But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the Day of Judgment by the truths I have spoken. For these are not my own ideas, but I have told you what the Father said to tell you." -- John 12:48-49, Living Bible.
Panorama of Prophecy Till the Coming of Antichrist
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In the second chapter of Daniel is an outline of prophecy
from the |
William F. Dankenbring
Perhaps the greatest, most comprehensive outline of Biblical prophecy is the one found in the second chapter of the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar "had a terrifying nightmare, and awoke trembling with fear" (Dan. 2:1). When he awoke, he couldn't remember the terrible nightmare and threatened to kill all the astrologers, soothsayers and wise men if they couldn't reveal to him both the nature of the dream and its meaning.
Finally Daniel was brought in and rescued the day. He told the king the meaning of his dream. Daniel said to the king: "No wise man, astrologer, magician, or wizard can tell the king such things, but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has told you in your dream what will happen in the future. This was your dream:
"You dreamed of coming events. . . .
"O King, you saw a huge and powerful statue of a man, shining brilliantly, frightening and terrible. The head of the statue was made of purest gold, its chest and arms were of silver, its belly and thighs of brass, its legs of iron, its feet part iron and part clay. But as you watched, a Rock was cut from the Mountainside by supernatural means. It came hurtling toward the statue and crushed the feet of iron and clay, smashing them to bits. Then the whole statue collapsed into a heap of iron, clay, brass, silver, and gold; its pieces were crushed as small as chaff, and the wind blew them all away. But the Rock that knocked the statue down became a great mountain that covered the whole earth.
"That was the dream; now for its meaning.
"Your Majesty, you are a king over many kings, for the God of heaven has given you your kingdom, power, strength and glory. You rule the farthest provinces, and even animals and birds are under your control, as God decreed. You are that head of gold.
"But after your kingdom has come to an end,
another world power will arise to take your place. This empire will be inferior
to yours. And after that kingdom has fallen, yet a third great power --
represented by the bronze belly of the statue -- will rise to rule the world.
Following it, the fourth kingdom will be strong as iron-smashing, bruising, and
conquering" (Dan.
The Curious Prophecy Revealed
What have we here?
The head of gold was the Babylonian Empire, which ruled from 604 to 539 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar was the "head of gold" who began this powerful empire, and his successors ruled unto overthrown by the Medes and the Persians in 539 B.C.
The next world empire, then, described as "silver" in the
prophecy, was the
The fourth empire, depicted in the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, was the
But notice. Daniel continues:
"The feet and toes you saw -- part iron and
part clay -- show that later on [that is, in the last days, just before the
return of Christ], this kingdom will be divided." That is, the ten toes
represent ten nations or kingdoms which ally themselves together as the final
resurrection of this image of human empire; they will become the last and final
revival of the
Notice that these toes are part of iron and part clay. Daniel goes on, "Some parts of it will be as strong as iron, and some as weak as clay. This mixture of iron with clay also shows that these kings will try to strengthen themselves by forming alliances with each other through intermarriage of their rulers; but this will not succeed, for iron and clay don't mix."
The Critical, Experimental Commentary describes this prophecy and its fulfillment as follows:
"As the fourth kingdom, or
The Ten Toes of the Image
Who are these "ten toes," representing ten final kingdoms, allied together?
At this point in time, we still don't know the final composition of this
last world empire, which will be smashed by Jesus Christ at His return to
earth. Many theories have been advanced; and many have been proven false. Even
today, some still think that these will be ten nations of
This theory, propounded by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, seemed a reasonable guess during the 1950's and 1960's, and perhaps even the 1970's. However, with the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the liberation of the eastern European nations from the yoke of Communism, and the steady expansion of the membership of the European Union, many more than just ten nations are already included in the modern European Union! And still more and begging to be admitted!
The truth of the matter is, it appears many students of Biblical prophecy are stuck in a "time warp" and can't see the true conditions of the earth, geopolitically, because of spiritual blindness -- myopia. They believe as an article of faith all the pronouncements of Herbert Armstrong, right or wrong -- and they totally ignore his dismal prophetic record of failed prophecies, stretching through the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, and even 1960's!
Those who were serious members of the Worldwide Church of God, during those years, know for a fact that Herbert Armstrong often went out on a limb, when it came to Bible prophecy. His enthusiasm often ran away with his judgment, and he made egregious errors and foolish mistakes. For years he taught categorically that Jesus Christ was going to return to this earth in 1975, that the Church would flee to Petra, or a place of safety, in 1972, and at one point he even taught that a temple would be rebuild in Jerusalem before 1972!
Events since the 1970's, however, have put the lie to the prophetic assumptions of Herbert Armstrong. Perhaps the greatest assumption he made, however, was the identity of the ten nations of the final resurrection of "world empire" during the last days! He taught, as an article of faith, that these nations would be TEN NATIONS OF EUROPE! And his various self-proclaimed "successors," around today -- including Gerald Flurry of the Philadelphia Church of God, Ted Armstrong of the Church of God, International, Rod Meredith of the Global Church of God, and possibly the leaders of the United Church of God, although their stance on Biblical prophecy has been seriously tainted by the teachings of Joseph Tkach, and the Worldwide Church of God during the last few years -- ALL STILL MAINTAIN HIS PROPHETIC BELIEFS CONCERNING A FUTURE UNITED EUROPE OF TEN NATIONS which will fulfill the role of the end-time BEAST POWER!
It seems they are incredibly ignorant of the increasing unity among all the
western nations, who dominate the United Nations, through their economic and
military power and political influence, including the
Herbert Armstrong, understanding the identity of the ten lost tribes of
This teaching is still rampant in Ted Armstrong's church, Flurry's church, and Rod Meredith's "Global" church! It seems the same old "blinders" are still blinding these churches when it comes to understanding Biblical prophecy! They are so mixed up and confused, that their people are blinded as well, and waiting for "Europe" to rise up, when the NEW WORLD ORDER IS ALREADY RISEN UP AND IS BEING FORMED ALL AROUND US, at this very moment, and the TARGET DATE for full integration of the NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER IS SCHEDULED FOR THE YEAR 2000!
Thus the end-time remnants of the
Nevertheless, whatever countries finally make up this union of ten, Daniel
says: "During the reign of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a
kingdom that will never be destroyed; no one will ever conquer it. It will
shatter all these kingdoms into nothingness, but it shall stand forever,
indestructible. That is the meaning of the Rock [the "Rock" stands
for Jesus Christ-see Acts
"Thus the great God has shown what will happen
in the future, and this interpretation of your dream is as sure, and certain as
my description of it" (Dan.
This dream outlines all the major world kingdoms from the time of
Isn't this an amazing prophecy? It lays out like a map, the major stages of world history for a period spanning 2,600 years! This prophecy, however, was only the beginning! God gave a number of tremendously significant prophecies to Daniel. Notice!
The
This same "fourth kingdom," depicting the end-time resurrection of
the
Notice that this "beast" here is described as being very strong, like the fourth and final part of the image of chapter 2; it also is described as having "iron" -- that is, great iron teeth; and like the fourth kingdom of Daniel 2, which "breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things" (Dan.2:40), this kingdom also "devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue" (Dan.7:7).
Daniel specifically inquired about this fourth kingdom, and was told, "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time [three and one half years!]" (Dan.7:23-25).
Notice that this final kingdom will be "DIVERSE" from all the preceding kingdoms. It will be different -- unique! How is that? Not only will it be stronger, because it is made of IRON, but it will also be weaker -- having in it the miry "clay." It will be united for a time, but the prophecy indicates it will coalesce and come together for only a period of "a time and times and half a time" -- that is, 42 months, or 1260 days, or three and one half prophetic years (a prophetic year being 360 days in length).
This fourth kingdom will exist just before the second coming of Christ. It
is pictured as an
Notice that this final fourth beast is comparable to the fourth
What more can we know about this strange, mystifying kingdom, which is even now in the process of rising up in the modern world?
In our day there is to be one final resurrection of this ancient diabolical
system, the "
Daniel 8 Adds to the Picture
Who is this ruler, this tyrant, to be in this end time? In Daniel 8 we read a description of him as follows: "And out of one of them [the previous kingdoms] came forth A LITTLE horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land" (Daniel 8:9).
Notice that this "horn" or ruler begins "small." Daniel
Take note of two vital elements revealed here, which help to identify this coming world ruler. First, he is a "master of deceit." His political promises, which he is very adept at making, are not trustworthy. He lies to get votes, and then does whatever he wants. He is extremely clever.
Secondly, notice that he begins with a very small band of followers, or
political helpers. He comes from a small "state." The odds against his
success in the beginning must be very tremendous. And yet he overcomes them,
and moves from relatively unknown and small power to CENTER-STAGE! Could this
be fulfilled in a man who is the most brazen prevaricator of all American
presidents in history -- a man whose broken promises are strewn along the
pathway to his eventual rise to outstanding and incredible success? Could the
"small" state he came from be
Daniel goes on to describe the rise to power, and ability, of this world-class politician:
"Toward the end of their kingdoms, when they have become morally rotten, an angry king shall rise to power with great shrewdness and intelligence. His power will be mighty, but it will be satanic strength and not his own. Prospering wherever he turns, he will destroy all who oppose him, though their armies be mighty, and he will devastate God's people" (Dan.8:23-24). Daniel goes on, "He will be a master of deception . . ." (v.25).
Who is this FINAL KING or world ruler, this tyrant, the coming World Dictator, whom some refer to as Antichrist?
He will become, finally, the overall leader of the final revival of the
world-ruling, end-time global "
In Daniel 8 he is called "an angry king" who shall "rise to
power with great shrewdness and intelligence. His power shall be mighty, but it
will be satanic . . ." (vs. 23-24). What world leader, today, is
"angry" with his opponents, and threatens to "get" them?
What leader has people imprisoned, when they yell at him negative remarks,
while he is seen jogging on the beach in
Whoever he is, this king is described also in Daniel 9, in the famous "70 weeks" prophecy, leading up to the return of Christ! We read of him: "This king will make a seven-year treaty [the Palestinian-Israel peace accords, begun in 1993, and to be finished by the year 1999, are interestingly a "seven year" process] with the people, but after half that time, he will break his pledge [his guarantee of security, his commitment to the peace process] and stop the Jews from all their sacrifices and their offerings; then, as a climax to all his terrible deeds, the Enemy shall utterly defile the sanctuary of God [that is, the rebuilt Jewish temple in Jerusalem!]. But in God's time and plan, his judgment will be poured out upon this Evil One" (Dan.9:27, Living Bible).
He will even take on Christ in battle (Dan.
Who is this great Tyrant, and what will his government be like? The Bible tells us much about him. Let us turn to Revelation, chapter 13.
The Beast of Revelation 13
The apostle John in Revelation picks up this prophecy where Daniel leaves off. Notice! "And now, in my vision, I saw a strange Creature rising up out of the sea [same as the fourth beast of Daniel 7]. It had seven heads and ten horns [like the fourth beast of Daniel 7, it also has "ten horns"], and ten crowns upon its horns. And written on each head were blasphemous names, each one defying and insulting God. This creature looked like a leopard but had bear's feet , and a lion's mouth! And the Dragon gave him his own power and throne and great authority" (Rev.13:1).
Notice that this final revival of ancient Babylon/Rome, the world government
of the end-time generation, will have seven heads as well as ten horns,
denoting military kingdoms or powers. What are the seven heads? If we look at
the world empires down from the original
1. Nimrod's
2. Ancient Egypt, which carried on the civilization of
3. Assyrio-Babylonian Empire -- took
4.
5. Greco-Macedonian Empire (chest of brass)
6.
7. New World Order (revived
Looking at it this way, we see that the seventh and final "head" or resurrection of this world civilization, begun in ancient Babylon, is the revived, end-time ROMAN EMPIRE -- and its final resurrection is occurring right in front of us, before our very eyes! Do we have the wit to see it?
However, these "seven heads" also have an end-time fulfillment. Remember, Biblical prophecy is often DUAL in nature!
Leading the modern western world today is a group called the "G-Seven." These are the seven greatest economic powers in the world, and they establish joint monetary and trade policy that governs the economic and financial relations between all nations. They are in effect the de facto economic RULERS of the world! These seven nations, which act in consort, are -- the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan!
Could these seven nations constitute and comprise the END-TIME "SEVEN HEADS" of the "Roman Empire" -- the final "New World Order" of the last days?
"The Deadly Wound"
John goes on describing this marvel:
"I saw that one of his heads seemed wounded beyond recovery, but the fatal wound was healed! All the world marveled at this miracle [the coming Tyrant himself evidently will have a seemingly "miraculous" recovery from a deadly wound] and followed the Creature in awe [the world will be greatly impressed by this coming King]. They worshipped the Dragon [Satan the devil] for giving him such power, and they worshipped the strange Creature. 'Where is there anyone as great as he?' they exclaimed. 'Who is able to fight [that is, wage war] against him?' " (Rev. 13:1-4, Living Bible).
The "head" that is wounded almost fatally could also be DUAL in fulfillment! It could refer to one of the seven nations comprising the end-time "heads" of this beast with ten horns. In this sense, Germany was fatally wounded in World War II, and was occupied by the allied powers until 1989, and the breaking down of the Berlin Wall. Nevertheless, because of the Marshall Plan that enabled Europe to be rebuilt after the war, and favorable American policy toward Germany, the German "economic miracle" stunned the world in the 1950's and 1960's, and defeated and devastated West Germany quickly rose up and became one of the western world's premier economic powers.
In a more literal sense, however, this prophecy may have a more foreboding and ominous meaning -- yet to be fulfilled. This could be a prophecy that an attempt will be made on the life of one of the "heads" of these seven nations -- that is, the one who becomes dominant, and becomes the end-time ruler of this Babylonish World Empire!
This prophecy seems to indicate that an attempt will be made on the life of this leader -- some fanatic will attempt to assassinate him. He will suffer a fatal wound -- and the surgeons, operating with tremendous skill, manage to bring him back to life -- to save him! His recovery will seem "miraculous."
Judging by the hate which is billowing up around us today, and the fires of extremism, it seems very likely that this will come to pass literally in these last days, in reference to the coming "Beast" himself. This "fatal wound" or assassination attempt could occur around 1999, or the year 2000, or just before the New World Order goes "on line." Why do I say this?
Simple: Remember, this "beast" is also the prophesied "Antichrist." He will claim to actually be "Christ" the Messiah Himself! In mimicking Christ, he may even "fake his own death," or suffer an assassination attempt, after 3 1/2 years of power -- just before the final 3 1/2 years when the New World Order will reign supreme! Since his final "term of office" will be 3 1/2 year, or forty two months (Rev.13:5), the implication is that his "deadly wound" occurs right before this time! His "resurrection" may be an attempt to counterfeit the "resurrection" of Christ!
It has even been suggested that he will fulfill the "Good Friday-Easter Sunday" tradition of the pagan Christian church. Whereas the true Christ was slain on a Wednesday, toward evening, and spent three days and three nights in the grave (Matt.12:40), this impostor will be "slain" on Friday ("Good Friday"), and "resurrected" by Sunday morning! Would this fact, together with every other "miracle" he performs, "prove" to the world that he is the "Christ"?
Remember, although God refers in His Word to this world leader, this man, as a "beast," the world around us will be in complete admiration of him. The world will be "in love" with this seductive, charming man -- this manipulative, smooth operator -- this spell-binding pretender -- this clever, smooth, oleaginous, slick world politician! The world will give him credit for helping END the "Cold War," of overcoming international animosities, and perhaps even of orchestrating and Palestinian-Israeli Peace Agreements! This man could well earn the Nobel Peace Prize for his herculean efforts and uncompromising forcefulness in his behind-the-scenes, background dealings in the peace process.
Who could this man be? We won't have long to find out!
"Forty Two Months"
"Then the Dragon encouraged the Creature to speak great blasphemies against the Lord ; and gave him authority to control the earth for forty-two months" -- exactly three and one half years! Rev.13:5). Continuing: "The Dragon gave him power to fight against God's people and to overcome them, and to rule over all nations and language groups throughout the world" (Rev. 13:7).
Notice, now! Daniel, likewise said of this person: "He will DEFY the Most High God, and wear down the saints with PERSECUTION, and try to change all laws, morals, and customs. God's people will be helpless in his hands for three and one half years" Dan.7:25, Living Bible).
This is the same period of time the "little horn" in Daniel 7:25 was to defy God and exercise control, fighting and suppressing the people of God! They are one and the same individual!
When the New World Order shapes up, and begins, most likely about the year 1999-2000, even Russia and China will feign submission and obedience to this powerful world leader. Why? Because they seek trade privileges and opportunities, so that their economies will grow. Thus today even China covets, and has been given, most favored nation trading status with the United States, the present leader of the modern "New World Order."
John continues: "And all mankind -- whose names were not written down before the founding of the world in the slain lamb's Book of Life -- worshipped the evil Creature [the coming Dictator]." Notice! This charismatic world leader will have the whole world admiring, loving, and worshipping him! Are there any truly "charismatic" world leaders today, who seem on the verge of occupying such a place in world history?
Continuing, John records:
"Anyone who can hear, listen carefully: The people of God who are destined for prison will be arrested and taken away; those destined for death will be killed. But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity for endurance and confidence" (Rev. 13:8-10).
Tremendous political upheavals lie ahead of us in the next few years-within our own generation. Dramatic changes and reversals await us-but it will not be long before they begin taking shape before our very eyes! Will you be alert? Will you be watching? Will you be vigilantly prepared and on your guard?
Another Look at Revelation 17
Finally, to wrap up our understanding of the coming World Empire, or end-time Roman Empire, let us turn to Revelation 17, where John tells us even more. Notice!
"One of the seven angels who had poured out the plagues came over and talked with me. 'Come with me,' he said, 'and I will show you what is going to happen to the Notorious Prostitute, who sits upon the many waters of the world. The kings of the world have had immoral relations with her, and the people of the earth have been made drunk by the wine of her immorality" (Rev. 17:1-2).
This fallen woman, or prostitute, represents a great fallen, apostate Church. A woman, in Scripture, is symbolical of a church. The Church of God is compared to a virgin bride (see Eph. 5:25-33; Matt. 25:1-12; Rev. 12:3-17; Rev. 19:7-9). But this evil, abominable "whore" described in Revelation 17 is a great false Church, disguised as the Church of God.
Let's pick up the story:
"So the angel took me in spirit into the wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet animal that had seven heads and ten horns, written all over with blasphemies against God" (v. 3).
Here, once again, is the Beast of Revelation 13, the beast with seven heads and ten horns. But this time it appears in the prophecy as being ridden and guided by a great false Church -- represented by the whore. Notice further:
"The woman wore purple and scarlet clothing and beautiful jewelry made of gold and precious gems and pearls, and held in her hand a golden goblet full of obscenities. A mysterious caption was written on her forehead: 'Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and of Idol Worship Everywhere Around the World.'
"I could see that she was drunk-drunk with the blood of martyrs of Jesus she had killed. I stared at her in horror. 'Why are you so surprised?' the angel asked. 'I'll tell you who she is and what the animal [the Beast or end-time Kingdom] she is riding represents. He [the "animal" representing the New World Order] was alive [it existed previously] but isn't now [that is, at this very present moment in world history, today, the New World Order has not yet been formed, it is still skulking underground, it is still down in the "abyss" -- see Revelation 9:1-3 -- the "Beast" has not yet been revived!]. And yet, soon he will come up out of the bottomless pit [probably around 1999-2000 A.D.!] and go to eternal destruction, and the people of earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began, will be dumbfounded at his reappearance after being dead" (Rev. 17:4-8).
Again, remember, many Bible prophecies are DUAL in nature. This prophecy about the "animal" or the "beast" -- whom the world worships -- no doubt refers to the "miracle" of the WORLD EMPIRE, the NEW WORLD ORDER, suddenly take shape and burst forth into existence, after having been dormant and the dream buried for centuries!
Secondly, this prophecy also could refer to the literal coming "back to life" of the ruler himself, after having been "assassinated" by a trigger-happy madman, perhaps a religious fanatic!
Yes, the whole world will stagger in amazement when they see the long since dead ROMAN EMPIRE revived in tremendous strength and military power!
The world will gasp with amazement and stagger with bewilderment, and wonder with mind-boggling stupefaction, when they see the flowering and sudden blossoming of the New International Order occurring around the year 2000!
That is the very year President Clinton comes up for re-election. Will he at that time step forward from being President of the United States, leaving that position to Albert Gore, the present Vice President, and come on stage as the new World Ruler of the end-time Roman Empire/Babylon the Great? Today his popularity around the world is increasing mightily. He gets along well with Boris Yeltsin, and Alexander Lebed, his possible successor. He is good friends with Chancellor Helmut Kohl of Germany. He has the awesome power of the United States behind him, to enforce the "New World Order," and its laws and policies, around the world.
Make no mistake. Despite his "handicaps," such as his proven immorality and adultery, and conflicts of interest, and ethical lapses -- despite Whitewatergate, and Travelgate, and Filegate, and Finance-gate, and Whitehouse-gate, and all the other scandals of the Clinton administration -- which make all previous American political scandals look like children playing with tiddlywinks by comparison -- Clinton has emerged as the most forceful and popular politician on the world stage. He is the modern "Teflon man" -- all his scandals haven't even begun to besmirch his reputation. The world, like the American people, love this "Teddy bear" of a man who is a little overweight (aren't most of us!), who is "human" and the world knows it, who has a dazzling smile, and who has the ability to act so very "presidential," and who numbers among his friends the elite of Hollywood, the shapers of modern world opinion!
"The Beast That Was, Is Not, and Yet Is"
Let's take a look at this passage, now, in the King James: John writes: "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder . . . when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is" (Rev.17:8, KJV). The beast represents the World Empire system of Babylon/Rome. It was last in dominance during the days of the Roman Empire. Although there have been sporadic attempts to revive the system since that time, most of them aborted.
At the present time, as I write this, the "beast" was -- it existed from B.C. 30 to 476 A.D. -- as the "Roman Empire." Today it is non-existent. It is currently "underground," but mighty efforts are being expended to bring it back into existence through the United Nations, the International Court, and various other world and global organizations. This prophecy states that this system "was, is not, and yet is" -- this means that although it is not "visible" at this time, it does even today exist -- underground, behind the scenes, manipulating events, staging crises, and doing whatever is necessary to forward its diabolical agenda!
John goes on: "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the WOMAN sitteth. And there are seven kings [or, kingdoms]: five are fallen, one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space [of time]. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the EIGHTH, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition" (Rev.17:9-11).
Says the Living Bible: "And now think hard: his seven heads represent a certain city built on seven hills [Rome] where this woman has her residence [Vatican hill, residence of the Papacy]. They also represent seven kings. Five have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief" (vs. 9-10).
What is this talking about? What are these "seven heads"? Notice that all of them represent a certain city. They are "seven mountains" on which the woman -- Babylonian religion -- rides. A "mountain" in Scripture is a symbol for a NATION (see Isa.2:1-4). So these seven heads are seven nations or kingdoms down through history. "Five are fallen," John was told, "and one is," and "the other is not yet come."
The city of Rome, literally, also had seven mountains. Thus Rome, itself, stands for and represents these seven "nations." Rome was the religious and political capital of the world in its heyday. It was the "Babylon" of its time. The focus of world civiliztion had passed from ancient Babylon, to Persia, then Greece, and then Rome. But today that power and centralized authority has passed to New York City, the site of the United Nations headquarters, and the economic center of the modern Babylonish world!
New York City -- the New Babylon and Rome
The "mountain" on which the woman sits -- which gives her influence and power -- is a city. It also represents a nation, or empire. That being the case, what city, and what great nation, is this speaking about, in terms of our modern age -- the twentieth century?
What great city and nation effectively RULE the world today, and have ruled it, economically and militarily, since the end of World War II?
The answer? The United States of America! This modern century has been called "The American Century." The modern "peace" which we have experienced since World War II has been called "Pax Americana" -- the "American peace." No other country has been nearly as dominant as the United States, in terms of power, wealth, and leadership, since World War II than the United States of America!
Interestingly, the statute of liberty itself bears witness to the fact that New York City IS "modern Babylon" -- it is patterned after the ancient statue of Diana of the Ephesians -- Diana, the mistress wife of Nimrod -- with a turreted crown. Diana is just another name for Semiramis, Artemis, Venus, Aphrodite, Astarte, Easter -- the ancient Queen of heaven! How fitting that her statue would stand erect in New York harbor!
New York is the arcane, economic heart of the entire world. Wall Street, most of the world's major corporations, the Stock Market, are all located in New York City. It is the financial capital of the world, as well a great seaport, like ancient Babylon. New York is also the cultural capital of the world. Its tentacles and influence are widespread. Manhattan island is the most vital, alive, electric, energetic area of the entire globe.
In the modern world, there can be no doubt that if we look at the evidence objectively, the "Rome" and "Babylon" of today is New York City. I have often heard it referred to jokingly as "Babylon!" It is, like ancient Babylon, a city with a highly mixed racial and ethnic population.
New York City is the trade and merchandizing capital of the world. Interestingly, in the book of Revelation, speaking of MODERN "Babylon," the apostle John refers to it as a city, and as the trading hub of the world:
"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For ALL NATIONS have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed adultery with her, and the MERCHANTS of the earth are waxed RICH through the abundance of her delicacies" (Rev.18:1-3).
Let's take up the story in the Living Bible: "And the world leaders, who took part in her immoral acts and enjoyed her favors, will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains. They will stand far off, trembling with fear and crying out, 'Alas Babylon, that mighty city! In one moment her judgment fell.'
"The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her, for there is no one left to buy their goods. She was their biggest customer for gold and silver, precious stones, pearls, finest linens, purple silks, and scarlet; and every kind of perfumed wood, and ivory goods and most expensive wooden carvings, and brass and iron and marble; and spices and perfumes and incense, ointment and frankincense, wine, olive oil, and fine flour; wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots [automobiles -- the U.S. imports more autos than any other country, by far!], and slaves -- and even the souls [bodies] of men.
"'All the fancy things you loved so much are gone, they cry. 'The dainty luxuries and splendor that you prized so much will never be yours again. They are gone forever.' And so all the MERCHANTS who have grown wealthy by selling her these things shall stand at a distance, fearing danger to themselves, weeping and crying. 'Alas, that GREAT CITY, so beautiful . . . In one moment, all the wealth of the city is gone!'" (Rev.18:9-16, TLB).
The "woman" represents a "city" which is the trade capital and economic heart of the world. No other city today fulfills that more than New York City! No other nation imports more goods from abroad than the United States -- by far!
We are without a doubt, modern BABYLON!
The "Woman" and False Religion
However, a "woman" in Scripture also represents false religion. Some say the "whore" or "great prostitute" of Revelation 17 represents the Roman Catholic Church. However, this is not entirely true. Catholicism itself is nothing but the continuation of the ancient PAGAN MYSTERY RELIGION OF BABYLON, which was begun this side of the Flood by Nimrod and Semiramis, his consort/mistress/whore/queen of Babylon!
This religious system has dominated EVERY ONE of the seven resurrections of the ancient Babylonian Empire which began with Nimrod! Babylon, Egypt, Assyria-Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome -- all of these were fountain-heads of the same Babylonian mystery religion! The five that were fallen in John's day were Babylon, Egypt, Assyria-Babylon, Persia, and Greece. The sixth "head," Rome, was still in existence in 90 A.D. when he was given the book of Revelation to write! The final head which "is not yet come" is STILL to come -- but it is coming very shortly now -- within the next three-four years!
"He is the Eighth"
John was told this final system is "of the seven" (Rev.17:11), but is also "the eighth." What does this mean?
Unlike the previous six heads, this one will be notably different. Each of the previous "heads" was essentially based on one people, one kingdom which grew mightily. But this final "system" will be different -- unique. It will be a UNION OF PEOPLES! It is a "New World Order." It will be different in that it will be composed of TEN MAJOR controlling nations -- the "ten horns" -- all under the leadership of the "beast"! It may well operate through the auspices of the Security Council and General Assembly of the UNITED NATIONS!
It will have "ten horns." We don't know, at this point, who these "ten" will be. Could they be the ten most powerful, influential nations of NATO -- which give their military power to enforce the decrees and laws of the New World Order? Or could they be "ten" nations given permanent status as members of the United Nations "Security Council"?
At present, the Security Council is composed of the victor nations from World War II -- the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia, and China. This has been the case ever since the United Nations was founded, in the wake of World War II, on October 24, 1945. Many nations, today, over 50 years later, believe that it is time to change the Security Council membership, and add new permanent members. Germany and Japan are very likely going to be approved, possibly in 1997.
Also seeking to be on the Security Council, as permanent members, are Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, and Egypt. If 5 more nations are added as permanent members to the 5 permanent members now on the Security Council -- whose main responsibility is WORLD SECURITY -- then we would indeed have a ten-horned beast!
And, indeed, it would be different from the seven previous beast systems -- it would constitute an "EIGHTH" form or organizational format!
Let's recapitulate, for a moment. We have seen that the "seven" heads of the beast in one sense goe back to all seven world kingdoms from the time of Nimrod to the end-time. Let's now look at another explanation of the seven heads of the creature in Revelation 17, which the "woman" rode. Remember, Bible prophecy is often DUAL in fulfillment! In this passage, the "seven heads" also could refer to seven resurrections down through history of the "fourth beast" -- that is, of the Roman Empire!
The "Seven Heads" or Revivals of the Roman Empire
It is a fact of history that the Roman Empire was finally overwhelmed, and put out of its misery, by an onslaught of barbarian invasions, which finally destroyed the power of Rome. The date generally assigned for the fall of the Roman Empire is 476 A.D.
After this, however, there were through history a series of attempts to restore the Empire of Rome. They are as follows:
Head Date Kingdom
1st head 554 A.D. Emperor Justinian
2nd head 800 A.D. Charlemagne of the Franks
3rd head 961 A.D. Otto the Great of Germany
4th head 1519 A.D. Charles V of Austria
5th head 1804 A.D. Napoleon Bonaparte of France
6th head 1929 A.D. Benito Mussolini, Italy
7th head 1999 A.D. ?-?-?
In A.D. 554, Emperor Justinian cobbled together what was called "the Imperial Restoration of the Roman Empire." This was the "first" revival, or first "head." Another, second revival, or "head," was accomplished by the Frankish king Charlemagne, on Christmas Day, the year 800 A.D., when he was crown as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Leo III. Then the German King, Otto I, called the Great, was crowned Emperor in 961 A.D. by Pope John XII. Next, Charles the Great, of the Hapsburg dynasty, was made Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1519. The fifth head of the revived Roman Empire was Napoleon Bonaparte of France, who snatched the crown out of the Pope's hands, in 1804, and crowned himself Emperor of France.
The sixth revival of this so-called "Holy Roman Empire" was attempted by the Fascist dictator of Italy, Benito Mussolini, who signed a concordat with the Vatican in 1929. He also sought to restore the glory of Empire to the Italian nation, and conquered Ethiopia in 1936. His brief reign ended, however, with the Allied victory over Italy in 1945.
The seventh and final head is "yet to come." And when he does come, he will "continue a short space" (Rev.17:10). He will be the one to rule with the "ten horns" of the final Empire -- which represent "ten kings" who will submit their authority to him. The apostle John writes about this final revival of that ancient Empire:
"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour [a short time!] with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
"These shall make WAR WITH THE LAMB [JESUS CHRIST at His coming!], and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful" (Rev.17:12-14).
The Living Bible puts this passage this way: "His ten horns are ten kings who have not yet risen to power; they will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with him. They will all sign a treaty giving their power and strength to him. Together they will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them" (Rev. 17:12-14).
At the end of this age, from about 2000 A.D., the "beast" will rule for forty two months, or three and one half years. At the end of this time, he will gather together his forces, and fight Jesus Christ at His return, for the control of the entire world. But as Daniel records, "yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him" (Daniel 11:45). John writes of his final war against Christ, and his fate in these words: "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war with him that sat on the horse [Christ], and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Rev.19:19-20).
All around us, today, the prophecies of Daniel are being fulfilled. Are you alert to these mind-boggling, spine-tingling events?
Our generation, today, is living at the END of 6,000 years of human misrule, misery, and degeneration. It is time we all WAKE UP! As Paul wrote: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is HIGH TIME to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light" (Rom.13:11-12).