However, from the founding Treaty of Rome, in 1957, onwards, the trend has undeniably moved in the direction of an integrated Europe and, according to Bible prophecy, toward a European superpower that will astonish the world.

Germany's new chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, has said to his parliament that Bonn will use its 1999 presidency of the EU "to drive forward" European integration. William Hague, British Conservative Party leader, immediately reacted by warning that "the single currency posed 'risks' to Britain's independence after Gerhard Schroeder ... spoke of his ambition of creating a federal Europe on German lines" (emphasis added).

Mr. Hague further responded that the German chancellor "has been honest enough to admit 'what many fear': that the single currency is an important step on the road to political union."

Make no mistake. Events in Europe are moving steadily towards what the Bible refers to as the formation of a "beast" power. Conception occurred many years ago, and the embryo is fast growing in the European womb. History, however, shows that the eventual birth will not be easy because serious economic and social strains have almost always been the precursors of major European dictatorships.

A few leaders in Europe are already talking of a common army (excluding the United States) that would entail many states in one uniform, perhaps under one flag, and sending soldiers out to fight under one command. This would require the subordination of certain sovereignties to a dominant central authority reminiscent of this biblical passage: "And the ten horns ... are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour [a short time] as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast [a supranational political leader]." (Sources: The Daily Telegraph [London]; Revelation 17:12-13).