Just 100 years ago, there were several nations dubbed "superpowers," which were vying for dominance; thus America has been called the "last superpower" in the sense that it is the last remaining superpower from that era. As a child, I thought that the word "last" in that phrase indicated that America was the final superpower that would ever exist. Bible prophecy reveals that there are two more superpowers yet to come that will supplant America and rule the entire world!

After nearly a century of being the uninterrupted leader in military might and economic prosperity, many are beginning to acknowledge that America is waning from this lofty position as our economy continues to weaken and other nations strengthen and form alliances, such as China and the EU. Whether or not America will rebound from its current troubles in the short-term is a matter of pure speculation, but the Bible reveals with certainty that there is coming a day in which America will no longer be the predominant power on the world stage. Specifically, Revelation 17:9-13 shows that a conglomeration of nations will submit themselves to an empire known as "the beast." Revelation 13:16-17 reveals that this beast power will be so influential that no one will be allowed to buy or sell anything unless they submit to that system of government by receiving its mark, indicating that it will be a true economic superpower like the world has never seen!

This literal evil empire, under the influence of Satan, will oppress, persecute and slaughter the people of God as long as it has the power to do so (Revelation 13:7). Fortunately, the Bible also reveals that God will put an end to this end-time superpower, replacing it with His own:

"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (Daniel 2:44).

This scripture indicates that the Kingdom of God will exist as a literal, world-ruling government, just as the beast will exist as a literal, world-ruling superpower, and more evidence of this is found abundantly throughout Bible prophecy. Revelation 11:15 pictures voices in heaven exclaiming, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" This shows that there will be a tangible Kingdom on earth which will rule over the "kingdoms of this world"! Zechariah 14:16 and Isaiah 2:2-4 clearly picture the people who live through the tribulation until Christ's return traveling to Jerusalem, which will be the capital of God's government, in order to learn God's ways and to worship Christ.

The Kingdom of God, not America, will be the true "Last Superpower"--the final Empire that will ever rule over the people of the earth. As Daniel 2:44 said, it will "consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." Not only does this indicate that the Kingdom has not yet been established, but it also verifies that the Kingdom is a real government that will exist on the earth! It will be a time of unprecedented peace, prosperity and true justice. This Kingdom was the focal point of Christ's gospel ministry, and the United Church of God is dedicated to carrying out His commission to spread that gospel. We are hosting a series of free, live seminars all across the world to teach people about this coming Kingdom. You can find out more and register to attend one in your area at the Kingdom of God Bible Seminars website. For additional resources that you can access right now to learn about the Kingdom of God, check out our free booklet "The Gospel of the Kingdom."