Bible prophecy tells of a sequence of world-ruling superpowers. These powerful nations and their rulers have dominated the world throughout history.
The Bible tells the story of their rise to power and their fall to obscurity. It also reveals that there is one more wordly superpower to come before the return of Jesus Christ. This power was foretold millennia ago by the prophet Daniel, and it will rule with force and ferocity like none before. Its fall will come when Jesus Christ returns to establish the Kingdom of God—the final superpower the world will ever see.
There is only one true superpower in today's world: the United States. At present no other nation can globally project power, in any form, like America. Yet there are many challenges to America maintaining this lofty and important status. Will another power—another true superpower—emerge from the nations and replace the current world order?
Daniel's book prophesied events fulfilled many centuries ago as well as major events yet to come. It reveals a history of the region, written in advance, from Daniel's time right up to the return of Jesus Christ.
Shortly after the Flood, God divided the earth among the families of Noah (Genesis 10:32).
The great image that God revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream was interpreted by the prophet Daniel.
In Daniel 10 and 11, there is another prophecy that has end-time implications. It's important because it reveals the political climate and tensions in the Middle East preceding both the first and second appearances of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. In both instances, Jerusalem is at the centre of the political conflicts of the time.
Many prophecies in the Bible are dual. In such cases a prophet speaks under inspiration of God and a first fulfilment of the prophecy comes to pass. Then, later, often at the end of the age before the return of Christ, comes a final, ultimate fulfilment.
How can we know that the last world superpower will be a modern-day incarnation of the Roman Empire? There are a few Bible indicators that point in that direction.
In the devastated aftermath of World War II, it seemed unimaginable that Europe could rise again. Many venerable cities had been bombed into rubble. The dead were counted in the tens of millions. Old institutions and organisations ceased to exist.
Many warn that China or another Asian state or confederation will replace the United States as the world's dominant power.
"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed ... You saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold ... The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure." —Daniel 2:44-45
"Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:14, 15). "The gospel of the Kingdom of God" is the message Jesus Christ instructs His followers to believe. This booklet will help you understand and believe this wonderful good news Jesus Christ announced to humanity!
Many people believe the book of Revelation is all about bad news. Although it reveals where our actions and decisions will take us, it also shows how mankind will finally experience a world of peace. Is the book of Revelation relevant today? Is it possible for us to understand it? Can we know to whom it was written and why? What are the meanings of its mysterious symbols? Once you grasp the message of Revelation, you too, will see that it contains the most remarkable message of hope ever written. Its fundamental message is plain and its conclusion certain.
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