Who Are the Two Beasts in Revelation 13?..... Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

 

Who Are the Two Beasts in Revelation 13?

• Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

As you come to Chapter 13 of Revelation John introduces and describes in great detail two beasts: one beast coming up out of the sea and one beast coming up out of the earth. Maybe you have asked the question what are the two beasts in Revelation 13? The short answer is they represent the Antichrist and the False Prophet. These two, empowered by Satan, set out with a mission to deceive many during the Great Tribulation. Let’s consider the roles these two will play in End Times prophecy.

What Is Happening in Revelation 13?

The scenario in Revelation 13 begins in the previous chapter. The story is of a great dragon hurled down to earth who is identified as Satan, the one who leads the world astray. 

“The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Revelation 12:9).

Within this chapter, you see the imagery of a woman. There are differing views on who the woman represents, some say Israel or possibly even the church. Satan tries to attack this woman but she is protected for a period of 1,260 days, which is approximately three and a half years. Because Satan is unable to destroy the woman, he proceeds to turn his attention to the offspring of this woman. 

“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring — those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).

This offspring may represent Israel or the Gentile believers who come to faith during the tribulation. Either way Satan seeks to destroy those who trust God and put their faith in Jesus Christ. As the next chapter begins, Satan proceeds to call forth two beasts, one from the sea and one from the earth. With this information, let’s take a more detailed look at who or what the two beasts in Revelation 13 are.

Related: Listen Now - Reading Revelation Is Meant to Bless You (Not ScareYou):

What Are the Two Beasts in Revelation 13?

There are two very vivid descriptions that mark the introduction of these two beasts. Here is the first one.

The Beast out of the Sea

“The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast” (Revelation 13:1-3).

One of the symbolisms seen often in biblical prophecy is that of a horn. In Scripture, horns represent power and authority.

There are two things to notice about this beast in Revelation. First, there is a great parallel between this beast in Revelation 13 and the one described in Daniel 7. If you have not done so I would encourage you to read Daniel 7 and you will see many of the parallels. Simply put, it’s easy to see that Daniel and John in Revelation are referring to the same beast. 

Second, this beast in Revelation will come out from the sea, which represents the Gentiles. So this leader will be a Gentile ruler. He will rule over a ten-nation confederacy. This beast will have great power and authority given to him by the dragon or Satan. The identity of this beast is viewed by many to be the Antichrist. Before I give further analysis let’s identify the other beast and then put it all together.

The Beast out of the Earth

“Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people” (Rev. 13:11-13).

This second beast comes out of the earth, which many agree means that it is coming out of Israel. This beast will also have power and if you notice they will cause people to worship the first beast or Antichrist. Because this leader will be some type of religious leader he is often referred to as the False Prophet.

Let’s look beyond what the two beasts are in Revelation 13 and consider how these three work together.

What Is the Relationship Between the Dragon and the Two Beasts?

Let’s look at what we know. We have answered the question of what the two beasts in Revelation 13 are, seeing that they are the Antichrist and the False Prophet. We also know that the dragon is Satan.

One of the things Satan loves to do is to mimic, imitate or copy God. Remember Satan was kicked out of heaven because he desired to pursue God’s throne and that desire to be honored or worshipped has never left him. During this period of the Great Tribulation he forms this version of an unholy trinity. Satan goes so far as even mimicking the death and resurrection of Jesus because this Antichrist will be struck with what appears to be a fatal blow and will then be resurrected.

Because Satan is a deceiver and does not have the power to bring people back to life, I believe this will not be an actual death and resurrection, it will only appear to be. This is in line with Satan’s deceptive ways.

One of the things you will also notice about the False Prophet is that he will direct people to worship the Antichrist. In essence, he is pointing people to worship and follow him. I hope this sounds familiar to you because this false prophet is mimicking one of the works that the Holy Spirit does. The Holy Spirit points and directs people to Jesus. In effect this unholy trinity will take center stage during this period of the Great Tribulation and as true to form will deceive many, especially those who have turned their hearts away from the true and living God.

Should We Be Worried about This?

I heard Pastor Greg Laurie say this a very long time ago. He said “We shouldn’t be looking for the Antichrist, we should be looking for Jesus Christ.” With that there should be no worries or concerns about who or what these beasts are in Revelation 13. As a believer in pre-tribulation rapture, I don’t believe that those who are in Christ now will be present during this time.

However, even if I am wrong and the rapture doesn’t happen before the tribulation, then you can be confident that God will guard and watch over you, even in the midst of great tribulation upon the earth. Either way I believe we should look to the return of Jesus Christ because he is our true eternal hope and savior, regardless of what happens in the earth.

Ultimate Victory

It is not uncommon for people to be worried or fearful about the prophecies of Revelation or the condition of the world we live in. However, as important as it is for us as Christians to know these things, they should not be causes for worry, they should be reasons for rejoicing.

When you get to the end of Revelation Jesus wins and if you are on his side that means you win too. That is reason for comfort and rejoicing because as the days draw nearer, the time of our redemption and ultimate victory is truly at hand.

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

As we look forward to Jesus’ return and the signs become more imminent, let’s not look with heads down but with heads up. That great day draws closer every moment and that my friend is reason for great hope and great rejoicing.

Streams in the Desert

 Streams in the Desert

But prayer (Acts 12:5).

But prayer is the link that connects us with God. This is the bridge that spans every gulf and bears us over every abyss of danger or of need.

How significant the picture of the Apostolic Church: Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant, Herod supreme, the arena of martyrdom awaiting the dawning of the morning to drink up the apostle's blood, and everything else against it. "But prayer was made unto God without ceasing." And what was the sequel? The prison open, the apostle free, the Jews baffled, the wicked king eaten of worms, a spectacle of hidden retribution, and the Word of God rolling on in greater victory.

Do we know the power of our supernatural weapon? Do we dare to use it with the authority of a faith that commands as well as asks? God baptize us with holy audacity and Divine confidence! He is not wanting great men, but He is wanting men who will dare to prove the greatness of their God. But God! But prayer! 
--A. B. Simpson

Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think.

Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things.
--Andrew Murray

Our prayers are God's opportunities.

Are you in sorrow? Prayer can make your affliction sweet and strengthening. Are you in gladness? Prayer can add to your joy a celestial perfume. Are you in extreme danger from outward or inward enemies? Prayer can set at your right hand an angel whose touch could shatter a millstone into smaller dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could lay an army low.

What will prayer do for you? I answer: All that God can do for you. "Ask what I shall give thee."
--Farrar

Wrestling prayer can wonders do,
Bring relief in deepest straits;
Prayer can force a passage through
Iron bars and brazen gates.

Obeying God..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Obeying God

Dr. Charles Stanley

Acts 5:27-32

The high priest ordered Peter and the apostles to stop teaching about Jesus, but they ignored the order. When questioned about their actions, Peter replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29). What motivated them to follow the Lord with such conviction?

God’s Sovereignty. Peter and the other disciples recognized that God had carried out His divine plan of redemption in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Convinced that salvation was found in Christ alone, they had the courage to speak boldly about their faith. They didn’t alter their words, even in front of a powerful authority. Instead, they gave allegiance to God and obeyed Him.

Thankfulness. Their obedience was also motivated by gratitude. After betraying the Lord, Peter had wept over his failure (Mark 14:72). Think of the disciple’s joy to realize that Christ had forgiven him for his mistakes and restored him to a right relationship with God (Mark 16:7; John 21:15-17). With his past behind him, Peter became a leader of the Jerusalem church, with a passion to obey fueled by a thankful heart.

God is in charge of our lives. He has rescued us from the bondage of sin, forgiven us, and brought us into His family. Grateful obedience should be our response too.

Each day we have a choice. We can acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust Him, or we can turn away and follow our own plan. Cultivating a thankful spirit will motivate us to stay the course and obey the Lord. Like Peter, let’s commit to following our heavenly Father wherever He leads.

When I Want to Be Mean..... LYSA TERKEURST

 When I Want to Be Mean

LYSA TERKEURST

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) 

I looked at the text message in complete disbelief. Why couldn’t this person see how insensitive and hurtful she was being?

I don’t know who made up the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Either they had nerves of steel, or they lived on a deserted island with no other people. Because not only do words hurt me, but they make me want to fight back and be mean too.

Have you ever had a situation with someone where you just knew you were right, and they were wrong? Or at least you could make a really good case for your side of things?

Oh, how I have this burning need to state my case in these kinds of situations. It’s like an inner attorney rises up, desperate to defend my rights and get the other person to see things my way. This can feel so justifiable and normal.

Yes. But normal doesn’t always mean good. Especially in light of Colossians 2:6-7, which reminds me, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

This verse is teaching me to live rooted in Jesus’ teaching and overflowing with thankfulness. The opposite of this is when I’m rooted in self-centered opinions and overflowing with grumbling. I need to let God show me how to see things from this other person’s side and gain a different perspective. In doing so, I will be strengthened and taught.

Colossians 3:12-14 reminds me, “… as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (NIV).

My job isn’t to fix this person or make them see my side of things. My job is to obey God by offering an extension of the forgiveness I’ve been given. But I can also stay healthy in this situation by remembering forgiveness doesn’t mean giving this person access in my life that sets me up for destructive patterns. Forgiveness also doesn’t mean that what the other person did is now okay. Nor does it mean my feelings don’t matter. Forgiveness means I’ve decided to pursue healing by sweeping my heart clean of resentment and bitterness.

Finally, Colossians 3:17 reminds me, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (NIV).

Everything I do and say tells a story of whom I serve. If I act out of anger and spite, I give in to the ways of the enemy, spreading his darkness. If I honor the Lord with my actions, I serve to further the name of Jesus and spread His light.

At the end of the day, honoring God leads to good things. Anything else leads to confusion, emotional exhaustion and a lack of good things.

I processed the text message mentioned above with a family member who said something that brought much clarity: “You know when you’ve taken the high road, God blesses you. You’ve seen these blessings over and over as you’ve made choices that honor God. So choose a blessing today and save yourself the emotional turmoil of trying to prove you’re right.”

I know this isn’t easy stuff. I’m having to live it in the midst of feeling hurt. But just because I feel hurt doesn’t mean I have to add to the chaos by returning more hurt. Responding to something mean with more meanness will only lead to conflict escalation, not resolution. While I can’t immediately fix the hard situation with my friend, I can have a healthier perspective. And when I am more at peace with a healthier perspective, I have a much greater chance of responding in a way that’s a truer reflection of my heart. Remember, just because someone lays something down doesn’t mean we have to pick it up.

We don’t have to fall into the trap of saying ugly things back. We don’t have to betray who we are in a moment of feeling offended.

Instead, we can decide the cycles of hurt going ‘round and ‘round the world today will stop with us. We can take the higher ground and, because we don’t have to live with reaction regret, we can celebrate.

Dear Lord, You know the hurtful words and actions that have come my way. Please give me Your strength not to retaliate, but instead to react based on Your Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (NIV)

How Are Your Thoughts?..... by Anna Kuta

 How Are Your Thoughts?

by Anna Kuta

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

We’ve all heard the phrase “Garbage in, garbage out” – it’s a statement that originated in reference to computer input and output but is now often applied to other areas of life. I, for one, heard it countless times growing up when it came to healthy food versus junk food, and I’m sure you’ve heard it used to refer to something along similar lines.

And as I was reading today’s verse a few days ago, I realized Paul is using the same principle here in reference to our minds. In instructing the Philippians about how to live godly lives, he includes this verse about what they should be thinking about and focusing on. Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, praiseworthy – this is what he tells them to meditate on. “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you,” he goes on in verse 9.

As Christians, our aim is to live a life pleasing and obedient to God. Our Christian lives should show a pattern of growth and sanctification – becoming more like Jesus and less like the sinful people we were before. But before our actions can line up with Jesus, our minds and hearts have to. Do we expect to live lives reflecting of Him if our minds are focused elsewhere, on sinful things? No, our minds should focus on godly things – things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy. Godliness in, godliness out.

Obviously, there are many terrible things in the world that we cannot escape – and indeed we as Christians are called to be in the world but not of it – but that just means it’s especially crucial to keep our minds focused on things that mirror and reflect God’s nature and goodness. It actually goes further than just our thoughts – it means guarding our thoughts as well: being careful just what we willingly let in to our minds and hearts. As Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

No, I may not have any control over things I see and hear in the world on a daily basis, but I can choose what I decide to fill my mind with on my own time. The music I listen to, the books I read, the conversations I take part in, the movies and TV shows I choose to watch – are they things that will help my thoughts have the characteristics Paul talks about in today’s verse? If not, I truly need to reevaluate what I am feeding my mind.

And, of course, when in doubt, we all should remember that there is no better true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy thing to meditate on than the word of God itself.

Intersecting Faith & Life

Where do your thoughts go when your mind wanders? How have your thoughts today lined up with Paul’s description of what we should think about – things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy? Pray that God will reveal areas in your life that are not producing godly thoughts, and pray that He will help you desire to focus on things that are pleasing to Him.

Further Reading:

1 Peter 2:12
Romans 12:1-2
Proverbs 4:23

A Prayer of Praise for the Cross..... By Mark Altrogge

 A Prayer of Praise for the Cross

By Mark Altrogge

“If there is a dispute between men and they come into court and the judges decide between them, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty, then if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with a number of stripes in proportion to his offense. Forty stripes may be given him, but not more, lest, if one should go on to beat him with more stripes than these, your brother be degraded in your sight.” (Deuteronomy 25:1-3)

How merciful God was in dealing with Israel. A convicted man was to be whipped in the presence of the judge. But he was only to be given a number of strokes in proportion to his crime. The maximum he could receive was 40 stripes, so that he would not be degraded in the sight of his brother. Some crimes might have deserved more than 40 strokes, but God in his kindness did not want to see anyone humiliated in front of his brothers.

But he did not show the same mercy toward his Son.

Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. (MT 27:26)

The ESV footnote for the word “scourged? says: “A Roman judicial penalty, consisting of a severe beating with a multi-lashed whip containing imbedded pieces of bone and metal.” These cruel whips would literally shred the skin of one’s back and sides.

God, who would spare a guilty man from excessive whipping so he would not be humiliated in front of his brother, did not spare Jesus from degradation. How dehumanizing it was when the Roman soldiers mercilessly whipped him, crowned him with thorns, draped a purple robe over his shoulders, placed a reed in his hands for a scepter, then bowed before him paying him mock homage. How degrading as they struck him and spit in his face. How degrading it was when they stripped him in front of everyone than crucified him like a criminal. How humiliating it was for Jesus to hang there gasping for air, while the crowd mocked and laughed at him in his suffering.

Jesus endured the ultimate degradation of becoming so identified with our sin that his own Father poured out his wrath upon him.

He did all that for us – guilty sinners – we deserved to be degraded and humiliated in the ultimate sense. To perish in hell for eternity. But when we believe in Jesus and call upon him to save us, instead of receiving the degradation we deserve, he clothes us with his righteousness, adopts us as his own children, crowns us with glory. What an incredible, amazing God we serve!

O Lord Jesus, you were scourged and humiliated and degraded for me that I might be lifted up, adopted as a child of God, and share in your inheritance. All glory, honor and praise to you.

A Season of Thanks.....by Kelly McFadden

 A Season of Thanks

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. —Psalms 119:160 

This holiday season, you will most likely hear the song “My Favorite Things” from the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. To me this song has always felt out of place during the holidays, until recently. I have begun to hear it in a new light, recognizing the famous list of “favorite things” as a list of reasons to be thankful. The character Maria, who sings this song, thinks about her list of favorite things when she seeks comfort.

Christians have a list as well. Found in the Bible are promises from our Lord – keepsakes we can cling to at all times including periods of worry, trouble, or despair. These promises urge Christ-followers not to be troubled or to feel alone. They are words offering great hope because they are not the words of mere men. They are inspired, never-changing words given to us from our Savior and Lord. Read through a few of these promises below:

The Lord will give His people strength. Psalm 29:11

The Lord hears our cries. Psalm 34:17

The Lord will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5

The Lord will answer when you call to Him. Jeremiah 33:3

You need not be afraid. God is with you. Isaiah 41:13

The Lord will give rest to your burdened soul. Matthew 11:28-29

The Lord will comfort you. John 14:27

The Lord has given us His Spirit to guide us. Acts 1:8

You will have everlasting life when you believe. John 3:16

The list can go on and on. The Lord promises us mercy, protection, strength, eternity, love, and forgiveness. As it says in the Bible, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and His word is truth (John 17:1). We cannot look at God’s promises like we do those of our friends and family. As people, we often promise, but don’t follow through, even when we have the best of intentions. God’s Word is binding and true. These promises hold fast. We do not have to wonder if they will happen. Rather, we ought to wait in expectation. So “when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you’re feeling sad,” I encourage you to remember all God has promised you. It is in these promises you will find great strength.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, in addition to thinking through all you are thankful for, take time to thank God for His many promises.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend some time today reflecting on some of God’s amazing promises.

2. Say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all He has given you as His adopted child.

FURTHER READING: Isaiah 40:31; John 16:15; Mark 11:23-26