An Unholy Trio
Writing articles requires a lot of work, and it is normally accompanied with a great amount of pleasure. However, I had no pleasure in writing this article, the second of two which deal with the teaching of Revelation chapter 13. This chapter afforded me no joy, encouragement, or hope as the study of God’s Word normally does. It is a biblical text all about gloom and doom.
I feel confident in suggesting that the Apostle John who, under divine inspiration wrote the Book of Revelation, also took no pleasure in writing this text, more so because he realized his nation would be at the apex of the terrible events he was describing.
Revelation 13 records the high watermark of satanic rebellion against God which began at the dawn of history.
Chapter 13 describes the diabolical plan of Satan for the final takeover of the world at the end of the age.
Chapter 13 describes blasphemous pronouncements against Christ by the Antichrist and his wholesale slaying of believers at the end of the age.
Chapter 13 describes the treacherous and deceptive religious lies of the False Prophet at the end of the age.
Chapter 13 is all about the unholy trinity’s final assault against God, against His only begotten Son, and against all who belong to God.
This unholy trinity made up of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet will have its final wicked activity restricted to 3½ years, the final half of the last 7-year period of this age foretold by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). John wrote:
Writing articles requires a lot of work, and it is normally accompanied with a great amount of pleasure. However, I had no pleasure in writing this article, the second of two which deal with the teaching of Revelation chapter 13. This chapter afforded me no joy, encouragement, or hope as the study of God’s Word normally does. It is a biblical text all about gloom and doom.
I feel confident in suggesting that the Apostle John who, under divine inspiration wrote the Book of Revelation, also took no pleasure in writing this text, more so because he realized his nation would be at the apex of the terrible events he was describing.
Revelation 13 records the high watermark of satanic rebellion against God which began at the dawn of history.
Chapter 13 describes the diabolical plan of Satan for the final takeover of the world at the end of the age.
Chapter 13 describes blasphemous pronouncements against Christ by the Antichrist and his wholesale slaying of believers at the end of the age.
Chapter 13 describes the treacherous and deceptive religious lies of the False Prophet at the end of the age.
Chapter 13 is all about the unholy trinity’s final assault against God, against His only begotten Son, and against all who belong to God.
This unholy trinity made up of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet will have its final wicked activity restricted to 3½ years, the final half of the last 7-year period of this age foretold by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). John wrote:
“And there was given unto him [the Antichrist] a mouth speaking great [evil] things and blasphemies [slander against the nature and character of God and His beloved Son]; and power was given unto him to continue [42 months, or 3½ years]” (Revelation 13:5).
Concerning reciprocity, John noted that what the followers of the Antichrist do to God’s redeemed sons and daughters, God will do to them:
“He that leadeth [believers] into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth [believers] with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience [faithfulness in the midst of great persecution] and the faith [trust in their God, even if it leads to martyrdom] of the saints [believers]” (Revelation 13:10).
Revelation 13 is all about the ultimate demonic attack against the very character of God, His Son, and believers worldwide.
One of the most important lessons America’s young warriors are taught in the military is this: “Never underestimate the enemy!” To make this mistake can lead to disaster. To think that during the Great Tribulation – when Hell breaks loose on Earth – the Church will not be present will be a grave error in judgment.
The God of creation and redemption is truly “transparent.” He holds nothing back of things concerning that which His children have genuine need. He reveals the details of the conflict of the ages – even the very difficult details – so one generation of believers can be prepared and not caught off-guard when those days come to pass.
In Revelation Chapter 12, John warns of the persecution of Jews who refuse to acquiesce to Satan. But he also tells us that some will flee to the mountains where they will experience divine protection. In Revelation 14, John speaks of 144,000 people, from the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4), having the Father’s name written in their foreheads, who choose to reject the Antichrist and instead choose to worship the true Christ.
They, too, will experience divine protection. But in Chapter 13, on the one hand God and His Son are being blasphemed; and on the other, those who refuse to embrace the Antichrist are being persecuted and slain. Evil, in all of its darkness, is on the march in Chapter 13.
It must have been with great apprehension that John wrote, “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth …” (Revelation 13:11). John had just finished writing of a beast that would arise out of the sea (Revelation 13:1-9).
In describing this first beast who emerges out of the sea (the Antichrist and his revived empire), John noted that the beast possessed a number of fearful and horrendous qualities. Among them, he will be: (1) empowered by Satan, (2) a military conqueror, (3) a blasphemer of God, (4) a merciless murderer of those who reject his mark and give allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and (5) the emerging ruler of the new world order (Revelation 13:1-10).
Think of the most evil men who ever lived, and then understand, in terms of wickedness, this man will dwarf them all, both in power and depravity. As Satan’s ultimate progeny, the Antichrist will be the epitome of evil. As Jesus is the Light of the world, the Antichrist is its darkness. He will embrace everything Jesus opposes and oppose everything Jesus embraces. As wicked as this satanically-empowered man will be, there will be many who will choose – of their own volition – to follow him.
Though indescribably tragic, this reality should come as no surprise. Did not the Lord Jesus teach:
One of the most important lessons America’s young warriors are taught in the military is this: “Never underestimate the enemy!” To make this mistake can lead to disaster. To think that during the Great Tribulation – when Hell breaks loose on Earth – the Church will not be present will be a grave error in judgment.
The God of creation and redemption is truly “transparent.” He holds nothing back of things concerning that which His children have genuine need. He reveals the details of the conflict of the ages – even the very difficult details – so one generation of believers can be prepared and not caught off-guard when those days come to pass.
In Revelation Chapter 12, John warns of the persecution of Jews who refuse to acquiesce to Satan. But he also tells us that some will flee to the mountains where they will experience divine protection. In Revelation 14, John speaks of 144,000 people, from the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4), having the Father’s name written in their foreheads, who choose to reject the Antichrist and instead choose to worship the true Christ.
They, too, will experience divine protection. But in Chapter 13, on the one hand God and His Son are being blasphemed; and on the other, those who refuse to embrace the Antichrist are being persecuted and slain. Evil, in all of its darkness, is on the march in Chapter 13.
It must have been with great apprehension that John wrote, “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth …” (Revelation 13:11). John had just finished writing of a beast that would arise out of the sea (Revelation 13:1-9).
In describing this first beast who emerges out of the sea (the Antichrist and his revived empire), John noted that the beast possessed a number of fearful and horrendous qualities. Among them, he will be: (1) empowered by Satan, (2) a military conqueror, (3) a blasphemer of God, (4) a merciless murderer of those who reject his mark and give allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and (5) the emerging ruler of the new world order (Revelation 13:1-10).
Think of the most evil men who ever lived, and then understand, in terms of wickedness, this man will dwarf them all, both in power and depravity. As Satan’s ultimate progeny, the Antichrist will be the epitome of evil. As Jesus is the Light of the world, the Antichrist is its darkness. He will embrace everything Jesus opposes and oppose everything Jesus embraces. As wicked as this satanically-empowered man will be, there will be many who will choose – of their own volition – to follow him.
Though indescribably tragic, this reality should come as no surprise. Did not the Lord Jesus teach:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in [there]: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14)?
We should not think for a moment these words were exaggeration or hyperbole. God’s Word never suggests the great mass of humanity will appropriate God’s grace and come to faith. We are commanded to evangelize the world. However, it is always a remnant from among humanity which turns to God in believing faith.
It seems reasonable to assume, although John would have been greatly disturbed by the appearance of the second beast which emerges out of the earth (the False Prophet), he would not have been surprised by his appearance.
John was present on the Mount of Olives more than 60 years earlier when Jesus spoke of His Second Coming. Though many years had passed, John would not have forgotten the Lord’s teaching concerning the events leading up to His return (Matthew 24-25). Jesus instructed His disciples:
It seems reasonable to assume, although John would have been greatly disturbed by the appearance of the second beast which emerges out of the earth (the False Prophet), he would not have been surprised by his appearance.
John was present on the Mount of Olives more than 60 years earlier when Jesus spoke of His Second Coming. Though many years had passed, John would not have forgotten the Lord’s teaching concerning the events leading up to His return (Matthew 24-25). Jesus instructed His disciples:
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 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” (Matthew 24:23-24).
The Lord warned of both false christs and false prophets who would mislead and persecute His followers during the time immediately preceding His coming. False christs and false prophets complement one another. John understood when the Antichrist appears in the Last Days, he will have an accomplice: the beast out of the land, the False Prophet.
It will be through highly deceptive speech and impressive, demonic wonders that the False Prophet will direct humanity to worship the beast out of the sea, the Antichrist. If false christs and false prophets are doing “great” signs, they are doing (impressive and persuasive) false signs (wonders). It is not that the wonders are not genuine, but that the message they are designed to authenticate concerning the Antichrist is a lie.
A Surprising Alliance
John noted that the first beast arose out of the sea (Revelation 13:1), and the second beast came up out of the earth (or land) (Revelation 13:11). For John, the distinct origins of the two beasts – one out of the sea and one out of the land – must have had great significance. Why else would he have called this distinction to our attention?
There is good reason to believe the Antichrist who comes out of the sea is a Gentile and will represent the Gentile nations of the world. Two facts are important in this regard. First, a long succession of Gentile nations has attempted to destroy the Jewish nation throughout much of history.
It will be through highly deceptive speech and impressive, demonic wonders that the False Prophet will direct humanity to worship the beast out of the sea, the Antichrist. If false christs and false prophets are doing “great” signs, they are doing (impressive and persuasive) false signs (wonders). It is not that the wonders are not genuine, but that the message they are designed to authenticate concerning the Antichrist is a lie.
A Surprising Alliance
John noted that the first beast arose out of the sea (Revelation 13:1), and the second beast came up out of the earth (or land) (Revelation 13:11). For John, the distinct origins of the two beasts – one out of the sea and one out of the land – must have had great significance. Why else would he have called this distinction to our attention?
There is good reason to believe the Antichrist who comes out of the sea is a Gentile and will represent the Gentile nations of the world. Two facts are important in this regard. First, a long succession of Gentile nations has attempted to destroy the Jewish nation throughout much of history.
The Lord himself called this period the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24). The “times of the Gentiles” is the period of time when no Jewish king from the royal tribe of Judah and family of David is ruling over Jerusalem. Instead, Jerusalem is ruled by foreign powers. This period continues until Christ returns.
In contrast, the False Prophet who comes out of the earth or “land,” I believe, will most likely be a Jew and come from the land of Israel. In the Scriptures, the designation “land” frequently refers to the “land of Israel.” Note the following verses of Scripture:
If the Antichrist is a Gentile who emerges out of the sea – the Gentile world – and if the False Prophet is a Jew who emerges out of the land – the Jewish world – an immediate problem is created for the Jews. Throughout the Word of God, inspired penmen wrote of a Jewish Messiah who will come at the end of days to bring peace, justice, and prosperity to the world.
He is portrayed in the Scriptures primarily as a political leader. This coming King (Messiah) is consistently identified as a descendant of Abraham and David. Matthew 1:1 traces the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ back to Abraham and David to reveal His Jewish pedigree and legal right to the throne of David (Matthew 1:1-18).
To convince the Jews that a “Gentile” is the Messiah who will bring peace, justice, and prosperity in the face of the teaching of their prophets will require a powerful, influential, miracle-working, religious Jewish leader identify a Gentile political leader as God’s Messiah. This is precisely what I believe the beast out of the land (the False Prophet) will do as he influences the Jews to follow a counterfeit Gentile messiah with whom they will sign a 7-year peace agreement.
In contrast, the False Prophet who comes out of the earth or “land,” I believe, will most likely be a Jew and come from the land of Israel. In the Scriptures, the designation “land” frequently refers to the “land of Israel.” Note the following verses of Scripture:
- “And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him” (Genesis 12:7).
- “For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever” (Genesis 13:15).
- “Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee” (Genesis 13:17).
- “And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land” (Genesis 35:12).
- “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:23).
- “And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes” (Ezekiel 38:16).
If the Antichrist is a Gentile who emerges out of the sea – the Gentile world – and if the False Prophet is a Jew who emerges out of the land – the Jewish world – an immediate problem is created for the Jews. Throughout the Word of God, inspired penmen wrote of a Jewish Messiah who will come at the end of days to bring peace, justice, and prosperity to the world.
He is portrayed in the Scriptures primarily as a political leader. This coming King (Messiah) is consistently identified as a descendant of Abraham and David. Matthew 1:1 traces the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ back to Abraham and David to reveal His Jewish pedigree and legal right to the throne of David (Matthew 1:1-18).
To convince the Jews that a “Gentile” is the Messiah who will bring peace, justice, and prosperity in the face of the teaching of their prophets will require a powerful, influential, miracle-working, religious Jewish leader identify a Gentile political leader as God’s Messiah. This is precisely what I believe the beast out of the land (the False Prophet) will do as he influences the Jews to follow a counterfeit Gentile messiah with whom they will sign a 7-year peace agreement.
This beast that comes up out of the land is 3 times called a “false prophet” (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). In describing this prophet, John said he has “two horns like a lamb” (Revelation 13:11). In contrast, the Antichrist (the beast out of the sea) has “ten horns” affixed to a composite body which combines the appearance of a leopard, bear, and lion.
In military terms, this suggests the Antichrist has speed as a leopard, power as a bear, and ferociousness as a lion (Revelation 13:1-2).
In the Bible, horns often symbolize power (Psalm 18:2; Daniel 7:7). This terminology is logical since horns were used by certain animals for fighting. Because they symbolized power, horns were appropriately used to speak of kings and the kingdoms over which they ruled. The Antichrist has 10 horns. They are an indication of his great power over the 10 nations and kings which will comprise his empire.
The False Prophet, by contrast, has only 2 horns. And they are like the small stubs on the head of a lamb. Therefore, the False Prophet will be harmless in appearance – he is depicted as a lamb with 2 small horns – whereas the Antichrist is depicted as a powerful, ravenous beast with 10 horns.
It would, however, be a grave error to think the False Prophet poses no threat. His appearance is deliberately deceiving. His power is simply power of another kind. The Antichrist will primarily wield his power with a sword as a king and military leader. The False Prophet will wield his power as a false religious leader with savory persuasion.
John called attention to the fact that the False Prophet “[spoke] as a dragon” (Revelation 13:11). His source of power will not be from fire proceeding from his mouth and nostrils, or from a potent tail used as a weapon but from subtle lies, deceptions, threats, intimidations, and coercions. His appearance as a lamb will disguise his real motives as he speaks as a dragon.
It is clear that the False Prophet is not competitive with the Antichrist, as one might think – rather, he is partnering with him. Utilizing the power given him by Satan, the False Prophet “[causes] earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast [the Antichrist], whose deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:12).
John states 3 times in Revelation 13 that the beast (which is most likely referring to both a revived empire and the Antichrist himself) died and came to life again: “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” (Revelation 13:3).
Again he wrote: “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” (Revelation 13:12).
The third time John said of the False Prophet:
In military terms, this suggests the Antichrist has speed as a leopard, power as a bear, and ferociousness as a lion (Revelation 13:1-2).
In the Bible, horns often symbolize power (Psalm 18:2; Daniel 7:7). This terminology is logical since horns were used by certain animals for fighting. Because they symbolized power, horns were appropriately used to speak of kings and the kingdoms over which they ruled. The Antichrist has 10 horns. They are an indication of his great power over the 10 nations and kings which will comprise his empire.
The False Prophet, by contrast, has only 2 horns. And they are like the small stubs on the head of a lamb. Therefore, the False Prophet will be harmless in appearance – he is depicted as a lamb with 2 small horns – whereas the Antichrist is depicted as a powerful, ravenous beast with 10 horns.
It would, however, be a grave error to think the False Prophet poses no threat. His appearance is deliberately deceiving. His power is simply power of another kind. The Antichrist will primarily wield his power with a sword as a king and military leader. The False Prophet will wield his power as a false religious leader with savory persuasion.
John called attention to the fact that the False Prophet “[spoke] as a dragon” (Revelation 13:11). His source of power will not be from fire proceeding from his mouth and nostrils, or from a potent tail used as a weapon but from subtle lies, deceptions, threats, intimidations, and coercions. His appearance as a lamb will disguise his real motives as he speaks as a dragon.
It is clear that the False Prophet is not competitive with the Antichrist, as one might think – rather, he is partnering with him. Utilizing the power given him by Satan, the False Prophet “[causes] earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast [the Antichrist], whose deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:12).
John states 3 times in Revelation 13 that the beast (which is most likely referring to both a revived empire and the Antichrist himself) died and came to life again: “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” (Revelation 13:3).
Again he wrote: “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” (Revelation 13:12).
The third time John said of the False Prophet:
“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” (Revelation 13:14).
He repeats the same truth 3 more times in Revelation 17, verses 8 and 11.
The expression used to describe the death of Christ, a Lamb “as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6), is exactly the same Greek expression used to describe the death of the Antichrist “as it were wounded to death” (Revelation 13:3). Therefore, if Jesus literally died – and He did – the Antichrist also literally will die.
There is no legitimate way of getting around the clear statement of Scripture. Obviously, based on the 6 times of repetition, that the beast (Antichrist) is slain and comes back to life again is understood by John to be exceedingly important.
Those who attribute the Antichrist’s death and coming to life again as a cheap magician’s trick or some kind of clever deception are, in my view, missing the point. This raising of the Antichrist from the dead will be accomplished through the power of Satan, and its purpose will be to get the people of Earth to embrace and follow the Antichrist.
For the Antichrist to be perceived as Christ, he must appear to conquer death just as Jesus, the true Christ, actually did.
For the raising of the Antichrist from the dead to be believed – and not simply seen as some kind of carefully arranged scheme – it will require the Antichrist to be a highly recognizable worldwide political personality; his death be confirmed far beyond the standard of reasonable doubt so there will be no questioning or suspicion; and, not only will he be raised from the grave, but, in all particulars, he will be confirmed to be the same person who died.
The expression used to describe the death of Christ, a Lamb “as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6), is exactly the same Greek expression used to describe the death of the Antichrist “as it were wounded to death” (Revelation 13:3). Therefore, if Jesus literally died – and He did – the Antichrist also literally will die.
There is no legitimate way of getting around the clear statement of Scripture. Obviously, based on the 6 times of repetition, that the beast (Antichrist) is slain and comes back to life again is understood by John to be exceedingly important.
Those who attribute the Antichrist’s death and coming to life again as a cheap magician’s trick or some kind of clever deception are, in my view, missing the point. This raising of the Antichrist from the dead will be accomplished through the power of Satan, and its purpose will be to get the people of Earth to embrace and follow the Antichrist.
For the Antichrist to be perceived as Christ, he must appear to conquer death just as Jesus, the true Christ, actually did.
For the raising of the Antichrist from the dead to be believed – and not simply seen as some kind of carefully arranged scheme – it will require the Antichrist to be a highly recognizable worldwide political personality; his death be confirmed far beyond the standard of reasonable doubt so there will be no questioning or suspicion; and, not only will he be raised from the grave, but, in all particulars, he will be confirmed to be the same person who died.
The restoration of the Antichrist to life should not be confused with the resurrection of the Son of God. Jesus, in His sacrificial, substitutionary, vicarious (something done for the sake of another) death defeated sin. The holiness of God the Father was eternally propitiated (satisfied) when Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Because sin was defeated at Calvary, Jesus was resurrected to life by His heavenly Father never to die again. Death has no more dominion over Him.
The Antichrist will be raised (not resurrected) from the dead by the power of Satan. But he will be the embodiment and essence of sin itself. So, unlike Christ, though he will be raised for a brief time, he will die again. At Christ’s coming, both the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (Revelation 19:20).
Not only does the False Prophet cause humanity to embrace the Antichrist, based on his being raised from the dead, he also does other miracles to help authenticate his counterfeit message. It is said of the False Prophet:
Because sin was defeated at Calvary, Jesus was resurrected to life by His heavenly Father never to die again. Death has no more dominion over Him.
The Antichrist will be raised (not resurrected) from the dead by the power of Satan. But he will be the embodiment and essence of sin itself. So, unlike Christ, though he will be raised for a brief time, he will die again. At Christ’s coming, both the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (Revelation 19:20).
Not only does the False Prophet cause humanity to embrace the Antichrist, based on his being raised from the dead, he also does other miracles to help authenticate his counterfeit message. It is said of the False Prophet:
“And he [does] great wonders, so that he [makes] fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And [deceives] them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast” (Revelation 13:13-14a).
An important question which needs to be answered, however, is “Why?” Why, in the midst of myriad miracles the False Prophet could perform, does he call down fire from Heaven? Why is it a featured miracle?
A Counterfeit Elijah
John the Baptist was the herald, or forerunner, of Christ in connection with His first coming. The prophet Elijah, who we believe will be one of the 2 witnesses for God during the Last Days, will be the herald of Christ at His second coming. He will be to the Second Coming what John was to Christ’s first coming.
It was Elijah (along with Moses) who was present on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3). According to the Lord, the events that occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration were a preview of the manifestation of His glory which will be revealed at His second coming (Matthew 16:27-28).
Through the prophet Malachi, God told Israel: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5). The Malachi text is speaking of the precise time frame being discussed in Revelation 13.
A Counterfeit Elijah
John the Baptist was the herald, or forerunner, of Christ in connection with His first coming. The prophet Elijah, who we believe will be one of the 2 witnesses for God during the Last Days, will be the herald of Christ at His second coming. He will be to the Second Coming what John was to Christ’s first coming.
It was Elijah (along with Moses) who was present on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3). According to the Lord, the events that occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration were a preview of the manifestation of His glory which will be revealed at His second coming (Matthew 16:27-28).
Through the prophet Malachi, God told Israel: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5). The Malachi text is speaking of the precise time frame being discussed in Revelation 13.
It is this same prophet Elijah who, in the Old Testament, encountered the 450 prophets of Baal. It was a terrible period of time in Israel. Wicked Ahab was ruling with Jezebel and idolatry had come into the nation like a flood.
The Israelites were at a critical juncture in their history. Were they going to worship the Lord God of Israel or the pagan deity Baal? In the end, Elijah would call down fire from Heaven to settle the matter (1 Kings 18:20-35).
At the end of the age, Elijah the true prophet of God, and the False Prophet of Satan will be in conflict during the last 3½ years of this age. Nothing will have changed. The False Prophet will call down fire from Heaven to sway people to his side. So great will be his power that, unlike the prophets of Baal, empowered by Satan he will succeed in calling down fire from Heaven.
No wonder the Lord, speaking of those days, warned:
The Israelites were at a critical juncture in their history. Were they going to worship the Lord God of Israel or the pagan deity Baal? In the end, Elijah would call down fire from Heaven to settle the matter (1 Kings 18:20-35).
At the end of the age, Elijah the true prophet of God, and the False Prophet of Satan will be in conflict during the last 3½ years of this age. Nothing will have changed. The False Prophet will call down fire from Heaven to sway people to his side. So great will be his power that, unlike the prophets of Baal, empowered by Satan he will succeed in calling down fire from Heaven.
No wonder the Lord, speaking of those days, warned:
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall [show] great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).
In this context, how grateful I am for four words uttered by my Savior. He said, “if it were possible,” they would deceive the very elect. By God’s infinite grace, it won’t be possible. God’s sons and daughters will not be deceived.
The Mark of the Beast
Under the Mosaic Law, God said idolatry was to be strictly forbidden. No person had ever seen God (who is Spirit), and so no one knows what God looks like. Therefore, no idols were to be made (Exodus 20:4).
That command by God notwithstanding, humanity, in its fallen state, has a powerful inclination to make idols to its gods and then build magnificent temples in which to house the gods its hands have made.
Therefore, at the end of the age, the False Prophet will command the world make an idol “to the beast [the Antichrist], which had the wound by a sword, and did live” (Revelation 13:14). After all, he appeared to conquer death and so humanity in its unbelief and folly will worship his image. This image will be extraordinary:
The Mark of the Beast
Under the Mosaic Law, God said idolatry was to be strictly forbidden. No person had ever seen God (who is Spirit), and so no one knows what God looks like. Therefore, no idols were to be made (Exodus 20:4).
That command by God notwithstanding, humanity, in its fallen state, has a powerful inclination to make idols to its gods and then build magnificent temples in which to house the gods its hands have made.
Therefore, at the end of the age, the False Prophet will command the world make an idol “to the beast [the Antichrist], which had the wound by a sword, and did live” (Revelation 13:14). After all, he appeared to conquer death and so humanity in its unbelief and folly will worship his image. This image will be extraordinary:
“And he [the False Prophet] had power to give life [breath] unto the image of the beast [the Antichrist], that the image of the beast should both speak [communicate], and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15).
In addition to demanding all people worship the image of the beast, they will be required to take a visible “mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads” (Revelation 13:16). This mark will be an outward sign of loyalty to the Antichrist and, by association, to Satan.
But more than an outward sign of loyalty, men and women will be required to take the mark or they will be unable to buy or sell. The most basic things of life such as food, housing, transportation, and medical care will be denied them without it. The mark itself will allow the False Prophet and Antichrist to control all these things.
The mark of the beast is in some way associated with “the name of the beast” or “the number of his name.” We are told by John to “Let him that [have] understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six [666]” (Revelation 13:18).
Volumes have been written in an attempt to interpret the meaning of John’s words. The Hebrew, Greek, and Latin alphabets all assign numerical values to each letter of the alphabet. Using this method, some theorists have identified Nero, Caligula, Napoleon, Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and others as the Antichrist. But this system is totally subjective, unimpressive, and easily manipulated to come up with many names to fit the interpreter’s leanings.
Others have suggested the number 7 is the perfect number and is the number for God. In contrast, the number 6 is the number for man. Using the number 6 one time makes the statement that the Antichrist is a man; using the number 6 a second time emphasizes that statement; using the number 6 a third time is the superlative and makes the statement emphatic in the same way the prophet Isaiah said of God, kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, meaning “holy, holy, holy” is the Lord of Hosts.
The triple use of the word “holy” made it a superlative statement. John may not have been saying “666.” He may have been saying “6-6-6,” meaning, the Antichrist is not God; he is not the Savior; he is not holy; he is simply a man – a fraud, empowered by Satan – and never to be worshipped. There are other theories as well; some reasonable, some farfetched. Of these things, however, we cannot be certain.
A careful examination of Revelation Chapter 13 indicates 3 important principles:
First, the Antichrist wants to be the leader of a global government – most likely centered in the Middle East.
Second, the Antichrist wants to be the object of worship in a global religion – most likely Islam.
Third, the Antichrist wants to control a global economic system – most likely through an Islamic Caliphate comprised of 10 nations.
If successful, Satan, who empowers the Antichrist, will fulfill his dream of world domination. But be of good cheer, Chapter 13 is not the last chapter in the Book. Both Satan and his dream will be crushed.
But more than an outward sign of loyalty, men and women will be required to take the mark or they will be unable to buy or sell. The most basic things of life such as food, housing, transportation, and medical care will be denied them without it. The mark itself will allow the False Prophet and Antichrist to control all these things.
The mark of the beast is in some way associated with “the name of the beast” or “the number of his name.” We are told by John to “Let him that [have] understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six [666]” (Revelation 13:18).
Volumes have been written in an attempt to interpret the meaning of John’s words. The Hebrew, Greek, and Latin alphabets all assign numerical values to each letter of the alphabet. Using this method, some theorists have identified Nero, Caligula, Napoleon, Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and others as the Antichrist. But this system is totally subjective, unimpressive, and easily manipulated to come up with many names to fit the interpreter’s leanings.
Others have suggested the number 7 is the perfect number and is the number for God. In contrast, the number 6 is the number for man. Using the number 6 one time makes the statement that the Antichrist is a man; using the number 6 a second time emphasizes that statement; using the number 6 a third time is the superlative and makes the statement emphatic in the same way the prophet Isaiah said of God, kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, meaning “holy, holy, holy” is the Lord of Hosts.
The triple use of the word “holy” made it a superlative statement. John may not have been saying “666.” He may have been saying “6-6-6,” meaning, the Antichrist is not God; he is not the Savior; he is not holy; he is simply a man – a fraud, empowered by Satan – and never to be worshipped. There are other theories as well; some reasonable, some farfetched. Of these things, however, we cannot be certain.
A careful examination of Revelation Chapter 13 indicates 3 important principles:
First, the Antichrist wants to be the leader of a global government – most likely centered in the Middle East.
Second, the Antichrist wants to be the object of worship in a global religion – most likely Islam.
If successful, Satan, who empowers the Antichrist, will fulfill his dream of world domination. But be of good cheer, Chapter 13 is not the last chapter in the Book. Both Satan and his dream will be crushed.
More in this Series:
Part 1: Rapture & Wrath: Ready or Not
Part 2: A Scroll with 7 Seals: The Key to Unlocking the Chronology of the Last Days
Part 3: The Sealing of His Servants and the Salvation of His Saints
Part 4: Silence in Heaven Before God Goes to War
Part 5: And I Saw Another Mighty Angel
Part 6: A Wondrous Woman and a Dreadful Dragon (Revelation 12)
Part 7: The Beast Out of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10)
Part 1: Rapture & Wrath: Ready or Not
Part 2: A Scroll with 7 Seals: The Key to Unlocking the Chronology of the Last Days
Part 3: The Sealing of His Servants and the Salvation of His Saints
Part 4: Silence in Heaven Before God Goes to War
Part 5: And I Saw Another Mighty Angel
Part 6: A Wondrous Woman and a Dreadful Dragon (Revelation 12)
Part 7: The Beast Out of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10)
Rapture and Wrath, Part 8: “The Beast Out Of the Earth (Revelation 13:11-18)”
January 2nd, 2026
Writing articles requires a lot of work, and it is normally accompanied with a great amount of pleasure. However, I had no pleasure in writing this article, the second of two which deal with the teaching of Revelation chapter 13. This chapter afforded me no joy, encouragement, or hope as the study of God’s Word normally does. It is a biblical text all about gloom and doom....
Rapture & Wrath, Part 7: “The Beast Out of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10)
October 6th, 2025
No story, however wicked or perverse –imagined or real – can compare with the end-time scene the Apostle John presents to his readers in Revelation Chapter 13. The subject of the chapter is the Great Tribulation, which is also the topic in a number of earlier chapters.
Chapter 6 refers to martyrs of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6:9-11). Chapter 11 refers to the two witnesses of the Great Tri...
Rapture and Wrath, Part 6: “A Wondrous Woman and a Dreadful Dragon (Revelation 12)”
August 26th, 2025
For almost 2,000 years, millions of Christians have prayed these familiar words: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). That prayer will literally be answered at the very end of this age, when the 7th trumpet of Revelation is sounded (Revelation 11:15), and the 70th seven-year period prophesied by Daniel the prophet comes to an end (Daniel 9:24-27)....