I believe that Paul identified Roman leadership as the restraining entity in 2 Thes 2, keeping Antichrist from rising to power. He would not say so publicly, but likely referred his followers to Daniel 7, where Antichrist arises out of a 4th Empire, after its leadership dissolves into a multiplicity of 10 powers.
We have seen the Eastern and Western branches of the ancient Roman Empire both Christianized and gradually dissolve into a multiplicity of states. However, the Roman Imperial Tradition has kept the rise of Antichrist in check, both by its Christian leadership and by its imperial hold on Western culture.
The Holy Roman Empire has long since passed, but a variety of imperial forces coming out of Europe have persisted, keeping Antichrist in check. One of the last of these imperial forces is Russia, who is making one last gasp to rebuild the Russian Empire.
But I believe imperialism is about to finally be completely dissolved in Europe, making way for the rise of Antichrist. His will be a new kind of Empire, returning Europe to its original paganism and attempting to drive Christianity into oblivion. That spirit is already at work, but soon it will be very much a political reality all across Europe.
We have seen the Eastern and Western branches of the ancient Roman Empire both Christianized and gradually dissolve into a multiplicity of states. However, the Roman Imperial Tradition has kept the rise of Antichrist in check, both by its Christian leadership and by its imperial hold on Western culture.
The Holy Roman Empire has long since passed, but a variety of imperial forces coming out of Europe have persisted, keeping Antichrist in check. One of the last of these imperial forces is Russia, who is making one last gasp to rebuild the Russian Empire.
But I believe imperialism is about to finally be completely dissolved in Europe, making way for the rise of Antichrist. His will be a new kind of Empire, returning Europe to its original paganism and attempting to drive Christianity into oblivion. That spirit is already at work, but soon it will be very much a political reality all across Europe.
