The Revived Roman Empire ?
Nov 17th, 2006
A lot of people teach that in the final days there will be a revived Roman empire
According to scriptures in Daniel and Revelation. Lately as I’m stumbling to change channels on TV and see what’s on TBN, it was Drive through History, and he was talking about the Roman Empire. A lot of things stood out to me about the route Rome went and the way our nation is going. The way other nations have gone like Hitler in Germany. There seems to be a lot of alignment with what is happening today that is like Hitler. Again and again in last few weeks God has brought up this issue.
In Romans 1 there is a progression that is important to see. He talks about how man chooses to worship the creature rather than GOD, though that God exists is evident in His creation. Because men don’t bow, THEN they are given over to delusions and the end is such great delusion He says that men sleep with men and women with women defiling themselves. This progression is also for a NATION.
In Orr’s book on Revival. In the 1700’s the same conditions existed as now in England, and that is when God chose to bring a great revival that shook the nation. So many were swept into the kingdom that police no longer had anything to do, so they developed quartets and sang. No one to put in jail.
First I want to look at the Roman Empire just a bit at it’s end. Getting too much into it can really make you sick. So just going to relate some facts from history because I believe this is significant to understand the times that are coming. I’m praying you will see the analogies as you read.
1. Firstly Rome went from being a democracy to a dictatorship.
…No change was made in the government, but Octavian received from the senate the title Augustus and from the people life tribuneship; this, with the governorship of all the provinces conferred by the senate, made him the real ruler. He was called imperator [commander] and princeps [leader] and is usually considered the first Roman emperor. (For a list of the Roman Emperors from Augustus to the fall of Rome and the years they reigned, see the table entitled Rulers of the Roman Empire.) http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860803.html
There were many reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. Each one intertwined with the next. Many even blame the introduction of Christianity for the decline. Christianity made many Roman citizens into pacifists, making it more difficult to defend against the barbarian attackers. Also money used to build churches could have been used to maintain the empire. Although some argue that Christianity may have provided some morals and values for a declining civilization and therefore may have actually prolonged the imperial era.
Decline in Morals and Values
Those morals and values that kept together the Roman legions and thus the empire could not be maintained towards the end of the empire. Crimes of violence made the streets of the larger cities unsafe. Even during PaxRomana there were 32,000 prostitutes in Rome. Emperors like Nero and Caligula became infamous for wasting money on lavish parties where guests ate and drank until they became ill. The most popular amusement was watching the gladiatorial combats in the Colosseum. These were attended by the poor, the rich, and frequently the emperor himself. As gladiators fought, vicious cries and curses were heard from the audience. One contest after another was staged in the course of a single day. Should the ground become too soaked with blood, it was covered over with a fresh layer of sand and the performance went on.
Public Health Erosion
There were many public health and environmental problems. Many of the wealthy had water brought to their homes through lead pipes. Previously the aqueducts had even purified the water but at the end lead pipes were thought to be preferable. The wealthy death rate was very high. The continuous interaction of people at the Colosseum, the blood and death probably spread disease. Those who lived on the streets in continuous contact allowed for an uninterrupted strain of disease much like the homeless in the poorer run shelters of today. Alcohol use increased as well adding to the incompetency of the general public.
Political Corruption
One of the most difficult problems was choosing a new emperor. Unlike Greece where transition may not have been smooth but was at least consistent, the Romans never created an effective system to determine how new emperors would be selected. The choice was always open to debate between the old emperor, the Senate, the Praetorian Guard (the emperor's's private army), and the army. Gradually, the Praetorian Guard gained complete authority to choose the new emperor, who rewarded the guard who then became more influential, perpetuating the cycle. Then in 186 A. D. the army strangled the new emperor, the practice began of selling the throne to the highest bidder. During the next 100 years, Rome had 37 different emperors - 25 of whom were removed from office by assassination. This contributed to the overall weaknesses of the empire.
Unemployment
During the latter years of the empire farming was done on large estates called latifundia that were owned by wealthy men who used slave labor. A farmer who had to pay workmen could not produce goods as cheaply. Many farmers could not compete with these low prices and lost or sold their farms. This not only undermined the citizen farmer who passed his values to his family, but also filled the cities with unemployed people. At one time, the emperor was importing grain to feed more than 100,000 people in Rome alone. These people were not only a burden but also had little to do but cause trouble and contribute to an ever increasing crime rate.
Inflation
The roman economy suffered from inflation (an increase in prices) beginning after the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Once the Romans stopped conquering new lands, the flow of gold into the Roman economy decreased. Yet much gold was being spent by the romans to pay for luxury items. This meant that there was less gold to use in coins. As the amount of gold used in coins decreased, the coins became less valuable. To make up for this loss in value, merchants raised the prices on the goods they sold. Many people stopped using coins and began to barter to get what they needed. Eventually, salaries had to be paid in food and clothing, and taxes were collected in fruits and vegetables.
Urban decay
Wealthy Romans lived in a domus, or house, with marble walls, floors with intricate colored tiles, and windows made of small panes of glass. Most Romans, however, were not rich, They lived in small smelly rooms in apartment houses with six or more stories called islands. Each island covered an entire block. At one time there were 44,000 apartment houses within the city walls of Rome. First-floor apartments were not occupied by the poor since these living quarters rented for about $00 a year. The more shaky wooden stairs a family had to climb, the cheaper the rent became. The upper apartments that the poor rented for $40 a year were hot, dirty, crowed, and dangerous. Anyone who could not pay the rent was forced to move out and live on the crime-infested streets. Because of this cities began to decay.
Inferior Technology
During the last 400 years of the empire, the scientific achievements of the Romans were limited almost entirely to engineering and the organization of public services. They built marvelous roads, bridges, and aqueducts. They established the first system of medicine for the benefit of the poor. But since the Romans relied so much on human and animal labor, they failed to invent many new machines or find new technology to produce goods more efficiently. They could not provide enough goods for their growing population. They were no longer conquering other civilizations and adapting their technology, they were actually losing territory they could not longer maintain with their legions.
Military Spending
Maintaining an army to defend the border of the Empire from barbarian attacks was a constant drain on the government. Military spending left few resources for other vital activities, such as providing public housing and maintaining quality roads and aqueducts. Frustrated Romans lost their desire to defend the Empire. The empire had to begin hiring soldiers recruited from the unemployed city mobs or worse from foreign counties. Such an army was not only unreliable, but very expensive. The emperors were forced to raise taxes frequently which in turn led again to increased inflation.
3. Persecution of Christians or anyone not bowing to the Emperor as god. At that time an entirely new element, Christianity, made itself felt in Rome. On Nero's orders a barbarous persecution took place in which many Christians died, among them St. Peter and St. Paul. Throughout the Roman Empire the Christians expanded steadily for the next centuries. Their conflict with the empire, which brought on them continual persecution, was chiefly a result of the Christian refusal to offer divine honors to the emperors. But Christianity penetrated the army and the royal household in spite of the constant danger of detection and persecution. There were many periods in the first three centuries when Christians worshiped openly, even in Rome, where the catacombs housed not only graves but also churches. [Same reference as above.]
Persecution under Nero, 64-68 A.D. [ Wikipedia ]
The first documented case of imperially-supervised persecution of the Christians in the Roman Empire begins with Nero (37-68). In 64 A.D., a great fire broke out in Rome which destroyed vast portions of the city and economically devastated the Roman population. Nero, whose sanity had long been in question, was widely suspected of having intentionally set the fire himself. In his Annals, Tacitus, states that "to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace" (Tacit. Annals XV, see Tacitus on Jesus). By implicating the Christians for this massive act of arson, Nero successfully capitalized on the already-existing public suspicion of this religious sect and, it could be argued, exacerbated the hostilities held toward them throughout the Roman Empire. Forms of execution used by the Romans included systematic murder, crucifixion, and the feeding of Christians to lions and other wild beasts. Tacitus' Annals XV.44 record: "...a vast multitude, were convicted, not so much of the crime of incendiarism as of hatred of the human race. And in their deaths they were made the subjects of sport; for they were wrapped in the hides of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set on fire, and when day declined, were burned to serve for nocturnal lights."
This is really a good article and describes persecution thoughout the ages.
But it does not talk of what I heard in Drive through history how elephants actually became extinct in North Africa from the killing of animals and their use in the Colloseum for blood sport. As many as 9000 people might be killed in one day !
The Lord once told me that this revival would be like the Armenial Revival which happened amidst a great genocide. This very much fits with the early Roman Empire and the growth of Christianity amidst persecution and martyrdom.
The persecution of Christians was barbarous and of Jews and Christians in WW II was also barbarous. 6 million Jews died. But so did 6 million Christians and political dissidents. These two groups will be the object of hate for the One World Government because we believe in an Absolute God and His laws, and absolute of right and wrong.
Nero was insane and killed his own mother and family members. People who worship the creature rather than the Creator, eventually are given over to delusion and deception and insanity. That is the curse on those who REFUSE to worship a Holy and LOVING GOD Who is the Creator. Intolerance for godly belief systems is a part of the idolatry.
The whole book of Daniel is for our edification in these times. Daniel, and Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego’s salvation from death by the hand of the Lord is for our edification and comfort NOW in this hour !
“The Bible says: An end-time global government will arise and break the world into ten regions described as the “Revived Roman Empire”. ( Rev 13:1-2 & 17:12-13 )
Fulfillment: The same year Israel returned to the land, a group known as the club of Rome” signed what was called the “Treaty of Rome” creating the European union that plans to divide the world into ten regions. The Pope has called the E-U the “Revived Roman Empire”. Signers of the treaty were quoted as saying: ” We felt like real Romans that day…purposely recreating the Roman Empire.”
Below is an article by Chuck Baldwin on America as the revived Roman Empire
"We are living at a time in which it is not only possible for a world dictator of unprecedented authority to emerge - the Antichrist - it is also inevitable. God's Word states that only seven empires will exist in world history before Christ returns. The verse proving this statement is (Revelation 17:10), "There are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space." The five fallen empires referred to by John in this verse are Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The one that ruled at the time John wrote the Book of Revelation was Rome. One more final empire would arise, but there would first be a long delay. That global power would be the last, the "Ten Toes" (Dan 2:41-42) or the "Revived Roman Empire."
“The European Union has created a 'super office' through EU Recommendation #666. This office gives special powers to the WEU Secretary General and CFSP High Representative, enabling him to take control of political and military councils in the event of an emergency. The WEU is the military arm of the European Union. Javier Solana currently holds this new office in an 'unofficial' capacity.
Mr. Solana is attempting to initiate a European Neighborhood Policy [at the link, 44th paragraph from the top] over the entire European and Mediterranean area. This policy is to be implemented for period of seven years, from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2013. All participating nations will have their agreements confirmed on January 1, 2007 and sixteen nations have already signed on to be participants, including Israel:
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [Greek "shebuah" - seven years]..." (Daniel 9:27a KJV)”
“Part of the EU’s seven-year plans will be directed at what is called 'thematic strategies'. Among these strategies will include an action plan geared at bringing the participating nations in line with EU standards on animal welfare. The date the animal welfare standards are to be established is 2010, which happens to coincide with the middle of the seven year period of the European Neighborhood Policy, or in other words, three and one half years after its implementation:
"...and in the midst of the week [three and one half years] he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease..." (Daniel 9:27b KJV)”
Let’s look at some scriptures:
Dan 2:40-44 NKJV And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. [ ROMAN EMPIRE ]
41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, [ Arabs have mingled but not adhere to us because of beliefs and who has mingled with them most ? Europe ] just as iron does not mix with clay. [ Also Communists do not mix well : ) just thoughts. ]
44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; [ This is really good news for us living in these times , though it does not mean it will not come at a great cost. Marturos is the word in Greek for witnesses in Revelation. We are to be witnesses. We must be willing to lay down our lives for the Kingdom.]
and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; [This kingdom shall not be left to others . To me this says, we aren’t going to just blitz out of here leaving the KINGDOM
to other people or the type of Kingdom that anyone else who is not holy can have.]
it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
This indicates HIS KINGDOM SHALL BREAK INTO PIECES ALL OTHER KINGDOMS.
HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN UNLESS THE LORD POURS OUT HIS POWER LIKE PENTACOST AGAIN ? How could we unless we are so filled with Him, like early apostles or even better…GREATER THINGS you will do.
The following is from the letter to the church of Philadelphia which I think is a type of the many types of churches in that day and today.
Rev 3:9-10 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars - I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. NIV
Violence is escalating daily and we see it in the news. Or maybe you don’t see it, but it is. Our news is so watered down now.
We also see in Daniel about the antichrist that it says:
Dan 11:37-39 NKJV But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.
In Revelation it speaks of many martyrs in the end times…
Rev 6:9-11 NKJV Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs
When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Rev 7:14-17 NKJV "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 11:18 NKJV The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
And again about the antichrist, false prophet and beast:
Rev 13:1-5 NKJV The Beast from the Sea
Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. [3 ½ years selah ]
Rev 13:11-18 NKJV The Beast from the Earth
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Rev 19:11-21 NKJV Christ on a White Horse
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 The Beast and His Armies Defeated
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."
