LESSON 9
THE SEA BEAST OF REVELATION 13
You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible Study Programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.
In this edition, we continue with our series on The Final Events of Bible Prophecy. The topic for this study is: The Sea Beast of Revelation 13.
1. In our previous study, we considered the characteristics of the antichrist power as portrayed through the nature, reign and deeds of the little horn power in Daniel 7:8-28.
2. We noted that the characteristics that God gave us in Daniel 7 in regard to the antichrist power were actually related to the nature; and past reign and deeds of this power. However, in Revelation 13, God provides signposts that are related to the nature; as well as the past, present and the expected future activities of this antichrist power. Beloved, all of this have been clearly inscribed in God's Word.
3. As I mentioned in the previous study, this particular study is also not designed to name who this antichrist power is, but to continue to bring out as clear as possible, the identifying characteristics from Scripture that will convince everyone about the identity of this power when we begin to relate these biblical characteristics to the antichrist power.
4. Friends, in our previous studies on Daniel 7, we came across some strange symbols. By comparing Scripture with Scripture, we were able to come out with the clear meanings of these strange symbols. For instance, we studied that SEAS represent a multitude of people or a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15). BEASTS represent kingdoms, kings or nations (Daniel 7:17, 23). WINDS represent strife or war (Jeremiah 49:36-37).
We discovered by comparing Scripture with secular history that the four strange beasts that Daniel saw in his vision represented the four empires or superpowers of the ancient world. We learnt that the Lion with eagles wings represented Babylon; The Bear with three ribs in its mouth represented the kingdom of the Medes and Persians; The Leopard with four heads and four wings of a fowl at the back of it represented the Grecian empire; While the terrible dragon like beast with ten horns represented the Roman empire. After these strange beasts, the next thing Daniel saw in his vision was a little horn with eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking great things.
5. Friends, as I mentioned in one of our previous studies, God unravels these important prophecies to His children through a gradual process. He takes them from the known to the unknown, repeating and then building on their previous knowledge. This repeat and enlarge principle is clearly utilized in the vision God gave to the apostle John in Revelation 13.
6. Beloved, in Revelation 13:1-2, God combines most of the details He gave to the prophet Daniel in the vision of Daniel 7 to form a composite beast. God knew His children will understand the complex imagery because He had already provided the previous knowledge in Daniel 7.
7. Friends, with this background, we are ready to uncover the deep meanings of the strange sea beast that John saw in vision and recorded its details in Revelation 13:1-10. The amazing description that the apostle John portrays concerning this sea beast is as follows: "1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority" (Revelation 13:1-2).
8. At this point, we will consider the significant details about the make-up of this strange beast:
a. The beast rose up from the sea. This depicts a kingdom or power rising up from a multitude of people or a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15).
b. It is significant to note that in this vision that God gave to the apostle John, there was nothing like the sea being disturbed by the four winds of heaven, as Daniel saw in his vision. We note in our study on Daniel 7 that the winds meant strife or war. And that the four strange beasts that Daniel saw in his vision, all came to power through violent warfare. However, the absence of the four winds of heaven striving on the sea in John's vision, only point out clearly that the strange composite beast in Revelation 13, comes to power without making use of violent warfare.
c. The third significant point we note about this beast in Revelation 13 is that, it is composed of almost the entire imagery in Daniel 7. The beast itself is a leopard. However, he has the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. Moreover, this beast has got seven heads and ten horns.
A good question now will be this: Why does this composite beast has seven heads? Beloved, the seven head description of this beast is also derived from our previous knowledge in Daniel 7. With our previous knowledge in Daniel 7, all that we have to do to arrive at our answer is to sum up the number of heads that the various beasts in Daniel 7 possessed. This gives us a total of seven heads. That is, one head from the lion, one head from the bear, four heads from the leopard, and one head from the dragon like terrible beast.
Again, we also read from Revelation 13, that the composite sea beast had ten horns with ten crowns upon these horns. This imagery is also derived from Daniel 7. In our study on Daniel 7, we noted that the fourth terrible beast had ten horns in its head. We learnt that the ten horns denoted the ten divisions of the ancient Roman Empire. These ten segments or divisions were managed or ruled by ten different kings. Thus, the crowns on the ten horns of the beast in Revelation 13 signify kingly authority (Revelation 19:11-16).
Finally, John saw that this beast had upon his seven heads, the name of blasphemy. Friends, what is the significance of this tag of blasphemy on the seven heads of this composite beast? I will shed more light on this tag of blasphemy as we move on in this study.
Beloved, thus stands the composite beast of Revelation 13, apparently on the shores of Patmos, dressed up in the imagery of the diverse symbols as found in Daniel 7.
9. The last sentence in Revelation 13:2 reads: "And the dragon gave him his power, and his seat and great authority." Beloved, in this sentence, we are given a clue as to who is behind this composite sea beast. The answer from the text in Revelation 13:2 clearly states that it is the dragon. But who is this dragon behind the antichrist power?
Beloved, from Revelation 13, we learn that the dragon is basically a symbol of Satan working through the Pagan Roman Empire. And so from the text in Revelation 13:2, we should expect that the antichrist power will receive her power, seat, and authority from the Pagan Roman Empire. From our previous study on the characteristics of the little horn power, we made the important first point that the little horn power arose from the Pagan Roman Empire (Daniel 7:8). Now, concerning the sea beast in Revelation 13, the same identifying characteristic is captured, however with additional details.
But friends, besides the explanation above, another biblical insight that we need to know is the fact that Satan is the real dragon behind the scenes. In Revelation 12:9, we read the following in relation to Satan: "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
In unmistakable words, the Scripture clearly reveals unto us that Satan, the arch enemy of God is the one behind this antichrist power (Revelation 13:2). In fact, the Scripture clearly unmasks Satan as the original antichrist. But it is the focus of our study in these series to find out the system that he has cunningly set up to represent him on earth as antichrist.
Now, before we proceed to other aspects in this study, another important question that we will need to ponder over is this: Why is Satan solidly behind the antichrist power or system that he has set up to represent him? Beloved, the answer is once again found in the sacred pages of Scripture. You see friend, the secret motive of Satan in raising up this antichrist power is to direct the worship that is due God unto himself. Friends, Satan has always coveted the worship that is due God alone. In Isaiah 14:12-14, we read the following concerning the devil: "12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
Again, we read from Mathew 4, how this created being wanted to be worshipped by no mean a person than the Son of God. In the third temptation of Christ in the wilderness, we horribly learn what the devil wanted from the Son of God in exchange for the fleeting glories of this world. We read the following from Mathew 4:8-10: "8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
Friend, can you imagine that! The creature (Ezekiel 28:15) seeking worship from the Creator (John 1:1-3)? Beloved, the real issue behind the setting up of this antichrist power by Satan, is all about his desire for worship. Satan knows that with the rapid spread of Christianity in this generation, it will be difficult at this time to directly solicit the worship of the masses through satanism or pagan worship, as he used to do in ancient times. However, if he can be able to establish his own religious system that is quite close to original Christianity, and then can deceive the whole world to accept this worship system that pays him homage instead of the Creator, then he would actually have realized his purpose.
10. Beloved, in Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica, we obtain very important insights regarding Satan's master plan which he intends to achieve through this antichrist power. In 2 Thessalonians 2, the antichrist is identified by terms such as man of sin, son of perdition and mystery. We read the following in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 9-10: "3...and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God… 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."
11. Friends, by putting all the pieces together, we begin to understand the real nature of the antichrist power. We realize that this power does not refer to some wicked tyrant who is yet to come up in the future to war against the general Christian religion. But rather, the antichrist power is actually a religious system that has been set up to further the grand worship agenda of Satan. This conclusion is rightly confirmed by the message in Revelation 13:4. This text reads: "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" (Revelation 13:4).
Beloved, in the immediate text above, we clearly learn what I have been trying hard to point out from other scriptural passages. That is, if one worships the antichrist power that has been set up by Satan, then the person is indirectly worshiping Satan, himself.
Friends, as we noted from 2 Thessalonians 2, the deception behind this false religious system is so acute, that many who refuse to embrace the love of the truth, will be deceived by Satan. From Revelation 13:8, we read about the horrible effect that this deceptive power will have on the wicked inhabitants of the world. Revelation 13:8 reads: "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
In the very next verse, the apostle John adds the warning: "If any man have an ear, let him hear" (Revelation 13:9).
12. At this point, as I promised earlier, I will want to explain the tag of blasphemy that was found on the seven heads of the composite sea beast (Revelation 13:1). In fact, from Revelation 13:5-6, we read something similar concerning this antichrist power. This passage reads: "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue for forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."
Beloved, for forty and two months (1260 years; see Lesson 6) that this power reigned in the past, he spoke great words and blasphemy against God. But a very important question at this stage will be this: What is the meaning of the word blasphemy at all? You and I may have our definition of the word blasphemy. However, I want us to consider the meaning of this important word in our study from the Word of God.
Friends, two key texts that give us ample insights into the meaning the word blasphemy are as follows:
a. The first is found in John 10:30-33. The text there reads: "30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for BLASPHEMY; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God" (Capital Emphasis Added).
Beloved, we clearly learn from the text above, a very important definition of blasphemy. And that is; if a man claims to be God. Of course, Christ did not commit this sin of blasphemy because He was God in human flesh (John 1:1-3; Philippians 2:5-11; Isaiah 9:6). He is actually part of the Godhead. However, if any human being makes himself as God, then such a person will be committing blasphemy according to the Bible. Friends, i hope this meaning of blasphemy from Scripture did not come to us as a surprise. As we can see, this meaning of blasphemy is consistent with what we have studied so far about the grand worship agenda of Satan. The antichrist power we seek to unravel, actually commits blasphemy by making himself equal with God, as he solicits the worship that is due God alone.
b. The second key text that brings out the meaning of blasphemy from Scripture is found in Mark 2:5-7. The text there reads: "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak BLASPHEMIES? who can forgive sins but God only?" (Capital Emphasis Added).
Friends, from the context of the text, it is clear that God alone has the authority to forgive, and cleanse us of our sins. However, what the Jews did not realize was that Christ was God in the flesh, and that He could pronounce forgiveness on whomsoever he wished. However, if a mere human being or human institution should claim this prerogative of God, then that will amount to committing blasphemy. From this second definition of blasphemy, we should expect the antichrist power to make the pompous claims to be able to forgive sins, taking another prerogative that belongs to God alone.
13. In Revelation 13:7, we read about other important characteristics of the composite sea beast. The text in Revelation 13:7 reads: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." From this text, we learn two important characteristics of the antichrist power:
a. The first is that this power, even though a religious system, persecuted the true children of God during the forty and two months of his reign in the past. The saints of God who decided to uphold the pure teachings of the Bible, instead of kowtowing to the dogmas of this false religious system, were denounced as heretics and brutally persecuted by this sea beast during the forty-two month period of his reign.
b. The second characteristic we learn from Revelation 13:7 about the composite sea beast is that, his influence will extend to all kindreds, tongues and nations. In other words, the antichrist power that the Bible identifies is not a small power confined to a corner of our world, but rather, a worldwide or universal power.
14. Friends, another important characteristic I need to explain in regard to this composite sea beast is the time period of his reign. We learn from Revelation 13:6 that this power was to continue or reign for a period of forty and two months.
Beloved, as I pointed out in the beginning of this study, the composite sea beast in Revelation 13 is actually the same power as the little horn in Daniel 7. Just that in Revelation 13, God adds further identifying characteristics to solidify our position regarding the identity of the antichrist power. From this background, we should expect that the time period in regard to the reign of the sea beast in Revelation 13, should be the same as the time period in connection to the reign of the little horn in Daniel 7.
Friends, the time phrase that was used in Daniel 7 in connection to the reign of the little horn was: a time and times and the dividing of time (Daniel 7:25). Our calculation of this time phrase gave us 1260 years. Now, since the little horn in Daniel 7 and the composite sea beast in Revelation 13 refer to the same power, we should expect that the sea beast should also reign for 1260 years. But the question we need to ask ourselves at this stage is this: Does forty and two months also give us a period of 1260 years?
Friends, the answer is a resounding yes. Now, let's prove it. We will begin our calculation by converting the forty and two months to days. It is important to mention that a biblical month is actually 30 days as we noted in our previous study on the little horn in Daniel 7 (A biblical month of 30 days is deduced from the flood account in Genesis 7 and 8). Now, if we convert 42 months to days, we will arrive at our expected answer of 1260 days. The Mathematics is expressed as follows: 42 multiplied by 30 days give us a result of 1260 days. However, as we have studied already, this time period of 1260 days is not to be taken literally. This is because the Bible reckons time prophecy using the day - year principle as recorded in Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34. The key words in these 2 texts basically state: "each day for a year." As a result of this time principle, we must convert the 1260 days to 1260 years by utilizing the day for a year Bible principle of reckoning time prophecies. Having done all this, we can now conclude by emphasizing that; the antichrist power we seek to unravel from Scripture, should actually have reigned in the past for a time period of 1260 years.
15. Finally, we also read from Revelation 13:3 that the sea beast received a deadly wound in one of his heads. This phrase basically means that the antichrist power received a fatal blow that took him out of power after his 1260 year reign. However, the second part of the text in Revelation 13:3 is quick to add that "his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast."
From Revelation 13:3, the Lord makes it clear through His apostle John that even though the antichrist power will receive a deadly blow, the effect of this act is not going to be permanent. The head that was wounded will be healed, and the antichrist will once again rise to rule the world. The amazing speed, with which this power will once again gain worldwide influence, prestige and finally total dominion, will make the world to wonder (Revelation 13:3).
Friends, we are living at the time when the world is actually wondering after the beast. In the soon coming future, when this composite beast finally takes over the dominion of the world, the stage will then be set for the grand worship agenda of Satan. Revelation 13:8 reads: "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
Exhortation: "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19).
In our next study, we will consider the last passage in regard to the identifying characteristics of the antichrist power in the book of Revelation. We will then come out with a parallel summary of the identifying characteristics from the various passages of Scripture we have considered so far. After going through this, we will then be ready to name or point out the antichrist power without any biases.
Our next Bible study is captioned: "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT". The Bible study reference for this study is Revelation 17:1-18. Please do well to go through this passage before the next study is released.
Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.
Maranatha!
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