"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" (Revelation 13:7).

This fearsome verse speaks of a coming time when all nations will come under the rule of an evil world dictator called simply "the beast" (Revelation 13:4). Since his power will be over "all nations," and "all tongues," it seems that even all English-speaking nations will be included.

This is not the future we would envision for our nation! In fact, our president, in his inaugural address this past January enunciated his determination that we would seek the freedom of all nations from such totalitarian despotism. We call today's date "Independence Day" in celebration of our own nation's freedom. So which will it be?

The prophetic Scriptures are often controversial. But whether or not the world will ever enjoy a future time of true freedom, the Bible does, indeed, frequently warn of a coming anti-God world government when the kings of the earth will "have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast" (Revelation 17:13).

Ah, but then! "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings" (Revelation 17:14). "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed . . . and it shall stand for ever" (Daniel 2:44). "And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one" (Zechariah 14:9).

In the meantime, that same Lamb of God who shall someday be given "the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Psalm 2:8), has already paid the price to free us from sin and judgment. And if He has made us free, we "shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). HMM