In Revelation 13 we are presented with more important information that again forms a critical part of our understanding or Revelation 17. let us consider each in turn.
Revelation 13:1 -10
In chapter 13 verse 1 and 2 we are introduced to a beast coming up out of the sea with seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns on the horns and the names of blasphemes on the heads. The beast was like " ...a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion."(Revelation 13:2). This immediately reminds us of the beasts in Daniel chapter 7.
Identification of the Beast
They were are ferocious beasts which represented kingdoms. Our present beast therefore is a combination of these beasts, that is their philosophies find place in this one beast. Further, it had crown on the horns and names of blasphemes. The former represents imperialism or rule by monarchs while the latter shows that the kingdom must be religious and be opposed to God since it has the names of blasphemes. This description reminds us of the little horn in Daniel chapter 7 and 8 which represented the Papal Roman Organisation.
Revelation 13 confirms the history
Verse 3 highlight the fact that the dragon is paganism in the secondary sense. It was the uprooting of the 3 horns that lead to the development of the Papal Roman power. This is also mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Not until this was the Pagan Roman empire officially religious or Papal.Verse 3 again is especially crucial because it cover the period from the deadly wound, in other words, the attack of atheism on the Papacy in 1798 to the point where this wound is "healed."
What occurred when the Papacy received the deadly wound? The Papacy is by definition a religious and political entity. It has the power of the state to enforce it religious right or it makes religious laws which it enforces by the imperial form of government. Failure to abide by these laws results in penalties by both the state and church. When the Papacy had lost its political power it no longer had the power of the state. Hence when this "wound" is healed it will again control the state and have its religious rights again enforce by the state. Verse 3 makes it certain that that time will return.
A Fearful Time
"...And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” Revelation (13:3, 4)
Going over the history These verses are cause for alarm to sincere children of God. There will be a time after 1798 A.D. when "... all the world" goes after this beast. It suggests that whatever this beast does will be enough to convince "all the world" that the dragon or satan's side of the war against God is right. Now more than ever we should search the scriptures to understand how to escape this powerful deception.
Verses 5-7 again highlight the 1260 years of the Papal Roman System bu this time ii is referred to as 42 months. The papacy persecuted the true people of God because they disagree with her form of worship and thus many were killed for their faith.
Final warning and a call to endurance
Verses 8-10 issue a final warning and repeat the upcoming deception package that will overtake the world at the hands of satan working through the Papal Roman system of false religion. A wonder assurance is given here that there will be those whose names are written in the book of life who will escape this final advance of satan. The Scripture makes the statement that "here is the patience and faith of the saints." Those who escape this must do so by submission and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When the deception is at its worst God's people will shine brightest.
" ...And yet every one of your people whose names are written in the Book will endure it. And many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise—the people of God—shall shine as brightly as the sun’s brilliance, and those who turn many to righteousness will glitter like stars forever." (Daniel 12:1-3 LB)
Revelation 13:1 -10
In chapter 13 verse 1 and 2 we are introduced to a beast coming up out of the sea with seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns on the horns and the names of blasphemes on the heads. The beast was like " ...a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion."(Revelation 13:2). This immediately reminds us of the beasts in Daniel chapter 7.
Identification of the Beast
They were are ferocious beasts which represented kingdoms. Our present beast therefore is a combination of these beasts, that is their philosophies find place in this one beast. Further, it had crown on the horns and names of blasphemes. The former represents imperialism or rule by monarchs while the latter shows that the kingdom must be religious and be opposed to God since it has the names of blasphemes. This description reminds us of the little horn in Daniel chapter 7 and 8 which represented the Papal Roman Organisation.
Revelation 13 confirms the history
Verse 3 highlight the fact that the dragon is paganism in the secondary sense. It was the uprooting of the 3 horns that lead to the development of the Papal Roman power. This is also mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Not until this was the Pagan Roman empire officially religious or Papal.Verse 3 again is especially crucial because it cover the period from the deadly wound, in other words, the attack of atheism on the Papacy in 1798 to the point where this wound is "healed."
What occurred when the Papacy received the deadly wound? The Papacy is by definition a religious and political entity. It has the power of the state to enforce it religious right or it makes religious laws which it enforces by the imperial form of government. Failure to abide by these laws results in penalties by both the state and church. When the Papacy had lost its political power it no longer had the power of the state. Hence when this "wound" is healed it will again control the state and have its religious rights again enforce by the state. Verse 3 makes it certain that that time will return.
A Fearful Time
"...And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” Revelation (13:3, 4)
Going over the history These verses are cause for alarm to sincere children of God. There will be a time after 1798 A.D. when "... all the world" goes after this beast. It suggests that whatever this beast does will be enough to convince "all the world" that the dragon or satan's side of the war against God is right. Now more than ever we should search the scriptures to understand how to escape this powerful deception.
Verses 5-7 again highlight the 1260 years of the Papal Roman System bu this time ii is referred to as 42 months. The papacy persecuted the true people of God because they disagree with her form of worship and thus many were killed for their faith.
Final warning and a call to endurance
Verses 8-10 issue a final warning and repeat the upcoming deception package that will overtake the world at the hands of satan working through the Papal Roman system of false religion. A wonder assurance is given here that there will be those whose names are written in the book of life who will escape this final advance of satan. The Scripture makes the statement that "here is the patience and faith of the saints." Those who escape this must do so by submission and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When the deception is at its worst God's people will shine brightest.
" ...And yet every one of your people whose names are written in the Book will endure it. And many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise—the people of God—shall shine as brightly as the sun’s brilliance, and those who turn many to righteousness will glitter like stars forever." (Daniel 12:1-3 LB)