Today, my new political thriller, “The Twelfth Imam,” is released. The novel is premised on two “what if” scenarios. First, what if the world waits too long and Iran actually acquires nuclear weapons? Second, what if the so-called Shia Islamic messiah known as the Twelfth Imam actually comes to earth? What would happen? What would Iran do? What would Israel do? What would the U.S. do?

Some people have asked me how I as a follower of Jesus Christ could envision such a scenario of a false messiah coming to earth. I remind them Bible prophecy tells us again and again that in the last days we are to expect false messiahs, false prophets, and false religions. In fact, in Matthew chapter 24, our Lord Jesus Christ warned His followers three times of this End Times trend:

1. “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the messiah,’ and will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:4-5)

2. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:11)

3. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the messiah,’ or, ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. For just as lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24: 23-27)

I cannot say for certain that the Twelfth Imam will come to earth, much less soon. But according to Bible prophecy, it is possible. And in that context, it is intriguing to note some recent developments inside Iran:

* Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Claims He Was Visited by Hidden Imam

* Khamenei says he represents the Twelfth Imam on earth

* Khamenei: The Twelfth Imam will reappear to rescue human community

Meanwhile, the U.S. says Chinese companies are selling nuclear components to Iran, despite sanctions. And this is what is so dangerous — that Iran is getting closer to having nuclear weapons, even as its leaders believe they are in direct contact with the Twelfth Imam. They claim to be willing to engage in more nuclear talks, but they are just trying to buy time until their nuclear weapons are complete and the war of annihilation against Israel and the U.S. can begin, thus ushering in the era of the Twelfth Imam.