REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 13.5

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Thirteen

The Great Tribulation

A Parenthesis

The Seven Trumpets

Trumpet Number 7: Woe Number 3

 

Tribulation Characters

 

 

6. The Wild Beast of the Sea

Continuing…

Introduction

The first ten verses of Chapter 13 present a vivid description of a great charismatic evil world dictator who will promise anything. He will reign over a ten-nation confederacy deemed as the revived Roman Empire. His main objective is to force the entire world to worship him and Satan. However, according to Verse 15, God will continue to be in sovereign control.

 

Antichrist will unmask himself as an angel of light at the middle of the seven-year Tribulation period when his appearance in the Tribulation Temple results in its desecration. At this juncture, the peace treaty with Israel, which he forged at the outset of Tribulation, will be broken (cf. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 25:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) and concurrently this event will follow his death and revival (cf. Revelation 13:3).

[Read Daniel Chapter 11].

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Characteristics of Antichrist

If you combine the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, a true representation of the Antichrist’s character suggests:

1.  He will be an oratorical genius

He will express himself:

1. Eloquently

2. Dynamically

3. Convincingly

Daniel 8:23 -       And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance (face), and understanding dark sentences (mysteries, riddles), shall stand up.

 

2.  He will be an Intellectual genius

Daniel 11:36 - And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous (astonishing, outrageous) things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation (rage, wrath, fury) be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

 

3.  He will be a political genius

Antichrist is described as the little horn (cf. Daniel 7:8 and   24), the eighth king that subdues the other kings who willingly hand over their authority to him.

Revelation 17:11-12 - And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition (perishing and destruction). And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

 

4.  He will be a commercial genius

 Daniel 11:43 - But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

 

5.  He will be a military genius

Revelation 6:2 - And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he (Antichrist) that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

 

6.   He will be a religious genius

Revelation 13:8a - And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him.

 

7. He will possess the qualities of seven American presidents:

1.  The leadership of a Washington or Lincoln

2.  The eloquence of Franklin D. Roosevelt

3.   The charm of Ronald Reagan

4. The charisma of John F. Kennedy

5.  The military genius of Dwight D. Eisenhower

6.  The political savvy of Lyndon B. Johnson

7.  The Intellect of Thomas Jefferson

 

The antichrist will be compelling, attractive, and super charismatic, and draw the adoration of the whole world. Six times in this chapter it records: power was given unto him. Although he is energized by Satan, it is God who will allow him to come with lying signs and wonders.

 

 

(Verse 6)

 

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven.

 

Blasphemy is a word that means evil speaking, railing, or cursing. Antichrist will openly blaspheme:

1.  God’s name

 

2.  God's home (the Tabernacle)

 

3.  God’s people (those who dwell in Him)

 

Such actions were foretold by Daniel the prophet:

Daniel 7:25 - And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The flag of the Antichrist will someday fly over the capitals of every nation. Energized by Satan, this beast will persecute and martyr most Jewish and Gentile saints (holy ones, believers) during Tribulation.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The text clearly states all. However, all hermeneutically is considered a synecdoche. Synecdoche is a figure of speech used where a part is utilized for a whole or a whole is applied to a part. For example:

1.  Genesis 6:17a - behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh.

In this instance all flesh was destroyed, however, Noah and his family were exempt.

 

2.  Joshua 6:21 - And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Here, Jericho was destroyed but Rahab and her people were spared.

 

3.  Luke 3:21a - Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized.

The region of Judea was baptized, but, in this instance, the Pharisees and Sadducees did not respond.

 

Therefore, it is convincing that many will not be under the rule of the Antichrist. There will be a little group of people who refuse to worship him or take the mark of the beast (cf. Revelation 13:8). His power has limitations to certain areas of the ten kingdoms.

 

Whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world

The book was written in eternity past. A register exists in Heaven of all who belongs to God. In the original text, it reads either-or, i.e., names (plural), or name (singular) is not written. These people not written in the book or ledger are unbelievers. Believers, on the other hand, go to be with the Lamb.

 

Does the passage read that the Book of Life was written from the foundation of the world? Or does it read the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world?

 

Two possibilities arise from the preposition from:

A. From the foundation of the world

Revelation 17:8 - The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

 

B. Before the foundation of the world

This meaning would presume God has chosen His own, in Jesus Christ, from before the beginning of time, nonetheless, before the foundation of the world

1 Peter 1:19-20 - But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

 

Both propositions are true. Before and from the beginning of time, that is to say, Jesus Christ was already commissioned to be the Redeemer of mankind.

 

The Doctrine of Election

Simply stated, the Doctrine of Election teaches God’s grace is given indiscriminately to all men by allowing the ability to have a choice in the matter of submission to Him. Between God’s sovereignty and man’s voluntary will, the key is salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

 

John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

 

(Verse 9)

 

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

 

Please notice the omission of let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. These things from verses 1 through 8 will imminently occur.

 

This is a motion for solemn attention. The statement is for anyone to listen with an ear of faith, and it is also intended to be used as an evangelistic tool, i.e., to lead others to believe in Christ's death, burial, and Resurrection so they may receive eternal life rather than everlasting Hell.

 

The best path for anyone to take is to get saved, get raptured, and don't worry!

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The Law of Divine Retribution

Verse 10 is a word of great comfort that calls for patient endurance and perseverance on the part of the saints. Those who have asked, How long? in Chapter 6:10 will know for certain the wicked will finally be judged and punished by God. This is the patience of the saints: Not one day more. “I’m coming,” says Jesus Christ. “Your names are written in the Book of Life.”

 

Moreover, the persecutors of the Church shall suffer that which they inflicted on the saints. A person’s sin will be made known. Sin must be recompensed and judged by God - The doom of the wicked. This is exactly what Paul cautioned the Galatians:

Galatians 6:7-8 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

 

In conclusion, loyalty and fidelity should never waiver in devotion to the Master. It is futile to take up arms or retaliate and resist. For example, Jeremiah’s message to Israel was that resistance to the invading Babylonians would be useless. Understand: God is always in sovereign control. He pronounces three things:

1.  Have faith

2.  Have patience

3.  There will be justice

 

During the next study, the last of the seven Tribulation characters will be introduced.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   What is Antichrist’s main objective during Tribulation?

2.   Name three of the Antichrist’s characteristics.

3.   What will Antichrist curse?

4.   How does Antichrist receive his power?

5.   What does Antichrist do with his power?

6.   Will anyone escape Antichrist's persecution?

7.   How is the law of divine retribution best explained?

 

 

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REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 13.2

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Thirteen

The Great Tribulation

A Parenthesis

The Seven Trumpets

Trumpet Number 7: Woe Number 3

 

Tribulation Characters

 

 

6. The Wild Beast of the Sea

Continuing….

(Verse 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.

 

The Beast

Antichrist is not the dragon incarnate, but a real person satanically empowered with the spirit of hell. Like Judas, Satan will enter into him (cf. Luke 22:3; Mark 8:33). Satan will also offer Antichrist the same promise to Christ during His temptation:

Matthew 4:8-9 - The devil taketh Him (Jesus) up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.

 

Of course, Jesus declines, however, on the other hand, this was an offer Antichrist could not refuse. Upon acceptance, he will rise to his zenith by pursuing a world conquest during the last half of the Great Tribulation. Not only that, but Antichrist is determined to have complete unrestrained power and authority over the entire world.

 

God’s angels will not interfere because His supernatural restraint (the Holy Spirit) will be eliminated as foretold by Paul:

2 Thessalonians 2:7 - For the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) doth already work: only He (the Holy Spirit) who now letteth (restrains) will let (do so), until He be taken out of the way (removed).

 

Once the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is removed by God, the mystery of lawlessness will no longer labor in secret but be openly manifested in a dictatorial manner.

 

The beast which I (John) 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

Attributes of the Beast

Considering the words was, like, and as are similes, the wild beast (Antichrist) John describes is a nondescript conglomerate of three wild animals.

1.  The Leopard (or panther)

As a large member of the cat family, the leopard is specifically known for its swiftness, mobility, and viciousness. Jeremiah describes its nature as such:

Jeremiah 5:6b – A leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces.

 

Alexander the Great overran the world with his armies likened to the swiftness and rapidity of a leopard (cf. Daniel 7:6).

 

2.  The Bear

Described as a large heavy mammal with powerful legs, the bear is represented in Daniel 7:5 as the Medo-Persian monarchy because of its cruel bloodthirstiness, and relentless and crushing force.

The wisdom of Proverbs teaches:

Proverbs 17:12 – Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

 

And, like going from the frying pan into the fire, Amos has this to say:

Amos 5:19 - As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him.

 

3.  The Lion

Tearing and devouring all things with his mouth, the lion (commonly known as the King of the Jungle) with its fierceness is infamously known for its dominion and rule. As so, it is representative of the Babylonian Empire (cf. Daniel 7:4).

 

The Book of Job gives this description:

Job 4:10-11 - The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.

 

Jesus Christ is popularly and rightly known as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (cf. Revelation 5:5). But in this passage, in effect, John is depicting the revived Roman Empire during the Great Tribulation. He is revealing the non-descript beast of Daniel Chapter 7 embodying all previous world empires. And, simultaneously describing the monstrous appearance of the world’s political power – the Antichrist, as having his seven heads individually mouth uttering blasphemies against Almighty God.

 

And the dragon gave him his power, and his seat [not seat, but a royal throne], and great authority

Under the auspices and domination of Satan, Antichrist will exert and execute satanic global power. Satan will exploit his puppet to the fullest. He will be deemed:

1.  Anti-God

2.  Anti-Christ

3.  Anti to all who turn to God

[READ: Daniel Chapter 7]

 

The fourth beast of Daniel 7 is considered to incorporate all elements of a revived Roman Empire - A ten-nation confederacy that will linger in the world until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

A Deadly Wound

In this continuing vision, the Apostle John sees one of the composite beast’s heads. The head is singular and literally, “one from many of his (singular masculine pronoun) heads” of the leopard.

 

Recall, the beast has seven heads with ten horns representing seven kings of seven kingdoms. This correlates with the description of Satan in Chapter 12 and Verse 3.

 

Next, John sees…

One of his heads as it were wounded to death

The simile contributes to a better understanding since the interpretation of this verse has been much debated. The word wounded when translated, thus becomes critical. On the surface, it would appear one of the leopard’s heads had a fatal wound of death.

 

Sphazō is the Greek word used and it specifically means to violently maim. It is the same word that appears in Revelation 5:6, A Lamb as it had been slain. John does not explain. It seems like a parody of the Lamb, but more importantly, sphazō is mentioned three times in Chapter 13:

1.  Verse 3 – Wounded to death

2.  Verse 12 – Deadly wound

3.  Verse 14 – Wound by a sword

 

So, the rendering of the text would suggest to John that one of the leopard’s heads only appeared mortally wounded. Because the next phrase reads…

 

And his deadly wound was healed

Now, the wound is unbelievably healed. Many feel this is a supernatural and phenomenal deliverance by Satan because it appears this is a resurrection from the dead. However, the question remains: Does Satan have the ability to raise someone from the dead?

 

Some may argue the possibility of the dragon obtaining God's permission. Others contend if Satan has the power to bring an idol to life in Revelation 13:15, could he also give life to a dead body?

 

Verse 3 presents a clue to great deception. It clearly states the beast (Antichrist) like a leopard with seven heads only had one head, as though it were inexplicably wounded to death, and came back to life. Many fail to realize six heads remained intact. Therefore, the main focus is on the one head astoundingly brought back to life. Thus, in turn by deception, he will overtake and overpower the other heads claiming him to be a god.

 

Three main theories exist as to its elucidation:

1.  It will be a notorious Western world leader having an attempted or fake assassination

 

2.  It will be someone who once lived and reincarnated during the Tribulation Period

a.  There are innumerable references to his identity. The more popular include:

1.  Nero Claudius Caesar

2.  Judas Iscariot

3.  Adolph Hitler

 

b.  Not only is this silly and absurd, but reincarnation is a fantasy that only exists in the world of the occult

 

3.  It will be the Roman Empire revived

a.  Horns refer to governments and not people

 

Let us reason together:

1.  The verse does not specifically say the beast died, just one of its heads.

 

2.  Satan is not a life-giver, he is a devil and a death dealer. Satan empowers Antichrist with his spirit. The devil has been a sinner and deceiver since the beginning (cf. 1 John 3:8; John 8:44).

 

 

3.  This event will be nothing but a great delusion and imitation resurrection, as Satan never reached into Hell and resurrected anyone.

 

Jesus Christ is the only one who can give life! He disclosed to Martha:

John 11:25-26a - Jesus said unto her, I Am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.

 

Notwithstanding…

And all the world wondered after the beast

Imagine the tremendous amazement of the world. 

 

The Church today hails, “Christ is risen indeed!” But sadly, those deceived in this day will exclaim, “Antichrist has also risen.”  

 

Wondered after portends to follow with wondering gaze, marvel, and admiration, accordingly, leading the entire world into worshiping the beast. This fallacy is dubbed, “a Lying Wonder.” 

 

 

(Verse 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?

 

Worship of the Beast

Satan endows Antichrist with power from Hell. Then at this momentous historical event in history, Satan will be credited with this miraculous phenomenon. Just as we worship God the Father and Jesus His Son, so will the world follow and worship the dragon and his Antichrist. Millions who previously did not believe in Antichrist will now be in awe and give adoration to said charismatic beast.

 

Worship (roskuneō) in its original intent is to crouch down and kiss the master’s hand, like a dog licking his master’s hand. For example, in the movie The Godfather, in the position of authority, one would acknowledge respect by bowing down to kiss his ring.

 

Today we live in an age of personality worship. Similarly, many pay homage to idols, images, saints, and angels. Be mindful.

Paul’s advice to the Corinthians orates:

1 Corinthians 10:20 - But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

 

The great deception will be people who think they are exalting a supernatural powerful leader, but in reality, it is Satan whom they acknowledge and worship.

 

They worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Worship thus becomes open Satanism. Universally the deceived world chants a twofold slogan:

A.  Who is like unto the beast?

As the people venerate the beast, they are parodying a hymn of God.

Contained in many Old Testament passages, here are but a few:

Exodus 15:11 - Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

 

Psalm 71:19b - O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto Thee!

 

Psalm 89:8 - O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee?

 

Another possibility is this chant could be a mockery of Michael who won the war in Heaven with Satan. Recollect, Michael’s name signifies Who is like God.

 

B. Who is able to make war with him?

By this time the beast will become a strong military factor, especially after his revivification from death, and Antichrist will appear undefeatable and invincible.

 

As a question of war, the answer is no one. Antichrist will remain supreme and unchallenged by Earth and Hell in the political, military, and religious realms. The antichrist is Satan’s substitute for Christ. The second beast in this chapter (the false prophet) will organize and promulgate Antichrist’s worship.

 

The subsequent verses, as the study of the Antichrist continues, reveal additional emboldened powers he is bestowed upon by Satan.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   How does Antichrist obtain supreme authority on earth?

2.   The beast is likened to what four creatures?

3.   What is Antichrist’s purpose during the Tribulation?

4.   Why will the world follow after the beast?

5.   Define the word worship.

6.   What makes this entire scenario a deception?

7.   How is the beast worshipped?

 

 

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