With all of the things that are happening in our world today, many people are talking about the coming apocalypse. It is interesting to note that the word “apocalypse” means “lifting the veil” in the Greek language.  God is surely telling us something by all these current events – so, what does our Bible have to say about it? Studying the Book of the Revelation of Saint John is a profound endeavor. There is so much symbolism to try to understand and everyone seems to have different explanations. But, when we study the other prophets and the Olivet Discourse, (Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13) also known as the “Little Apocalypse”, we do get a clearer understanding of what to expect. We are warned that there will be wars, famine, pestilence and natural disasters taking place around the world at the same time; this is already happening today. Jesus describes this as the “beginning of sorrows”.

It is believed that there maybe be a one-world government (considered by some to be the New World Order), under which there will be a one-world monetary, judicial and legislative system and a one-world religion. When we look at the expansion of power being given to the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank and the World Court (International Court of Justice) we realize that national boundaries and allegiances are crumbling. With the integration of monetary systems such as the Euro, which is already in place, we see plans for further global monetary unification such as the Amero and others on the horizon. Eventually, these systems might be integrated into one system for the ultimate purpose of world monetary domination.

In the Book of Revelation 6:6, we are warned that a loaf of bread will cost a day’s wages. This can easily take place with hyper-inflation of the fiat dollar and an imbalance of supply and demand caused by crop disease, flooding, war, contamination and other disasters. The increase of using food sources to create ethanol and other products may further enhance the problem. We are also warned of the false religion of the one-world government known as Mystery Babylon – The Mother of Harlots, who rides the Beast (Revelation 17-18 NKJV). She sits on seven mountains (Rev. 17:9 NKJV). If this refers to literal mountains, then we can consider Rome, Jerusalem and Mecca who all sit on seven mountains. She is drunk with the blood of the Saints of God and His Prophets, whom she has killed. The “waters” of The Harlot are many peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues (Revelation 17:15). She fornicates with the kings of the earth and they are made rich by her abundant luxury (Rev. 18:3). So, who is she? Some interpretations are that she is: humanism, Islam, the Church in Rome, America, Saudi Arabia or the apostate church.

The Bible also tells us about the Anti-Christ, false Messiah and there is no end to the speculation of who he is. The false Messiah will come against the true Messiah, Jesus, and will try to take His place by using deception. He will imitate Jesus on all levels but his power will come from Satan, not God. The Anti-Christ will come on a platform of peace but will make war with the saints of God. We already see systems and propaganda being established to come against the Church of Jesus Christ. In many countries around the world, it is illegal to preach the Gospel. Many Christians are being martyred and tortured because they hold true to the Great Commission that God gave us and also because of their great love for the people of their country. It is their burning desire to see everyone receive salvation.

As we read the Book of Revelation, we are overwhelmed by the scope of it. Everything in heaven and earth will be affected by the turmoil of events that are played out. Here in the U.S.A. we are also faced with the problem of national and state deficits, unemployment, taxes, debt, a failing health- care system, crumbling infra-structures, homelessness and an aging population.  We hear of wars, famine, pestilence and natural disasters when we read or listen to world News and all of this combined saddens us. But we must take heart and stay strong and pray.  God has made us a light in a dark place and we should take every opportunity that is given to us to fulfill the Great Commission of bringing the Gospel of Jesus to a dying world. People need to know about the saving grace of our God and how He uses us to do great exploits in this world. We will need to rise to the occasion and serve when and where ever we can. We all have our own special and unique roll to play in the Body of Christ and each role is vital to the Kingdom of God.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last (Rev. 22:12-13).”

Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana can be reached at: [email protected]