Two Beasts

Rev. 13:8

and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

 



 

John now saw a beast rising out of the sea, with 10 horns, 7 heads, 10 diadems on the horns, and blasphemous names on its head [sometimes considered to be in alliance with the antichrist, but also considered to be world powers that wage war against the Lamb]. The beast looked like a leopard with feet like a bear, and a mouth like a lion [resembles all 4 beasts that Daniel saw in his vision-Dan. 7:1-8:2]. To this beast the dragon gave his power, his throne, and great authority. One of the beast's heads had a mortal wound that was healed [imitating the Lamb] causing the entire earth to marvel at it and to follow it, saying, Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it? [parallels God's power- Ex. 15:11] Not only that, but they worshiped the dragon for giving the beast power. They had security in the beast and felt that no power could defeat it.

 

The beast was given a mouth to utter haughty and blasphemous words against God and those who dwell in heaven. Its power would last 42 months [ 2nd half of tribulation]. It waged war on the saints and conquered them. Authority was given to every tribe, people, language, and nation, all who dwell on the earth whose name was not in the Lamb's book of life to worship the beast. Here is the call for the endurance and faith of the saints. What a hard time for those who worship God!

 

Then another beast [false prophet] emerged out of the earth. It had 2 horns like a lamb but spoke like a dragon [reveals true identity-not a true lamb]. It had the authority of the first beast in its presence, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast while performing great signs including fire coming down from heaven [Elijah and the prophets of Baal]. It was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast so it could speak and cause judgment on those who would not worship bringing about their death. It also caused all to be marked with the name of the beast or the number of the beast on the right hand or the forehead so that they could not buy or sell without the mark. The number of the beast is the number of man, 666. Whether it was the mark of God or the mark of the beast, it revealed allegiance. Truly, Satan is the great deceiver who mimics all that God does. Still he is only a mimic, yet he takes so many people down with him.

 

Father,

The time is short. As I read this, I think of so many things. How will the saints survive in such a time? I praise You that my name is written in the Lamb's book of life and that nothing can change that, not the antichrist or the false prophet.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen