"The Coming World Leaders" Pt 2

In we were introduced to the “…great red dragon” (v.3)

At the end of the Chapter 12, John tells us, “And he stood on the sand of the sea,” where he was joined by another beast:

Revelation 13:1 ESV

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

ESVAnd the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Paige Patterson writes, “Just as the Christian faith is a trinitarian faith, so there is something of a trinity of evil involving the dragon and the two beasts of chap. 13.”

Satan was "…furious with the woman” (Israel), pursuing BOTH her and her offspring (“…those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus”)!At the end of the Chapter 12, John tells us, “And he stood on the sand of the sea,” where he will soon be joined by another beast:

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

Paige Patterson writes, “Just as the Christian faith is a trinitarian faith, so there is something of a trinity of evil involving the dragon and the two beasts of chap. 13.”

There’s even a similitude of the Resurrection of Jesus in the healing from the “mortal wound” (v.3). The third beast also mimicking the Holy Spirit by performing “…great signs” (v.13).

LAST WEEK we considered the first beast:

As to the NATURE of their RULE, the first beast’s power seems to be POLITICAL (v.7b), whereas the second beast’s rule is RELIGIOUS (cf. vv.12, 13). BOTH receive their power from Satan - (13:2b) - “…And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.”Again, from Patterson, these two leaders “…together mark the agenda for what appears to be the triumph of evil in the tribulation period—particularly the concluding 42 months of that period.”It is these two “beasts” that will command our attention this week and next as we consider, “The Coming World Leaders” of !

1. The ORIGIN of the Beast - (v.1a)The first thing we learn is that the beast is seen “…rising out of the sea.”

ESVAnd the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

This has led some to conclude that the first beast would be from the nations of the world, and therefore a Gentile!HOWEVER, the language describing this beast in (13:2) more accurately reflects where the “sea” refers to the Mediterranean Sea.If this is the case, then the “sea” likely symbolizes the abyss, or bottomless pit, the source of demonic opposition to God!This understanding is also supported in .

ESVBut the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

2. The ASSOCIATION of this Beast with the Dragon - (v.1b)

ESVAnd another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.

The connection with Satan is unmistakable!David Hocking, “The ‘beast’ is a man who comes to power and influence in the world through the direct help of Satan himself!”3. The ATTITUDE of the Beast - (v.1c) - “…blasphemous names on its heads”The very names of the world leaders associated with the Antichrist will be an affront to God (more when we get to v.5)!4. The APPEARANCE of the Beast - (v.2)The connection of Daniel with Revelation is unmistakable! - ()The LION - Babylon & NebuchadnessarThe BEAR - Medo-Persian EmpireThe LEOPARD - Grecian Empire & Alexander the GreatJohn Walvoord - “the beast was seen to gather in the symbolism of the three preceding empires—Greece, Medo-Persia, and Babylon.”5. The AUTHORITY/ABILITY of the Beast - (v.2b)His AUTHORITY is seen in the ten horns, which are identified in ().His ABILITY is seen in the beast being given all the power of Satan himself!

ESVIn their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

ESVin which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

ESVThe coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,

Two major viewpoints are held by Bible scholars over this would of the beast that was healed:

It refers to a PARTICULAR PERSON, or it represents a NATION or EMPIRE—namely, the revived Roman Empire!

I believe “the beast” represents BOTH an individual and the REVIVED Roman Empire!

Adulation turns to veneration, and the more they fixated on the beast, they began to focus on the ‘power behind the throne,’ as it were, and “…they worshiped the dragon.”

Their worship of a false god turned into worship of a false messiah, “…and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’”

Patterson writes:The Greek word blasphēmeō, the basic sense of which is “speak against,” carries more than that basic understanding. “Blasphemy” includes ideas such as “despise,” “taunt,” “reproach,” and even “curse.” As White observes, “Blasphemy is one of the most serious of all spiritual iniquities in the Old Testament because it denies and makes sport of the overwhelming concept of all Old Testament history and law, namely, the sovereignty of the Creator. More than any other act of man, it eradicates the fundamental creator/creature distinction, upon which all the cosmic law orders are based.” The concept of blasphemy is more than failure to believe in God and endorse his programs and ways; it is active repugnance and open opposition to the Creator God.BUT NOTICE that even his evil behavior had limitations: “…was given…was allowed…for forty-two months.”

War on the Saints - (v.7)

All who places their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ during the Tribulation will be “conquered!” Q: What does that mean? A: (v.10) - Captured or killed!

Subjugation of the Rest of the World - (v.8)

GOOD NEWS: No believer in Jesus Christ will worship the beast!

ESVThis makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

You don’t need both ears…but you do need to listen! - (v.10)

The leader of the world religious system in its final form is called, “…the false prophet” (19:20), and his destiny is the lake of fire!

A. The

His association with the world political leader - (v.11a)

His APPEARANCE - (v.11b)

His ATTITUDE - (v.11c) - “…it spoke like a dragon.”

In Revelation 12 we were introduced to the “…great red dragon” (v.3)

His ASSOCIATION with the world political leader - (v.11a) - “…another beast”

Revelation 12:3 ESVAnd another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.

“Another” - ‘another of the same kind’ - They are two of a kind!

His APPEARANCE - (v.11b) - “It had two horns like a lamb...”

Revelation 12:9 ESVAnd the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

The lamb is a religious symbol! This second beast’s likeness simply confirms his religious character!

His ATTITUDE - (v.11c) - “…it spoke like a dragon.”

Satan was "…furious with the woman” (Israel), pursuing BOTH her and her offspring (“…those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus”)!At the end of the Chapter 12, John tells us, “And he stood on the sand of the sea,” where he will soon be joined by another beast:

How does the “dragon” speak? - (12:9-10) - Satan is a deceiver and an accuser!

Make no mistake, the devil is not against religion—he uses it for his own ends and purposes!

()

“This beast, while much more appealing to the eyes, is ultimately just as evil as the dragon and the first beast. In fact, in some ways, this beast may be more devastating because clearly his purpose is to deceive, and everything about him from his appearance to his actions is designed to provoke religious deceit” - (Paige Patterson).

His AUTHORITY - (v.12a)

Revelation 13:1 ESVAnd I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

NOTE: The authority he manifests is only “…in its presence.”

The religious leader does nothing without the approval of the political leader!

His AIM - (v.12b)

Next week we will look at still “…another beast rising out of the earth” (13:11).Paige Patterson writes, “Just as the Christian faith is a trinitarian faith, so there is something of a trinity of evil involving the dragon and the two beasts of chap. 13.” There’s even a similitude of the Resurrection of Jesus in the healing from the “mortal wound” (v.3). The third beast also mimicking the Holy Spirit by performing “…great signs” (v.13).As to the NATURE of their RULE, the first beast’s power seems to be POLITICAL (v.7b), whereas the second beast’s rule is RELIGIOUS (cf. vv.12, 13). BOTH receive their power from Satan - (13:2b) - “…And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.”Again, from Patterson, these two leaders “…together mark the agenda for what appears to be the triumph of evil in the tribulation period—particularly the concluding 42 months of that period.”It is these two “beasts” that will command our attention this week and next as we consider, “The Coming World Leaders” of Revelation 13!

This leader will force or cause all people to “…worship the first beast!”

The PERFORMANCE of miraculous signs - (v.13)

The devil can perform the miraculous, and it is for the stated purpose of deceiving “…those who dwell on earth.”

David Hocking - “Our culture is being prepared for this deception, and many so-called Christians are involved and do not realize it. We are making claims about miracles today that directly contradict the teaching and warnings of the Bible. We do not deny that God can perform miracles, but the methods and purposes of most miracles being performed in public meetings today simply do not meet biblical requirements. The deception has already begun!”

Jesus was clear in His warnings in this regard: (; )

Again, from Patterson, “That which Jesus anticipated now unfolds to a degree never before duplicated. Those who are without discernment will conclude without reservation that fire dropping from heaven to earth is bound to be the act of God, and therefore the vast majority of the inhabitants on earth are deceived!”

The PURPOSE of these signs - (vv.14-15a)

1. The ORIGIN of the Beast - (v.1a)The first thing we learn is that the beast is seen “…rising out of the sea.”

Q: With all the power and authority this beast possessed, why did he make them make the image?

A: The text doesn’t say.

I do know this. When you make something; when you craft something your hands, it has an intrinsic value! (illus., “My favorite knife!”)

Perhaps it was so he could display his power to “…give breath” to the image?

The PERSECUTION that will result - (v.15b) ()

Revelation 17:15 ESVAnd the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

One clear purpose of the image is that it’s a weapon—and a fearful one at that!

This has led some to conclude that the first beast would be from the nations of the world, and therefore a Gentile!HOWEVER, the language describing this beast in (13:2) more accurately reflects Daniel 7 where the “sea” refers to the Mediterranean Sea.If this is the case, then the “sea” likely symbolizes the abyss, or bottomless pit, the source of demonic opposition to God!This understanding is also supported in Revelation 17.

The EXTENT of this demand - (v.16)

Revelation 17:7–8 ESVBut the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

What seems clear to me is that at this point, anyone who receives this ‘mark of the beast,’ is destined to suffer the wrath of God! - (14:9-11)

The EFFECT of this demand - (v.17)

2. The ASSOCIATION of this Beast with the Dragon - (v.1b)

The means by which this mark is forced on the world’s population, is the connection with the economy!

Revelation 12:3 ESVAnd another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.

The truth is, NO ONE KNOWS. And I would be very cautious with anyone who claims to know.

The connection with Satan is unmistakable!David Hocking, “The ‘beast’ is a man who comes to power and influence in the world through the direct help of Satan himself!”3. The ATTITUDE of the Beast - (v.1c) - “…blasphemous names on its heads”The very names of the world leaders associated with the Antichrist will be an affront to God (more when we get to v.5)!4. The APPEARANCE of the Beast - (v.2)The connection of Daniel with Revelation is unmistakable! - (Daniel 7:3-8)The LION - Babylon & NebuchadnessarThe BEAR - Medo-Persian EmpireThe LEOPARD - Grecian Empire & Alexander the GreatJohn Walvoord - “the beast was seen to gather in the symbolism of the three preceding empires—Greece, Medo-Persia, and Babylon.”5. The AUTHORITY/ABILITY of the Beast - (v.2b)His AUTHORITY is seen in the ten horns, which are identified in (Rev 17:12).His ABILITY is seen in the beast being given all the power of Satan himself!

What we can know with a fair amount of certainty is that it’s NOT is any kind of bank account number, your social security number, some implanted chip, etc.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESVIn their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The reason I can say this is that the “mark” (χάραγμα) is, “the number of the beast…666.” It’s the same mark for everyone!

Ephesians 2:2 ESVin which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

2 Thessalonians 2:9 ESVThe coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,

Two major viewpoints are held by Bible scholars over this would of the beast that was healed:It refers to a PARTICULAR PERSONThe evidence for this for this view is rooted in the fact that the beast is worshipped and referred to as an individual - (13:4-8)It refers to a NATION or EMPIREThis view seems more plausible as it fits better the overall teaching or Revelation concerning the beast with the seven heads and ten horns.According to (Rev 17:10), five of the heads had fallen by the time of John, one head was in power when he wrote, and the seventh head, “…has not yet come.”the Antichrist appears to be the “eighth” who will come out of the seven heads (17:11)!The wounded head would apparently be the sixth head which was in power when John wrote. That would no doubt refer to the Roman Empire!The Roman Empire would be healed or come back to life as a ten-nation confederacy, which would comprise the seventh head!In other words, the ten horns of the beast are on the seventh head.Out of this ten-nation confederacy (the seventh world empire) will come the world-political leader that Bible describes as the Antichrist! I believe “the beast” represents BOTH an individual and a world government!

The end of (v.3) says, “…the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.”Adulation turns to veneration, and the more they fixated on the beast, they began to focus on the ‘power behind the throne,’ as it were, and “…they worshiped the dragon.”Their worship of a false god turned into worship of a false messiah, “…and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’”

Patterson writes:The Greek word blasphēmeō, the basic sense of which is “speak against,” carries more than that basic understanding. “Blasphemy” includes ideas such as “despise,” “taunt,” “reproach,” and even “curse.” As White observes, “Blasphemy is one of the most serious of all spiritual iniquities in the Old Testament because it denies and makes sport of the overwhelming concept of all Old Testament history and law, namely, the sovereignty of the Creator. More than any other act of man, it eradicates the fundamental creator/creature distinction, upon which all the cosmic law orders are based.” The concept of blasphemy is more than failure to believe in God and endorse his programs and ways; it is active repugnance and open opposition to the Creator God.BUT NOTICE that even his evil behavior had limitations: “…was given…was allowed…for forty-two months.”

War on the Saints - (v.7)All who places their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ during the Tribulation will be “conquered!”Q: What does that mean? A: (v.10) - Captured or killed!Subjugation of the Rest of the World - (v.8)As terrible as the fate of the rest of the world is, there is a gem of truth that may bring comfort to us today: no true believer in Jesus Christ will worship the beast!

Hebrews 7:22–25 ESVThis makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Revelation 13:9 ESVIf anyone has an ear, let him hear:

You don’t need both ears…but you do need to listen! - (v.10)David Hocking: “Sin will be paid for; no one gets away with anything. Judgment day is coming.”“Endurance” means to ‘bear up under a load.’ So for you here today who believe, stay the course! Don’t give up!If you’re here today and you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, your need is “…the faith of the saints!”Introduction: An Unholy Trinity - (12:17b, 13:1, 11)