A Biblical Worldview: Europe and the Rise of The Beasts of Revelation

[Rick Shabi] The world is on the brink of historic change. Global events are accelerating, aligning with Bible prophecy in ways we’ve never seen before.

A fiery clash between Trump and Zelenskyy. Germany’s new chancellor reshaping Europe’s future. A dying pope, causing many to ask who’s next, and what will he change? In Israel, a red heifer stands ready for sacrifice, fueling Third Temple expectations.

These aren’t just headlines; they’re prophetic signposts. Is the final world order taking shape? And do we see the Bible prophecies recorded in the books of Daniel and Revelation beginning to emerge?

Let’s break it down—starting with that showdown between Trump and Zelenskyy.

You’ll remember that Trump says he is looking for a ceasefire and peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, to put an end to all the killing. He accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude and that set the stage for the confrontation. Comments like “you’re gambling with the lives of millions” and “you’re gambling with World War III” resonate in our memories.

The conversation and events since then have left Europe stunned. Now there are headlines that speak of Europe and Germany rearming as they see the NATO alliance that has been in force since WWII crumbling.

Notice this headline from the Washington Post on March 6 of this year: “Spooked by Trump and Putin, Europe rushes to rearm.”

As this happening, Germany just elected a new chancellor, Friedrich Merz. He brings a conservative, pro-NATO stance that is signaling a stronger, more militarized Germany. Just a few days ago, he said, “The political developments in Europe and the world are evolving faster than we anticipated just a week ago . . . ‘Whatever it takes’ must now also apply to our defense.”

Across Europe, nations like France and Poland echo this call to rearm, driven by Russia’s threats and a shifting global order. This isn’t just political maneuvering—it seems to be a continent that is bracing for conflict, as if a war with Russia is imminent.

What is happening in Europe and this sudden surge to arm and defend themselves?

The Bible speaks of the end time and what the powers on earth before the return of Jesus Christ will be like. Daniel 7, a prophecy for the end time, speaks of a “fourth beast” that arises from the Great Sea, which is the Mediterranean Sea.

Notice Daniel 7:2-3, “Daniel spoke, saying, ‘I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.’”

In verse 7 he says this beast is dreadful, with iron teeth, and in verse 23, it points to a powerful empire on earth. Notice verse 23,

“The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.”

Almost all biblical scholars acknowledge this fourth beast prophesied by Daniel is the revived Roman Empire. If you don’t understand or haven’t heard of the four world ruling empires, you can read more about that prophecy recorded in Daniel 2. They are represented in that great statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream recorded in Daniel 2. Go to ucg.org/thebeast and learn more about what is happening in our world today.

Revelation 13, certainly an end-time prophecy, also describes this same beast that arises from the sea, with seven horns (which indicate the seven revivals of the Roman Empire over the course of history. It is a coalition of European nations, given its power by Satan.

Notice Revelation 13:1-2

“Then I [the apostle John] 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. 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 [that’s Satan] gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.”

Could Europe, sitting on the north side of the Mediterranean Sea, with Germany rising, be forming the next revival of this beast?

Remember, the “king of the North” prophecy in Daniel 11. We’ve talked of that before. It shows there will be an autocratic, cruel northern power that is dominant in the end time.

Europe. This power could be beginning to happen now.

Meanwhile 88-year-old Pope Francis lies on what most believe is his deathbed. If he passes, it raises a provocative question: Who will the next pope be, and what part might he play in our rapidly changing world order? Could this next pope be that “other beast” we see in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13?

Notice what it says about him in Revelation 13:11-12

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 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 . . .”

Going on in Revelation 13:13-15, we read that this beast performs wondrous signs, deceives the world, and demands an image of the first beast be worshipped—blasphemy in its purest form.

So, this religious beast supports the first beast and enforcing the worship of that beast, bringing in the infamous “mark of the beast.”

Throughout world history, the pope has been aligned with the powers of Europe. And with the worldwide advent of digital currency, the prophecy that no one will be able to buy or sell without the infamous mark of the beast can now easily be enforced. (Revelation 13:15-17)

We will see this happening in the end time, and with this convergence of events, this could be beginning to form now.

Then you have Israel, where there is increasing talk of those red heifers, the sacrifice of which would pave the pathway for animal sacrifices to begin and a third temple to be built.

Reports from Israel indicate that at least one red heifer perfectly meets all qualifications and is of the right age to be sacrificed. Increasingly, you hear speculation that this sacrifice could occur as soon as the coming Passover, which is this April.

It seems excitement and anticipation are building in Israel, as they believe a third temple and animal sacrifices must precede the coming of the Messiah. The sacrifice of a perfect red heifer is requisite for those things to happen.

Remember, the Jews are awaiting the first coming of the Messiah at the same time the Christian world is anticipating the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The Jews in Israel believe sacrifices must begin again to please God, but we know from the Bible that Christ’s blood is superior to any heifer’s ashes.

Hebrews 9:13-14 says,

“For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

But the push for a third temple and the beginning of animal sacrifices on the site of that temple would hasten prophecy. Daniel 12 shows that when animal sacrifices are stopped in Jerusalem, the countdown to Christ’s return is imminent. Those sacrifices could begin soon. Keep watching what is going on in Israel.

So, we see all these prophetic elements converging at this time. The beast—a militarized, autocratic, cruel King of the North emerging north of the Mediterranean, headed by Germany. There is a religious figure, perhaps the next pope, who rides that beast. He is deceptive and brings in worship of that beast and the infamous mark of the beast.

And we have animal sacrifices in Israel, as they believe that will trigger the coming of the Messiah. The world will be plunged into chaos and war. Christ says if He didn’t return, no flesh would be saved.

All this sounds ominous, but there is hope. There is always light and hope in Jesus Christ and the Bible speaks of that time.

Revelation 19:11-21 declares Christ’s return, shattering the beasts and their systems. “The Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords” (Revelation 17:14) Our hope is in trusting Christ. He is the Savior who alone will save mankind. Then He will usher in a thousand years of peace, joy and abundance for everyone around the world who lives into that Kingdom.

Believe what the Bible says. Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ—the truth upon which you should build your life. Some of Christ’s first words were “Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Do you even know the true gospel? And do you believe it? It’s the key to salvation.

You can make a choice to start learning that way today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing God is in charge and that He has a purpose for you and all mankind.

There’s a lot to learn and we have accumulated short, easy-to-read (or view) resources for you to understand these prophecies at ucg.org/thebeast.

Visit this page now and learn the hope, future and promise God has in store for you.

Our purpose is to proclaim the gospel, the very real, plain truth of Jesus Christ and the way of life we must live if we truly say we love Him.

Revelation 22:20 comforts us: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Let’s be ready for His return!