Unholy Trinity
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
John’s vision in Revelation 12 was mainly one of heaven. The scene in Revelation 13 shifts its focus to the earth. Satan has been cast down and his time is short and he knows it. Essentially John sees the dragon assembling his unholy trinity. A created being he cannot create only copy and so he copies the triune nature of God (as best he can). Thinking this may accomplish what he desires. This unholy trinity has severe consequences for those who are on the earth through the tribulation. Satan kicked out of the heavenlies and confined to earth now pulls out all the stops. Satan empowers two beasts to complete his unholy trinity - in a final attempt to be worshiped as god and those who refuse will suffer greatly.
1 And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names. 2 The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority.
3 One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”
5 The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme his name and his dwelling—those who dwell in heaven.
7 And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. 8 All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
9 If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen. 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed with a sword, with a sword he will be killed. This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints.
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.
13 It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people. 14 It deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs that it is permitted to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
15 It was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And it makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead,
17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast’s name or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, because it is the number of a person. Its number is 666.
The Beast of the Sea
The Beast of the Sea
1 And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names. 2 The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority.
3 One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”
5 The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme his name and his dwelling—those who dwell in heaven.
7 And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. 8 All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
9 If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen. 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed with a sword, with a sword he will be killed. This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints.
This beast comes up out of the sea. The usual reference to the sea is the Mediterranean Sea and so this beats will be from that area. The beast is described as having ten horns and seven heads and on its horns are ten crowns. On its head are blasphemous names or a blasphemous name. The beast further described as being a mongrel of several beasts, a leopard, with feet like a bear, and its mouth like a lion’s mouth. The prophet Daniel between 6th and 5th century B.C. had a prophetic dream. Daniel chapter 7 describes 4 beast - first a Lion, then a bear, then a leopard, and finally a fourth beast. Each beast represented a kingdom an empire — Lion - Babylon, Bear Medo-Persian, Leopard - Grecian. This beast represents the fourth and final world empire. This beast depicts the revived Roman empire represented by Daniel’s fourth beast
7 “After this, while I was watching in the night visions, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, frightening and dreadful, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and it trampled with its feet whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.
8 “While I was considering the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. And suddenly in this horn there were eyes like the eyes of a human and a mouth that was speaking arrogantly.
The ten horns are more than likely upon one of the seven heads - like in Daniels dream. In Daniel’s vision the ten horns represented ten kingdoms and John’s vision ten horns with ten crowns emphasize this idea. The visions of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 connect these ten kingdoms with the ancient Roman Empire. Daniel saw these kingdoms and empires looking forward and John is seeing them in order of looking backwards. This fourth and final kingdom receives its power, throne and authority from the dragon - from Satan himself. This beast is THE Antichrist
This beast with seven heads has one head that appears to be fatally wounded but the fatal wound is healed. These seven heads represent seven mountains or hills maybe - Rome, but also seven kings.
10 Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he comes, he must remain for only a little while.
Antichrist or “beast” is one of these seven heads/kings.
11 The beast that was and is not, is itself an eighth king, but it belongs to the seven and is going to destruction.
We read here he is also the eighth? So apparently he reigns twice, how can this be? A suggestion or prediction has been made that “the beast” will be a European leader who will form a ten-nation federation
12 The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.
But he will be slain in the process
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war on them, conquer them, and kill them.
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss and go to destruction. Those who live on the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast that was, and is not, and is to come.
Both say the beast comes up from the abyss. Is it possible that with God’s permission Satan would copy the resurrection and resurrect a man from the dead? This provokes the amazement and leads to worship from the people who come and worship the beast. Ultimately worshiping Satan - which he desired all along
Understand the name Antichrist. the prefix anti may mean “the opposite of” or “instead of” The antichrist is the opposite of Jesus; he is the “instead of” Jesus. Most depictions of the antichrist have him as the opposite of Jesus, so he appears supremely evil and goes around doing as much evil as Jesus did good. Jesus character and personality was attractive beautiful so antichrist will be repulsive and ugly. The deceiving part is that Antichrist will be more “instead of” Jesus than “opposite Jesus” He will be warm and charming, successful and a winner. Probably appearing as an angel of light. The antichrist is the satanic messiah, instead of Jesus the true Messiah.
Many mistakenly believe that this beast has already come and is identified with some character in the past - but they have to leap over the context which dictates that this beast is allowed to exercise authority for 42 months in the tribulation - the final 3 1/2 years before the Second Coming of Jesus.
The beast reigns in the 7 years but the second half unrestrained by God. It blasphemes His name and dwelling and those who dwell in heaven - this would be the raptured church as well. Perhaps still speaking ill of the rapture phenomenon that began this whole time. The beast is permitted to wage war on the saints and to conquer them. These are tribulation saints - not the church saints
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
If these saints are overcome perhaps this group of saints (not applied exclusively to the church) are not the same New Testament church Jesus spoke of.
The beast is a world wide ruler having authority over every tribe, nation, people and language - world wide authority and dominion. All those who live on the earth will worship it - perhaps much like the worship demanded by Roman emperors in the days of the early church.
4 He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God.
Verse 9 in contrast to the invitation and exhortation to the seven churches notice the church is absent here. Indicating that the church is definitely gone from the earth.
2 If they ask you, ‘Where will we go?’ tell them: This is what the Lord says: Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword. Those destined for famine, to famine; those destined for captivity, to captivity.
11 He will come and strike down the land of Egypt—those destined for death, to death; those destined for captivity, to captivity; and those destined for the sword, to the sword.
The saints must endure - persevere and remain faithful - keep the faith
The Beast of the Earth
The Beast of the Earth
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.
Revelation 13:13–14 (CSB)
13 It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people. 14 It deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs that it is permitted to perform in the presence of the beast...
John then looks and sees another beast coming this one comes up out of the earth. This beast has two horns like a lamb or ram, but spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf. This beast also compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast whose fatal wound was healed. This beast performs great signs even calling fire down from heaven to earth in front of people.
This beast - this beast of the earth is known as the False Prophet - the sinister minister of antichrist propaganda. This beast will be a religious ruler in support of the political ruler. It is through this false prophet that a one world religion will be setup to worship the first beast - the Antichrist.
Through this beast the unholy trinity counterfeit is completed. Satan as anti-father, Beast of the Sea as anti-Christ, and the beast rising from the land is anti-spirit.
Great miraculous signs are performed and through these signs many are deceived - most in fact. Never forget the words of caution for those who seek signs and wonders - they will find those who produce signs and wonders but that doesnt mean they are genuine and not counterfeit.
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie,
It is frightening the profound emphasis on signs and wonders among the Christian church. Thinking or associating the presence of God and His power based on signs and wonders leaves one open to being led into deception. Sign and wonders will be present among His church but the real marks of God are love and truth. David Guzik
The Image of the Beast
The Image of the Beast
Revelation 13:14–15 (CSB)
14 ...telling those who live on the earth to make an image of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 It was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
The beast of the earth - the false prophet sets up worship of the beast - the antichrist through an image, and eikon - statue or a likeness of the antichrist. Something to commemorate the inability to snuff the life out. The failure of the wound and the victory for him living. The false prophet is even given permission to give breath (life) to the image so that the image could speak and also execute any who do not worship.
We may think this might be far fetched to worship an image, but you dont need to look any further than the personality cults of totalitarian governments from the 20th century. Soviet Union, Communist China and their omnipresent pictures of Stalin or Mao. Che Guava, Castro, Kim Jong all are revered by some. This image will be revered by all.
It is not clear whether the animation of the image is supernatural or technological - although both are plausible. I am reminded in Psalms and Isaiah of the mocking of people for following lifeless idols
15 The idols of the nations are of silver and gold, made by human hands. 16 They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.
9 All who make idols are nothing, and what they treasure benefits no one. Their witnesses do not see or know anything, so they will be put to shame. 10 Who makes a god or casts a metal image that benefits no one? 11 Look, all its worshipers will be put to shame, and the craftsmen are humans. They all will assemble and stand; they all will be startled and put to shame. 12 The ironworker labors over the coals, shapes the idol with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. Also he grows hungry and his strength fails; he doesn’t drink water and is faint. 13 The woodworker stretches out a measuring line, he outlines it with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He makes it according to a human form, like a beautiful person, to dwell in a temple. 14 He cuts down cedars for his use, or he takes a cypress or an oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. 15 A person can use it for fuel. He takes some of it and warms himself; also he kindles a fire and bakes bread; he even makes it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol from it and bows down to it. 16 He burns half of it in a fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. He warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm, I see the blaze.” 17 He makes a god or his idol with the rest of it. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it, “Save me, for you are my god.” 18 Such people do not comprehend and cannot understand, for he has shut their eyes so they cannot see, and their minds so they cannot understand. 19 No one comes to his senses; no one has the perception or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, I also baked bread on its coals, I roasted meat and ate. Should I make something detestable with the rest of it? Should I bow down to a block of wood?” 20 He feeds on ashes. His deceived mind has led him astray, and he cannot rescue himself, or say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?”
This image is what was spoken of as the abomination of desolation. It is an idolatrous image setup in the holy place of a rebuilt temple; it is an abomination in that it is the height of idolatry and it occurs within the holy place of the temple.
The Mark of the Beast
The Mark of the Beast
16 And it makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast’s name or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, because it is the number of a person. Its number is 666.
Here we have arrived to the place most everyone wants to land when talking of end times and Revelation - the mark of the beast. This mark affect everyone on earth without prejudice or favoritism. the small and great, rich and poor and free or slave - everyone will have to - have to receive this mark. The mark will be the right hand or the forehead. The mark is another counterfeit of Satan - counterfeiting the mark or seal of God upon his people. The 144,000 in Chapter 7 - but also we today who are in Christ Jesus are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The mark indicates ownership.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (CSB)
19 Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price.
13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.
Under the antichrist and his false prophet everyone will be given a mark and they will not be able to participate in the economy or the world without it. You cannot buy or sell without the mark. Now i must point out that the word used for mark isnt generally applied to people - perhaps it is a symbolic mark? It is conceivable though for a literal mark that facilitates market place transactions, not only is it conceivable but would be practical in a one world future.
A cashless society is a society of security and convenience.
Banking industry continues pushing hard for cashless society. Every check costs a bank .35 to .60 to process. Electronic processing is closer to .01
The IRS wants it to help collect taxes due on any unreported or under reported income
Crime - mugging, theft and other such crime wouldnt be prevalent in a cashless society
Drugs - dealers dont take checks - the whole drug industry culture is based on cash - cashless would see the end of the drug trade
We have the technology for a cashless society - its been here for a while but reason it is yet to be implemented is a phobia or hesitancy to it. The older generations with all the money have been reluctant to embrace online anything. However that generation is on its way and the generations coming up have been raised in technology.
Visa/Mastercard - its everywhere you want to be
MARC - Multi-technology Automated Reader Card - Armed Forces personnel
To prevent loss or theft of either the solution is biometrics - most methods today are inferior and subject to interference from things sich as sweat, hand cream or other obstacles. Iris scanning has issues with contacts.
What about a implantable technology - a microchip the size of a grain of rice - or better yet luminescent tattoo ink
Is the vaccine the mark - no - but look at what they want to tie to it - jobs, travel, commerce etc.
There are many ideas about the mark - but the one thing not to make a mistake on is that the mark is the stamp of Satan and the belonging or worship of him. The mark is the beasts name or the number of his name. Calculated to be 666 - the number of a man - many names add up to 666. People have been trying to unravel the mystery of the name and the number. Despite all the imaginative calculations we confess that no one knows the meaning or the name.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The fact of the matter remains that there continues to be an antichrist spirit in the world. This spirit continues to be antichristian and desire to pervade every aspect of the world and society.
3 but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.
Believers must not be a part of it , we must shun false worship and seek to be found faithful in these last days. Satan worship becomes more and more popular each year, still only a few openly do it. This is due to the stigma that remains that Satan is ugly and grotesque and full of horror. Many worship him now not knowing that they do - for he transforms himself as an angel of light and presents himself instead of Christ.
Many churches today are involved in an ecumenical mission. The goal of which is universal Christian unity - the problem being encountered is a deviation from doctrine in order to achieve it, and a redefinition of church, Christ, salvation etc. A united universal church and religion is the dream of many, and it will be realized in the end times. It will have nothing to do with Christ and instead will be satanic and blasphemous. We must continue to seek to appeal and call for people to turn and repent and worship the true God.
The one world government, religion and economy will bring together the world but for evil purposes that will spill out and over until the return of Jesus Christ. Those who refuse to worship the beast, or participate in his world will pay with their blood. The Postmillennial idea of the world getting better and better through Christian effort and the preaching of the gospel is not supported in Revelation. The final state of the world will be apostate, satanic, and blasphemous. The world is marching this direction now. We definitely dont give up - but we look to Christ’s return to set things right not our own effort.
Many obsess over who the antichrist will be - where will he come from and when will he appear. Obsessed over the imation - the instead of Christ — We should not be looking for antichrist but for Jesus the Christ!
28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near.”