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Written by Tim Groves
This year we have seen changes in the Middle East. Now Europe is changing. Are we witnessing the fulfillment of Bible prophecy?
Addressing the deepening economic crisis in Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “It is time for a breakthrough to a new Europe.”
A new Europe. These words may prove to have significant implications to the rest of the world in the near future.
Bible prophecy has a lot to say about Europe, both past and future. And just before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth, Europe will be in the spotlight. But first, let’s review some biblical and secular history of Europe.
The revivals of the Roman Empire
The mighty Roman Empire fell in A.D. 476. Yet the Bible says that its “deadly wound” would be healed, as there would be seven revivals of this ancient empire (Revelation 13:3; 17:10).
The historical record shows that Justinian first revived this empire in A.D. 554. The second revival was by Charlemagne around 774. Next was Otto the Great around 962. He was followed by Charles the Great around 1520. The fifth revival was by Napoleon in 1805. And the most recent revival began in 1870 and ended with Hitler and Mussolini’s defeat in 1945.
That leaves one more prophesied revival. Will this “new Europe” be that revival?
Similarities of the sixth revival and Europe today
Even commentators on BBC and CNN are seeing similarities between the economic woes of Europe today and those of the Great Depression that led up to World War II.
Just as the recent economic problems of the United States have trickled throughout the world, the U.S. stock market crash in 1929 led to a global depression.
Germany, in particular, owed the United States some $110 million. When a recession hit the United States in 1928, banks refused to loan any more money to Germany, and investors pulled their money out. And when the U.S. stock market crashed in 1929, Germany’s gold reserves were depleted, their banks ran out of money and unemployment skyrocketed.
Germany needed a “savior.” They thought they had found one in a man named Adolf Hitler. John Merriman wrote in his 1996 book A History of Modern Europe, “Nazi propagandists portrayed Hitler as an energetic, devoted, and uncompromising leader who could unify Germans of all classes. … They pictured him as a God-fearing man … who had overcome opposition to achieve great heights through personal sacrifice” (p. 1184).
Hitler came into power under a disguise of bringing peace and prosperity. But once he was in power, his true agenda came to light.
It is interesting to note that the people of Europe today need someone to save them from their economic problems, just as they did some 80 years ago.
Who will lead the “new Europe”?
Ten leaders of nations or groups of nations will yield their authority to the leader of the seventh revival of the Roman Empire (Revelation 17:12-13). That indicates the present eurozone will change, since there are now 17 members (compared to 27 total in the European Union). Interestingly, French President Nicolas Sarkozy suggested that some present members may need to quit the euro.
Also working hand in hand with this future leader is a false religious figure. This religious figure will perform signs and wonders and help give the European leader his power. The Bible says that both are ultimately being controlled by Satan the devil (Revelation 13:11-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4, 9).
Will this “new Europe” solve its economic problems?
This end-time union will bring about some economic prosperity—at least for Europe (Revelation 18:9-19). Many other countries, including the United States and Britain, will have fallen into dire straits. Yet Europe’s economy will flourish, but only for a short while.
The Bible shows that this last European union will be brief (Revelation 17:12). It will be partly strong and partly fragile, symbolically made of iron and clay, which don’t mix (Daniel 2:41-43).
God is in control and is working out His plan
What we see unfolding before our eyes is the plan of God. God is setting the stage for Europe’s role in the near future.
Recently we have seen a shake-up in the Middle East. New leaders are coming into power there that may comprise the prophesied “king of the South” (south of Jerusalem). Now the make-up of Europe is changing, perhaps setting the stage for the “king of the North” (north of Jerusalem). Bible prophecy shows that these two kings will clash just before the return of Jesus Christ (Daniel 11:40-45).
So is it mere coincidence that these two parts of the world are changing at the same time, or is it that God is orchestrating events as He says He does (Daniel 2:20-21; Revelation 17:17)?
The good news is that the “new Europe” will be short-lived. Then Jesus Christ will return and restore the government of God on earth (Daniel 2:44). And what a new world that will be!
For more about the coming of the Kingdom of God, see our booklet The Mystery of the Kingdom.
Tim Groves is a member of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. He and his wife, Teresa, along with their four children, live in South Carolina.
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