A Reform-minded Seventh-day Adventist forum In our aim to exalt everything important, first and foremost, we seek to promote a clear understanding of Daniel, Revelation, the three angels' messages and the alpha and omega of apostasy.
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:03 pm Post subject: One world government?
What's up guys, I'm new to the forum but I wanted to know your thoughts on a particular question.
Revelation 13: 7 speaks of the beast" ...given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation", while the prophecy of Daniel 2 says "they shall not cleave one to another." I have heard Pastor Doug Batchelor say the Bible does not support a one world government and uses the latter verse as evidence, while a book called The Final Crises by Marvin Moore (yes, one of our books) says a global political system is emminent. Can somebody tell me what they think, and whether or not we have an official stance?
Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:36 am Post subject: Re: One world government?
Wordisbond wrote:
I wanted to know your thoughts on a particular question.
And a very good question it is.
Wordisbond wrote:
Revelation 13: 7 speaks of the beast" ...given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation", while the prophecy of Daniel 2 says "they shall not cleave one to another."
I see these two verses as being reasonably consistent and having a remarkable historical fulfillment. For instance: I have seen a PBS documentary on Martin Luther that mentioned the practically universal dominance of the world by the Catholic Church in Luther's time. I recognized the comment immediately as excellent scholarly support for my view of prophecy.
Revelation 13:7 is very similar to Revelation 13:4. I interpret Revelation 13:4 as a commentary on the overwhelming acceptance of the beast throughout the Medieval Church period.
Quote:
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?” Revelation 13:4.
It is easy to see how this verse was literally fulfilled:
"The people were wholly deceived. They were taught that the popes and priests were Christ's representatives, when in fact they were the representatives of Satan, and those who bowed to them worshiped Satan. The people called for the Bible; but the priests considered it dangerous to let them have it to read for themselves, lest they should become enlightened and expose the sins of their leaders. The people were taught to receive every word from these deceivers as from the mouth of God. They held that power over the mind which God alone should hold. If any dared to follow their own convictions, the same hate which Satan and the Jews exercised toward Jesus would be kindled against them, and those in authority would thirst for their blood." —Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 214.
Wordisbond wrote:
I have heard Pastor Doug Batchelor say the Bible does not support a one world government and uses the latter verse as evidence, while a book called The Final Crises by Marvin Moore (yes, one of our books) says a global political system is eminent.
I have always interpreted the phrase "one world government" literally to mean the imagined inevitability of one political body eventually ruling the whole planet. Both Daniel 2 and Revelation 18 agree that it's not going to happen. According to Wikipedia, World government is the concept of a political body that would make, interpret and enforce international law. That definition is weaker than what I have learned from science fiction and only implies that nations would be required to pool or surrender sovereignty on a limited number of issues. I believe that expectation of the future is a reasonable interpretation of Revelation 13:11-18.
Wordisbond wrote:
Can somebody tell me what they think, and whether or not we have an official stance?
The Seventh-day Adventist church has a list of official statements and I don't see anything listed there about a one world government. However, it seems that the church doesn't need an official statement on this topic. The book of Revelation is very clear about the state of nations just before the end of the world.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in
