Europe, home of so much Christian history and tradition, has in the last century grown increasingly agnostic and atheistic. Throughout Europe once-bustling cathedrals and churches stand empty, locked and shuttered. Thousands have been converted into restaurants, homes, shops and even discotheques.

Bible prophecy, however, reveals that Europe will experience a dramatic religious revival. Surprising as that sounds, even more surprising is the catalyst that will probably help bring it about.

Both Paul the apostle and Jesus Christ the Son of God reveal what that catalyst will be: powerful, dramatic miracles. Millions will witness them and accept that they are the workings of God. They will be big news. Religious fervor will sweep the Continent.

There will be just one problem. They will all be a big lie.

Notice what Paul says about a religious figure who will shock the world. Of the time of "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul writes of a new leader who "will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 4, NIV).

How could such a person claim to be God and convince others to believe him? Paul adds that "the coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing" (verses 9-10). Although these powerful miracles will convince many, in reality they are the work of Satan.

Regrettably, this man's deception will take in millions of people. In the great cataclysm that will mark the end of this age, many will fall victim to this "powerful delusion" and "perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved" (verses 10-11, NIV).

In the end time, biblical ignorance will catch up with millions of people. A charismatic, Christlike leader will emerge and millions will accept him as God incarnate-God in the flesh. Because they will have "refused to love the truth," they will be deceived, taken in by this impostor in a great end-time counterfeit religious revival.

What about you? Will you be among those who love the truth or among the deceived? GN