Revelation 13:11-18
Verse 11 the beast that came from the sea represents the Unites States of America (U.S.A). It arose unlike the other beasts of Daniel 7. They came from political and military upheaval but the U.S.A arose and came rather peacefully. This beast also had horns like a lamb. These horns represent the two important pillars of the U.S.A styled democracy which are: Republicanism and Protestantism. These were the founding principles the pilgrim fathers looked for a "country without a king and a church without a pope." This kingdom was to be a "lamb like" but speak as a dragon. The speaking of this beast like a dragon has reference to the beast now having the characceristics of the dragon. In other words, the persecution that we saw in Revelation 12 by the dragon on the woman would be carried forward by this beast. But the "speaking like a dragon" of a nation has reference to its legislature. Laws will be enacted to nullify the laws of God and therefore compel the conscience. Those who disagree will face terrible persecution at the hand of this beast power.
Verse: 12: The second beast is said to exercise all the power of the first beast. It held the same sway of the Papal power of the middle ages. What was the main characteristic of that beast? Church and State union and the enforcement of religious dogmas by the state where they are punishable by civil penalities. Scripture goes on to say that the Lamb horned beast causes all o worhsip the first beast which had a deadly wound and was healed. This description is similar to Daniel 7 where the beast received a deadly wound. It was the removal of civil power from the church. It suggests tha there will be a time when the False Protestantism centered in the U.S.A causes all to worship the Papal Roman system of false Christianity.
Verse 13: Here is represented the great false revival that will sweep the world by storm. A system of miracles and healing and satan himself being ransfprmeed into an the Lord Jesus Christ in an attempt to deceive if possible the very elect (2 Corinthians 11:4; Matthew 24:23,24). Many, many will be deluded by this manifestation of satanic sophistry.
Verse 14: Since many are being deceived by these miracles they have to be very convincing. The beast, as was said before, came up after 1844 and has an end-time application. What is significant is that the beast "says" to the people in the end-time that they should make an image to the beast or Papal Roman Power. It suggests a democratic form of government where the people determine to some extent the process. Therefore there is a general discussion and arguments where the people are told to make an image to the Papal Roman System of false Christianity. The wound by the sword but lived signifies a resurgance of the PApal sytem in which persecution was the prevailing power as well as church state union.
Verse 15,16: This beast that came up from the land had power to give life unto the image of the beast that it should speak and have life. This symbolism means the beast has such dominance that it has power to cause this system to be implemened and accepted throughout the world. This beast ot world ruling empire would have to be significantly authoratative that it can command the world. This description fits the U.S.A especially in its political, econmic and military dominance. Whats also intersting is that the individuals who are deceived receive a mark in the forehead or their hand. They also receive the number of the beast's name. Receiveing the mark in the forehead means acceptinfg or being decieved by the false system. Receiveing the mark in the hand means going along with the system by means of fear, a reluctance to face the penalites means a forced obedience.
Verse 17: Now those who refuse to go along with this system are faced with civil penalties which get progressively worse until ultimately they are threatened with death. Those who refused for a time and are not firmly rooted in truth are compelled afterwards by he pressure to go along with the system. We must love not our lives unto the death (Revelation 12: 11).
Verse 18: The number of the beast is the number of a man or the number of man. What day was man created? On the sixth day. Then the number of the beast denoted self or selfishness fully ripened in the last generation. This will be satan's final and best assault on the true people of God in the last generation. Thank God it will be a collosal failure.