The King of the World

Time and again, ambitious enthusiasts have pursued world domination—the Mongol Genghis Khan, Alexander of ancient Greece, France’s Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler of World War II Germany, to name but a few. The Bible actually describes many of these attempted land grabs, but it also foretells one important fact that could’ve saved a lot of time, resources, and lives: They would all fail.

At the turn of the sixth century BC, God gave Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar a portentous dream. In it, empire after empire is shown crumbling into the pages of history until the very last kingdom, God’s kingdom. Unlike the others, this divine government “shall never be destroyed; … it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

This prophecy will be fulfilled at the close of the seventh trumpet, which represents the last age on earth before Christ’s return. At this time, the Bible warns us, there will be one final attempt upon the kingdoms of the world—except this time the coup d’état will temporarily succeed (Revelation 17:12, 13). This global dominion will not be won with swords or guns or bombs but by the seductive prowess “of the great harlot …, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication” (vv. 1, 2).

All these kings “will make war with the Lamb” (v. 14), who we know to be Jesus Christ. This coup will, however, be short-lived, for “the Lamb will overcome them” and “descend from heaven … with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). He will “[come] on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet” (Matthew 24:30, 31).

And what have we learned about trumpets? They represent judgment. This seventh trumpet culminates with the final judgment of “all the nations” (25:32) at Christ’s second coming.

At that point will “the kingdoms of this world” return to their rightful sovereign, Jesus, who “is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).

King of kings, we praise You that Your law of life and government of grace will soon reign in hearts for all eternity.

For Further Study: Psalm 2:2–9; Daniel 7:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45

Key Bible Texts

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15 KJV)