T. J. de Ruiter, Pentecostal Pastor in The Netherlands
On the 29th of October 2004 leaders of European
countries signed the first foundational law for the European Union in
the
famous Capitol in Rome. Not many people realised that on the same date,
but 1693 years earlier - in A.D. 312 - the first Roman Emperor that had
been converted to the Christian Faith, Constantine the Great, entered
the
city of Rome. The day before he claimed to have seen the sign of the
cross
in the heavens, hearing the message: "In this sign you will overcome."
From that day there was freedom in the Roman Empire for Christians to
worship
Jesus. The next Emperor Theodosius made the Christian Religion in
A.D. 380 official in the Empire.
It is important to observe that there is no mention of Christianity in the new Foundational European Law, while it has contributed for centuries so much to the culture and development of Europe. It is evident that there are powerful political currents in Europe that want to erase all everything that reminds of the Christian Faith. This is not only evident in various political decisions, but also from details, that are not too well known. Take the following incident: Just before the signing of the new Foundational Law in the Capitol - the god Jupiter, for the Greeks Zeus, was worshipped in the Capitol - the statue of the Christian Emperor Constantine had to be removed out of the building. Possibly there were practical reasons for the removal, but nevertheless, the deeper meaning of this action may not escape the watchful Christian.
Statements of European leaders point in an antichristian direction and make it clear that Europe wants to move out off the Christian era. A former Italian president of the European Union is recorded as having said several times: "We are almost approaching our goal, the revival of the great Roman Empire as in the days of emperor August." The following statement of the representative of the European Parliament was made at the occasion of the opening of the new building of this Parliament in Strasbourg: "What they began to build 3000 years ago - the reference was to the building of the tower of Babylon, the story is found in Genesis chapter eleven - we want to complete now." Such statements cannot be regarded as a joke, but must be taken seriously. It is interesting to know that the design of this building was inspired by the famous painting of Peter Brueghel, 'The tower of Babylon.' Surely, do such remarks not show the arrogant and godless intentions of leaders in Europe? Europe is aiming at the greatness and powers of the gods. Europe must have great power and has to become the biggest economical force in the world.
The conclusion is inevitable: The present leaders of the European Union have made a definite and clear decision to ignore the importance of Christianity and to obliterate the name of God and His Son Jesus Christ. This decision is marked by the incident that took place on the 29th of October 2004, removing the statue of the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, and becoming evident in leaving out every reference to God and Christianity in the text of the Foundational Law.
What should we as European Christians learn from these developments? Are prophecies fulfilled here? Are here, before our very eyes, the end time visions of the book of Revelation beginning to be fulfilled? Is here the godless world power emerging with its horns and demonic spirits in the background? Some claim to have inspired answers to these questions. I call for watchful prayer and careful study of the Bible.
The church of Europe needs to re-orientate itself on her place in the European society. History shows that the church has made the mistake to go for worldly authority in this dispensation, the time between the ascension and the return of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was once an important power in society, even in many countries politically. But that power has been drastically diminished and almost disappeared. The Roman Church may still have some worldly power, but her power is crumbling off also. Please realize that 'worldly power' is something different than 'influence in the world.' Of course, the church is meant to be a holy influence in this world, being the salt of the earth and a light in the world. But the Lord was rejected by the powers of this world and He warned His followers that they too could expect rejection and suffering. But the commission to the church remains the same: To preach his Gospel, testify to the greatness of His name and prepare those that believe for the coming Kingdom of God.
I make an appeal
to Christians in Europe: Please
realise afresh the commission that has been given. The situation may
change,
politically and religiously, but the commission remains the same. If we
call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ let us dedicate ourselves to
Him
and the work He has given us to do. Jesus Christ is the only real
future
for this world, also for Europe. As His Church we need to be an example
and promoter of the coming Kingdom of God. Only that new world order
with
Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of
lords will bring true world peace, righteousness
for all men and a great, healthy prosperity.
A call on Christians all over the world: please pray for Europe.
30 April 2005
Site 'Inspiration & Insight,' since 1997 / published 30 April 2005 / update 24 August 2011 / Pastor T. J. de Ruiter / The Netherlands