Why I Think the Worsening Coronavirus Outbreak in Italy is a Sign of the Times
Reading through the Bible, geography, and theology has me thinking that the city of seven hills in Revelation 17-18 is Rome. It's even said that Peter used the word "Babylon" as a codename for Rome. If Peter were the first Pope then I doubt it he would call Rome as "Babylon" at all. Instead, Rome happens to be a city of seven hills. Rome has a brutal history of Christian persecution, the Vatican City is located in Rome, and you can think of how Rome can fit with the picture of the Great Whore of Revelation.
Why do I think it's a sign of the times? Reading through Revelation 17-18 makes me think of how Rome itself has never been a bastion of Christianity. True, there are Italian Bible believers out there but it's good that they'd be raptured away. Just hearing that the European Union is abandoning Italy in its time of need is disturbing.
Why do I think it's a sign of the times? Reading through Revelation 17-18 makes me think of how Rome itself has never been a bastion of Christianity. True, there are Italian Bible believers out there but it's good that they'd be raptured away. Just hearing that the European Union is abandoning Italy in its time of need is disturbing.
Revelation 17:12-17
12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet begun to rule, but who will be given authority to rule as kings for one hour with the beast. 13 These ten all have the same purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will fight against the Lamb; but the Lamb, together with his called, chosen, and faithful followers, will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”
15 The angel also said to me, “The waters you saw, on which the prostitute sits, are nations, peoples, races, and languages. 16 The ten horns you saw and the beast will hate the prostitute; they will take away everything she has and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and destroy her with fire. 17 For God has placed in their hearts the will to carry out his purpose by acting together and giving to the beast their power to rule until God's words come true.
It's almost a picture of how God will eventually judge Rome. Fortunately, Revelation 18:4 has God still calling His elect before the final judgment can hit. John 6:44 says that no man can come unto Jesus except that the Father draws them. Is Revelation 18:4 having the voice from Heaven calling those whose names were written in the Lamb's Book of Life before the foundation of the world? Revelation 13:8 says that those whose names aren't written in the Lamb's Book of Life from the foundation of the world will eventually worship the Antichrist. That's why I believe 100% that Christians will never take the mark of the Beast. Though, I do still feel John MacArthur (as much as I like him) might be wrong about the mark of the Beast as unforgivable. It will be unforgivable because people who accept it repented not.
Right now, nobody knows if the Antichrist is already around or not. I think drastic times call for drastic measures. I think the Antichrist may emerge from Rome and the final Pope will be the False Prophet. Somehow, what's happening in Italy is a preview of things to come.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!