According to some interpretations of the Bible, America is considered the last “World Superpower” and the final man-made government on earth before the prophesied events of Armageddon. This article explores the basics of Bible prophecy, the succession of world powers ending with America, and the events that some believe will unfold as described in the Bible.
The Basics of Bible Prophecy
- Creation and the Fall: The Bible begins with the creation of Christ, the firstborn, by God through the Holy Spirit. Christ then assisted in creating all other things, including angels, mankind, and the earth over billions of years. God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but Satan, originally a prominent angel, turned against God, tempting humanity to rule itself without divine guidance. Satan became known as the “Ruler and God of the World.”
- The Great Flood: To counteract Satan’s influence, particularly through the Nephilim (offspring of fallen angels and human women), God brought a flood that wiped out all life except Noah and his family. The rebellious angels returned to heaven as demons.
- The Lineage of Faith: From Noah’s lineage came Abraham, and from Abraham, the Israelites (Jews) and Arabs (Muslims). Jesus, a descendant of the Israelites, was transferred to the womb of the Virgin Mary by God. Jesus’ life and sacrifice showed that a perfect man could remain faithful to God, leading to the spread of Christianity.
- Spread and Corruption of Christianity: Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, aided by the Pax Romana. However, in 398 CE, Emperor Constantine merged Christianity with pagan practices at the Council of Nicaea, forming the Roman Catholic Church. The Muslim conquests and the Crusades further complicated religious dynamics, leading to widespread conflict.
- The Reformation: Despite efforts to suppress true Christianity, the Reformation movement saw its revival, aided by the British Empire’s global influence.
- The Prophecy of 1914: In the late 1870s, Bible students, led by Charles Taze Russell, predicted that 1914 would be a significant year, marking the beginning of the “last days” with the casting down of Satan and his demons to earth as described in Revelation 12.
The March of World Powers Ending with America and Armageddon
A key prophecy in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 2:31-45) describes a succession of world powers, symbolized by parts of a statue seen in a dream by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Daniel interpreted the dream as follows:
- Babylon (Gold Head): The first world power, ruling from 605-539 BCE.
- Medo-Persia (Silver Chest and Arms): Conquered Babylon, ruling from 539-331 BCE.
- Greece (Bronze Belly and Thighs): Overcame Medo-Persia, ruling from 331-168 BCE.
- Rome (Iron Legs): Defeated Greece, ruling from 168 BCE to 476 AD.
- The Final Kingdom (Iron and Clay Feet): The remnants of the Roman Empire, leading to the rise of the British Empire and, eventually, the United States.
- The Symbolism of Iron and Clay: Daniel 2:41-43 describes the final kingdom as a mix of iron and clay, symbolizing strength and fragility. Some interpret this as the Anglo-American alliance, with America emerging from Britain. Others see it as representing the divided nature of modern governance, particularly the polarization between political parties like Republicans and Democrats.
The Formation of the League of Nations and the United Nations
- Prophetic Predictions: Early Bible students predicted the rise of a political entity representing the nations (the League of Nations), which would later re-emerge as the United Nations. The Anglo-American world power played a significant role in establishing and supporting the UN, seen by some as a precursor to a global push for “Peace and Security.”
The Clash of the King of the North and the King of the South
- Struggle for Global Dominance: The Bible describes a power struggle between the King of the North (interpreted by some as Russia and its allies) and the King of the South (America and its allies). This conflict is seen as part of the broader battle for global dominance, potentially exacerbated by the weakening of democratic values through multiculturalism.
The Turning on False Religions and the Cry for Peace and Security
- End of Fanatical Religions: The Bible says God puts it into the hearts of the nations to turn against false and fanatical religions, driven by the desire to achieve global peace and security. This will lead to the destruction of false religions leaving only “true” Christianity.
Armageddon and the End of World Powers
- Final Battle: Armageddon does not come as a War between Nations. Instead it comes because Satan, in his final act of defiance, will turn on God’s people, prompting God to bring about Armageddon. This event will result in the binding of Satan for 1,000 years after Satan will be released to test mankind one final time. Those who remain faithful will survive, and God will ultimately destroy Satan and his followers.
- Eternal Kingdom: In the end, God’s original plan will be fulfilled, with the earth becoming a paradise. Humanity will then work together to explore and populate other planets, under God’s eternal kingdom.
Conclusion: America as the Last World Power
According to these interpretations, America is prophesied to be the last world power, replaced not by another nation, but by God’s Kingdom. This belief underscores the idea that current global events are leading towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, culminating in the end of human governments and the establishment of divine rule.