What does the Bible say about the UN and end times?

I. Introduction to Global Alliances in Scripture

Throughout Scripture, there are passages describing powerful alliances among nations that stand in contrast to God’s sovereign plan. While the Bible does not name any modern organization such as the United Nations (UN) explicitly, certain prophecies point to a time when global powers will cooperate under a central authority in opposition to the ways of the Almighty. As readers consider these references, it is helpful to bear in mind that Scripture often uses images and symbols to point to future realities.

II. Foundations in the Old Testament

1. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9)

In Genesis 11, humanity unites in building a massive tower to “make a name” for themselves (v. 4). This early attempt at global unity was rooted in pride and disobedience. God confounded their language and scattered them over the earth (v. 9). While Genesis 11 does not discuss the UN, it provides a prototype of a unified humanity acting independently of God’s guidance.

2. Foreshadowing of End-Times Kingdoms (Daniel 2, 7)

The Prophet Daniel’s visions describe a succession of kingdoms leading to a final world power. In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue representing various empires (vv. 31–43) ends with a stone “not cut by human hands” (v. 34) that shatters all worldly dominion, symbolizing God’s kingdom. Similarly, in Daniel 7, four beasts symbolize unfolding world powers, culminating in a future global regime. Although these texts do not explicitly mention modern entities, they highlight that human attempts to establish enduring empires or alliances ultimately yield to God’s reign.

III. New Testament Insights on Global Coalitions

1. The “Days of Noah” and Universal Shifts (Matthew 24:37–39)

Jesus compares the end times to the “days of Noah” (v. 37). In the time before the Flood, humanity’s wickedness grew as a collective, intensifying God’s judgment. While the passage does not specify any single global body, it foreshadows an environment in which mankind unites under a spirit of rebellion before divine intervention.

2. Formation of Global Influence (Revelation 13)

Revelation 13 warns of a beast receiving authority over “every tribe and people and tongue and nation” (v. 7). Many interpreters view this as a form of worldwide governance or influence that could manifest in multinational organizations or alliances. Although the UN is never named, this prophecy suggests a future power that will dominate global policy, economics, and even religious expression.

3. Babylon the Great as a Symbol of Global Power (Revelation 17–18)

The portrayal of Babylon the Great encompasses spiritual, economic, and political control. Revelation 17 speaks of a woman seated on a scarlet beast (v. 3), which many consider representative of a worldwide government or confederacy of nations. John’s vision indicates that this unity ultimately opposes God’s purposes (17:14). While biblical scholars debate specifics, the concept of a widespread system influencing all nations resonates with the idea of multinational or global institutions.

IV. Common Themes Relevant to the UN

1. Consolidation of Power

The Bible points to various times where nations consolidate power. In the twentieth century, the UN emerged to address global concerns. Prophetic texts such as Daniel 7 foresee a final expression of humanity’s consolidated rule before the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom (Daniel 7:13–14). Though Scripture does not single out the UN, the concept of nations collaborating en masse is often seen as a precursor to or a component of the conditions described in end-times prophecy.

2. Human Efforts Versus Divine Sovereignty

Throughout biblical history—whether in Babel (Genesis 11) or the images in Revelation—humanity’s cooperative efforts are repeatedly shown to be limited or corrupted if detached from God’s moral order. The Bible underscores God’s final sovereignty over any global institution (Psalm 2:1–6). In other words, any expansive human system, from ancient empires to modern alliances, will only endure or collapse in alignment with God’s overarching plan.

3. Warning Against Placing Hope in Human Institutions

Psalm 146:3 says, “Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.” This caution applies to all man-made solutions for global crises. While Scripture is not against peace and unity—attributes cherished by believers—it does stress that ultimate redemption and restoration come from God alone (Romans 8:20–25). Therefore, though international cooperation can pursue noble goals, a biblically informed view acknowledges the Lord’s supreme authority in the affairs of nations.

V. Prophetic Context and End-Times Expectation

1. Rise of an Antichrist System

Second Thessalonians 2:3–4 describes a “man of lawlessness,” indicating an end-times figure who exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship. This context sometimes leads debate about whether a multinational entity, such as the UN, might become a vehicle for such a figure. While Scripture does not directly mention the UN, many end-times scholars correlate the demands of a coming world leader (Revelation 13:15–17) with a centralized global power that could theoretically work through or alongside large institutions.

2. Global Economic and Religious Control

Revelation 13:16–17 predicts a time when no one can buy or sell unless they bear “the mark.” The mention of worldwide commerce and mandated allegiance alludes to an overarching authority. When combined with texts about a final global rebellion (Revelation 20:7–9), one sees warnings about earthly powers consolidated and turned against God’s people. This tension between a global system and divine authority frames much of the eschatological conversation regarding institutions like the UN.

3. Ultimate Triumph of Christ

Despite these challenging prophecies, Scripture consistently points toward the victory of Christ at His second coming. Revelation 19:11–16 speaks of Christ returning to rule, defeating all opposition. No international organization, coalition, or system—no matter its size or influence—can thwart God’s plan. The plan culminates in the establishment of a New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1), where all redeemed creation flourishes under the reign of the Lord.

VI. Historical and Archaeological Corroborations

1. Scriptural Reliability and Prophetic Track Record

Archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts, demonstrate the remarkable consistency of biblical texts over centuries. These findings align with the historical claims of Scripture, lending confidence that biblical prophecies concerning the future hold the same trustworthiness. For example, fragments of Daniel found among the Dead Sea Scrolls affirm that the Book of Daniel was written well before the rise of certain empires it predicts, underlining the reliability of its eschatological message.

2. Fulfilled Prophecies as Evidence

The accurate predictions of historic events—such as the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:19–22) or the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 19:43–44)—reinforce trust in the biblical record. Such fulfilled prophecies suggest reliability regarding future prophecies about global institutions, regardless of whether they precisely name the modern organizations themselves.

VII. Considerations for Believers and Non-Believers

1. Discernment Amid Global Developments

The Bible stresses the importance of spiritual and ethical discernment (1 John 4:1). Believers are to remain sober-minded about large-scale international efforts. Whether the UN or any other body, the call is to watch carefully for moral compromise and to weigh these institutions’ actions against scriptural principles of justice, human dignity, and reverence for God’s sovereignty.

2. Encouragement to Trust Christ Above All

While many look to global systems to solve world crises, Scripture counsels against placing our ultimate hope in earthly powers. John 16:33 reminds us that in Christ, there is peace; He “has overcome the world.” For those wondering about the UN in biblical prophecy, the enduring message is that the Lord rules over history and will bring all things to their rightful conclusion in His timing.

3. Invitation to a Transforming Relationship with God

The focus of end-times teachings is not to stir alarm but to call people into a saving relationship with God and a life of holiness. Second Peter 3:14 exhorts believers to “make every effort to be found at peace with Him, without spot or blemish.” In light of global alliances or any end-times events, the greatest assurance comes from abiding in Christ’s redemptive work, demonstrated by His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) and testified to by scriptural consistency and the witness of history.

VIII. Summary and Conclusion

The Bible does not explicitly mention the United Nations. Yet, it offers substantial teaching about global alliances, unified efforts of nations, and the eventual climax of world history under a single global authority that opposes God. These passages urge careful discernment, reminding believers to remain grounded in Scripture rather than becoming overly alarmed by current events.

At the heart of biblical prophecy stands the Kingship of God in Christ. No matter how powerful a global entity may become, God’s Word assures that His plan prevails. As prophecy unfolds, believers and seekers alike are drawn to consider Christ’s invitation of salvation and to trust in the One who reigns over all nations and times.

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight… But now My kingdom is not of this realm.’” (John 18:36)

In light of this promise, Scripture’s ultimate emphasis is on God’s redemptive plan through Christ. Whether interpreting modern institutions or future events, one’s hope and stability rest in the Truth that transcends every human government.