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SERVANTS' MINISTRY
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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
Ch.1. . Ch.2 . . Ch.3 . . Ch.4 . . Ch.5. . Ch.6 . . Ch.7 . . Ch.8 . . Ch.9 . . Ch.10 . . Ch.11 . . Ch.12 . . Ch.13 . . Ch.14 . . Ch.15 . . Ch.16 . . Ch.`17 . . Ch.18 . . Ch.19 . . Ch.20 . . Ch.21 . . Ch.22 . . Special Comments
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