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The Book of Revelation
Chapter 13
The Rise of the Antichrist - Revelation 13:1-10
Rev. 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. [KJV] As John stood on the sea shore, he had a vision of a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And on each head were names that blasphemed God.
The apostle, standing on the sea shore, saw a vision of a savage beast rising up out of the sea; overbearing, idolatrous and with great power. Satan’s career has been long and detestable. From the start, his pride took over.
Isaiah 14:13-14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [KJV] “I will, I will, I will.” Lucifer (Satan, the devil) was not happy being the most beautiful of God’s Creations (Eze.28:121-17). His jealousy of God turned to outright rebellion. Since Satan CANNOT be God, he tries to imitate God, and by doing so, he deceives millions into believing that he is God (Mat.24:4-5; John 5;43). Many unsuspection people are drawn into joining satanic cults and worshipping demons.
Since our Creator God is a Triune God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; during the Great Tribulation, Satan will concoct his own counterfeit (unholy) trinity. He, Satan (the devil) being the father, the Antichrist being the son and the false prophet being the spirit.
John saw this horrific beast come up out of the sea. “Sea” (or waters) is a symbol for many people, or nations (Isa.17:12). This beast (Antichrist) has seven heads and ten horns. “Horns” is a symbol for kings, rulers or powers. The 10 horns and 10 crowns are identified in Rev.17:12 (the revived Roman Empire), yet the 10 are united, making ONE beast. Rome is built on 7 hills, represented by the 7 heads, although some say the 7 heads symbolize Antichrist’s wisdom. This “beast” will be more than just a man; he is also a kingdom. The beast out of the sea (Antichrist, Rev.13:1) will have worldwide political power. The beast out of the Earth (False Prophet, Rev.13:11) will power to do miracles. Both beasts work in unison under Satan’s power, and will control the WHOLE world! This unholy trinity (Rev.16:13), will desperately attempt to overthrow God, but their efforts are doomed to failure. They ALL will end up in Hell (Rev.19:19-21; 20:10), along with EVERY last soul that is foolish enough to follow them.
Rev. 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. [KJV] This beast looked like a leopard, but it had bear's feet and a lion's mouth! This beast is symbolic, not real. And the dragon gave him his own power and throne and great authority.
This beast looks like a leopard. Daniel 7 is valuable background material for this Scripture. Daniel saw 4 beasts (powers) rise up out of the sea. Remember, “sea” (or waters) is a symbol for many people (Isa.17:12). The 3rd being a leopard (Greece), the 2nd being a bear (Media-Persia), and the 1st being a lion with eagle’s wings (Babylon). John’s vision combines all these, in reverse order, into ONE beast (Antichrist), which is empowered by Satan. The characetristics of strength, brutality and swiftness will be present in this final, worldwide empire, headquartered in Rome; with Antichrist as the undisputed ruler, under complete control and power of none other than Satan.
Rev. 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. [KJV] John saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed mortally wounded . . . but the seemingly-fatal wound was healed! All the world marveled at this miracle and followed this beast in awe.
Let us remember that Antichrist is the 2nd character in Satan’s evil trinity. Since Christ died and was raised from the dead, Satan will try to imitate that resurrection. This verse and Rev.17:8 have caused many to think that Satan actually raised Antichrist from the dead. This IS NOT and CANNOT possibly be the case! NO ONE but Almighty God can give life or resurrect someone once they are dead. Satan has great and mighty power, but he absolutely CANNOT raise the dead! Because the beast, the Antichrist, is a false messiah, he will be a counterfeit of Christ, but many (most) will think he IS Christ! Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [KJV]
Satan will stage a false resurrection of Antichrist. People will follow and worship him because they will be awed by his power and miracles. He will unite the entire world under his leadership (Rev.13:7-8), and he will control the world economy (Rev.13:16-17). People are impressed by power and will follow those who display it forcefully or offer it to their followers. But those who follow the beast will only be fooling themselves. He will use his power to manipulate others, to point to himself, and to promote evil plans. God, just the opposite, uses His infinitely greater power to love and build up. Don’t be misled by claims of great miracles or reports about a resurrection or reincarnation of someone claiming to be Christ. When Jesus returns, there will be NO mistaking that it is He (Mat.24:23-28).
Rev. 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? [KJV] People world-wide worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they worshiped the beast. "Is there anyone greater than the beast?" they ask. "Who is able to fight against him?"
This will be a tremendous time for Satan! He wants to be worshipped, and at this time the world will indeed worship him. Satan will take credit for the so-called resurrection. It will absolutely appear to be a true miracle. Satan has great power. This is just one part of the big lie that the people shall believe. They can’t explain it, so they believe it, and fall down and worship them both. 2 Thes. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [KJV]
Rev. 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. [KJV] Then the beast shall speak horrible blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do what he wanted for forty-two months.
God is in control, then and now! Antichrist will have only 42 months of power and authority. At the EXACT end of that time, God shall flatten him! Count on it. It’s as good as done! Antichrist will be a big-mouth braggart who will blaspheme God and God’s children. Daniel tells us the same thing (Dan.7:8, 25). Unlike Christ, who spoke only in praise of God, and came in peace; Antichrist will speak only blasphemies of God and come bringing war. No comparison whatsoever!
Rev. 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. [KJV] This beast spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering His Name, anything belonging to God and all who are in heaven, .
Antichrist’s main target will be God with his hideous blasphemies, but anything or anyone associated with God will be in line for the malicious blasphemies as well. The power given to the beast will be limited by God. Antichrist will use his authority and power only a short time. But, even while the beast is in power, God will still be in total control of everything all the time (Rev.11:15; 12:10-12).
Rev. 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. [KJV] This beast was allowed to wage war against God's holy people and to overcome them. And he was given authority to rule over every person on Earth.
Antichrist will be permitted power to conquer God’s people and rule over them (only their bodies), but he CANNOT harm them spiritually (their eternal souls). He will establish worldwide jurisdiction and demand that everyone (ALL races, ALL people) everywhere worship him. And millions indeed shall worship him, everyone except true believers. I am so thankful that I will not see this day, for I am under Christ, and my name is in the Book of Life, so I will not be under Antichrist. What about you?
Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. [KJV] And all the people who live in this world shall worship the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life, which belongs to the Lamb who was alive before the world was made.
God’s Word very plainly states that ALL people (everyone) whose name is NOT in the Book of Life will worship Satan and Antichrist. Only the names of believers are registered in the Book of Life. This Book symbolizes ALL who belong to Christ. All these people are guaranteed to have their name listed in that Book, and will be introduced to the hosts of Heaven as belonging to Christ. Luke 12:8-9 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: [9] But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. [KJV] This Book registers ALL who shall inherit eternal life. Luke 10:20-B . . . . but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. [KJV] Christ will bring forward this Book of Life on Judgment Day, and reveal the names of the faithful ones, before God and all the angels (Rev.20:15).Christ promises future honor and eternal life to those who stand firm in their faith.
Rev. 13:9-10 If any man have an ear, let him hear. [10] He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. [KJV] Listen and understand. The people who are destined for prison will be arrested and taken away. Those who are destined for death will be killed. But believers should stand firm with patience and faith.
“If any man have an ear, let him hear” quite plainly means “Listen to me!” These words go for any time, any age, any person! We NEED to listen to God! Everybody has ears, but everybody certainly does NOT listen to what God has to say. So when you see these words, let it be a warning . . . from God! Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [KJV] So many people do not ‘hear’ even though they have ears. They are deaf to God’s Word. They do NOT want to hear it! But, it is the ONLY thing that will save them from Hell.
In the Great Tribulation period, there will be dreadful persecution, to ALL those who are faithful to Christ. It could very well bring imprisonment, even death. But all that the Antichrist and his followers will be able to do is harm them physically. NO spiritual harm will come to those whose faith in God is sincere. ALL TRUE believers will enter into God’s Presence, made perfect and purified by the Blood of the Lamb (Rev.7:9-17).
Again, ley me say that if you are one of God’s children (by faith in Christ Jesus, John 1:12), you will NOT go through the Great Tribulation period, even if it started today! For the TRUE church (the Body of Christ), will be raptured before God allows it to start. 1 Thes. 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. [KJV]
Any person who takes a stand for Christ during the Tribulation, will have to possess tremendous patience and faith, for the horrifying trials will be absolutely inhumane! We should persevere in the faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the true worship of God, NOW, so we can have peace in knowing we will NOT go through these frightful times of the Tribulation. This powerful motive and encouragement to ‘continue in Christ’ is the whole aim of this awesome Book of Revelation.
The Beast Out of the Earth - Revelation 13:11-18
Rev. 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. (KJV) Now, John sees yet another beast, this one comes up out of the Earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon.
As John’s vision continues, he now sees "another beast" come up out of the Earth. This “beast” (person) is later identified as the False Prophet (Rev.16:13; 19:20). He is a counterfeit of God’s Holy Spirit. He seems to do good, he has two horns like a lamb, but he is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Mat.7:15)! When he speaks, he gives himself away. He speaks like a dragon.
The first beast comes up out of the sea (restless mass of people). This 2nd beast comes up out of the Earth (symbol of Palestine). Many think this man will be from Israel although many others think it will be none other than the pope. I do not know this man's identity, except that he is evil. This false counterfeit only adds to and multiplies the sins of the world. Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (KJV) The 1st beast represents political power, while this 2nd beast also will be a persecuting and assumed power, acting under the disguise of religion. His will be a spiritual dominion, professing to stem from Christ, and at first will be exercised in a gentle manner (like a lamb), but soon he will speak like the dragon he is. His speech will betray him; for he will bring forth only false doctrines and cruel decrees, which show that he is empowered by the dragon (Satan), and NOT by the gentle Lamb (Christ).
Rev. 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. (KJV) He shall enforce all the authority of the first beast. He shall demand that all who dwell on the Earth worship the first beast, whose so-called death-wound had been healed.
This beast shall exercise all the power of the Antichrist. He pursues the exact same mission; to draw men away from worshipping the true God, and to the worship of Satan and Antichrist.
Rev. 13:13-14 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, [14] And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (KJV) This beast shall do seemingly astonishing miracles, like making fire come down to Earth from Heaven while everyone is watching. It will lead all unbelievers astray by cunning deception. He shall order the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life.
This character will have great power attained from Satan. He will indeed do lying wonders and pretended miracles, by imitating the power of God’s Holy Spirit. He will imitate Elijah by bringing down “fire from Heaven.” He will construct an image (idol) of Antichrist, which will evidently be placed in the Temple at Jerusalem (not yet built). I believe this to be the “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel and Jesus (Dan.9:24-27; 12:11; Mat.24:15).
Rev. 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (KJV) This second beast shall have power to give supposed life to the image of the first beast, so that the image (idol) of the first beast seemingly will speak. And if anyone refuses to bow to the image of the beast, they shall be killed.
To make an image of the Antichrist, whose deadly wound was healed, would be like adding fuel to the already started fire! It would just give form and power to his worship. The False Prophet will also be able to make this idol speak. With today’s technology, this will be no great thing. For those of you who have seen the images at Disneyland, that both move and speak, know this is possible. And with each passing day, new things are brought forth. All those who refuse to worship the image of this beast, will be put to death by the False Prophet.
Rev. 13:16-17 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (KJV) He will demand that everyone . . . great and small, rich and poor, slave and free, to accept a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. NO one will be able to buy or sell anything without unless they have the mark of the beast.
He will have tremendous power. He will put out a decree that ALL people (everyone) receive a “mark” on their right hand or forehead (conspicuous spot). I don’t know if this mark will be visible to the naked eye or not. It could possibly be a tiny microchip that will be inserted under the skin. These ‘chips’ are already in use for identification purposes on pets. The tiny chip is inserted under the skin on the shoulder of a dog, cat or horse. Should the animal stray, the chip can be read, revealing to whom the animal belongs. I truly do not know exactly what or where or how this “mark” will work, but I do know it is the devil’s mark, and I do know you do NOT want any part of it! This “mark” of the beast is designed to mock the seal that God places on His people (Rev.7:2-3), Again, we have imitation and counterfeits of Satan. God marks His people to save them. Satan’s beast marks his people to save them from the persecution that Satan will inflict upon God’s followers. Identifying this particular mark is not nearly as important as identifying the purpose of the mark. Those who accept it show their allegiance to Satan. They will be able to operate within the economic system he promotes, and they show their open rebellion for God. NO ONE will be able to buy or sell or trade in any manner; without accepting Satan’s mark. That includes doctors, dentists, hospitals, banks, all stores of any kind. Anyone who refuses the mark shows that person is totally committed to God; and shows they prefer death rather than compromise their faith in Christ. It will be a terrible time!
Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (KJV) Let the one who has understanding solve the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. Antichrist's number is 666.
The number of the beast is given, so as to show the infinite wisdom of God. This number has been discussed more than any other part of the Book of Revelation. The three sixes (666) have been said to represent many things: the number of man, the unholy trinity of Satan, Antichrist and the False Prophet (Rev.16:13). If the number seven is considered to be the perfect number in the Bible, and if three sevens represent complete perfection, then the number 666 falls way short of perfection. Some people have applied 666 to the emperor Nero, who symbolized all the evils of the Roman Empire.
Personally, I think it very unwise of us to waste our time trying to figure out this number. We should be trying to win as many souls to Christ as we can, in order that they not go through this horrendous time. Remember that both these “beasts” that John saw in his vision are men. This should teach us not to place our trust in man, but in God!
Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. [6] For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. [7] Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. [8] For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (KJV) I am so thankful that I will not go through the Great Tribulation period. I am so grateful that Jesus has saved my soul from the everlasting destruction of Hell, and one day will allow me to be in His awesome Presence. Thank You Jesus!
Book of Revelation
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