But until that time, we read elsewhere that the nations--ALL of them--are deceived. Speaking of a certain power in Revelation 13:14 we are told that it will deceive those who dwell on the earth by its fabulous miracles--that is to say, be means of its ability to manipulate events. In Revelation 16:13,14 we are told how these deceived nations will be gathered to oppose God Almighty. In Revelation chapter 17 the figure is used of world rulers "and the inhabitants of the earth" being made "drunk"--of being intoxicated by false religion and an erroneous ideology. In chapter 18:23, we are informed that by means of her sorceries--literally, her "medications" (drugs), "were all nations deceived."

Here is a system that has international influence and prestige. People believe that they are being healed by her teachings, but they are used in order to deceive them.

Her philosophy is claimed to be one that "heals"--that brings peace to the nations. It is like that idea of which we read in Jeremiah 6:14, which reads: " They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace."

The pope called for a United Europe in 1987, "from the Atlantic to the Urals" Headline in the Toronto Star.

An example of this international healing by the Roman Church was seen when, in 1987, the pope called for the creation of a united Europe "from the Atlantic to the Urals." This would be a united Europe which included Russia. That was when the iron curtain divided Europe in two, and when the cold war was very much in evidence. The apparent "miracle" came in November 1989, two years later, when the Berlin wall came down and the iron curtain was ripped from top to bottom.

What an incredible event that was! Mikhail Gorbachev wrote a book entitled "The Coming Century of Peace." A united Europe would solve everything!

Well, the news is that it was all a deception! Yes, the nations were--and still are--deceived. Real peace has not arrived.

Russia, who we were told had collapsed, has come back to strength. Through gaining control of vast energy reserves--natural gas and oil--Russia has twice let Europe know that she has the controlling hand.

Last week Russia suspended the arms control pact--the cold war arms control treaty. Like Adolf Hitler before World War 2, they begin to tear up treaties.

Instead of peace and tranquility there is a nervousness--seen last week when British fighter jets were scrambled when Russian bombers were thought to be heading in the direction of the UK. Oh, and by the way; did you know that last week Russia claimed the North Pole with its vast energy sources? Even Canada won't like that!

But as Europe is consolidated and subjected to Russia's control--who will lead the world spiritually? Why, we were also told last week that Pope Benedict XVl says that there is only one true church--that the Orthodox Churches "lack something because they do not recognize the primacy of the pope." In other words, as Europe unites, Benedict sees himself as the head of all Christian Churches. In the language of the Bible he magnifies and exalts himself "above all" (Daniel 11:37; 2 Thess. 2:4).

In 1854 John Thomas wrote a book entitled "Anatolia: Russia Triumphant and Europe Chained!!!" In this book, and writing about the future Autocratic leader of Russia, he said:

"As the head of a confederacy of the Greek and Latin churches, it will be his policy to cause their priesthoods to be respected as useful co-operators in the subjection of Europe to his will."

How true that is turning out to be, as the deceived nations are finding out!

As we see these events taking shape, we see how that the deceived nations and inhabitants of the earth are to be brought under the heel of a cruel and despotic system. It is a time of terrible judgement upon the nations because of their rejection of the Bible (God's word), and because of their attitude and treatment of God's people, the Jews and of Israel. Iran's leader has announced that "It's going to be a 'hot' Summer in the Middle East." Well, we will watch for that too!

But we also know that deliverance will come. Christ will return to earth and subdue the nations. He will destroy the Deceiver and save those who are faithful to him.

May these things inspire us to seek God's Truth and to be obedient to it in all humility.

May the true God of peace be with you and lead you in His way. May you continue to watch with us here on Bible in the News. www.bibleinthenews.com or www.biblemagazine.com.