Nimrod's promise

The Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course Lesson 3 is titled, "Can you understand Bible Prophecy?" and explains topics ranging from the four ancient kingdoms of Daniel 2 (the Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Greco-Macedonians, and Romans) to the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. The reader is then guided through a study of the end-time, worldwide trading combine identified in Revelation 18:9-21 and Ezekiel 27, commonly called "Babylon the Great." The Bible reveals that this final, world-dominating empire is in fact a final revival of ancient Babylon. Its roots and spiritual heritage are founded in ancient Babylon; the first of the four kingdoms of Daniel 2.

Referring to this end-time system, Bible Study Course Lesson 3 states: "The end-time manifestation of Babylon will promise what Nimrod promised the human family at the Tower of Babel: unity, security and prosperity. This is what Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus the Great, Alexander the Great, and Caesar Augustus, each in his turn, also offered" (page 11).

Speaking of confronting world challenges through international governance, President Obama said: "But we leave here today more confident and more united in the common effort of advancing security and prosperity for all of our people" (President Obama, September 25, 2009 Pittsburgh speech at the G-20 news conference).

While the G20 is not "Babylon the Great," there is nothing wrong with "unity, security and prosperity," and President Obama appears to be a well-intended man trying to deal with complex world problems. The reality is that in the coming years all institutions and nations will become increasingly dominated by Babylon the Great. And for unity, security and prosperity, Babylon the Great will require sovereignty, freedom and religious submission.

Coming fresh off the G20 meeting of world leaders, the promises used to promote this coming world-order should not escape us. The powers behind this system are becoming increasingly active.

God's faithful Church has long and accurately warned of this coming system, which will be dominated by a German-led core group of European nations governed by ten kings (or rulers) who are the successors of both the eastern and western branches of the ancient Roman Empire.

Our predecessor in this work, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, warned about this reunified, German-led Europe as long ago as the 1940s and 1950s. And, even French and British political leaders have long feared the consequences of a resurgent Germany. Notice that "Secret British government documents" published earlier this month reveal that François Mitterrand [former President of France] and Margaret Thatcher [former Prime Minister of Britain] worried that "a reunited Germany might 'make even more ground than had Hitler'" (Financial Times, September 10, 2009).

Eventually, Babylon the Great will use its economic and military might to attempt to enforce complete economic, political, military and religious submission. This will lead many to accept the Mark of the Beast, which is to reject God's laws, His Holy Days, and His sign of obedience – the Sabbath – and is to submit to this coming Babylonish system.

As Mr. Armstrong wrote decades ago, "You must soon choose whom you will obey – this coming Roman Empire resurrected by a United States of Europe, ruled by traditional Christianity – or whether you shall obey God! (Who or What is the Prophetic Beast?, 1960 edition, page 35)."

The years ahead will become treacherous. And, real unity, security, prosperity…and abundant blessings will not become a reality until Christ establishes His millennial rule. For much more, please request the Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course, read The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality?, and watch the Tomorrow's World telecast "Fifty Years of European Union: What Next?"