A visit to Berlin, which has now been politically united for 15 years, is very revealing in its contrast with the formerly divided city. Many of the old and dilapidated buildings have disappeared from the East Berlin landscape and have been replaced by attractive new buildings, often rebuilt in the original pre-World War II architectural style.

My personal experience with Germany's capital began in late 1944 when, as a young child aged 7, I was returning with my brother and sister to our parents. We had earlier been evacuated to the eastern part of the Reich, and now we and the group we were with were desperate to keep ahead of the Russian troops heading for Berlin. The train from East Prussia to Westphalia took us through Berlin, which had already been thoroughly devastated by Allied action.

As our train meandered slowly through the vast expanse of rubble, I saw a man holding a brick in his hand, as if to say, this is all that is left of Germany's once-glorious capital. Surrounded by all the utter devastation, he, as well as millions of other Europeans equally devastated by war, had to start all over again—to rebuild, to begin afresh amid acute political and social instability. This scene is vividly impressed on my mind to this day.

A sad chapter in history

That is the sad experience of man's rule, declaring war on other nations and then paying the dire consequences—the tragic story of Europe and of the world in general. The biblical prophet Jeremiah was inspired to write over 2,500 years ago, "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). How tragically accurate a prophecy of the inability of man to rule justly without guidance from a Higher Source.

Now traveling to Berlin again from the east some 60 years later, my wife, Diana, and I took the train from Dresden through the eastern part of Germany (the misnamed former German Democratic Republic). As we had previously traveled into East Germany during the moribund days of the Cold War period, it was interesting now to notice the extensive construction and the renovation of buildings taking place in all of Berlin, but more noticeably in the eastern part. Although many buildings are unfinished on account of Germany's high rate of inflation (presently at 10.5 percent), the building program continues.

Of special interest was the recently renovated Reichstag, the German parliament building, which was heavily damaged during the war but still remained standing. With the addition of Sir Norman Foster's glass dome, it looks impressive, with long lines waiting to view the building.

The vast space to the southwest of the Brandenburg Gate, on the former border between East and West, is being used to construct buildings for foreign embassies as well as housing the impressive offices of the German chancellor and president.

A few hundred yards away, construction of Berlin's new main train station is in full swing. It will be a colossal building that will connect directly to the Reichstag as well as providing quick access to foreign embassies.

It might be that at some time in the future, the historic city of Berlin will become the de facto capital city of Europe, at least in terms of political influence. It is highly conceivable that in the future Germany may assume the political leadership of Europe, with religious leadership in Rome and possibly many bureaucratic functions in Brussels.

Another revival of the Roman Empire

The biblical book of Daniel speaks of four great ruling empires, the last of which can be identified as the Roman Empire. Then in the book of Revelation we see that the last revival in the end time will bring a government that does not recognize the power and authority of Almighty God. It will meet the same fate as King Nebuchadnezzar for initially failing to recognize that God rules supreme.

Notice first the king's words: "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). This arrogant statement resulted in Nebuchadnezzar's downfall.

Likewise, the name of God isn't even mentioned in the proposed EU Constitution, as the governments of the EU openly declare that they feel they have no need of God. Prophecy shows us that God sets the destiny of nations according to His will and often works behind the scenes in bringing about His purpose. This is equally true with the last revival of despotic human rule (Revelation 17:17), that "fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong" (Daniel 7:7).

Revelation 17:8-18 mentions seven resurrections or revivals of this end-time empire. Six are behind us and all the indications are that the creation of a United Europe without the acknowledgement of God is prophesied to ultimately turn into a powerful bloc led by the Beast of Revelation, which constitutes the last resurrection of the fourth beast in Daniel 7:15-27 and 2:37-45.

A sure prophecy

The present European Union is experiencing political difficulties and a degree of disunity and divisiveness among its leading member states. But any talk of the EU completely falling apart is unwarranted as far as Bible prophecy is concerned. Of course the EU will face difficulties on the way to becoming a greater European superpower. Some members might even opt out of the European Union.

But at the end of the day, the Bible prophesies that a European superstate will become a reality, but only for the briefest of time (Revelation 17:12). Member states will relinquish their own sovereignty in order to be part of this end-time European power. "These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast" (verse 13).

Make no mistake, the rise of such a system has incredible geopolitical consequences for the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. It very well may affect your life as well as the lives of your children and grandchildren.

Why? The answer is that God has unfinished business with the modern descendants of ancient Israel. These nations have lost their identity and have forgotten their God.

For more than half a century, the Church of God has proclaimed the certainty of a United States of Europe. Half a century ago no one else proclaimed that prophecy on a worldwide scale. Today many journalists are able to see it developing.

But the Church of God with the revealed knowledge of Bible prophecy was there first, and we shall continue to highlight that all-too-often-neglected part of the message of Jesus Christ. Please continue to watch for articles in our publications that will give you a clearer understanding of these prophecies.

Until then, please feel free to write for two special booklets that will further expand your understanding regarding what is foretold to happen, The Book of Revelation Unveiled and The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy. WNP