International Criminal Court

"⁷And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? ...¹⁰ Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: ¹¹ And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. ¹²But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. ¹³And it shall turn to you for a testimony. (Luke 21:7, 10-13)

Inside Russia Today reported on Thursday September 14, 2000, that Russia’s foreign minister, Igor Ivanov, signed the treaty creating the world’s first International Criminal Court as Canada launched a global campaign to make the tribunal a reality. Among the five permanent UN Security Council members, Russia joined Britain, which has signed the treaty, and France, which has both ratified and signed it.

The United States was one of seven countries that voted against setting up the court when 120 nations met in Rome in June 1998 to approve the tribunal’s statutes that would prosecute individuals for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

Could this ICC treaty that Russia has just signed be a reference to Jesus’ words in Luke 21:12? And what is meant by "crimes against humanity?" Questions like these have to be asked in the days we are living in. Christians are increasingly being made aware that most of the world doesn’t share their same interpretation of God and His word. If a person believes that "Jesus is the only way," he or she is accused of being intolerant. If someone tells homosexuals that their lifestyle is a sin, they are accused of being "hateful!" It may soon even be considered a hate crime. The Scripture is clear that there is a time of persecution coming for all Christians...how much longer before the elected leaders completely sell our nation’s sovereignty to the UN?

Reuters reported on Tuesday September 19, 2000 that a senior U.S. official, speaking amid heightened fears of Iraq aggression, on Monday reiterated U.S. demands that President Saddam Hussein and top aides be brought before an international court. Again, one has to ask the question, will the UN use thugs like Saddam to set a "precedent" for other "crimes against humanity?" That remains to be seen. However, remember the Lord’s words about the signs of His returning, .."¹⁷everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me.... ³⁴ Watch out! Don’t let my sudden coming catch you unawares; don’t let me find you living in careless ease, carousing and drinking, and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of the world." (Luke 21:17, 34-35. New Living Translation) V rm