently hearing about the various "rumors of war" recently: Russia marching south (towards Israel) and threatening both Georgia and Ukraine, China threatening war with Taiwan, Israel threatening Iran, Iran threatening Israel, Pakistan's fight against the Taliban increasing with control of their nukes in the balance, and on and on the list goes.

This week, North Korea is in focus. Because South Korea has joined an international group imposing sanctions on North Korea, in turn, North Korea is threatening war with South Korea, (read here). At the same time, Russia has issued a warning over this, calling it a "dangerous brinkmanship, a war of nerves" that must stop.

Additionally, the U.S. is being threatened (read here), as North Korea restarts their weapons grade nuclear plant. Quotes from this news article include the following:

"The North's military said in a statement that it will respond with 'immediate, strong military measures' against any attempt to stop and search North Korean ships under the Proliferation Security Initiative. The statement, carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, also said the regime no longer considers itself bound by the armistice that ended the Korean War."

"It also said it cannot guarentee safety for South Korean and U.S. navy ships sailing near the disputed western Korean sea border."

Interestingly, but not surprising - we see the following headline "Iran missile experts in North Korea to help with rocket launch", As usual, Iran is in the middle of things, further stirring the pot. It appears that Iran is working closely with North Korea in their missile development program.

Japan, perhaps more concerned than any other nation, has implemented the following as a result:

"As tensions increase ahead of the rocket launch, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force began deploying units capable of shooting down a rocket to the northern prefectures of Akita and Iwate...On Friday Tokyo gave its military the green light to shoot down any incoming North Korean rockets"


At the same time, still under the category of "Rumors of war", we see that Iran has also sent warships (six) into international waters (read here). Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, quoted by the ISNA news agency stated "Iran has dispached six...warships to international waters and the Guld of Aden in an historically unprecedented move by the Iranian Navy...and is indicative of the country's high military capability in confronting any foreign threat on the country's shores."

The world is unwittingly preparing for the most massive period of warfare ever experienced on earth. During the Tribulation, the world will see warfare occur in ways that have never been seen before. In the first few judgments of Revelation, we see a fourth of the world engaged in warfare, followed by massive death and destruction (Revelation 6:8), and then, just a little later in the Tribulation, one third of the earth will be burned as it goes up in flames (Revelation 8:6-12).

Jesus knew that His bride, the Church, would witness the build-up and preparation for the coming wars. That is why He added these comforting words in the context of these building rumors of war:

"You will hear of wars and rumors of war, BUT SEE TO IT THAT YOU ARE NOT ALARMED. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (emphasis mine - Matthew 24:6)

How awesome, that we worship a God that loves us enough to give us a template of what is to come. He gave us all of the signs around us, so that we would know what to expect. He gave us this information to comfort us during these troubling times.

He also told us something even more comforting during these times:

"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)

Comforting words indeed.

Israel draws a line in the sand

President Obama has made it clear - he supports the idea of dividing Jerusalem, and returning to the "pre-1967 borders" which would dictate that Israel give up the West Bank and the Golan Heights as well. If this were to happen, Israel would be at an enormous disadvantage militarily, which is the main reason the terrorists covet that land so much. Such divisions, with a "continuous" Palestinian state would also divide Israel (at least what small part of Israel is left) into two halves, a northern half and a southern half.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has come out and stated in very clear terms that under his watch, Jerusalem will never be divided. So within one week of meeting with President Obama, we can see that no agreement was reached between these two leaders (read here):

"Jerusalem was always ours and will always be ours. it will never again be partitioned and divided", stated Mr. Netanyahu on Thursday, following meetings with Obama.

At least now, both parties have a clear understanding of their two widely different positions. That explains the bizarre body language that we all witnessed during the press conference. Obama refused to make eye-contact with Netanyahu and Netanyahu was leaning forward while staring intently at Obama. This strange press conference was noticed by many members of the media, so it wasn't just my personal observation (alone).

To take this division between the U.S. and Israel one step further, we also see a response from Israel, regarding Obama's demands that the Israel MUST inform the U.S. of any potential strike against Iran, in advance of such action. Confirming (again) that Israel will not allow Iran to complete their nuclear development, Israel's National Security Adviser, Uzi Arad stated that Israel would not necessarily give the U.S. forewarning on such an attack. Arad also stated that Mr. Netanyahu had just "clarified that Israel reserves operational freedom and several of the most senior figures in the administration said 'of course'" (read here), confirming Netanyahu's full support internally.

So there we have it. A line has been drawn in the sand. The next move will probably come from Obama, when he visits Cairo the first week of June and rolls out his plan for the Middle-East.

This situation is getting VERY interesting. Things are happening in a fast and furious way; the "world" is demanding that Israel give up their land to the terrorists who intend to destroy Israel. Israel is refusing to do so. The push for a "peace plan" is being pushed by the UN, the EU, the U.S., Russia, and most of the countries surrounding Israel, like never before.

But Israel is standing firm. They have made it clear that such divisions of their land is unacceptable.

Like a chess match - we await the next move. Unfortunately, for Israel, this is not a game. Their very existence is hanging in the balance. And finally, they have a leader who recognizes this fact, and he will do everything possible to preserve Israel's existence.

What happens next?

There is no telling, but one thing is for sure - a line has been drawn in the sand by Israel - a line that won't be crossed.

Israel stands alone

Bible prophecy is definitive about one central point in the "end times", and that point is that Israel will stand alone in the world, with no "earthly" support. I say no "earthly" support, because God will certianly stand with Israel during the last days, as shown dramatically in the passages of Ezekiel 38-39. When the epic invasion of Israel takes place, as described by Ezekiel, there are no nations standing with Israel. Only God. Zachariah 12:3 also makes the same point:

"On that day, when ALL the nations of earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for ALL the nations."

It is clear that the Obama administration sees no urgency in dealing with Iran, rather, preferring "talks" with Iran. This is despite the fact that a decade of "talks" has produced nothing - not a shred of progress has been made. Iran has made a mockery of so-called "talks", while they race towards nuclear arms. Even today we see Iran boasting of their missile capability:
"Ahmadinejah claims Iran's new missile capable of hitting Israel". Now thats a call for peace isn't it? It is painfully obvious that Iran has NO designs on peace. Yet, the U.S. administration pretends that "talks" can be effective.

At the same time we see Leon Panetta, representing the U.S. (as head of the CIA), literally threatening Israel, that if they attempt to deal with Iran, alone, then they will be in "big trouble" (read here). In other words, it has become clear this week, that the U.S. is unwilling to take the Iranian threat seriously. Period. Israel must take the situation seriously, as their very existence is in question.

America, the last country left on this planet who support(ed) Israel is now abandoning that support, during this most critical time, while Israel's very existence is being threatened by a radical Islamic nation - a nation on the verge of nuclear weapons.

It is painfully clear (unless something changes - and with God involved, anything is possible) that Israel now stands alone in this world. America has made it clear that Israel must patiently "wait" while pretending that "talks" with Iran will be effective, all the while knowing that is impossible. All the while, watching Iran race towards completion of nuclear warheads.

Mr. Netanyahu knows that talks will be ineffective. He knows Israel's existence is at stake. Israel knows that she can accomplish this mission against Iran "alone".

Its all shaping up exactly as described in the bible. Everything we see today - almost every pertinent headline - can be found in the prophetic scriptures.

Israel stands alone. But God is patiently watching and waiting for His time. That time will be soon. As stated by God Himself, in terms of dealing with Israel's enemies in the last days (Ezekiel 39:21):

"I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them..."

"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations." (Ezekiel 38:23)

God has made it abundantly clear that HE still stands with Israel. He also issued a warning (Zechariah 12:3) to those countries attempting to divide Jerusalem, which is called for in the current peace plans that the U.S. fully supports:

"I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for ALL the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves ("cut into pieces")."

The U.S. administration is pushing the plan with great enthusiasm - a plan which will divide Jerusalem, giving its most essential land to Israel's enemies.

God is watching this situation. He is watching the countries align themselves against Israel. He is watching all of the attempts to divide Jerusalem, and give away the very land that He granted to Abraham, in His everlasting covenant. He has also issued warnings to those countries involved.

Is anyone listening to God's word?