The Holy Roman Empire Revives in Austria(Source thetrumpet.com)  On January 11, Austria began celebrating the “Maximilian Year,” honoring the 500th anniversary of the death of Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian I. The Catholic Church and Austrian authorities are organizing over 100 celebratory masses and other events. The yearlong, large-scale, nationwide celebration marks a striking change in how modern Austria deals with its history. During the rule of the Holy Roman Empire, such venerations were common—though they always ended bloodily.

Emperor Maximilian’s ambition was to revive the empire of Charlemagne, who united all of Western Europe under the Catholic faith in A.D. 800. Daniel 2 prophesied that there would be four world-ruling empires. History clearly identifies these empires as the Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman empires. Daniel 7:23-24 show that the “fourth kingdom,” or the Roman kingdom, would have 10 successive kings or resurrections. The last seven are led by the Roman Catholic Church, forming the Holy Roman Empire. Revelation 17 describes the final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire. Correspondingly, it will also be led by the most qualified leader. Daniel 8:23 reads: “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” This man who is about to emerge on the scene will be a man like Charlemagne. In many ways, he will be a man like Hitler. He will be a “king” sitting on the throne of the Holy Roman Empire! And the Bible makes clear, he will be led by Satan the devil! … I believe it will be a man like Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who actually holds the title “Baron of the Holy Roman Empire.” Daniel 11 describes the European strongman as being eloquent and coming to power by flatteries. Merkel’s coalition in Germany is very weak; it is on the verge of failing. I believe when Merkel leaves office, you will see the strongman of the Holy Roman Empire get control.

The leader of this rising empire has to be Roman Catholic, grounded in the history of the Holy Roman Empire, and a dynamic leader that all of Europe can identify with. Guttenberg fulfills these qualifications and venerates the Holy Roman Empire as emperors before him did. Austria is already reviving the heritage of the Holy Roman Empire. But it won’t be until Germany fully embraces that history and has its Charlemagne-like leader that we will see the violent side of this empire in Europe. This will happen sooner than you might think.