This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:18
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
18 Here [hode] is [esti] wisdom. [sophia] Let him that hath [echo] understanding [nous] count [psephizo] the number [arithmos] of the beast: [therion] for [gar] it is [esti] the number [arithmos] of a man; [anthropos] and [kai] his [autos] number [arithmos] is Six hundred threescore and six. [chi xi stigma] KJV-Interlinear
18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. NASB
This is probably the most known number in all of human history, 666, and the most misunderstood and abused by speculation. Used in movies, books and general conversation, even in jokes, this has been used to identify the devil in human form, ever since John scribed this passage over 1900 years ago.
The misunderstanding generally begins when people do not read the entire passage. They see the number of the beast as 666, and there their mind stops and goes no further.
So we look at it in detail.
First, John states that this is wisdom. What is wisdom? Understanding is something that becomes wisdom.
What is understanding? Understanding is the accumulation of facts and details and then putting them together to match perfectly with reality.
Letters and numbers alone do not mean much, but when you begin making words and sentences and such, then understanding develops, regarding the world around you.
But our understanding in this passage is not the number per se, but the ‘calculation’ of the number.
The word for count, ‘psephizo,’ means to count as in the moving of beads on a string in counting an inventory. It means to calculate, to determine an answer. And that is what is being calculated here, the identity of the anti-christ.
John states that he is a man. He is not an angel, not a demon, not some other creature form, but a man. And even though he will be indwelled by Satan, he is still a man who has freely given himself over to Satan.
How do we know?
Because of the number, next stated.
The 666 is the number six, tripled.
In the context, he is called a man. The number of man is six. The number of the trinity or the total essence of the Godhead, is three.
Man was created on the sixth day, Gen 1:26-31, slaves were freed after six years of service, Ex 21:2, fields were to be sown for only six consecutive years, Lev 25:3.
Repeating the number of man three times, draws the illusion of mans identification with deity. In other words, a man who thinks he is god. And not just any god, but the one and only God.
Kings and rulers in the past have tried to make themselves into a god, but they generally referred to a variety of gods such as the Greek gods or the Egyptian gods and such, and not the one true God.
This identification with God, is exactly what Satan has been wanting since his original fall, to be like the Most High. And the anti-christ is Satan’s savior candidate who is competing with Christ.
Now this is the general definition of the number. The actual identification will belong to those who will actually live in that future time. For us this is just an ambiguous term, but clear enough for us to know that given all that we have just studied, people in those last few years of the Tribulation, will be easily fooled with cheap magicians tricks, due to their lack of doctrine, and therefore, when someone comes along with an obvious huge ego desiring to be worshipped as God, they will most likely miss the signs.
We can see the trend and the signs even now, and we do not live in those last days, nor will we ever see them. But those folks will live then, see it all, and miss it all entirely.
This means that that last generation will be full of people who are totally empty of spiritual resources, which will cause them to be so easily fooled, by such obvious falsehoods, even when they are right in front of them.
Enter Your Comments about this study:
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/biblestudy/contents_comments_online_studies.html
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/quick-links.html
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here:
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/donation.html
Showing posts with label Revelation 13. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revelation 13. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Revelation 13:17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:17
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
17 And [kai] that no [hina me] man [tis] might [dunamai] buy [agorazo] or [e] sell, [poleo] save he [ei me] that had [echo] the mark, [charagma] or [e] the name [onoma] of the beast, [therion] or [e] the number [arithmos] of his [autos] name. [onoma] KJV-Interlinear
17 and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. NASB
In the future, not only will people be placed under religious duress, but they will be placed under economic duress as well.
Remember that we are studying the Tribulation. The Tribulation is a seven year period that is still future. When in the future it will occur, is anyone's guess.
The Tribulation is also called ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble,’ ‘Daniels seventieth week,’ and the latter half is called the ‘great tribulation.’
The Tribulation is the final seven years of the dispensation of the Age of Israel. That dispensation was interrupted by our current dispensation, the Church Age, which we are living in right now. Our Church age will end when the Rapture occurs, and then the Age of Israel will resume and conclude with its last seven years of history.
The Rapture is still future and is the only event whose date of occurrence has been left unknown to us. Our Church Age began at the Feast of Pentecost, which occurred fifty days after the Feast of Passover, on which date Christ was crucified. That occurred in approximately 30 A.D.
So if you subtract 30 A.D. from our current year, 2010, then our dispensation has lasted 1,980 years thus far and still counting.
Our dispensation is one of trends. There are no specific prophesies within our dispensation except the terminating event of the Rapture. There are however many ‘signs’ specified in the Bible which will help us identify that we are nearing the end of our dispensation, but none of them specifically state the date of the termination of our era.
These signs are spelled out in the Special Studies segment of the study library online, but some of them are the formation of the nation of Israel, accelerated knowledge, accelerated earthquakes, accelerated travel, accelerated population growth, the formation of identifiable powers in the four directions relative to Israel (north, south, east, and west), an increased great apostasy, and so forth.
There are many signs, which we call trends, but probably one of the most notable signs is the evolving political climate of liberalism or progressivism as it is called today, where we have seen the attempt at forming a government controlled economy, intended to control all aspects of our lives.
In spite of the failed systems of socialism in Europe, the world seems bent on adopting their model and going even further in controlling health care, insurance, the financial industry, the auto industry, employment and so forth.
And when you consider the fact that there is a huge population worldwide that wants to embrace this type of government control, and even riots occur when their benefits are reduced or taken away (France, Greece, Spain, etc.), and when you consider the trend of increased apostasy at the end of our Church Age, then you should see how easily it will be for the anti-christ to come along and impose the most stringent government regulation system ever in history.
In World War 2, the Jews were forced to wear signs and identifying marks. In communist Bulgaria, ration cards were issued, of which it as said, the government, with this little card, could decide who would eat and who would starve.
With the recent health care laws, the government will have the right to impose penalties on anyone who does not have the health plan they authorize. They will have the right to regulate what health care each person can receive. They will have the right to take money out of your bank account if fees are charged for your health care, and if you do not have a bank account, your health care will be cancelled.
The direction of more and more government control is apparent and inevitable. And when the tribulation begins, then the most abusive government control in all of history, will begin and people will suffer like never before.
People will not only be forced to worship evil, but if they do not, then they will not be allowed any economic activity (jobs, food, shelter, clothing, etc.).
People will be forced to comply, or starve and die, or go underground into black market arrangements. And in that last regard, when people are forced into helpless situations then gangs and unruly types will take advantage.
The description of the identification of the beast is expanded here in explanation as to the mark, the name, or the number. This does not mean there are three separate identifiers, but what this is intended to do it to make it very clear, that this is the anti-christ and Satan and evil that is driving the world into disaster.
The number is not a number for it refers to the number of ‘his name.’ The name of the anti-christ is emphasized here, not a number per se. The number is going to identify or clarify the name and therefore the person of the anti-christ.
The next verse will explain a number, and we will get to that tomorrow, but nowhere in the scriptures is the beast or his name or the identification mechanism identified. Only those who will live in that future time, will be the only ones who will be able to know these things.
And that is the purpose of these two verses, this one and the next verse. For this will give those future folks the means of identifying the beast (the anti-christ), and the second beast (the false prophet).
And it gives us, who live in the Church Age, a little insight as to how these things will come to be. We can see the trends of politics developing right before our eyes. And even though we can fight them as best we can, sooner or later, evil will be triumphant as Satan establishes his hold on the world – for a short time anyway.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:17
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
17 And [kai] that no [hina me] man [tis] might [dunamai] buy [agorazo] or [e] sell, [poleo] save he [ei me] that had [echo] the mark, [charagma] or [e] the name [onoma] of the beast, [therion] or [e] the number [arithmos] of his [autos] name. [onoma] KJV-Interlinear
17 and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. NASB
In the future, not only will people be placed under religious duress, but they will be placed under economic duress as well.
Remember that we are studying the Tribulation. The Tribulation is a seven year period that is still future. When in the future it will occur, is anyone's guess.
The Tribulation is also called ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble,’ ‘Daniels seventieth week,’ and the latter half is called the ‘great tribulation.’
The Tribulation is the final seven years of the dispensation of the Age of Israel. That dispensation was interrupted by our current dispensation, the Church Age, which we are living in right now. Our Church age will end when the Rapture occurs, and then the Age of Israel will resume and conclude with its last seven years of history.
The Rapture is still future and is the only event whose date of occurrence has been left unknown to us. Our Church Age began at the Feast of Pentecost, which occurred fifty days after the Feast of Passover, on which date Christ was crucified. That occurred in approximately 30 A.D.
So if you subtract 30 A.D. from our current year, 2010, then our dispensation has lasted 1,980 years thus far and still counting.
Our dispensation is one of trends. There are no specific prophesies within our dispensation except the terminating event of the Rapture. There are however many ‘signs’ specified in the Bible which will help us identify that we are nearing the end of our dispensation, but none of them specifically state the date of the termination of our era.
These signs are spelled out in the Special Studies segment of the study library online, but some of them are the formation of the nation of Israel, accelerated knowledge, accelerated earthquakes, accelerated travel, accelerated population growth, the formation of identifiable powers in the four directions relative to Israel (north, south, east, and west), an increased great apostasy, and so forth.
There are many signs, which we call trends, but probably one of the most notable signs is the evolving political climate of liberalism or progressivism as it is called today, where we have seen the attempt at forming a government controlled economy, intended to control all aspects of our lives.
In spite of the failed systems of socialism in Europe, the world seems bent on adopting their model and going even further in controlling health care, insurance, the financial industry, the auto industry, employment and so forth.
And when you consider the fact that there is a huge population worldwide that wants to embrace this type of government control, and even riots occur when their benefits are reduced or taken away (France, Greece, Spain, etc.), and when you consider the trend of increased apostasy at the end of our Church Age, then you should see how easily it will be for the anti-christ to come along and impose the most stringent government regulation system ever in history.
In World War 2, the Jews were forced to wear signs and identifying marks. In communist Bulgaria, ration cards were issued, of which it as said, the government, with this little card, could decide who would eat and who would starve.
With the recent health care laws, the government will have the right to impose penalties on anyone who does not have the health plan they authorize. They will have the right to regulate what health care each person can receive. They will have the right to take money out of your bank account if fees are charged for your health care, and if you do not have a bank account, your health care will be cancelled.
The direction of more and more government control is apparent and inevitable. And when the tribulation begins, then the most abusive government control in all of history, will begin and people will suffer like never before.
People will not only be forced to worship evil, but if they do not, then they will not be allowed any economic activity (jobs, food, shelter, clothing, etc.).
People will be forced to comply, or starve and die, or go underground into black market arrangements. And in that last regard, when people are forced into helpless situations then gangs and unruly types will take advantage.
The description of the identification of the beast is expanded here in explanation as to the mark, the name, or the number. This does not mean there are three separate identifiers, but what this is intended to do it to make it very clear, that this is the anti-christ and Satan and evil that is driving the world into disaster.
The number is not a number for it refers to the number of ‘his name.’ The name of the anti-christ is emphasized here, not a number per se. The number is going to identify or clarify the name and therefore the person of the anti-christ.
The next verse will explain a number, and we will get to that tomorrow, but nowhere in the scriptures is the beast or his name or the identification mechanism identified. Only those who will live in that future time, will be the only ones who will be able to know these things.
And that is the purpose of these two verses, this one and the next verse. For this will give those future folks the means of identifying the beast (the anti-christ), and the second beast (the false prophet).
And it gives us, who live in the Church Age, a little insight as to how these things will come to be. We can see the trends of politics developing right before our eyes. And even though we can fight them as best we can, sooner or later, evil will be triumphant as Satan establishes his hold on the world – for a short time anyway.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Revelation 13:16
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:16
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
16 And [kai] he causeth [poieo] all, [pas] both small [mikros] and [kai] great, [megas] [kai] rich [plousios] and [kai] poor, [ptochos] [kai] free [eleutheros] and [kai] bond, [doulos] to [hina] [autos] receive [didomi] a mark [charagma] in [epi] their [autos] right hand [dexios], [cheir] or [e] in [epi] their [autos] foreheads: [metopon] KJV-Interlinear
16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, NASB
The anti-christ will segregate and divide all people into two common groups – those who will worship him, and those who will not.
Those who do not worship will typically be Christians, but not all people disloyal to the anti-christ will necessarily be Christians. There will certainly be unbelievers who oppose the anti-christ, but they will be dealt with swiftly as they will not have any protection provided them by God, as many believers will have.
The terms small and great, rich and poor, free and slave are expressions that mean to include all categories of people, no matter who they are. There will be no class or category of people left out of this evil policy.
All people will be ordered and obligated to worship the anti-christ, and as a demonstration of their loyalty or obedience, they will be made to bear a mark or identification.
The word for mark, ‘charagma,’ means an etching, a stamp, a badge of identity. And though it has been long believed by many that this was going to be some sort of tattoo or imprint on their body, it more naturally fits the technology of today, for identification cards and such things.
Today you need a coded card for banking, or membership in a store or organization or school. Almost every aspect of our lives today, comes with a card of some sort. You can try to live a cash only life, but as a practical matter, you will need a card even if only for driving, sooner or later. Most infants when born, are given an identification number at birth which they will carry with them all their lives.
So the technology is here, even though it is a good technology and makes life a bit easier and pleasant for us all, but one day, it will be used in an evil way, as the anti-christ will use it to try and enslave and control the masses of people on the planet.
On their right hand, is a reference to the daily activities that people engage in, so people will not be able to live and function without some form of identification. The right hand, ‘dexios,’ refers to the hand that usually takes or accepts, meaning they will reach out and accept this requirement of them.
And on their forehead, is a reference to the mental attitude of people, meaning that they will actively engage in and obey the anti-christs laws. So, by attitude and by hand, people will accept by means of thought and deed, the laws decreed by the anti-christ. This will be a proactive decision, voluntarily made, even though under duress, that will be made by the general population of unbelievers.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:16
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
16 And [kai] he causeth [poieo] all, [pas] both small [mikros] and [kai] great, [megas] [kai] rich [plousios] and [kai] poor, [ptochos] [kai] free [eleutheros] and [kai] bond, [doulos] to [hina] [autos] receive [didomi] a mark [charagma] in [epi] their [autos] right hand [dexios], [cheir] or [e] in [epi] their [autos] foreheads: [metopon] KJV-Interlinear
16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, NASB
The anti-christ will segregate and divide all people into two common groups – those who will worship him, and those who will not.
Those who do not worship will typically be Christians, but not all people disloyal to the anti-christ will necessarily be Christians. There will certainly be unbelievers who oppose the anti-christ, but they will be dealt with swiftly as they will not have any protection provided them by God, as many believers will have.
The terms small and great, rich and poor, free and slave are expressions that mean to include all categories of people, no matter who they are. There will be no class or category of people left out of this evil policy.
All people will be ordered and obligated to worship the anti-christ, and as a demonstration of their loyalty or obedience, they will be made to bear a mark or identification.
The word for mark, ‘charagma,’ means an etching, a stamp, a badge of identity. And though it has been long believed by many that this was going to be some sort of tattoo or imprint on their body, it more naturally fits the technology of today, for identification cards and such things.
Today you need a coded card for banking, or membership in a store or organization or school. Almost every aspect of our lives today, comes with a card of some sort. You can try to live a cash only life, but as a practical matter, you will need a card even if only for driving, sooner or later. Most infants when born, are given an identification number at birth which they will carry with them all their lives.
So the technology is here, even though it is a good technology and makes life a bit easier and pleasant for us all, but one day, it will be used in an evil way, as the anti-christ will use it to try and enslave and control the masses of people on the planet.
On their right hand, is a reference to the daily activities that people engage in, so people will not be able to live and function without some form of identification. The right hand, ‘dexios,’ refers to the hand that usually takes or accepts, meaning they will reach out and accept this requirement of them.
And on their forehead, is a reference to the mental attitude of people, meaning that they will actively engage in and obey the anti-christs laws. So, by attitude and by hand, people will accept by means of thought and deed, the laws decreed by the anti-christ. This will be a proactive decision, voluntarily made, even though under duress, that will be made by the general population of unbelievers.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Revelation 13:15
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:15
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
15 And [kai] he [autos] had power [didomi] to give [didomi] life [pneuma] unto the image [eikon] of the beast, [therion] that [hina] the image [eikon] of the beast [therion] should [laleo] both [kai] speak, [laleo] and [kai] cause [poieo] that as many as [hosos] would [an] [proskuneo] not [me] worship [proskuneo] the image [eikon] of the beast [therion] should be killed [hina]. [apokteino] KJV-Interlinear
15 And there was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. NASB
The word for image is key here, along with the agenda of the false prophet, which helps us to understand the life that this image is going to receive.
First, only God can create and give legitimate life, such as a soul, and human life within the soul.
Second, the beast is a false prophet and his words are always false. His objective is to deceive people and keep them from believing in Christ. Everything he says and does is the product of an illusion.
Third, the image of the beast is not a single statue, but a resemblance which can be publicized worldwide. With television and the internet, and perhaps other mediums that have yet to be invented (assuming that this all happen in the distant future), then transmitting an animated image throughout the world is and will be relatively easy.
There is quite a business in the animation world of cartoons, advertising, movies and such and this anti-christ and his spokesman, the false prophet, will make use of them in promoting their agenda against Christians.
Since the false prophet promotes false ideas, and is a deceiver, then the image or the resemblance of the anti-christ, in receiving life will be used for deception as well. This verse does not emphasize the image of some walking or talking bronze statue. This verse emphasizes an animated resemblance of the anti-christ, which will be used for propaganda and world control over the masses.
If you wonder how this could be possible, who would believe or fall for such a thing, you have only to look at the propaganda media that radicals and terrorists use to recruit people of their organizations. They convince folks to hook bombs to themselves and kill people at random, or to go fight in some far away desert.
That can happen today, and when the Tribulation finally arrives, the entire world will be very susceptible for this sort of deception. The anti-christ most likely will use the masses of people to help turn in and report Christian activity, such that the Christians will be killed, in addition to getting people to fall down and worship him.
The whole objective of the image and its orders (not suggestions) against Christians is not just to be gossiped against, not just ostracized, not just left out of clubs and organizations and such, but actually to be murdered.
This will open the door for all types of vigilante and gang and personal hate activities with extreme violence, around the world.
Hitler had an organized campaign against the Jews in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, complete with banners and posters and ad campaigns, but they were limited pretty much to Germany. However, this future anti-christ, will publish his animated image and policy around the world.
And unfortunately, people will be convinced and will obey and worship the anti-christ, based on an animated image and based on cheap magicians trickery.
When so many people around the entire world are so easily deceived by such elementary tricks, then that is an indication of just how low (almost to non-existence) the spiritual status of the entire world has fallen.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:15
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
15 And [kai] he [autos] had power [didomi] to give [didomi] life [pneuma] unto the image [eikon] of the beast, [therion] that [hina] the image [eikon] of the beast [therion] should [laleo] both [kai] speak, [laleo] and [kai] cause [poieo] that as many as [hosos] would [an] [proskuneo] not [me] worship [proskuneo] the image [eikon] of the beast [therion] should be killed [hina]. [apokteino] KJV-Interlinear
15 And there was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. NASB
The word for image is key here, along with the agenda of the false prophet, which helps us to understand the life that this image is going to receive.
First, only God can create and give legitimate life, such as a soul, and human life within the soul.
Second, the beast is a false prophet and his words are always false. His objective is to deceive people and keep them from believing in Christ. Everything he says and does is the product of an illusion.
Third, the image of the beast is not a single statue, but a resemblance which can be publicized worldwide. With television and the internet, and perhaps other mediums that have yet to be invented (assuming that this all happen in the distant future), then transmitting an animated image throughout the world is and will be relatively easy.
There is quite a business in the animation world of cartoons, advertising, movies and such and this anti-christ and his spokesman, the false prophet, will make use of them in promoting their agenda against Christians.
Since the false prophet promotes false ideas, and is a deceiver, then the image or the resemblance of the anti-christ, in receiving life will be used for deception as well. This verse does not emphasize the image of some walking or talking bronze statue. This verse emphasizes an animated resemblance of the anti-christ, which will be used for propaganda and world control over the masses.
If you wonder how this could be possible, who would believe or fall for such a thing, you have only to look at the propaganda media that radicals and terrorists use to recruit people of their organizations. They convince folks to hook bombs to themselves and kill people at random, or to go fight in some far away desert.
That can happen today, and when the Tribulation finally arrives, the entire world will be very susceptible for this sort of deception. The anti-christ most likely will use the masses of people to help turn in and report Christian activity, such that the Christians will be killed, in addition to getting people to fall down and worship him.
The whole objective of the image and its orders (not suggestions) against Christians is not just to be gossiped against, not just ostracized, not just left out of clubs and organizations and such, but actually to be murdered.
This will open the door for all types of vigilante and gang and personal hate activities with extreme violence, around the world.
Hitler had an organized campaign against the Jews in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, complete with banners and posters and ad campaigns, but they were limited pretty much to Germany. However, this future anti-christ, will publish his animated image and policy around the world.
And unfortunately, people will be convinced and will obey and worship the anti-christ, based on an animated image and based on cheap magicians trickery.
When so many people around the entire world are so easily deceived by such elementary tricks, then that is an indication of just how low (almost to non-existence) the spiritual status of the entire world has fallen.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Revelation 13:14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:14
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
14 And [kai] deceiveth [planao] them that dwell [katoikeo] on [epi] the earth [ge] by [dia] the means of those miracles [semeion] which [hos] he [autos] had power [didomi] to do [poieo] in the sight [enopion] of the beast; [therion] saying [lego] to them that dwell [katoikeo] on [epi] the earth, [ge] that they should make [poieo] an image [eikon] to the beast, [therion] which [hos] had [echo] the wound [plege] by a sword, [machaira] and [kai] did live. [zao] KJV-Interlinear
14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. NASB
The whole intent and objective of the false prophet, is to deceive the world. Those who live in the world, is a phrase or expression that usually is used in reference to unbelievers, but it can also include naïve believers.
The word for deceive, means to wander as the planets seemed to wander across the night sky. Since truth is certain, then lies are intended to wander at a great distant from truth. A distant so great, that the normal everyday person being deceived is unable to discover the deception.
In any case, anyone who rejects or is indifferent toward truth, is subject to deception. And the whole intent of the false prophet is to prevent people from believing in Christ, so the purpose is to perpetuate unbelief and eliminate believers.
His tools of the trade are not truth, but lies. And the tools emphasized here are the powers previously described. Therefore if lies are the foundation, and the powers are the primary tool, then the powers are not real, but nothing more than magicians trickery, illusion, or misdirection.
Rather than believing in truth, the masses are convinced to believe in the anti-christ, and the anti-christ’s confrontation with death is again used to imply that he has defeated death.
As with Christ and doctrine, every point of truth has a counterfeit principle invented by Satan. This has been true throughout history and will be especially true in the Tribulation.
Jesus was wounded unto death and actually did defeat sin and death and provided a means of genuine salvation.
The anti-christ will fake his death, deceive everyone into believing that he has defeated death, but offers no one any blessing as a result, instead demanding that people worship him just so he can have a following.
Christ sacrificed Himself for all. The anti-christ wants everyone to sacrifice themselves for him.
And just as many world kings and leaders in present time and in the past, have made a big deal about their own image, whether on public banners, or paintings on building walls, sculptures, on currency or whatever, so too, this anti-christ will have an ego so huge that he will force his own image onto nearly everything that affects everyday life, worldwide.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:14
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
14 And [kai] deceiveth [planao] them that dwell [katoikeo] on [epi] the earth [ge] by [dia] the means of those miracles [semeion] which [hos] he [autos] had power [didomi] to do [poieo] in the sight [enopion] of the beast; [therion] saying [lego] to them that dwell [katoikeo] on [epi] the earth, [ge] that they should make [poieo] an image [eikon] to the beast, [therion] which [hos] had [echo] the wound [plege] by a sword, [machaira] and [kai] did live. [zao] KJV-Interlinear
14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. NASB
The whole intent and objective of the false prophet, is to deceive the world. Those who live in the world, is a phrase or expression that usually is used in reference to unbelievers, but it can also include naïve believers.
The word for deceive, means to wander as the planets seemed to wander across the night sky. Since truth is certain, then lies are intended to wander at a great distant from truth. A distant so great, that the normal everyday person being deceived is unable to discover the deception.
In any case, anyone who rejects or is indifferent toward truth, is subject to deception. And the whole intent of the false prophet is to prevent people from believing in Christ, so the purpose is to perpetuate unbelief and eliminate believers.
His tools of the trade are not truth, but lies. And the tools emphasized here are the powers previously described. Therefore if lies are the foundation, and the powers are the primary tool, then the powers are not real, but nothing more than magicians trickery, illusion, or misdirection.
Rather than believing in truth, the masses are convinced to believe in the anti-christ, and the anti-christ’s confrontation with death is again used to imply that he has defeated death.
As with Christ and doctrine, every point of truth has a counterfeit principle invented by Satan. This has been true throughout history and will be especially true in the Tribulation.
Jesus was wounded unto death and actually did defeat sin and death and provided a means of genuine salvation.
The anti-christ will fake his death, deceive everyone into believing that he has defeated death, but offers no one any blessing as a result, instead demanding that people worship him just so he can have a following.
Christ sacrificed Himself for all. The anti-christ wants everyone to sacrifice themselves for him.
And just as many world kings and leaders in present time and in the past, have made a big deal about their own image, whether on public banners, or paintings on building walls, sculptures, on currency or whatever, so too, this anti-christ will have an ego so huge that he will force his own image onto nearly everything that affects everyday life, worldwide.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Revelation 13:13
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:13
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
13 And [kai] he doeth [poieo] great [megas] wonders, [semeion] so [kai] that [hina] he maketh [poieo] fire [pur] come down [katabaino] from [ek] heaven [ouranos] on [eis] the earth [ge] in the sight [enopion] of men, [anthropos] KJV-Interlinear
13 And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. NASB
The second beast, the false prophet, will possess magical powers, that when used, will astonish people.
Naïve people, those who lack truth in their souls, are easily entertained and convinced with magic shows and things that are of false origin.
Interestingly enough, when Jesus performed genuine miracles of healing, people saw the show as entertainment and were not convinced of its truth or origin.
This false prophet, will demonstrate things such as fire from the sky, perhaps this is lightning, perhaps something else, but no matter. People will take a false wonder, or a natural phenomena and believe the source, the false prophet, to be someone great and truthful, and people will worship the anti-christ over nothing more than a magicians trick.
The present tense, of doeth, indicates that he will and has to, do this over and over again, in order to keep the attention of the people.
Remember that people are fickle and even in a false society such as will exist in the latter half of the Tribulation, getting the keeping the attention of the masses of people, will still require repetition of deception.
Satan’s whole policy and plan is deception and lies, therefore the powers demonstrated will be nothing more than deception, and not real powers. That is all he has ever had, and all he will ever have.
In the sight of men, means just that. People have to see it to believe it, and all they are seeing is a fireworks show of sorts. And from this people will fall head over heels in worshipping the anti-christ. Such is their spiritual weakness in life.
Souls that lack substance, require very little to impress them. And for that matter, little children require very little to gain their attention. And therefore, despite their worldly fame or power, or status, or whatever they have in life, the masses that are attracted to Satan, are nothing more than immature people. That is all that Satan is able to attract to himself.
Such is the power of evil. Nothing but emptiness. Nothing but impotency. By pursuing evil, and rejecting truth in life, you are in reality chasing after nothing.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:13
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
13 And [kai] he doeth [poieo] great [megas] wonders, [semeion] so [kai] that [hina] he maketh [poieo] fire [pur] come down [katabaino] from [ek] heaven [ouranos] on [eis] the earth [ge] in the sight [enopion] of men, [anthropos] KJV-Interlinear
13 And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. NASB
The second beast, the false prophet, will possess magical powers, that when used, will astonish people.
Naïve people, those who lack truth in their souls, are easily entertained and convinced with magic shows and things that are of false origin.
Interestingly enough, when Jesus performed genuine miracles of healing, people saw the show as entertainment and were not convinced of its truth or origin.
This false prophet, will demonstrate things such as fire from the sky, perhaps this is lightning, perhaps something else, but no matter. People will take a false wonder, or a natural phenomena and believe the source, the false prophet, to be someone great and truthful, and people will worship the anti-christ over nothing more than a magicians trick.
The present tense, of doeth, indicates that he will and has to, do this over and over again, in order to keep the attention of the people.
Remember that people are fickle and even in a false society such as will exist in the latter half of the Tribulation, getting the keeping the attention of the masses of people, will still require repetition of deception.
Satan’s whole policy and plan is deception and lies, therefore the powers demonstrated will be nothing more than deception, and not real powers. That is all he has ever had, and all he will ever have.
In the sight of men, means just that. People have to see it to believe it, and all they are seeing is a fireworks show of sorts. And from this people will fall head over heels in worshipping the anti-christ. Such is their spiritual weakness in life.
Souls that lack substance, require very little to impress them. And for that matter, little children require very little to gain their attention. And therefore, despite their worldly fame or power, or status, or whatever they have in life, the masses that are attracted to Satan, are nothing more than immature people. That is all that Satan is able to attract to himself.
Such is the power of evil. Nothing but emptiness. Nothing but impotency. By pursuing evil, and rejecting truth in life, you are in reality chasing after nothing.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Revelation 13:12
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:12
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
12 And [kai] he exerciseth [poieo] all [pas] the power [exousia] of the first [protos] beast [therion] before [enopion] him, [autos] and [kai] causeth [poieo] the earth [ge] and [kai] them which dwell [katoikeo] therein [en] [autos] to [hina] worship [proskuneo] the first [protos] beast, [therion] whose [hos] [autos] deadly [thanatos] wound [plege] was healed. [therapeuo] KJV-Interlinear
12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. NASB
The first beast has been defined as the anti-christ, the leader and ruler chosen by Satan to win over the world before Christ returns.
The second beast is defined as the false prophet, the spokesperson of the anti-christ, Rev. 19:20.
Just as the first beast is indwelled and therefore totally influenced by Satan, so too, the second beast will be indwelled by some demon entity and influenced by Satan’s evil.
Both of these leaders together will attempt to force an unbelieving world to worship the anti-christ, denying Christ, and destroying all who believe in Christ.
The source of the power of the first beast comes from Satan, and therefore, since the power of the second beast exercises the same power, it too comes from Satan.
The second beast, the false prophet, does not replace the first beast, the anti-christ, but coexists with him, and the purpose of the second beast, is to cause people to worship the first beast.
Remember that these are people who will promote Satan’s bidding. Satan does not have direct access to the world, to enforce his own will himself. Satan is restricted to going through human proxies, if you will.
The fatal wound, mentioned in verse three, is again mentioned here, to emphasize that it is that event, the falsification of the anti-christ’s resurrection, that will be used to help solidify the power and influence of these two evil leaders.
One can presume that the first three years of failed policies, would tend to drive people away from following failed leaders, but a seemingly miraculous event such as coming back from the dead will be used to turn the tide away from them, back to them, as far as followers go.
People in general are fickle and they have short memories. Look to any political activity in recent years. No matter how bad any given candidate or party seems, within six months the news has changed and the memories of the past failures have been forgotten. Do you even remember the issues of last year? Most people do not.
And to boost their influence, these two beasts, or evil leaders, will perform miracles, or so they would seem, to impress a very spiritually naïve and spiritually negative world. Those verses are coming up.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:12
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
12 And [kai] he exerciseth [poieo] all [pas] the power [exousia] of the first [protos] beast [therion] before [enopion] him, [autos] and [kai] causeth [poieo] the earth [ge] and [kai] them which dwell [katoikeo] therein [en] [autos] to [hina] worship [proskuneo] the first [protos] beast, [therion] whose [hos] [autos] deadly [thanatos] wound [plege] was healed. [therapeuo] KJV-Interlinear
12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. NASB
The first beast has been defined as the anti-christ, the leader and ruler chosen by Satan to win over the world before Christ returns.
The second beast is defined as the false prophet, the spokesperson of the anti-christ, Rev. 19:20.
Just as the first beast is indwelled and therefore totally influenced by Satan, so too, the second beast will be indwelled by some demon entity and influenced by Satan’s evil.
Both of these leaders together will attempt to force an unbelieving world to worship the anti-christ, denying Christ, and destroying all who believe in Christ.
The source of the power of the first beast comes from Satan, and therefore, since the power of the second beast exercises the same power, it too comes from Satan.
The second beast, the false prophet, does not replace the first beast, the anti-christ, but coexists with him, and the purpose of the second beast, is to cause people to worship the first beast.
Remember that these are people who will promote Satan’s bidding. Satan does not have direct access to the world, to enforce his own will himself. Satan is restricted to going through human proxies, if you will.
The fatal wound, mentioned in verse three, is again mentioned here, to emphasize that it is that event, the falsification of the anti-christ’s resurrection, that will be used to help solidify the power and influence of these two evil leaders.
One can presume that the first three years of failed policies, would tend to drive people away from following failed leaders, but a seemingly miraculous event such as coming back from the dead will be used to turn the tide away from them, back to them, as far as followers go.
People in general are fickle and they have short memories. Look to any political activity in recent years. No matter how bad any given candidate or party seems, within six months the news has changed and the memories of the past failures have been forgotten. Do you even remember the issues of last year? Most people do not.
And to boost their influence, these two beasts, or evil leaders, will perform miracles, or so they would seem, to impress a very spiritually naïve and spiritually negative world. Those verses are coming up.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Revelation 13:11
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:11
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
11 And [kai] I beheld [eido] another [allos] beast [therion] coming up [anabaino] out of [ek] the earth; [ge] and [kai] he had [echo] two [duo] horns [keras] like [homoios] a lamb, [arnion] and [kai] he spake [laleo] as [hos] a dragon. [drakon] KJV-Interlinear
11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. NASB
The first beast, the anti-christ, came up out of the sea, Rev. 13:1. This second beast comes up out of the earth.
On this planet, the sea is said to hide mysterious and frightening things in an unknown deep. The earth is said to have less scary things and is said to be more appealing and compatible, and more friendly.
And so the anti-christ is made to appear as frightening and powerful, while this second beast is much less so.
The first beast had ten horns, while the second beast has only two.
The first beast is the dragon, who is Satan, while the second beast speaks like the dragon, and is the spokesman for Satan.
The first beast was likened to the leopard, bear, and lion. The second beast is likened to the lamb.
The first beast is mysterious and frightening, and the second beast is less mysterious, and less frightening.
The first beast is fast, ferocious and deadly. The second beast is made to seem harmless as a lamb.
But with all of this appearance, the policy of Satan is deception and lies, Jn 8:44. Therefore, the second beast, who will act as the spokesman for the first beast, is also a deception who will promote the lies of Satan.
The first beast as we have already seen, is the anti-christ who will eventually be indwelled by Satan.
The second beast is his spokesman, and a person as well, will have some amazing powers as we will see, therefore, since these amazing powers are not of human origin, he too will be indwelled by some powerful demon.
Typically, the ruler of an empire is promoted or supported by a priest and we will see that the second beast will not only promote the first beast politically, but religiously, demanding that people fall down before the first beast and worship him.
Thus politics and religion will be combined into one all powerful attempt to rule the population of the world.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:11
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
11 And [kai] I beheld [eido] another [allos] beast [therion] coming up [anabaino] out of [ek] the earth; [ge] and [kai] he had [echo] two [duo] horns [keras] like [homoios] a lamb, [arnion] and [kai] he spake [laleo] as [hos] a dragon. [drakon] KJV-Interlinear
11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. NASB
The first beast, the anti-christ, came up out of the sea, Rev. 13:1. This second beast comes up out of the earth.
On this planet, the sea is said to hide mysterious and frightening things in an unknown deep. The earth is said to have less scary things and is said to be more appealing and compatible, and more friendly.
And so the anti-christ is made to appear as frightening and powerful, while this second beast is much less so.
The first beast had ten horns, while the second beast has only two.
The first beast is the dragon, who is Satan, while the second beast speaks like the dragon, and is the spokesman for Satan.
The first beast was likened to the leopard, bear, and lion. The second beast is likened to the lamb.
The first beast is mysterious and frightening, and the second beast is less mysterious, and less frightening.
The first beast is fast, ferocious and deadly. The second beast is made to seem harmless as a lamb.
But with all of this appearance, the policy of Satan is deception and lies, Jn 8:44. Therefore, the second beast, who will act as the spokesman for the first beast, is also a deception who will promote the lies of Satan.
The first beast as we have already seen, is the anti-christ who will eventually be indwelled by Satan.
The second beast is his spokesman, and a person as well, will have some amazing powers as we will see, therefore, since these amazing powers are not of human origin, he too will be indwelled by some powerful demon.
Typically, the ruler of an empire is promoted or supported by a priest and we will see that the second beast will not only promote the first beast politically, but religiously, demanding that people fall down before the first beast and worship him.
Thus politics and religion will be combined into one all powerful attempt to rule the population of the world.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Revelation 13:10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:10
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
10 He that [ei tis] leadeth [sunago] into captivity [aichmalosia] shall go [hupago] into [eis] captivity: [aichmalosia] he that [ei tis] killeth [apokteino] with [en] the sword [machaira] must [dei] be killed [apokteino] with [en] the sword. [machaira] Here [hode] is [esti] the patience [hupomone] and [kai] the faith [pistis] of the saints. [hagios] KJV-Interlinear
10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. NASB
The last portion of this verse sets the tone for believers who will live during the Tribulation, and especially during the last half of the Tribulation, when the anti-christ will do his best to kill them all.
The patience and faith, combines into making the attitude which was initially established by Christ, when He was being persecuted, tried, and executed on the Cross. Jesus went without complaint, without retaliation. He went to the Cross and took all of the persecution and ridicule that humanity had to offer. Jesus had a mission and nothing and no one was going to get Him off track of completing that mission.
Likewise, in the Tribulation, in the latter half, the world will be full of obscenities, and atrocities, and prejudices beyond imagination. It will be easy for those who have faith, to retaliate and do likewise to their persecutors.
But God commands here, that no believer is to retaliate, but instead accept and take everything that is thrown at them, even including their own execution by the anti-christ and his forces.
If anyone tries to take captives, they will themselves be taken. For believers, do not imitate the unbelievers, for that is going to be their destiny.
If anyone is going to be taken into captivity, then as a believer, accept it and allow God to do His bidding according to His schedule.
If anyone fights and kills, then he will be killed. Do not imitate the unbelievers who are doing all of the killing. Do not take up arms. Do not form a rebel force. Do not form an underground. Do not start a civil war. Do not try to assassinate the anti-christ or government officials. Do not try to overthrow the government. Do not use any form of violence of any type.
The life of the believer is in Gods hands, regardless of what the anti-christ, Satan, or unbelievers in general, do.
The control of history is in Gods hands. The outcome of history and life is in Gods hands.
No matter what happens, God has allowed a certain amount of time for Satan to work his evil will. Gods purpose is to squeeze out every last person who will believe in Christ, and then to crush Satan and evil forever.
During the Tribulation, God will run everything, and all believers, regardless if they are in hiding, regardless of they are captured, regardless if they are killed, are completely safe in Gods care. Do not interfere with Gods plan.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:10
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
10 He that [ei tis] leadeth [sunago] into captivity [aichmalosia] shall go [hupago] into [eis] captivity: [aichmalosia] he that [ei tis] killeth [apokteino] with [en] the sword [machaira] must [dei] be killed [apokteino] with [en] the sword. [machaira] Here [hode] is [esti] the patience [hupomone] and [kai] the faith [pistis] of the saints. [hagios] KJV-Interlinear
10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. NASB
The last portion of this verse sets the tone for believers who will live during the Tribulation, and especially during the last half of the Tribulation, when the anti-christ will do his best to kill them all.
The patience and faith, combines into making the attitude which was initially established by Christ, when He was being persecuted, tried, and executed on the Cross. Jesus went without complaint, without retaliation. He went to the Cross and took all of the persecution and ridicule that humanity had to offer. Jesus had a mission and nothing and no one was going to get Him off track of completing that mission.
Likewise, in the Tribulation, in the latter half, the world will be full of obscenities, and atrocities, and prejudices beyond imagination. It will be easy for those who have faith, to retaliate and do likewise to their persecutors.
But God commands here, that no believer is to retaliate, but instead accept and take everything that is thrown at them, even including their own execution by the anti-christ and his forces.
If anyone tries to take captives, they will themselves be taken. For believers, do not imitate the unbelievers, for that is going to be their destiny.
If anyone is going to be taken into captivity, then as a believer, accept it and allow God to do His bidding according to His schedule.
If anyone fights and kills, then he will be killed. Do not imitate the unbelievers who are doing all of the killing. Do not take up arms. Do not form a rebel force. Do not form an underground. Do not start a civil war. Do not try to assassinate the anti-christ or government officials. Do not try to overthrow the government. Do not use any form of violence of any type.
The life of the believer is in Gods hands, regardless of what the anti-christ, Satan, or unbelievers in general, do.
The control of history is in Gods hands. The outcome of history and life is in Gods hands.
No matter what happens, God has allowed a certain amount of time for Satan to work his evil will. Gods purpose is to squeeze out every last person who will believe in Christ, and then to crush Satan and evil forever.
During the Tribulation, God will run everything, and all believers, regardless if they are in hiding, regardless of they are captured, regardless if they are killed, are completely safe in Gods care. Do not interfere with Gods plan.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Revelation 13:8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:8
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
8 And [kai] all [pas] that dwell [katoikeo] upon [epi] the earth [ge] shall worship [proskuneo] him, [autos] whose [hos] names [onoma] are [grapho] not [ou] written [grapho] in [en] the book [biblos] of life [zoe] of the Lamb [arnion] slain [sphazo] from [apo] the foundation [katabole] of the world. [kosmos] KJV-Interlinear
8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. NASB
There are several books located in heaven, that are referred to in the Bible.
There is the Book of the Living, Job 28:13, Psa. 27:13, Dan. 12:1, Mal. 3:16-18, Psa. 69:25-28.
There is the Book of Life, or the Lambs Book of Life, Rev. 3:5; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; Phil 4:3.
There is the Book of Works, Rev. 20:12-13.
Unbelievers are blotted out, Ex. 32:33, and believers are never blotted out of the Book of Life, Rev. 3:5.
All who dwell on the earth, is a figure of speech referring to those who are of the earth, those who are unbelievers. It does not include everyone, but refers to unbelievers only, Rev. 13:12,14; 3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 17:2,8.
Since the foundation of the world, is a reference to eternity past, Rev. 17:8; Matt 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; Eph 1:4; Heb 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20; cf. 2 Thess 2:13; and 2 Tim 1:9.
During history, the records contained within the books in heaven are a work in progress. But when the books are finally opened for final review, it will be at the end of human history, at the end of the Millennium, when the Great White Throne of Christ is called to order, and the books are finished or completed.
It will be at this final court, that the books will be opened, the completed books. For the history of man and Satan will have been ended, the lives of all peoples will have been finalized, and all unbelievers will be standing before Christ awaiting their final sentence.
The Book of Life or of the Living are one and the same. For those who believe in Christ, there is no death, no permanent death, for they possess eternal life. Their life goes on and therefore they will never be blotted out of the Book of Life. That is eternal security, Gods guarantee of eternal life.
But God is fair. All people who are born into the world, since the beginning of human history, since Adam, will have their name recorded in the books. Everyone has their name recorded in both sets of books. God does not predetermine your decisions in life, that you will make.
The Book of Life contains the names of those who believe in Christ, and the Book of Works contains everyone's name.
When a person dies, then if he has believed in Christ, his name remains in both books. If the person did not believe in Christ, then his name is blotted out of the Book of Life but remains in the Book of Works.
At the end of human history, at the Great White Throne, all who stand before Christ will be unbelievers. There will be one final check in the Book of Life, to see if they have believed in Christ. One wonders if God will give them one final opportunity to believe.
But nevertheless, if their name is not found in the Book of Life, then the second set of books is opened, the Book of Works. There, in that second set of books, their works, their human effort, will be compared to that of Christ. Their human effort will be found to be lacking in satisfying the high standards of Christ, and their own works will not qualify them for eternal life.
Lacking faith, and therefore lacking their name in the Book of Life, the eternal membership into heaven, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
Therefore, all who dwell on the earth, all unbelievers, will by default, worship him, Satan, the one who is behind the anti-christ, the one who is behind all evil. For by default if you do not worship Christ, then you worship the only other object of worship, namely evil and therefore Satan.
There are only two targets of worship, God and Satan.
Their names will not be found in the Book of Life, the final book. And, this book is further defined as that of the Lamb, and sacrificial lamb, namely Jesus Christ who went to the Cross and died paying the price of sin and defeating death, to accomplish our salvation, for which we may have freely by only believing.
God is fair, He records all names in both books and then gives you, your life to determine if you will remain in the better of the two, the Book of Life.
If you have already believed in Christ, then your name is secure for all of eternity. If you have not believed in Christ, then you are at great risk, of losing your place in the one place where you need to keep your name recorded. Losing that, you lose everything.
To be saved is so very simple. Think in the privacy of your own thoughts, ‘Father, I believe in Jesus Christ.’
That is all that it takes to secure your life in heaven, forever.
How could anyone refuse, throughout their entire life, to think those six little words? A thought that takes less than a second!
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:8
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
8 And [kai] all [pas] that dwell [katoikeo] upon [epi] the earth [ge] shall worship [proskuneo] him, [autos] whose [hos] names [onoma] are [grapho] not [ou] written [grapho] in [en] the book [biblos] of life [zoe] of the Lamb [arnion] slain [sphazo] from [apo] the foundation [katabole] of the world. [kosmos] KJV-Interlinear
8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. NASB
There are several books located in heaven, that are referred to in the Bible.
There is the Book of the Living, Job 28:13, Psa. 27:13, Dan. 12:1, Mal. 3:16-18, Psa. 69:25-28.
There is the Book of Life, or the Lambs Book of Life, Rev. 3:5; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; Phil 4:3.
There is the Book of Works, Rev. 20:12-13.
Unbelievers are blotted out, Ex. 32:33, and believers are never blotted out of the Book of Life, Rev. 3:5.
All who dwell on the earth, is a figure of speech referring to those who are of the earth, those who are unbelievers. It does not include everyone, but refers to unbelievers only, Rev. 13:12,14; 3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 17:2,8.
Since the foundation of the world, is a reference to eternity past, Rev. 17:8; Matt 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; Eph 1:4; Heb 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20; cf. 2 Thess 2:13; and 2 Tim 1:9.
During history, the records contained within the books in heaven are a work in progress. But when the books are finally opened for final review, it will be at the end of human history, at the end of the Millennium, when the Great White Throne of Christ is called to order, and the books are finished or completed.
It will be at this final court, that the books will be opened, the completed books. For the history of man and Satan will have been ended, the lives of all peoples will have been finalized, and all unbelievers will be standing before Christ awaiting their final sentence.
The Book of Life or of the Living are one and the same. For those who believe in Christ, there is no death, no permanent death, for they possess eternal life. Their life goes on and therefore they will never be blotted out of the Book of Life. That is eternal security, Gods guarantee of eternal life.
But God is fair. All people who are born into the world, since the beginning of human history, since Adam, will have their name recorded in the books. Everyone has their name recorded in both sets of books. God does not predetermine your decisions in life, that you will make.
The Book of Life contains the names of those who believe in Christ, and the Book of Works contains everyone's name.
When a person dies, then if he has believed in Christ, his name remains in both books. If the person did not believe in Christ, then his name is blotted out of the Book of Life but remains in the Book of Works.
At the end of human history, at the Great White Throne, all who stand before Christ will be unbelievers. There will be one final check in the Book of Life, to see if they have believed in Christ. One wonders if God will give them one final opportunity to believe.
But nevertheless, if their name is not found in the Book of Life, then the second set of books is opened, the Book of Works. There, in that second set of books, their works, their human effort, will be compared to that of Christ. Their human effort will be found to be lacking in satisfying the high standards of Christ, and their own works will not qualify them for eternal life.
Lacking faith, and therefore lacking their name in the Book of Life, the eternal membership into heaven, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
Therefore, all who dwell on the earth, all unbelievers, will by default, worship him, Satan, the one who is behind the anti-christ, the one who is behind all evil. For by default if you do not worship Christ, then you worship the only other object of worship, namely evil and therefore Satan.
There are only two targets of worship, God and Satan.
Their names will not be found in the Book of Life, the final book. And, this book is further defined as that of the Lamb, and sacrificial lamb, namely Jesus Christ who went to the Cross and died paying the price of sin and defeating death, to accomplish our salvation, for which we may have freely by only believing.
God is fair, He records all names in both books and then gives you, your life to determine if you will remain in the better of the two, the Book of Life.
If you have already believed in Christ, then your name is secure for all of eternity. If you have not believed in Christ, then you are at great risk, of losing your place in the one place where you need to keep your name recorded. Losing that, you lose everything.
To be saved is so very simple. Think in the privacy of your own thoughts, ‘Father, I believe in Jesus Christ.’
That is all that it takes to secure your life in heaven, forever.
How could anyone refuse, throughout their entire life, to think those six little words? A thought that takes less than a second!
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Revelation 13:7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:7
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
7 And [kai] it was given [didomi] unto him [autos] to make [poieo] war [polemos] with [meta] the saints, [hagios] and [kai] to overcome [nikao] them: [autos] and [kai] power [exousia] was given [didomi] him [autos] over [epi] all [pas] kindreds, [phule] and [kai] tongues, [glossa] and [kai] nations. [ethnos] KJV-Interlinear
7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. NASB
The tantrum child like behavior or telling lies about God, which we have already seen, will escalate into violence on an unprecedented scale.
The anti-christ will be able to do only that which God allows him to do.
Of his own accord, the anti-christ really has no power to speak of, let alone influence over much of humanity.
Likewise, on an unprecedented scale, people will believe in Christ and that will cause Satan, through the anti-christ to become unglued.
His accusations against God, from the prior verse, will have no impact on preventing people from believing in Christ. On the contrary, people will believe in droves, instead.
Thus the escalation into violence, and this escalation of violence will in turn bring even more people to Christ.
God does not let evil run rampant unless there is good reason. On one respect evil has to burn itself out, and in another case, a great deal of good comes out of the tantrum of evil.
The anti-christ, out of frustration and hate, will rally the entire world, all people, languages, and nations, against believers, and attempt to murder everyone he can. And he will succeed.
God allows his success so that this prophecy will come true, because it is going to happen, and to allow people to recognize that Christ is indeed Lord and Savior.
So although many will die, many will be saved. Most of those people who will be saved would not have been saved, if this event did not occur. Eternal life is far better than eternal condemnation, regardless of the results of life in this life. All things work together for good.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:7
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
7 And [kai] it was given [didomi] unto him [autos] to make [poieo] war [polemos] with [meta] the saints, [hagios] and [kai] to overcome [nikao] them: [autos] and [kai] power [exousia] was given [didomi] him [autos] over [epi] all [pas] kindreds, [phule] and [kai] tongues, [glossa] and [kai] nations. [ethnos] KJV-Interlinear
7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. NASB
The tantrum child like behavior or telling lies about God, which we have already seen, will escalate into violence on an unprecedented scale.
The anti-christ will be able to do only that which God allows him to do.
Of his own accord, the anti-christ really has no power to speak of, let alone influence over much of humanity.
Likewise, on an unprecedented scale, people will believe in Christ and that will cause Satan, through the anti-christ to become unglued.
His accusations against God, from the prior verse, will have no impact on preventing people from believing in Christ. On the contrary, people will believe in droves, instead.
Thus the escalation into violence, and this escalation of violence will in turn bring even more people to Christ.
God does not let evil run rampant unless there is good reason. On one respect evil has to burn itself out, and in another case, a great deal of good comes out of the tantrum of evil.
The anti-christ, out of frustration and hate, will rally the entire world, all people, languages, and nations, against believers, and attempt to murder everyone he can. And he will succeed.
God allows his success so that this prophecy will come true, because it is going to happen, and to allow people to recognize that Christ is indeed Lord and Savior.
So although many will die, many will be saved. Most of those people who will be saved would not have been saved, if this event did not occur. Eternal life is far better than eternal condemnation, regardless of the results of life in this life. All things work together for good.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Revelation 13:6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:6
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
6 And [kai] he opened [anoigo] his [autos] mouth [stoma] in [eis] blasphemy [blasphemia] against [pros] God, [theos] to blaspheme [blasphemeo] his [autos] name, [onoma] and [kai] his [autos] tabernacle, [skene] and [kai] them that dwell [skenoo] in [en] heaven. [ouranos] KJV-Interlinear
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. NASB
The quintessence of sour grapes when one is defeated. Satan has been evicted by force, from heaven and has nowhere to go, except to earth, in order to preserve himself.
He has had open access to heaven and to God for many thousands of years, if not more. And when the middle of the Tribulation arrives, he will be driven out from heaven, and will no longer have the ear of God. His case, his argument is essentially finished. He has lost and he is in panic and desperation.
He is facing the Lake of Fire for all of eternity and he probably, better than most, knows exactly what that means. And, he does not like it.
Thus the open criticism, and complaint, and ridicule, and derision of God.
Satan does not stop with insults toward God the Father. Have you ever heard someone complain against someone else that they really hate? They criticize or mock their mother, their dad, their siblings, their home, their family, they complain about everyone and everything connected with them?
Is this not a typical characteristic of a five-year old?
And so, Satan will have gone full circle, from the greatest of all the angels, to an immature child.
He, through the anti-christ, will criticize God and His reputation. He will criticize His home or dwelling. He will criticize His family (believers and angels).
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:6
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
6 And [kai] he opened [anoigo] his [autos] mouth [stoma] in [eis] blasphemy [blasphemia] against [pros] God, [theos] to blaspheme [blasphemeo] his [autos] name, [onoma] and [kai] his [autos] tabernacle, [skene] and [kai] them that dwell [skenoo] in [en] heaven. [ouranos] KJV-Interlinear
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. NASB
The quintessence of sour grapes when one is defeated. Satan has been evicted by force, from heaven and has nowhere to go, except to earth, in order to preserve himself.
He has had open access to heaven and to God for many thousands of years, if not more. And when the middle of the Tribulation arrives, he will be driven out from heaven, and will no longer have the ear of God. His case, his argument is essentially finished. He has lost and he is in panic and desperation.
He is facing the Lake of Fire for all of eternity and he probably, better than most, knows exactly what that means. And, he does not like it.
Thus the open criticism, and complaint, and ridicule, and derision of God.
Satan does not stop with insults toward God the Father. Have you ever heard someone complain against someone else that they really hate? They criticize or mock their mother, their dad, their siblings, their home, their family, they complain about everyone and everything connected with them?
Is this not a typical characteristic of a five-year old?
And so, Satan will have gone full circle, from the greatest of all the angels, to an immature child.
He, through the anti-christ, will criticize God and His reputation. He will criticize His home or dwelling. He will criticize His family (believers and angels).
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Revelation 13:5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:5
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
5 And [kai] there was given [didomi] unto him [autos] a mouth [stoma] speaking [laleo] great things [megas] and [kai] blasphemies; [blasphemia] and [kai] power [exousia] was given [didomi] unto him [autos] to continue [poieo] forty [tessarakonta] and two [duo] months. [men] KJV-Interlinear
5 And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. NASB
We know several things from our Bible study.
First, Jesus Christ controls history. He controls history in three ways, by direct intervention (He created the universe, He creates life), by indirect intervention (through Bible doctrine in the souls of believers who do His will), and last by permission (allowing the free will of man to function in both good and evil as man chooses).
Second, Satan is the father of lies. Satan is the author of evil. Satan has been directing history through humanity since long ago, and he will continue directing history with his last leader, the anti-christ.
This anti-christ will assume rulership of planet earth immediately after the Rapture. The Tribulation is a seven year period, which will follow the Rapture, and is divided up into two halves. The first half is called Satan’s Failed Utopia, and the second half is called the Great Tribulation.
In the first half, the anti-christ will be seen as the white horse rider, the red horse rider, the pale horse rider and the black horse rider. All of these point to a leader that is perceived as the knight, the prince, the hero etc., through the white horse, and then the leader of war, death and famine, all of which point to a failed policy of human government and regulation. Recall that one-fourth of the world population will die as a result of these human plans. Utopia fails big time.
Then we know that Satan wanted to be ‘like the most high,’ since long before human history, Isa. 14:14. We have just recently studied that Satan will be kicked out of heaven and down to the earth.
Now, the anti-christ will be the ruler for the entire seven year period of the Tribulation, however, here, it is mentioned that he will rule for forty-two months, or three-and-a-half-years. This is a reference to the last half of the Tribulation.
When Satan is kicked out of heaven, he will have no choice but to assume direct control over planet earth. He will indwell the anti-christ, and assume control. Thus the anti-christ will now begin to exhibit the same attributes as Satan. He will take his seat in the Temple at the mid-point in the tribulation and presume himself as god (like the most high), 2 Thess. 2:4.
In the last chapter, we had a history brief of Satan and his war against Israel. Now we have a history brief of Satan and the anti-christ trying desperately to rule the world prior to the Second Advent.
The speaking of great things (lies) and great power, will all come from Satan.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:5
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
5 And [kai] there was given [didomi] unto him [autos] a mouth [stoma] speaking [laleo] great things [megas] and [kai] blasphemies; [blasphemia] and [kai] power [exousia] was given [didomi] unto him [autos] to continue [poieo] forty [tessarakonta] and two [duo] months. [men] KJV-Interlinear
5 And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. NASB
We know several things from our Bible study.
First, Jesus Christ controls history. He controls history in three ways, by direct intervention (He created the universe, He creates life), by indirect intervention (through Bible doctrine in the souls of believers who do His will), and last by permission (allowing the free will of man to function in both good and evil as man chooses).
Second, Satan is the father of lies. Satan is the author of evil. Satan has been directing history through humanity since long ago, and he will continue directing history with his last leader, the anti-christ.
This anti-christ will assume rulership of planet earth immediately after the Rapture. The Tribulation is a seven year period, which will follow the Rapture, and is divided up into two halves. The first half is called Satan’s Failed Utopia, and the second half is called the Great Tribulation.
In the first half, the anti-christ will be seen as the white horse rider, the red horse rider, the pale horse rider and the black horse rider. All of these point to a leader that is perceived as the knight, the prince, the hero etc., through the white horse, and then the leader of war, death and famine, all of which point to a failed policy of human government and regulation. Recall that one-fourth of the world population will die as a result of these human plans. Utopia fails big time.
Then we know that Satan wanted to be ‘like the most high,’ since long before human history, Isa. 14:14. We have just recently studied that Satan will be kicked out of heaven and down to the earth.
Now, the anti-christ will be the ruler for the entire seven year period of the Tribulation, however, here, it is mentioned that he will rule for forty-two months, or three-and-a-half-years. This is a reference to the last half of the Tribulation.
When Satan is kicked out of heaven, he will have no choice but to assume direct control over planet earth. He will indwell the anti-christ, and assume control. Thus the anti-christ will now begin to exhibit the same attributes as Satan. He will take his seat in the Temple at the mid-point in the tribulation and presume himself as god (like the most high), 2 Thess. 2:4.
In the last chapter, we had a history brief of Satan and his war against Israel. Now we have a history brief of Satan and the anti-christ trying desperately to rule the world prior to the Second Advent.
The speaking of great things (lies) and great power, will all come from Satan.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Revelation 13:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:4
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
4 And [kai] they worshipped [proskuneo] the dragon [drakon] which [hos] gave [didomi] power [exousia] unto the beast: [therion] and [kai] they worshipped [proskuneo] the beast, [therion] saying, [lego] Who [tis] is like [homoios] unto the beast [therion]? who [tis] is able [dunamai] to make war [polemeo] with [meta] him [autos]? KJV-Interlinear
4 and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" NASB
The visible leadership of evil, is in himself an appointment of Satan. We have already seen this in the last few verses. The anti-christ will stage his own death and even a resurrection in order to gain adoration and popularity from the public.
How often have politicians (or anyone) falsified their resume’ in order to make themselves look or sound better than they actually are? Well, this is going to be the con of cons against a worldwide naïve public.
But the anti-christ will not settle for just some form of popularity, he will not be contented with acclaim, he will not be contented with respect, he will not be contented with reverence, he will not be contented with being hailed or heralded as great, he will in fact demand that everyone worship him as they would a god, 2 Thess. 2:4.
Have you ever heard of a person that the public was so consumed with their personality, or talent, or perceived talent that the public followed them with an obsession? Perhaps a celebrity, a rock star, perhaps a recent politician!
Well take that quite a bit further, to the point of mania, and you will be very close to the anti-christ who will believe he is a god, and a public who will be so naïve, that they will believe it too, and obey him with a fanatical obedience. Today’s or past examples are good patterns for understanding what will occur in the future.
That will make it possible for the anti-christ to command phenomenal atrocities, and people will do as instructed without question.
Probably not knowingly, the public in worshipping the anti-christ, will in fact be worshipping Satan. But then the public presuming that they are doing the right thing, worship him even now, simply by ignoring truth. Remember that the Bible states that if you are not for Christ, then you are against Him. And that includes everyone who does not pursue truth and their spiritual life on a daily basis.
Oddly enough most folks believe that they are reasonably sincere and honest, but in fact are not, if their beliefs and thoughts are compared with those expected by the scriptures. Most folks do not study their Bible daily. Most folks do not confess their sins on a regular basis, and are thus out of fellowship. Most folks don’t even have a clue as to what the spiritual life is, because they have never learned it, nor even tried to learn it, and yet it is the simplest thing to learn and understand.
There are only two opinions in the world, Gods and everything else. If you do not study Gods, then you by default, subscribe to the, everything else, category.
And not knowing Gods word, means that you are dangerously susceptible to the false views of the world.
In the future, in the Tribulation, that generation will be at the maximum of indifference and the maximum of evil consuming their souls. And so they will rush without hesitation, to worship the most evil person who will ever live.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:4
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
4 And [kai] they worshipped [proskuneo] the dragon [drakon] which [hos] gave [didomi] power [exousia] unto the beast: [therion] and [kai] they worshipped [proskuneo] the beast, [therion] saying, [lego] Who [tis] is like [homoios] unto the beast [therion]? who [tis] is able [dunamai] to make war [polemeo] with [meta] him [autos]? KJV-Interlinear
4 and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" NASB
The visible leadership of evil, is in himself an appointment of Satan. We have already seen this in the last few verses. The anti-christ will stage his own death and even a resurrection in order to gain adoration and popularity from the public.
How often have politicians (or anyone) falsified their resume’ in order to make themselves look or sound better than they actually are? Well, this is going to be the con of cons against a worldwide naïve public.
But the anti-christ will not settle for just some form of popularity, he will not be contented with acclaim, he will not be contented with respect, he will not be contented with reverence, he will not be contented with being hailed or heralded as great, he will in fact demand that everyone worship him as they would a god, 2 Thess. 2:4.
Have you ever heard of a person that the public was so consumed with their personality, or talent, or perceived talent that the public followed them with an obsession? Perhaps a celebrity, a rock star, perhaps a recent politician!
Well take that quite a bit further, to the point of mania, and you will be very close to the anti-christ who will believe he is a god, and a public who will be so naïve, that they will believe it too, and obey him with a fanatical obedience. Today’s or past examples are good patterns for understanding what will occur in the future.
That will make it possible for the anti-christ to command phenomenal atrocities, and people will do as instructed without question.
Probably not knowingly, the public in worshipping the anti-christ, will in fact be worshipping Satan. But then the public presuming that they are doing the right thing, worship him even now, simply by ignoring truth. Remember that the Bible states that if you are not for Christ, then you are against Him. And that includes everyone who does not pursue truth and their spiritual life on a daily basis.
Oddly enough most folks believe that they are reasonably sincere and honest, but in fact are not, if their beliefs and thoughts are compared with those expected by the scriptures. Most folks do not study their Bible daily. Most folks do not confess their sins on a regular basis, and are thus out of fellowship. Most folks don’t even have a clue as to what the spiritual life is, because they have never learned it, nor even tried to learn it, and yet it is the simplest thing to learn and understand.
There are only two opinions in the world, Gods and everything else. If you do not study Gods, then you by default, subscribe to the, everything else, category.
And not knowing Gods word, means that you are dangerously susceptible to the false views of the world.
In the future, in the Tribulation, that generation will be at the maximum of indifference and the maximum of evil consuming their souls. And so they will rush without hesitation, to worship the most evil person who will ever live.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Revelation 13:3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:3
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
3 And [kai] I saw [eido] one [mia] of his [autos] heads [kephale] as it were [hos] wounded [sphazo] to [eis] death; [thanatos] and [kai] his [autos] deadly [thanatos] wound [plege] was healed: [therapeuo] and [kai] all [holos] the world [ge] wondered [thaumazo] [thaumazo] after [opiso] [en] the beast. [therion] KJV-Interlinear
3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; NASB
One of the tools that Satan uses in order to gain the adoration and following of the public, is through deception and false signs, 2 Thess. 2:9.
This will be his most important, yet false sign in all of history.
Only God can resurrect, Satan cannot.
At some point in the Tribulation, in order to reinforce the reputation of the anti-christ, there will be some sort of event that will seem to take the anti-christs life, Rev. 13:12.
Only God can resurrect. Therefore, the impression that will be made, that the anti-christ has somehow defeated death, will be completely and thoroughly false and staged. But a naïve public, will see it as some sort of supernatural power, and the worship of the anti-christ will escalate.
The Bible defines only four resurrections – first Christ, then next the Church at the Rapture, then the Old Testament believers at the Second Advent, and finally all believers remaining at the end of the Millennium. There is no record of any single individual being resurrected, ever, except Christ.
Therefore, this resurrection will be false and designed to deceive everyone.
Such is the nature of Satan and evil. They are not capable of dealing in truth, in anything.
The timing of this accident or whatever it is, is speculative at best, for us. However, one might presume that it will occur early in the Tribulation as the anti-christ is solidifying his power and authority. Perhaps when he is initially taking control of the three nations that will defy him.
In any case, the world will be in awe of him after this seemingly obvious miracle, and the world will follow him, at least initially.
People who lack doctrine, lack the ability to distinguish the truth from the false, and are thus easily deceived.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:3
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
3 And [kai] I saw [eido] one [mia] of his [autos] heads [kephale] as it were [hos] wounded [sphazo] to [eis] death; [thanatos] and [kai] his [autos] deadly [thanatos] wound [plege] was healed: [therapeuo] and [kai] all [holos] the world [ge] wondered [thaumazo] [thaumazo] after [opiso] [en] the beast. [therion] KJV-Interlinear
3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; NASB
One of the tools that Satan uses in order to gain the adoration and following of the public, is through deception and false signs, 2 Thess. 2:9.
This will be his most important, yet false sign in all of history.
Only God can resurrect, Satan cannot.
At some point in the Tribulation, in order to reinforce the reputation of the anti-christ, there will be some sort of event that will seem to take the anti-christs life, Rev. 13:12.
Only God can resurrect. Therefore, the impression that will be made, that the anti-christ has somehow defeated death, will be completely and thoroughly false and staged. But a naïve public, will see it as some sort of supernatural power, and the worship of the anti-christ will escalate.
The Bible defines only four resurrections – first Christ, then next the Church at the Rapture, then the Old Testament believers at the Second Advent, and finally all believers remaining at the end of the Millennium. There is no record of any single individual being resurrected, ever, except Christ.
Therefore, this resurrection will be false and designed to deceive everyone.
Such is the nature of Satan and evil. They are not capable of dealing in truth, in anything.
The timing of this accident or whatever it is, is speculative at best, for us. However, one might presume that it will occur early in the Tribulation as the anti-christ is solidifying his power and authority. Perhaps when he is initially taking control of the three nations that will defy him.
In any case, the world will be in awe of him after this seemingly obvious miracle, and the world will follow him, at least initially.
People who lack doctrine, lack the ability to distinguish the truth from the false, and are thus easily deceived.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Revelation 13:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:2
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
2 And [kai] the beast [therion] which [hos] I saw [eido] was [en] like [homoios] unto a leopard, [pardalis] and [kai] his [autos] feet [pous] were as [hos] the feet of a bear, [arktos] and [kai] his [autos] mouth [stoma] as [hos] the mouth [stoma] of a lion: [leon] and [kai] the dragon [drakon] gave [didomi] him [autos] his [autos] power, [dunamis] and [kai] his [autos] seat, [thronos] and [kai] great [megas] authority. [exousia] KJV-Interlinear
2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. NASB
John mentions the animals of Daniels vision, in reverse order, Dan. 7:3-7.
The three animals represent the empires of Babylon (lion), Persia, (bear), and Greece (leopard).
These three representing the fierceness and strength, and speed respectively of those three empires.
Daniel listed them in chronological order as they would appear in history, and John listed them in reverse order as he was looking back in time.
John did not list Rome in his grouping, because Rome was a transitory empire, from the Old Testament into the Church Age. The anti-christs empire will not occur within our dispensation, but rather will occur after the Rapture of the Church.
The next fierce empire, more despicable than the former empires, will incorporate all of their characteristics, and will be the last the final empire and attempt of Satan, to accomplish his purpose.
Satan is the author and designer of these empires, and the last empire of the Tribulation, will be the best of his evil handiwork, making it the most terrible empire in all of human history.
Throughout all of human history, it has been Satan who has been at the helm of nation building, and nation destroying.
The anti-christ will be no different, having no inherent power or authority of his own, his foundation and call to glory comes strictly from Satan and from no other source.
Satan does not work his evil directly, but through the proxy of human interaction as a surrogate for his evil. This Satan accomplishes through deceit, through confusion, through ambiguity, and especially through human indifference toward truth.
The evil of the Tribulation is not an anomaly that happens to occur at the end of history, but is the result of a long and drawn out plan of Satan. And being indifferent toward God, Christ, truth and the legitimate spiritual life, most people adhere to the plan of Satan, without realizing it.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:2
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
2 And [kai] the beast [therion] which [hos] I saw [eido] was [en] like [homoios] unto a leopard, [pardalis] and [kai] his [autos] feet [pous] were as [hos] the feet of a bear, [arktos] and [kai] his [autos] mouth [stoma] as [hos] the mouth [stoma] of a lion: [leon] and [kai] the dragon [drakon] gave [didomi] him [autos] his [autos] power, [dunamis] and [kai] his [autos] seat, [thronos] and [kai] great [megas] authority. [exousia] KJV-Interlinear
2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. NASB
John mentions the animals of Daniels vision, in reverse order, Dan. 7:3-7.
The three animals represent the empires of Babylon (lion), Persia, (bear), and Greece (leopard).
These three representing the fierceness and strength, and speed respectively of those three empires.
Daniel listed them in chronological order as they would appear in history, and John listed them in reverse order as he was looking back in time.
John did not list Rome in his grouping, because Rome was a transitory empire, from the Old Testament into the Church Age. The anti-christs empire will not occur within our dispensation, but rather will occur after the Rapture of the Church.
The next fierce empire, more despicable than the former empires, will incorporate all of their characteristics, and will be the last the final empire and attempt of Satan, to accomplish his purpose.
Satan is the author and designer of these empires, and the last empire of the Tribulation, will be the best of his evil handiwork, making it the most terrible empire in all of human history.
Throughout all of human history, it has been Satan who has been at the helm of nation building, and nation destroying.
The anti-christ will be no different, having no inherent power or authority of his own, his foundation and call to glory comes strictly from Satan and from no other source.
Satan does not work his evil directly, but through the proxy of human interaction as a surrogate for his evil. This Satan accomplishes through deceit, through confusion, through ambiguity, and especially through human indifference toward truth.
The evil of the Tribulation is not an anomaly that happens to occur at the end of history, but is the result of a long and drawn out plan of Satan. And being indifferent toward God, Christ, truth and the legitimate spiritual life, most people adhere to the plan of Satan, without realizing it.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Revelation 13:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:1
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
1 And [kai] I stood [histemi] upon [epi] the sand [ammos] of the sea, [thalassa] and [kai] saw [eido] a beast [therion] rise up [anabaino] out of [ek] the sea, [thalassa] having [echo] seven [hepta] heads [kephale] and [kai] ten [deka] horns, [keras] and [kai] upon [epi] his [autos] horns [keras] ten [deka] crowns, [diadema] and [kai] upon [epi] his [autos] heads [kephale] the name [onoma] of blasphemy. [blasphemia] KJV-Interlinear
1 And he stood on the sand of the seashore. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. NASB
The original biblical introduction to the anti-christ comes from in Dan. 7, wherein the anti-christ rises up out of a ten nation confederacy, defeating three of the nations and solidifying his power over the remaining seven nations and throughout the entire world.
These ten nations rise up out of the last empire of Rome, and are typically known as the revived Rome. However the revived Rome will give rulership over the entire world to the anti-christ. The rest of the world will be in awe (for a time) of the anti-christ.
Here, John describes the source of the anti-christ, the beast, as coming from the dragon, who is Satan. Satan is the source and sponsor of the anti-christ.
Note one quick point. The power of Satan has been severely restricted, in that he has to work through humanity in order to accomplish his purpose.
God works His will through doctrine and truth, while Satan tries to work his will through lies and deception.
He, is a reference to the dragon from the previous chapter, Satan.
Sand, is a reference to the nations of the world.
The sea is a reference to human history or the attempts of evil to drive history as the winds drive the seas.
The beast is the last of many beast leaders in history, the last being the anti-christ, rising up out of history, out from the nations of the world.
The seven heads, represent the seven empires which have risen (six from the past, which we have already studied), and the seventh which will rise up out of history in the future (the revived Rome).
The ten horns identify the seventh empire made up of ten horns, referencing the ten nation confederation that will become the basis for the rule of the anti-christ.
Upon the horns (not on the heads), are ten crowns, which refers also to the heads, which simply means that it is Satan who is the one behind the evil rule of all of the empires past and future, as well as the leaders of the ten nations that will make up the revived Rome.
So, with all of the heads and horns and crowns, and such, the point of this verse is that, Satan is behind them all. They are his plan, his structure, and his appointments.
The name of blasphemy, is a title of Satan.
Blasphemy mans sacrilege, profanity, wickedness and all that sits in opposition to God and truth.
Satan is the father of lies and the basis for all blasphemy. He has tried to drive history since ancient times and has failed repeatedly, and his ultimate leader, the anti-christ will be his final attempt to rule the world, under one ruler.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 13:1
http://www.dailybiblestudy.org
Please at your convenience, visit the Daily Bible Study Amazon Store at http://www.dailybiblestudy.org/amazon-store.html
1 And [kai] I stood [histemi] upon [epi] the sand [ammos] of the sea, [thalassa] and [kai] saw [eido] a beast [therion] rise up [anabaino] out of [ek] the sea, [thalassa] having [echo] seven [hepta] heads [kephale] and [kai] ten [deka] horns, [keras] and [kai] upon [epi] his [autos] horns [keras] ten [deka] crowns, [diadema] and [kai] upon [epi] his [autos] heads [kephale] the name [onoma] of blasphemy. [blasphemia] KJV-Interlinear
1 And he stood on the sand of the seashore. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. NASB
The original biblical introduction to the anti-christ comes from in Dan. 7, wherein the anti-christ rises up out of a ten nation confederacy, defeating three of the nations and solidifying his power over the remaining seven nations and throughout the entire world.
These ten nations rise up out of the last empire of Rome, and are typically known as the revived Rome. However the revived Rome will give rulership over the entire world to the anti-christ. The rest of the world will be in awe (for a time) of the anti-christ.
Here, John describes the source of the anti-christ, the beast, as coming from the dragon, who is Satan. Satan is the source and sponsor of the anti-christ.
Note one quick point. The power of Satan has been severely restricted, in that he has to work through humanity in order to accomplish his purpose.
God works His will through doctrine and truth, while Satan tries to work his will through lies and deception.
He, is a reference to the dragon from the previous chapter, Satan.
Sand, is a reference to the nations of the world.
The sea is a reference to human history or the attempts of evil to drive history as the winds drive the seas.
The beast is the last of many beast leaders in history, the last being the anti-christ, rising up out of history, out from the nations of the world.
The seven heads, represent the seven empires which have risen (six from the past, which we have already studied), and the seventh which will rise up out of history in the future (the revived Rome).
The ten horns identify the seventh empire made up of ten horns, referencing the ten nation confederation that will become the basis for the rule of the anti-christ.
Upon the horns (not on the heads), are ten crowns, which refers also to the heads, which simply means that it is Satan who is the one behind the evil rule of all of the empires past and future, as well as the leaders of the ten nations that will make up the revived Rome.
So, with all of the heads and horns and crowns, and such, the point of this verse is that, Satan is behind them all. They are his plan, his structure, and his appointments.
The name of blasphemy, is a title of Satan.
Blasphemy mans sacrilege, profanity, wickedness and all that sits in opposition to God and truth.
Satan is the father of lies and the basis for all blasphemy. He has tried to drive history since ancient times and has failed repeatedly, and his ultimate leader, the anti-christ will be his final attempt to rule the world, under one ruler.
Feel Free to make a comment about this study: Comment Page
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)