Two beasts, one misery

June 16, 2020 (Tuesday)

 

    Okay, we have dissected Revelation 13, let’s take a closer look.

    A few points to make about the enemy of our souls; 1.) Satan ALWAYS opposes God. 2.) Satan is NOT creative. He can only imitate. In Revelation 5:6 Jesus’ appearance is described as a Lamb “as though it had been slain,” with 7 horns and 7 eyes. Satan counterfeits this image in Revelation 13:11 with a religious leader that appears as a Lamb but has 2 horns and speaks like a dragon.

    There are are two words for “beast” in Revelation. The first is “zoon” and ALWAYS refers to God’s beasts. The second is “therion” and ALWAYS refers to the Satanic. Even in this God is making a distinctions.

    The first beast is the “political beast.” It is described in verse 1 as  “Out of the sea.” It’s physical appearance includes 10 horns which are symbolic of perfect/complete power. Ten is a symbolic number: 10 was the symbol of Rome, “X” was a symbol of the cross, 10 wanting in Sodom, 10 pillars in the temple, 10 commandments, 10% tithe.  Dispensationalists claimed 10 nations would make up the European Union (resurrecting the Roman Empire).

    It is said to have 7 heads, which is a picture of perfect wisdom and knowledge (universal). The 10 crowns symbolize absolute authority. However it has blasphemous names (mockery of God) written on it’s heads. It also has the appearance of a leopard (Greece), the feet of a bear (Persia), and the mouth of a lion (Babylon). These images appear in Daniel 7.

    What is the scope of this conglomerate? The theory I grew up with is it will be a “One world government.” The reasoning is the effects of the “wrath of God” seem to be global. The extent of the wars already mentioned might be global. The other theory is of a “Regional government.” One idea behind this thought is the Bible “never” mentions nations outside the context of Israel or the church. Also, the following events do not have to be global to be true.

    This beast as the ability to deceive. In verse 3 one of the heads is healed of what appears to be a mortal wound. Again we see the attempt to counterfeit Jesus. Please remember experience is NOT “proof” because it is interpreted.

    This event has various interpretations. First, it may be the resurrection of the Roman Empire. Second, it may be the angel Michael inflicted the wound in the war in heaven. (Problem: this beast was not involved in the heavenly war.) Historically, it has been the idea that Nero is resurrected.

    What is like the rule of the Antichrist like? It’s blasphemous and slanderous (verses 5 – 6). It last only 42 months (verse 6). Finally he makes war on the “saints” and conquers them (verse 7). Remember, the word “saints” never refers to Israel, only the church.

    We may not like this, but eventually (or even presently) Satan will be in control of the thoughts and actions of humans. He will be able to force compliance with his view of the world and religion. It seems to be the ultimate victory. However, notice the time is limited. The end has yet to come, it’s about to get worse, but the end will come. Jesus wins. Period.