Rebirth of Nationalism

For decades, the European press and influential politicians have proclaimed that nationalism is dead in Europe and an “ever closer union” is the real hope for all Europeans. However, a surging wave of nationalism is threatening to swamp that dream. In Austria, a nationalistic candidate nearly captured the presidency “for the first time in postwar history” with over 49 percent of the vote (The Wall Street Journal, May 23 and May 24, 2016). In June, the British will vote on whether to leave the European Union. In Europe, anti-EU sentiments are gaining strength in France, Holland, Denmark and Germany as voters express their frustrations with the encroaching EU bureaucracy and growing concerns over immigration, financial debt and terrorism (ibid.). The rebirth of nationalism in country after country now threatens to scuttle the European project of 28 nations that was conceived to prevent war and bring lasting peace to a troubled continent.

Bible prophecies have long foretold that just before the return of Jesus Christ, ten kings or groups of nations with links to the ancient Roman Empire will “surrender their sovereignty” to a single European leader and play a major role on the world stage (Daniel 2:40-44; Revelation 17:12-14). The break-up of the EU could lead to the fulfillment of these prophecies. To learn more about prophetic end-time events, see The Beast of Revelation.