Prophecy and World History

Prophecy and World History

Today the signs of the times tell us that we are standing on the threshold of grave and controversial events. It seems that the entire world is in an uproar. Before our eyes, the prophecy of Jesus in reference to the events just before His second coming are being fulfilled: “And you will hear wars and rumors of wars… For nation will rise against nation… And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:6-8). The present and future are of great interest for all mankind. More and more people realize that something great and decisive is about to take place; that the world is on the brink of an overwhelming crisis. The daily news is filled with catastrophes and violence of every kind. Jesus himself has enabled a prophecy that during the time of the end there would be “… on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity…” and “Men’s heart failing them from fear and the exception of those things which are coming on the earth…” (Luke 21:25-26).

THE AMAZING PROPHECY OF THE GREAT WORLD EMPIRES
In the Bible, especially in the books of Daniel and in Revelation many events both historical and present-day are clearly prophesized. A careful study of these books helps us to see God’s purpose in the history of nations. It helps us to understand the true meaning and purpose of life and the plan of salvation for mankind through God’s Son Jesus Christ.
Over 2600 years ago, the Prophet Daniel foretold the rise of the great world empires, namely Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and what is known in the present-day as Europe. In a dream, Daniel saw a great image whose body parts symbolized the exact sequence of those world empires: “This image’s head was of fine gold, it chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron partly of clay” (Dan. 2:32-33).

Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise…” (Dan. 7:17), as “… the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea” (Dan. 7:2). Rev. 17:15 explains that “water” represents “peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues”, while “winds” symbolize wars (Jeremiah 4:11-16). The four winds of heaven, which strove upon the great sea, represent the terrible conquests by which those kingdoms came to power.

BABYLON

Dan. 7:4 the first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings.
The head of gold and the lion (a popular Symbol of Babylon) represent the Babylonian World Empire (608-538 BC). The eagle’s wings describe the speedy conquests by Nebuchadnezzar.
MEDO-PERSIA

Dan. 7:5 The second was like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth.
In the year 538 BC. The dual empire of the Medes and Persians was established. The three ribs in the bear’s mouth represent the conquered countries of Lydia, Babylon and Egypt. The Persians were stronger than the Medes and remained in power longer (Note: it raised up itself on one side).
GREECE

Dan. 7:6 Another was like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird.
The very rapid victories (represent by the four wings) under Alexander the Great made Greece the World Power (331 BC). After Alexander’s death the Empire was divided into 4 parts by his four generals: Thrace, Syria, Macedonia, and Egypt (Note the four heads).
THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Dan. 7:7 The fourth beast was dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces… and it had ten horns.
In the year 168 BC, the Romans established the fourth World Empire. Because of the severity and intolerance with which they subdued other nations, this Empire was known as “The Iron Kingdom” (Note the iron legs of the image and the teeth of the beast).
EUROPE

Dan 7:24 The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom.
Because of mass migration (351-476 AD), the Roman Empire was broken up into 10 smaller European kingdoms (Note the 10 horns and 10 toes). The divided thriving horns and the not cleaving together even as the mixing of iron with the clay of the 10 toes represents impossibility of a lasting United Europe.

Hoping this research will sooner come further not threatening anything on doctrines but rather unite the ecumenical goal of Christianity.
I hope the pope can read this. :)