Does a ‘two-speed Europe’ show that PCG and LCG are right?
Artist Portrayal of the Beasts of Daniel 7
European leaders are warming up to the idea of a two-speed Europe:
7 March 2017
Leaders of the EU’s four largest economies threw their weight behind a multi-speed Europe on Monday (6 March) as the European Union prepares for life after Brexit, with rising populism, and an uncertain US strategy over Europe.
The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Spain met in the palace of Versailles to prepare for a 25 March EU summit in Rome, marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which gave way for European integration.
German chancellor Angela Merkel, head of the EU’s economic powerhouse, said leaders need to find the courage to forge ahead with integration despite opposition from others. Otherwise they risk the fate of the EU.
“We need to have the courage for some countries to go ahead if not everyone wants to participate. A Europe of different speeds is necessary, otherwise we will probably get stuck,” Merkel said at a joint press conference.
“If Europe gets stuck and doesn’t develop further, then this work of peace may run into danger faster than one might think,” she added.
French president Francois Hollande argued that “unity does not mean uniformity”. https://euobserver.com/news/137134
“Unity is not uniformity,” Hollande said at a joint press conference, urging “new forms of cooperation.”
One of the priorities, according to the French president, is the creation of a European defense force to cooperate with NATO. Also, some EU states could move faster and further in deepening the eurozone and harmonizing their fiscal and social policy.
His comments were echoed by Angela Merkel, the leader of Europe’s largest economy. …
“A multispeed Europe is necessary; otherwise we are blocked,” she said. “We must have the courage to accept that some countries can move forward a little more quickly than others.” http://www.dw.com/en/merkel-backs-idea-of-multispeed-europe-at-versailles-meet/a-37833273
It should be noted that despite the mult-speed allowance, those in Europe clearly want full unity. And according to the Bible, Europe will have unity (Revelation 17:12-13), even though not all of the areas adhere well to each other (Daniel 2:41-43).
Groups like the improperly named Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), the Living Church of God (LCG) have been teaching that divisions in Europe will or may cut Europe down to 10 or 11 currently existing nations. PCG just put out the following related to this:
Another Step Toward a ‘Two-Speed’ Europe
March 6, 2017
A growing number of European Union leaders are calling for a “two-speed” Europe. Such a plan would give pro-integration European nations the power to more quickly form a strong, unified core. Other European nations that are more concerned about preserving their sovereignty would integrate more slowly and less fully. …
There are currently 27 EU member states, but we expect a European superpower to emerge that consists of only “10 kings.”
“There’s going to be a core group of nations,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry said in a 2010 Key of David television program. “Europe is going to have more power and not less, only it’s going to be considerably smaller. You watch and see if that doesn’t happen, because your Bible says it has to! There’s going to be 10 kings there, not 27, as there are 27 nations today in that European Union.”
Now European leaders are talking seriously about stripping the Union down to a smaller yet more solid core. Keep an eye open for what happens on March 25 in Rome. To see how this “multi-speed” alliance will ultimately lead to a 10-nation European superpower—and how the Bible specifically forecasts this—read “Europe’s Coming Big Ten.”
The Living Church of God (LCG) has put out statements like the following:
Bible prophecy reveals that the final leader of the end-time European Beast power will be an influential person who is both self-confident and arrogant (Daniel 11:36-39). This charismatic leader will lead ten nations who give their “power and authority” over to him (Revelation 17:12-13). (A Young Face Among Old European Leaders. TW News & Prophecy, July 11, 2014)
In recent years, as the EU grew to 27 members, skeptics criticized the biblical idea that ten nations would form the nucleus of a final Beast power in Europe (Daniel 2:41-43). However, the Bible clearly states that at the time of the end, “ten kings… will give their power and authority to the beast” (Revelation 17:12-13). If this Beast is led by a particular nation (e.g., Germany), then the total number involved could well be 11! While it is not yet clear which nations will make up the final Beast power prophesied by Daniel and the Apostle John, world events indicate that a group of 10 or 11 nations coalescing to form the final Beast power is not far-fetched, fictional, or even a far-off idea-it is a soon-coming reality! (TW News & Prophecy, May 16, 2014)
Sometimes, when I was part of LCG, LCG published something similar to some of the above, and I would work with them to realize that the Bible does not teach that it must be 10 current nations. LCG used to acquiesce, when I was there. LCG needs to change and properly teach prophetic sequencing. I am still willing to assist LCG as well as other groups on this, if they truly will love the truth over improperly published positions.
Here is some earlier information on PCG’s positions:
The Trumpet has long forecast, based on Bible prophecy, that Europe would be dominated by a combination of 10 nations. Currently the eurozone is made up of 16.
Could this crisis be what whittles Europe down to 10 core nations? Perhaps. But as one EU senior negotiator said, “The eurozone debt crisis has a long way to run. No one knows where it is going to end up. Only one thing is sure, the eurozone will change.”
The Bible tells us that Europe will become a more unified group of 10 nations. This is where the trend is leading. Keep watching the euro crisis. (Germany and France Discussing New European Currency. June 24, 2010 | From theTrumpet.com)
The EU is now comprised of 27 nations. But your Bible says it will have 10 kings. That means this political-religious union is about to be radically reduced. (Flurry G. The Holy Roman Empire Is Back! Philadelphia Trumpet. February 2010, p. 1)
While there have been and likely will be more “Euro” crises and it is possible that it could be replaced as my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states, this insistence on a 10 existing nation EU is not biblically correct (for some other comments, see also PCG Gerald Flurry: EU to be Smaller).
Notice what the Bible actually says:
12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)
The above scripture does NOT say that ten existing nations will be the group that gives their power to the Beast, but ten kings who had no kingdom get power and transfer it. This, as I have written before (e.g. see Herman von Rompuy, the Greek Debt Crisis, and Where May this Lead?), means that a political/structural shift is expected to happen in Europe. Hence while nations will be involved, this is more likely groups of nations, combinations of nations, or redrawn territorial borders.
While 10-11 kings may be possible, to insist on what the Bible does not insist on is wrong and may lead to additional misunderstandings of end time prophetic events. The terms translated in English from the Greek as “kingdom” is not specifically referring to existing nations (cf. Bauer’s A Greek Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Church Literature, 3rd edition. FW Danker editor. 2000, University of Chicago Press). Also the biblical fact that these ‘kings’ had no kingdom prior to becoming kings also helps prove that.
Details about that and what the Bible actually teaches can be found in the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
To teach that this means that there must be 10 nations as they currently exist is in error. Both PCG and LCG are insisting on positions that were also not consistent with what the old Worldwide Church of God taught.
The old Radio/Worldwide Church of God taught:
These ten nations or groups of nations, comprising the modern revived Beast…
One of these was the formation of “Benelux” — a joint customs union formed by the three nations of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg — which actually began operation on January 1, 1948. The purpose of Benelux was to gradually reduce duties and tariffs on commerce between the three member nations to promote increased trade among themselves.
In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was set up which comprised six nations — the “Benelux” nations with the addition of West Germany, France, and Italy. In four years, combined steel production soared 36%, and next to the United States, they became the largest steel producer in the world!
Then, finally in 1957, these six nations signed “The Treaty of Rome,” setting up the European “Common Market.” OFFICIALLY IT IS CALLED EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, or EEC. It went INTO FORCE on January 1, 1958.
The “Common Market” BINDS THESE NATIONS TOGETHER ECONOMICALLY. The ultimate aim of the plan is to create one solid economy between the present member nations.
But it has been made plain that the plan is NOT LIMITED only to the PRESENT SIX NATIONS. Now other nations want to join the European Economic Community. (Remember that there must be TEN NATIONS or groups of nations to comprise the final resurrection of the modern “Holy Roman Empire”!) (AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. LESSON 32 (1963, 1965, 1967, 1969)
No one knows yet just which nations will make up the final 10. The possibility always exists some nations could be considered one, such as Benelux (Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg), or two or more Balkan ‘ or Iberian states could be grouped together. After all, the modern borders of European nations greatly differ from the many different borders in historic times. (Kelly R. A United Europe Nearer Than You Think! Plain Truith, November-December 1985)
“And in the days of these kings…” it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE which is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS which (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the old ROMAN EMPIRE.
So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings” — in the days of these ten nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire — notice what shall happen:
“… shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed… but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever”! (Armstrong HW. Just What Do You Mean… The KINGDOM OF GOD? Tomorrow’s World, June 1969)
“And in the days of these kings …” it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE which is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS which (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the medieval “holy” ROMAN EMPIRE.
So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings” — in the days of these ten nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire — notice what shall happen:
“… shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed … but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever”! (Armstrong HW. Incredible Human Potential, book, 1978)
“In the days of these kings”—in the days of these ten nations or groups of nations that shall, in our time, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire—notice what shall happen: “… shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed … but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever”! (Armstronng HW. 7 PROOFS OF GOD’S TRUE CHURCH: Part Four. Plain Truth, May 1979).
Prophecy says there will be TEN NATIONS (or groups of nations such as Benelux) but it does not say WHICH nations. The WHICH nations is speculation, but current rapid-fire news happenings do give us significant clues. (Armstrong HW. Brethren & Co-Worker Letter, February 18, 1980)
That final resurrection of the Roman empire is going to be made up of ten nations or groups of nations united together in one final attempt of man to maintain human government. That union of nations will be very short lived, as we read in verse 12, and in Daniel 2:44. (Kelly R. You Can Understand Prophecy. Plain Truth, May 1983)
The Bible shows that 10 nations or groups of nations in Europe will be goaded by circumstances to unite. They will be unlikely allies, “iron mixed with miry clay” is how the Bible describes them (Dan. 2). But a common cause — or a common fear — forces them into a fragile union. (Halford J. Old Barracks and the New Europe. Plain Truth, May 1985)
This power is referred to in the Bible as the “beast” — a powerful union of 10 European nations or groups of nations to arise in the closing days of this world’s civilizations (Rev. 17:12-14). This European power — led by a military superdictator also referred to in prophecy as the “beast” — will be the final, end — time revival of the medieval Holy Roman Empire. (Stump K. Just What Do You Mean – ARMAGEDDON? Plain Truth, June 1985)
These prophecies depict detailed ADVANCE NEWS of one more, last revival of this empire, yet to occur, by a union of 10 nations, or groups of nations, in Europe. (Armstrong HW. What Is Now Prophesied! Plain Truth, June 1985)
Bible prophecy reveals that an end-time revival of the ancient Roman Empire will once more arise in Europe. This confederated Europe will rapidly become an immense economic, political and military power — a Third Force in world affairs, a superpower in its own right. This powerful union, prophecy tells us, will be composed of “ten horns” — meaning 10 nations or groups of nations (Rev. 17:3).
Notice further that the ancient prophecies of Daniel picture this system as a human image standing on two legs. The original Roman Empire was broken into two “legs” — the Eastern Empire at Byzantium (Constantinople) and the Empire of the West centered at Rome. Thus it is probable that the coming reconstituted Roman Empire will also be composed of two distinct yet cooperative parts: one comprising nations of Western Europe, the other incorporating nations released from Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.
Moreover, the 10 toes of the image of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 2:41-43) correspond to the 10 end-time national units described as “horns” in Revelation 17. These 10 entities constitute a political system that will dominate the Western world and will exist at the return of Jesus Christ, when he will establish the kingdom of God on this earth and bring us peace at last (Dan. 2:44, 45).
Given the fact of five toes on each foot, it is possible that five entities will come from Western Europe. and five from the East. That the toes are described as being composed of “iron mixed with miry clay” indicates an imperfect adhesion. (Stump K. Soviet Economic Crisis: Prelude to United Europe? Plain Truth, January 1986)
Sadly, while it might be possible that the Beast would only consist of 10 or 11 current nations, the area that the final King of the North will control will be larger than that.
I would also add that at the Feast of Tabernacles in 1979 in Tuscon, AZ, the late Dr. Hoeh said that he and Herbert Armstrong were convinced that the two legs/feet of the Beast represented nations in both eastern and western Europe. The nations that seemed to be referred to in that sermon exceeded 10 or LCG new 11 number.
By insisting on 10 or 11 nations are all that could be in the Beast these groups will not know when the King of the North is about to attack the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 11:39).
Furthermore, both PCG and LCG have the wrong end-time prophetic sequence involving the battle between the King of the North and the King of the South (see PCG and LCG do not understand the end-time King of the South sequence–do you?).
Unless they change their positions (and both might), NEITHER PCG NOR LCG WILL REALIZE WHEN THE FINAL KING OF THE NORTH WILL BE FORMED NOR WHEN THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL BEGIN. SINCE THEY WILL NOT KNOW, NEITHER WILL THEIR SUPPORTERS REALIZE WHEN IT WILL BE TIME TO FLEE TO BE PROTECTED IN A PLACE OF SAFETY IN THE WILDERNESS (Revelation 12:14-16).
As far as LCG goes, here is something else it published related to this in its TW News & Prophecy:
December 4, 2015
EU Will Collapse Like Roman Empire!
The financial and immigration crises gripping the EU are putting great strain on the “European Experiment.” In a sobering interview, the Dutch prime minister evoked prophetic language as he talked “seriously about the EU collapsing like the Roman Empire” (Business Insider, November 29, 2015). He was making a case to close borders to international immigration. The prime minister “suggested that western European states might need to bring in a ‘mini-Schengen’ to deal with the bloc’s migrant crisis”—referring to the Schengen Agreement that began to eliminate border controls in much of the EU. A “mini-Schengen” agreement could exclude open borders to countries in south-eastern Europe (ibid.). “Historian Niall Ferguson made a similar point about the EU and Rome in the aftermath of the Islamist attacks on Paris this month” (ibid.).
Although many of the 28 member-nations of the European Union may retreat to their original boundaries, it appears that a smaller core of European nations will emerge from the current turmoil. Bible prophecy has long foretold that at the end of the age, a group of ten European kings (or nations) will “give their power and authority” to a Beast. This short-lived political union will cooperate with and be influenced by a great world-church (see Revelation 17). Events in Europe are fitting into ancient Bible prophecies.
Let me specifically and unequivocally state that in complete contradiction to LCG’s December headline: The EU will NOT collapse like the old Roman Empire. The Bible teaches reorganization in Europe (Revelation 17:12-13), followed by its ultimate rise, then destruction from forces to its north and east (Daniel 11:44; Jeremiah 50:41-46; see also Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation) and then its final elimination by the return of Jesus (Revelation 17:12-14; Daniel 2:40-45). The final rise and fall of the final European Empire will take less than four years.
That is NOT how the old Roman Empire collapsed. LCG’s headline is in error here. It took centuries and multiple invasions of mainly European forces to bring the Roman Empire down.
While some nations may leave the EU, the reality is that the final European Beast power will not be limited to ten or eleven currently existing nations as some in LCG and OCG have been indicating. And the EU cannot possibly collapse like the old Roman Empire did.
It appears that since my departure from LCG, certain items I was told were literature errors, were intended by some to be actual doctrines of LCG. LCG is publishing several positions on prophetic doctrinal matters in conflict with the Bible as well as positions that its Dr. Meredith personally told me that he agreed with. Now is the time for LCG to change (and PCG too for that matter).
We in the Continuing Church of God strive to always rely on the Bible: ” We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).
Will you truly rely on the more sure word of prophecy?
Those who will not, will not possibly know when the end will come until it is too late.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? This article explains some information and doctrines of the Living Church of God as led by Roderick C. Meredith and some concerns about them. (En el idioma español: ¿Qué hay acerca de la Iglesia de Dios Viviente? ¿Hay diferencias doctrinales con la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios?)
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy.
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