EU Crisis and the 10 Kings

This story is starting to get some attention. Last week "Europe on the brink?" listed a number of articles portraying the EU as entering a crisis due to the financial collapse of Greece, and several other countries that are rapidly approaching the same status. The entire EU structure is being questioned as far as its viability as a union. The viability of the EURO is also in jeopardy.

As mentioned, we know from Bible prophecy that the EU will ultimately morph into the "Ten Kings" of Daniel 2, 7 and Revelation 17. How it happens is not specified in the prophetic scriptures. All we know is this: As we approach the end of the age, the ancient Roman Empire will be re-gathered, and we know that the combined EU/Med Union clearly fits that profile in every way - even down to the description of "iron and baked clay" and a union that "will not remain united".

And we know that from this re-gathering of the Roman Empire, the next stage is the formation of 10 Kings. Exactly when this happens is unknown (only it has to happen before or during the Tribulation). Exactly how this happens is unknown. What we do know, is that once the 10 Kings are formed from the EU/Revived Roman Empire - two things will happen:

- The antichrist will come FROM these 10 Kings, (Daniel 7:24), and
- These 10 Kings will rule with the antichrist, with their only purpose to serve with the antichrist (Revelation 17:12-14).

So the order of events is:

Revival of the Roman Empire (present day EU/Med Union) ---> Formation of 10 Kings---> Rise of the antichrist and world domination along with the 10 Kings.

Todd Strandberg of Rapture Ready has noticed the current crisis in the EU and the possibility that we could be watching the genesis of the 10 Kings:

"Will the European Union Survive?"

We are at a very interesting point in history. The Bible said there would be a reformation of the Roman Empire, and that it would lead to the advent of the Antichrist. It doesn't seem possible for the EU to collapse into ashes. No matter how bad it gets, the union is going to survive.

The Bible tells us there will be a final world power that will have an extremely weak power base. In the vision given to Nebuchadnezzar and interpreted by Daniel, it is described as iron mixed with clay--meaning this government will have a connection to the Roman Empire, and it will be highly flawed. Out of this mess will come the most cunning and ruthless dictator the world has ever seen.

A partial breakup of the EU might actually benefit the progression of Bible prophecy. Scripture tells us that there will be ten kings who will give their power to the Antichrist. We currently have twenty-seven members of the EU, so something needs to happen to draw the number of leaders down to the magic number. The crisis we see now could be what triggers the final realignment.

"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast" (Rev: 17:10).

"For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled" (Rev 17:17).

Historically, big changes have resulted from big crises. The early movements of the U.S. into socialism started during the great depression crisis, and that train hasn't stopped yet. That is but one example. It seems obvious that something has to change in the EU and that fact leads to several possible scenarios.

It's just a hunch, but I believe we are seeing the transformation of the EU into the 10 Kings. It may not be an immediate change as it may occur over a series of crises and/or it may occur in a step-wise manner. On the other hand, as things have been happening lately, it could be an acute, rapid change that occurs. That wouldn't be surprising either.

This rapidly evolving situation in the EU is most definitely worth watching. Many of us had assumed that the 10 Kings wouldn't be formed until the Tribulation (based solely on speculation, as the scriptures do not provide these details) - but now that assumption seems much less certain.

But we do know this: Based upon Daniel 2, the 10 Kings will represent the last form of government before the Second Coming of Christ Jesus.

Oh, and one more important point worth mentioning.

When the 10 Kings are formed, they won't be in power for long (their power will only last the length of the Tribulation or slightly longer if formed prior to the Tribulation). Revelation 17:12 reveals this fact:

"The ten horns you saw are ten kings...but for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast (antichrist). They will have one one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast."

The "one hour" seen in the scripture above translates to "a brief period" or "a short time".

God felt it necessary to inform us of this fact. Its a warning sign.

If we DO see the formation of the 10 Kings, we will know that the Tribulation is RAPIDLY approaching. And of course, that would mean that the Rapture of the Church is also RAPIDLY approaching. Even if we see events in the EU moving towards the development of 10 Kings, that too will indicate that the subsequent events of the Rapture and Tribulation are only a breath away.

That makes it worth watching, to say the least. It is hard to imagine that we could be witnessing such big changes, stemming from such a big crisis in the EU. It seems like yesterday that the Lisbon Treaty was ratified, a treaty that consolidated 27 European countries. And now they are in crisis mode. It is equally hard to imagine that we may be seeing the initial changes which will lead to the formation of the 10 Kings - but it may be evolving now. As mentioned before - a crisis inevitably leads to big, acute changes in these last days.

But over the past several months, everything seems to be happening at breakneck speed. The EU is no exception.