1. In order to know what the mark is, we must first identify the beast. How does the Bible describe the beast? Answer: Revelation 13:1-8, 16-18provides 11 identifying characteristics. They are listed below: A.Rises from sea (verse 1). B.Composite of the four beasts of Daniel chapter 7 (verse 2). C.Dragon gives it power and authority (verse 2). D.Receives a deadly wound (verse 3). E.Deadly wound healed (verse 3). F.Strong political power (verses 3, 7). G.Strong religious power (verses 3, 8). H.Guilty of blasphemy (verses 1, 5, 6). I.Wars with and overcomes the saints (verse 7). J.Rules for 42 months (verse 5). K.Has mysterious number 666 (verse 18). Do some of these points have a familiar ring? Certainly! We encountered many of them earlier when we studied about the Antichrist in Daniel chapter 7.The beast of Revelation 13is simply another name for the Antichrist, which we learned from Daniel 7is the papacy. Prophecies of Daniel and Revelation often cover the same ground as prior prophecies, but each time new features are added that help make the prophecies certain. So expect to learn some new things about the Antichrist from this Study Guide. Now lets consider, one by one, the 11 points that describe the beast. A. It would rise from the sea ( Revelation 13:1). The sea (or water) in prophecy refers to people, or a populated area ( Revelation 17:15). So the beast, or Antichrist, would arise from amid the established nations of the then-known world. The papacy, as we all know, arose in western Europe, so it fits this point. A Word of Explanation In harmony with Gods command to honor all people ( 1 Peter 2:17), we pause here to recognize the papacy for her many good deeds and activities. Her hospitals, orphanages, care for the poor, homes for unwed mothers, and care for the aged are appreciated universally. She can honestly be lauded for many things. But, like all other organizations, she has also made mistakes. God pinpoints some of her errors in Revelation. The Lord, who blesses and comforts, must sometimes chasten and correct. Please ask His Spirit to speak to you as you study this crucial topic. B. It would be a composite of the four beasts of Daniel chapter 7 ( Revelation 13:2). Study the comparison below to see how it all fits together: Daniel chapter 7Revelation chapter 13 BabylonLion-like beast (vs. 4)Mouth of a lion (vs. 2) Medo-PersiaBearlike beast (vs. 5)Feet of a bear (vs. 2) GreeceLeopard-like beast (vs. 6)Like unto a leopard (vs. 2) RomeTen-horned beast (vs. 7)Having ... ten horns (vs. 1) The four beasts of Daniel 7are depicted as part of Antichrist, or the beast, because the papacy incorporated pagan beliefs and practices from all four empires. She clothed them in spiritual garb and spread them to the world as Christian teachings. Here is one of many supporting statements from history: In a certain respect, she [the papacy] has copied her organization from that of the Roman Empire, has preserved and made fruitful the philosophical intuitions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, borrowed from both Barbarians and the Byzantine Roman Empire, but always remains herself, thoroughly digesting all elements drawn from external sources.1This point definitely fits the papacy. C
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:00:07 +0000
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