Irish Say Yes to Lisbon Treaty

 

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Irish Say “yes” to Lisbon Treaty

With the yes vote in the Republic of Ireland the Lisbon Treaty is all but ratified.  But, how do we understand this political event in the light of Bible prophecy?

The Bible books of Daniel and Revelation identify  in symbol the various political powers that have dominated  Europe and the Middle East throughout history and up to the return of Christ.  These nations are described in the form of various  animals referred to as “beasts”.  In the Bible “beasts” represent human political systems - hence the Roman Empire is described as a “dreadful and terrible.. and exceedingly strong ..beast... (with) iron teeth” (Daniel 7:7).  Likewise, religious systems are described as women.  Religious systems that are faithful are described as “faithful wives” or “chaste virgins”, whereas corrupt religious systems that forsake the true teaching of God are described”unfaithful wives” or “harlots”. 

There are some very well known examples of these two symbols in Revelation 19:6-8 and 17:4-6.

In the example from Revelation 17 the woman is depicted as a harlot “riding on a beast” - this symbolises an alliance between a wayward religious system and a human political power.

There is not space here to fully develop and explain this prophecy, but in essence it is saying that in the time period leading up to the return of Christ we should expect to see a great political power come to the fore in the ancient territory of the Roman Empire.  This is the area encompassing the the Mediterranean sea and up into Europe.  In addition we should expect to see a wayward religious system allied with this political power, using it to exert its influence over the peoples of the world.

What we see happening in Europe today is fulfilling this prophecy.  The Lisbon treaty resurrects and extends the Holy Roman Empire (see map) and establishes the mandate for a European President, Foreign Minister and Army.  For this to  occur the signatory states to the treaty must cede, or at the very least significantly diminish their sovereignty in these affairs.

 

 "..they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.  These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast." (Revelation 17:12) 

Revelation 17:12 describes a situation where sovereign states voluntarily surrender their power and authority to a greater political power in order to share in its influence.   This is exactly what has happened with the Lisbon Treaty.

And what about the religious system - do we see any evidence of a religious system that has forsaken the simplicity and truth of Bible teaching “piggy-backing” on the European beastie?  The answer is quite clearly “Yes”!  The ever increasing influence of Pope Benedict and the Roman Church is everywhere to be seen, and in fact there are increasingly moves afoot to restore the Protestant and Eastern/Russian Orthodox Churches back into the fold of the “Mother Church” to use the words of Pope Benedict himself.

This is exactly the state of affairs the Bible describes will be evident just before the return of Jesus to the Earth to set up God’s Kingdom. This kingdom will begin at Jerusalem and eventually fill the whole Earth. 

Revelation 17:14 makes it clear that the political power occupying the historical geographical area of the Roman Empire will be under the influence of, and allied to a corrupted religious power. This unholy alliance will oppose the government of Christ when he comes.

 

 

 

  Whose side will you be on?