Often times we hear of "The Anti-Christ" and "The Beast" But do we know that there are not only one but three beasts, many antichrists, and a harlot? You might be wondering to yourself, "WHAT?" It's true!
The first beast is called the dragon (Revelation 12:3).
The second beast is called the beast (Revelation 13:1-4).
The third beast is called the false prophet (Revelation 13:11-15, Revelation 16:13).
While Revelation 17:1-18 speaks of the harlot.
1 John 2:18 says that there are MANY antichrists, yet one is coming. While 1 John 4:1-6 speaks of the spirit of the antichrist. It's not just everyone who denies him by their mouth, but also by their actions through forsaking to live a life dedicated and surrendered to him. A rejection of a life where Christ/Yeshua's holy spirit completely inhabits someone and becomes ruler and has authority over their lives, led by the spirit of God! We will get into more on all of these above in just a few!
The beast as commonly spoken of is not just confined to the Roman Empire of Catholicism, (although they are one empire of the beast). But rather it the "beasts" are a rulership of government, religion, ruling economic and business manifestation throughout all of history. Brought into a global system that appears divided yet is unified for one purpose and goal. Its purpose is to rebuild the ruins of Babylon and all ancient cultures to mix and blend. To combine all cultures, races, and religions to accept all, mix with all, and love all regardless of your beliefs, worship, and lifestyle. We know that the harlot had power over multitudes of nations, waters, peoples, nations, and languages (Revelation 17:15). As the harlot rules over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:4) Describes a world empire with all its abominations, that is against those that keep the commandments of God and faith in Yeshua/Jesus (Revelation 14:12). While it is rich with financial dominion and power along with political and military strength. The gold cup of wealth is signified to be filled with injustice and corruption, along with all its worldly pleasures and lusts. As we know it's the system of immorality that leads people away from God with all distractions, passions, and desires of the flesh to those who are perishing who did not love to truth as to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10).
In Revelation 13 we are going to breakdown some of the texts in order to gain a deeper understanding of what John possibly seen in the vision. In verse 1 the main beast which came out of the sea resembles the nations. Notice that as we read in chapter 13 that the beast had 7 heads and 10 horns and 10 crowns. These are nations and kingdoms over the course of history it appears in Revelation 17:10 the heads as five have fallen, one was during John's vision, and the other has not yet come (But it appears to be here now). While Revelation 17:12-13 says that the ten horns are kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. While they have one purpose to give their power and authority to the beast. While in verse 17:14 they will wage war against the lamb (Jesus/Yeshua) and with him his called, chosen, and faithful! It's interesting Notice in Revelation 13:2 the beast looked like a lion bear, leopard? What are those we may ask? Kingdoms and Characteristics of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece in order, while the revived Roman empire conquered all. So will it be with globalism resurrecting all which is maybe why Jesus compared the spiritual and moral conditions of Sodom and Egypt (Revelation 11:8) As if to compare Sodom to sin and perversion, greed, and idolatry. While Egypt to worldly power, bondage to sin, false gods and worship. When you research the kingdoms above, you will establish the leaders who ruled those empires resurrected and recycled false religions, economics, beliefs, lifestyles, pursuits, and desires which is here again. If there is anything that we know about those cultures, is that it's pagan, idolatrous, sensual, sexual, prosperous, rich, powerful, strong social and political influence, and many gods and beliefs.
As we move along in verse 3 it speaks of a head being wounded. In the Greek word usage that's a public calamity, heavy affliction, or plague. Figuratively a "wound" as we will see a lot of figurative speech throughout Revelation. For those who dislike this type of speech, bear it with God! It appears that a nation was given a blow, yet it recovered, and the world marveled at it after its struggle. Could that be a financial hit due to calamity, plague, or affliction? Could that have just occurred, or is it about to occur? Afterall didn't we just hear about a "Great Reset" after a recent plague? While BRICS, European Union, WEF, and others like the United Nations is rising to power?
In verse 4 it says "who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" Aren't we often hearing from a specific nation/nations "who is able to make war with us/them"?
In verse 5-7 he opened his mouth and spoke blasphemies against God, those in heaven, and the temple/tabernacle. In Greek that word is to revile, rail on, defame, speak evil of, and to speak impiously (not lacking reverence or respect). How many are speaking bad about the temple when speaking of Jews in Jerusalem? What about the prophets and others who have died who revered and feared God in righteous and holy living? What about those that defame and profane their names by altering the word, twist it for their own agenda, or leaving out contexts? What about those who hate God and have loyalty to false religions? In verse 7 it was granted to make war (In Greek: Fight, dispute, strife, quarrel.) with the saints (righteous) and will overcome them! As he has authority over nations, tribes, and tongues (The World). While anyone who's name was not found in the lamb's book of life will worship him (In Greek: reverence, adore). It appears that the fastest growing religions is Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, Atheism, Islam. Not to mention the rapidly rising false spirituality religions like Universalism, Bahaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, New Age, Gaianism, Zoroastrianism, Ancient Egyptian religion, and a multitude of other beliefs. Which is overthrowing the true belief of God, while multitudes of pagan and esoteric and false religious beliefs creep into God's holy place, and seeping into the hearts and souls of many who profess Jesus or know Torah.
In verse 11 We see another beast coming out of the earth. With two horns (Daniel 8:3 Characteristics of Medo-Persian Empire and Alexander the Great, think about Hanukkah and 1 and 2 Maccabees) and like a lamb (Like Jesus/Yeshua) and he spoke like a dragon (False Prophet). in verse 12-13 As he exercised authority over the first beast whose wound healed and had fire (In Greek it's literally or figuratively, specially, or lightning) come down from heaven on earth in sight of men. In verse 14 We see that he performed signs/miracles, saying to make an image of the beast (In Greek figuratively Moral likeness of God, representation, or resemblance. Or literally a statue, profile) who was wounded by the sword and lived. (Sword in Greek: Figuratively war, judicial punishment.) While (Wounded in Greek: Is Public calamity, heavy affliction, or plague)
In Verse 15 he was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast (Breath in Greek in this context: Seems to be a demon, evil spirit) While it would speak (In Greek: Preach, talk, tell, utter) Anyone who did not worship (Give reverence, bow, express respect, or adore) the image of the beast to be killed. Verse 16 states that all will be forced to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. The right hand (Metaphorically in Greek: A place of honor, or authority) It is where one's strength, ones will, actions, loyalty, and allegiance are. Which God tells us to keep his laws and in Deuteronomy 6:8 "Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." While the forehead symbolizes the thoughts, desires, and longings. The priests in Exodus 28:36 was commanded to have a gold plate that said, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" As it's repeated in Zechariah 14:20 and Revelation 22:4 where his name will be engraved in the righteous born-again foreheads! As to resemble that one is now a vessel and a utensil for the service of God in his temple. 1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." As peter in verse 11 encourages all to abstain from sinful desires which war against our soul. In verse 24 by his wounds, we were healed from sin to live holy lives! Verse 25 “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." As we are to surrender our souls to Jesus/Yeshua and live holy unto God. The beast was healed, yet it was a worldly healing, not internal healing by the power of the lamb. But rather he appeared to look like a lamb, but was given power by the devil, and those written in the lamb's book of life will have discernment to see past the deception. Could it be that like the holocaust many Christians, Catholics, and other religions stood by while others were put to death? If the beast can divide you by politics and other social endeavors, he can divide you for his purpose to standby and believe those being put to death is holy. John 16:2 "They will put you out of the synagogue/church; in fact the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God." The same spirit is rising once again as many who stand firm in the faith of Jesus/Yeshua and keep the commandments of God (Revelation 14:12) aren't welcomed in churches, a delusion is rising, false prophets are rampant, and the spirit of the devil is heavy as people shout revival with signs and wonders. While shouting for political and celebrity influencers to lead a broken nation/world that's wounded. Did you catch that?
As we look closer at the mark in order to buy or sell in verse 16-18, we know like the Covid Vax how many were willing to give up their birthrights for a bowl of lentil soup (Genesis 25:34). As I warned long ago it would be church led, celebrity led, socially hip and cool, health promoted, and marketed to look like it will help humanity and others, while forced upon all. It's a simple example of the physical mark whatever that may be, whether a vaccine or something else integrated with your cell phone. That those willing to keep their jobs for money, materialisms, security, finances, lifestyle, etc. Proved that they are not yet surrendered, and that they are yet to have what it takes to endure the trials ahead. For many out of fear were jabbed, others for security and finances, others for family, some for pleasure and travel, others for medical care, or something else. others to achieve a goal or dream, some for social status, while others because of fear of not being able to buy groceries, pay bills, work a job, etc. While some chose the jab because they received free incentives like a bag of popcorn, entered into a raffle, free Starbucks coffee, free donut, or some lousy $100 gift card or extra amount on their paycheck. The example is clear for whatever the reason may be, churches were having vax drives, celebrities pushed it, social media had cool labels for their pictures, people became haughty and prideful for receiving it, and the idea of having a vax card on your phone to travel, as well as special privileges is all that people could dream of which will continue to be pushed. It's just a foreshadowing and a test for the real event, even if this was just a bad social and science experiment or the real thing. The fact is even though many didn't take a jab, they still were protesting in order to buy, sell, eat, drink, shop, work, go to sports games, bars, entertainment events, concerts, church, etc. meanwhile they still worship the world. Remember that it says, "whoever worships the beast or takes his mark" Revelation 14:9-11. Even more, think back upon what was mentioned earlier about the right hand and the forehead, the mark is spiritual long before its physical.
I suppose the mark could be something your right-hand holds, and your mind desires. Afterall it could closely be related to your cell phone distracting you from God, for the mark could be a deeper issue related to the choice of the mind and actions, as well as something more like a vaccine. The fact that the Christian doctrine "left behind" beliefs teach that it's an RFID, is old technology, it just doesn't make much sense. But it could certainly be a technology further advanced. Whatever it is, one should be greatly careful to make sure that the bible is in your right hand more than a phone, and that his word in your mind rather than social media and desires of the world and the things in it. As well as prayer first and foremost with a loving desire and joy to serve and live for God. The number 666 is often related to the fallen nature of man and exalting the worship of the kingdom of Earth over the worship of God. Moreover, it appears to be the secular pleasures, atheism, immorality, idolatry, and false religions feed the beast. Like the 666 talents of gold brought to Solomon (1 Kings 10:14). as its the sensual pleasures, sexual immorality like all his wives, and pursuits of things in this world. Who later said, "all is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 12:8) will we come to that point in our lives? Are we waiting like Abraham looking for a better city? "For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10) Where we see in the spiritual world, and past this physical world. For like Abraham had a vision of the future of the kingdom coming and a better promise, which is why he dwelt in a tent. That is spiritual for a temporary Sukkah/Tabernacle as we wait for our blessed hope and redemption where the true gold will be paved in the streets (Revelation 21:21). Where money/mammon is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10) as well as the love of the world, and the things in it, with the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17), For like the 144,000 in Revelation 14:1-4 who only knew the song being sang who were redeemed from the earth. They were bought for a price, without sin, deceit, and did not defile themselves with other women. They were not sexually immoral and were bought out of the world were buying and selling occurred. As they followed the lamb wherever he went and listened to his voice. They were redeemed/bought from amongst men as firstfruits to God and the lamb. Yet in verse 6-8 the angel flew in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth. To every nation, tongue, tribe, and people. As Babylon falls and all nations drinks the wine of her fornication/idolatry. Revelation 14:9-12 "A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name. Here is the perseverance of the saints (righteous) who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus/Yeshua Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Revelation 18:11-13 "The world’s businessmen weep and mourn over her, because no one is buying their merchandise any more — 12 stocks of gold and silver, gems and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, all rare woods, all ivory goods, all kinds of things made of scented wood, brass, iron and marble; 13 cinnamon, cardamom, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, flour, grain, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots — and bodies — and people’s souls." If those who loved the world were sad and terrified as you read 9-19. If you lost everything tomorrow, would you be sad? If the order as we know it would cease to exist and the king of Israel returned, would you be scared and fearful for how you're living? Those who also received the jab should do some introspection. While those who didn't receive it, but rather had the about the cares and worries of this life (Mark 4:19). Are you really in the right place with God? What about those who wanted to go back to sports, shopping, dining, the gym, hip cool churches, and to be able to go out and hand with the girls or boys again? Are you really in the right place with God? Which brings me to the next point, if the people rejoiced after it all collapsed and it's time for God's return. Would you also feel that right now? Revelation 18:20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” Or are you too down casted by what life has dealt you, or the pursuits of wanting to start a family and achieve goals and dreams and other distractions taking you away from that desire? What about this, Revelation 18:17 "In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ “Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off."
Now you know if you are ready or not! Likewise, are you like those in 2 Timothy 3 and Galatians 5:19-21? Or like those in Titus 2:11-15 and Galatians 5:22-26?
In Ezekiel 9:4-5 he says to put a "mark" on those who grieve and mourn over the abominations done within it. While in Revelation 7:3 the servants of God received the mark. What is this mark you may ask? In Greek it's preservation for security, to keep secret, to attest, seal up. Ezekiel 9:4 is clear, and so is the holy spirit as the mark and seal through trusting (Ephesians 1:13, 4:40, 2 Corinthians 1:22). So is John 6:27 about not laboring for food that perishes, meaning the desires and wants of this life. He sets his seal upon, which Revelation is also clear! While in John 3:33 he makes it clear with those who receive Jesus/Yeshua's testimony, he will set his seal upon.
Revelation 22 :12- 17“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
We don't claim to be experts, or have it all figured out, so we encourage you to pray and seek God with all your heart soul and mind. As well as reading Revelation and all the Bible taking your time while reading. While also praying for wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding, prophecy, and faith. Praying for the strength to endure and to stand before the son of man. Believe in Jesus/Yeshua and repent from your sins! Amen!