Why Europe Matters

Henry Kissinger, the former United States Secretary of State has commented, "The emergence of a United Europe is one of the most revolutionary events of our time." Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher observed in her book, Statecraft, "The move toward a bureaucratic European super state has huge implications for the world as a whole." She continues, "Yet, I am repeatedly struck on my travels outside Europe by just how little understanding there is of this."

Richard Leon, President of the Century Foundation, has written that "the process of integrating European nations is of awesome importance." And an Australian newspaper recently declared that "the future will be determined by events taking place in Europe today."

But, what exactly is happening in Europe? In the last ten years the nations of Europe have instituted a common currency, the Euro, which is now worth more than the American dollar and it could replace the dollar as the world's reserve currency. This new currency is managed by a newly created, European central bank. A European Court of Justice has also been created and the laws of the European Union now take precedence over the laws of individual nations in Europe. The European constitution is being framed and if it is adopted, it will involve the surrender of national sovereignty to a supranational government, creating a potential United States of Europe headed by a president of Europe, assisted by a former minister of Europe and backed up by a defense force—a European army. This will be an entirely new creature on the world scene, intent on playing a major role on the world stage.

The architects of the new Europe fully intend this creature to rival and counterbalance the world's lone superpower—the United States of America. This is what is developing in Europe today. But, why are these events significant and what does the future hold? While many scholars believe it is impossible to predict the future, especially in the complicated and constantly changing field of international relations, Bible prophecy reveals the future and the real significance of what is developing in Europe. The book of Revelation specifically states that just before the return of Jesus Christ, ten national leaders will surrender their sovereignty to an individual called the Beast to form a military economic union with global connections. And that military, economic union is going to be in Europe.

The prophet Daniel describes this end-time configuration as a fragile mixture of iron and clay with historical links to the ancient Roman Empire. European history records numerous attempts to revive the Roman Empire. The architects of the new European Union have made frequent references to these ancient traditions. Bible prophecies also indicate that a final revival of a Beast-like power with links to the traditions of ancient Rome will occur in Europe just before the end of this age and that the suddenness and impact of this temporary union of ten leaders will surprise the world.

The scriptures also indicate that a religious figure of global stature will give legitimacy and creditability to this Beast-like power. The book of Revelation pictures a woman which is symbolic of the church who will ride this end-time Beast. In Europe, during previous revivals of the Roman Empire, this role has been played historically by the Catholic Church. Today the Catholic Church is deeply involved in formulating three aspects of the new European constitution that will relate to the role of religion in the new Europe. While the peoples of this world are busy pursuing personal interests and pleasures, Bible prophecies are coming alive in Europe. It would be wise to stay alert and watch what is happening on the European scene because these events will initiate a series of dramatic disruptions in the world that will lead to the return of Jesus Christ. This is the incredible significance of what is happening in Europe.

This is Doug Winnail, with commentary for the Living Church of God.