I hope you are enjoying our mini-series on “Signs of the Times.”  We began by looking at Israel’s re-birth, and yesterday we discussed the rise of the revised Roman Empire.  That flows right into the discussion of today: increasing globalism.

Yesterday we talked about a beast (the antichrist) that will rise and unite the world with his promise of peace.  Indeed, he will seemingly bring the entire world together…for a short while.  How will he do it?  By creating One World Government and One World Religion.  You have heard these terms, but let’s make careful assessment of them, in light of what we see in our world today, and in light of what the Bible, particularly Revelation 17-18, tells us.  Revelation 17 describes a harlot sitting on a scarlet beast (verse 3), which refers to the antichrist who will come to establish a new religious system that the whole world will buy into.  (Read Revelation 17: The Woman on the Beast for details.)  Religion will become “global” and it will ultimately lead to the worship of one person: the antichrist.

In today’s world, we are seeing the stage being set.  The pope and other religious figures are promoting the idea that we all worship the same god, so let’s all just get along.  In addition, there are rallying cries around issues, such as global warming, that are meant to draw everyone together “for a common cause” and for the “common good” of all mankind.  Nations are being deceived…churches are being deceived…Christians are being deceived.  Many are drawn into the idea of One World Religion.

Revelation 18 follows with the fall of Babylon, representing the One World Government established by the antichrist.  Scholars differ as to whether Babylon is an actual place or a political system.  Regardless, it is Satan’s domain, ruled by the antichrist, and will it fall.  (Read Revelation 18: Babylon is Fallen for details.)

But again, let’s consider what we see today.  Not only do we see organizations such as the United Nations directing global affairs, but we also see groups of nations (such as the European Union) joining together to form one common government between them.  They wish to have one set of laws, one currency, one leader, etc.  In other words, they wish to “globalize.”  We have recently discussed Emmanuel Macron, the young leader of France who is positioning himself to become the leader of the European Union (and beyond).

Given the setting, his ambition of becoming the “savior” of Europe, and the following he is gathering, we certainly see markings of an antichrist-like figure.  Just last weekend he spoke appeasingly to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, likening anti-Zionism to anti-Semitism (which it is!)  Macron is not necessarily “the” antichrist, but is a prototype which models the real antichrist.

Globalization is a sign of the times.  It is happening before our eyes and reminds us to be ready, as the One True Savior, Jesus Christ, could return at any time!

PS: Amir Tsarfati has two great teachings on One World Religion and One World Government.  I highly recommend those resources for any serious Bible student interested in Bible prophecy.