Podcast Episode 25 (Condensed)
Welcome back to Wytinsea Writes! A new month is upon us and so is a new bible study on the book of Revelation. We are officially half way through our series on Revelation. If you’re new to my blog, I encourage you to start with Revelation 1 to play catch up by clicking here. John of Patmos has been taken up in the spirit and the Lord is showing Him great mysteries and visions as a prophet. This series is so profound because it is a guide of preparation for the end times. Although the end times is already upon us, this bible study series is done to equip us on what each chapter entails so that we may be fully ready. If you missed last month’s bible study, click here to read the blog or click here to listen to the podcast version. Your choice!
So, let’s begin with Revelation 13 as John the Revelator is speaking. If you’d prefer to listen to Revelation 13 podcast episode, click here. In hindsight, Revelation 13 describes the two demonic beasts and the details of their wickedness in deceiving people in the last days. Revelation 13:1-2 NLT states,” Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. 2 This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.” First, let’s unpack the word “blasphemy”. So many people use the term out of context and incorrectly. Blasphemy is the offense of speaking against God or sacred things; in other words, it is profane speech.
Beast #1 (rise from the sea) Antichrist
So, John saw this beast that is demonic with offensive phrases on its head against The Holy God. It is important to note that the specific blasphemous names are not mentioned in the chapter. This particular beast is often called the Antichrist. The Antichrist is a political and social authoritative figure working for Satan and His demons during the tribulation time. We learn about the beast’s description. Now, it could be literal or symbolic (we don’t know). On the other hand, I am reminded of Daniel 7:3-7 because it mentions three beasts of certain empires rising from the sea and a fourth evil, beast that is more powerful. I encourage you to read it due to its correlation of beasts in that chapter and this one.
Back to Revelation 13: 3-4 NLT, “I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”
We know that the dragon is Satan as well. The unfortunate truth is that devil worshipping not only happens today but will intensify in the last days as well. In this chapter, it is clear that these people recognize that Lucifer empowered this beast, but they still choose to worship it anyhow. How awful. They were so deceived by the beast, that even the miracles “wowed” them. They were so naive that they exalted the beast and felt as though no other had more power than it. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 mentions how Satan will exalt himself and proclaim to be God. This chapter proves just how the devil does that. The Antichrist will work for the devil and sway people into worshipping him.
Although there are people who idolize statues as the olden days, there is another form of idolizing and evil worshiping that has crept into the body of Christ today. Just like these people are deceived and worships the beast, there are so-called Christians deceived today worshiping religious, cult-like leaders. There are people placing their leaders on pedestals that only God belong on. There are people that worship their pastors, church leaders, significant others, social media, and etc. instead of God. It is time to wake up. It is time for the scales to fall off our eyes and place no man above God.
As the chapter continues, Revelation 13:5 NLT states, “Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.” The Antichrist is full of pride with blasphemous characteristics. There are several examples of people from the bible who were full of themselves just like the Antichrist. For instance, King Nebuchadnezzar, King Uzziah, King Herod, King Saul, and more.
Verses 6-8 says, “And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made.”
Leviticus 24:16 NLT reminds us, “Anyone who blasphemes the Name of the Lord must be stoned to death by the whole community of Israel. Any native-born Israelite or foreigner among you who blasphemes the Name of the Lord must be put to death.” God doesn’t let any sin go unchecked! He will send His fire to the beast’s blasphemous behavior once and for all (Revelation 19:20). The entire world will be aware of the impact the Antichrist has because his power will be global. Anyone who comes against him or rejects him will suffer consequences (Revelation 13:15). The beast will target the saints and believers by oppressing them with his evil ways. The good news is that he will not be able to wipe them out (Revelation 15:2).
In verse 8, it mentions the Lamb. The Lamb is Jesus Christ. The Lamb’s Book of Life will be opened on the day of judgment (great white throne). Anyone whose name is not found in it will perish. That goes for our loved ones, friends, family, coworkers, church members, and etc. It doesn’t matter their rank, title, or position on earth or even in the church. If their name is not written in the Book of Life, to hell they will go. It doesn’t matter how much they gave back to their communities, kept it real, minded their own business, had plenty of motion, acquired fame, or obtained fortune. If their soul wasn’t anchored in Jesus…if they didn’t confess with their mouth that Jesus died on the cross…if they didn’t repent of their sins and lived a life after Jesus…they will be cast in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12 & Revelation 20:15). That is pretty straight forward but the truth that you need to hear. It is cut out time for sugar coating and tiptoeing around the gospel. I speak in love but also boldness as well.
The good news is that believers who are going to heaven, names were written in the Book of Life before the earth was even formed. So, God already knows who will and will not go to heaven (Revelation 13:8). Ephesians 14 reminds us that “God chose us before the foundation of the world”. How precious and special we are to Him!
Revelation 13:9-10 NLT says, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” Obeying God will lead to eternal salvation but obeying the beast will lead to eternal damnation. God’s people during the tribulation period will face many hardships, but they are encouraged to keep fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). Even today, we can’t give in to the devil’s commands. We must keep the faith and endure to the end.
James 1:2-3 is a beautiful reminder for us. It states, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” I can only imagine how hard it will be not to surrender to the beast during such perilous times of famine, disaster, chaos, and scarcity of food resources. Despite it all, those who endure to the end will be saved.
Beast #2 (rise from the earth) False Prophet
Now, let’s shift to verses 11-15 because it introduces the second evil beast empowered by Satan. It says, “11 Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. 14 And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. 15 He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.”
Although neither beast is given a specific name, we know that they both opposed God and His believers. The beast from the earth wants to assume the role of The Lamb of God. Both beasts have a demonic alignment against the plan of God. They received their power from the dragon (Satan) and referred to as the Antichrist (beast #1) and False Prophet (beast #2). The beast from the earth is an imposter trying to be God and false prophesies. This is what leads people astray. 2 John 1:7 warns us, “…Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an Antichrist.” Matthew 24:24 even documents how false miracles will come into play. I encourage you to read that scripture as well. The beast from the earth (False Prophet) put a mandate on anyone who refused to worship the beast.
The ending of chapter 13 goes into further details about the beast from the earth (False Prophet) by saying, “He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. 18 Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.”
It is important to understand that all those who trust in God and belong to Him have nothing to worry about. The False Prophet will cause great harm to unbelievers and those susceptible to deception. They will either take the mark of the beast on their right hand or forehead. That is the official branding of a person’s ownership by Satan. It means they reject God. True believers will not accept the mark of the beast but instead be executed (Revelation 20:4). Although their earthly bodies will die, they will spend eternity in heaven because God places symbolic value on His children unlike the beast.
As for the mark of the beast, there is so much controversy about it. Scholars, theologians, religious people, believers, and nonbelievers argue what, when, who, and why about the mark. Scripture does not give us great details about it, but it is made clear that taking it symbolizing a person’s loyalty, devotion, and worship to Satan (whether done out of fear or not). The number six represents man and imperfection, so it is fitting that the number is 666.
In summary, two beasts will rise up during the tribulation period. The beast of the sea will rise from humanity and is a political figure better known as the Antichrist. The beast of the earth rises as the False Prophet performing miracles and pretend to be Christ-like. Both beasts will team up to form a one-world system in the earth. But those who trust in God, believe in Him, have faith, turn from their sins, and repent will have everlasting life with Christ. so, if that’s you, you have nothing to fear only to prepare. If it is not you, I urge you to repent now so that your life will be spared. The day of the Lord is upon us no matter who tells you differently!!! You must stay ready at all times. That means, don’t be caught in sin. Don’t lag around and delay your repentance. Don’t pursue the glories of this world and be caught off guard when the time comes.
Clean it up. Clean up your life. Clean up the secret sin. Clean up the worldly behavior. This can only be done through Christ. Only Jesus can cleanse you and set you free. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Only He can make you whole again. Only He can save your soul from the pits of hell. But don’t let this chapter scare you. Don’t allow the details of the chapter to entice fear. An eternity with God in paradise as Revelation 22 states is worth more than anything else this world can offer. It’s up to you to make it right. God wants to be a part of your life if you allow Him in. John 3:16 is famous for reminding us that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
It is my hope that this bible study blessed you. Be encouraged to keep the faith and endure to the end. Don’t throw the towel in just yet. God got you and is with you until the end of time (Matthew 28:20). Share this with someone you love. Until next time with, Wytinsea Writes!