A Study of Revelation 13
Part of the
Series
Presented on June 14, 2015 at Calvary Bible Church East in Kalamazoo, Michigan
by
Calvary Bible Church East 5495 East Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49048 CalvaryEast.com Copyright © 2015 by Bryan Craddock Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved
I have a question that I challenge you to answer in all honesty. Have you ever been tempted to see if some unsuspecting clerk at a store might accept monopoly money for a purchase? Don’t we all wish that we could pull that stunt off? Of course, we know it’s impossible. Monopoly money doesn’t look anything at all like the real thing, but some counterfeit money does. In 2006 the United States Treasury estimated that $70 million in counterfeit bills were in circulation. Some of that phony money was made by criminals, but the —1—
government also accused other countries like North Korea of producing very high quality counterfeit bills made with the right paper and ink and only the slightest imperfections. Of course, the counterfeiting of currency is illegal, but money is not the only thing that can be counterfeited. There have always been false teachers who seek to counterfeit God’s truth. The Apostle Paul confronted this problem in his second letter to the Corinthians. He says, For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:13-14).
Some people associate Satan’s work with the kinds of occult practices that get a lot of attention around Halloween, but he is far more subtle, and those activities are the spiritual equivalent of Monopoly money. Satan’s main focus is to draw people into religious activity that mirrors Christianity as closely as possible. As we resume our study of Revelation that I have titled
“Knowledge
of
the
—2—
Future--Strength
to
Persevere,” we learn that in the final years before the return of Christ, God will allow Satan to orchestrate his most powerful counterfeit ever. Revelation 13 introduces two individuals described as beasts, one a political leader and the other a religious leader. Elsewhere in the Bible they are referred to as the Antichrist and the false prophet. Their worldwide movement will be the ultimate expression of a deception Satan has used throughout history. In 1 John 2:18, John said, Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
There have always been antichrists and false prophets at work. So the study of the ultimate deception in Revelation 13 should help us recognize the deceptive influence of false religion in our world today. Revelation 13 shows us six contrasts between Christianity
and
satanic
counterfeits.
In
each
contrasting area, the difference is not so much a question of what false religion does, but how and why. False religion is built around power and control, but
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true Christianity is built upon the grace demonstrated by the saving work of Jesus through his death on the cross.
Paul
emphasized
this
difference
in
1
Corinthians 1:22-23 where he says, For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.
Satan plays upon that desire for power and wisdom to draw people into counterfeit religion. The pull is so strong that many people who claim to be Christians are actually pursuing something other than the humble weakness of the cross. To recognize false religion you have to begin by seeing its influence in your own heart. Don’t lose sight of that goal as we walk through the details of John’s vision in Revelation 13.
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Contrast 1: Kingdom .................................................... 6 Contrast 2: Worship .................................................... 11 Contrast 3: Unity........................................................ 15 Contrast 4: Teaching .................................................. 18 Contrast 5: Miracles ................................................... 21 Contrast 6: Identity .................................................... 24 Conclusion.................................................................. 27 Questions for Further Reflection ............................... 28
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We live in a nation that prides itself in not having a king. The United States is a representative democracy where we, the people, select our leaders, but we still love stories of kings. Ultimately, all of history boils down to a battle between two kingdoms. Both Satan and Christ seek to establish a kingdom, but they take very different approaches. In Revelation 12 John described his vision of Satan as a great dragon. With the help of other angels, the archangel Michael cast Satan out of heaven in preparation for the return of Christ. The chapter —6—
finishes with Satan standing on the sand of the sea. John’s vision continues in Revelation 13, as Satan makes one last effort to establish his own kingdom. In verses 1-3 he says, And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.
This strange beast lines up with a vision that the prophet Daniel describes in Daniel 7. Daniel saw four different beasts, one like a lion, one like a bear, one like a leopard, and a fourth beast with ten horns that possessed elements similar to each of the previous three. It’s clear in Daniel that these beasts represented a succession of powerful kingdoms, world empires: Babylon ruling like a roaring lion, Persia with the stability of a bear, Greece with the speed of the leopard,
and
Rome
combining
—7—
all
of
these
characteristics. Satan worked through each of those empires, and he will make one final attempt in the time immediately before the return of Christ. This final empire will combine all the powers that characterized ancient Rome, including one key leader who will be wounded and miraculously healed. John will say more about that event later in the chapter, but at this point it will suffice to say that this healing is an effort to appear Christ-like. What becomes clear in this first part of John’s vision is that from a human perspective the empire of Antichrist will be formed like every other empire in history. Men will exercise power and political cunning. There will not be any outward indication that it is directed and empowered by the devil. As John says in verse 3, the whole earth will simply feel compelled to follow this one impressive leader. The kingdom of Christ comes in an entirely different way. Jesus spoke of the ways of his kingdom in the passage we call the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-10. There he says, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
These characteristics are exactly opposite of what will be seen in the formation of Antichrist’s empire. Of course, the fullest expression of these characteristics is seen in Jesus himself, who rather than claiming power, humbly submitted to the sufferings of the cross. Revelation 19 tells us that Jesus will return in power at some point, but that will be a sudden dramatic invasion, not a gradual rise to power.
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What difference does this contrast between kingdoms make for us today? We need to consider which kingdom we are really seeking. Are you staking your hopes on some person or group gaining power and political influence? If so, we make ourselves an easy target for the spirit of antichrist at work in the world today. Even if we ever manage to force the world into conformity with some semblance of biblical morality, it will have very little to do with the true character of Christ. The impulse to control people, even for some moral purpose, is a mark of false religion.
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Right now in our society many atheists assert that all religion is bad, so other people respond by claiming that all religion is good. Satan loves that kind of undiscriminating thinking, because it makes someone an easy target to be led astray from the truth. John continues to describe his vision in Revelation 13:4-6 by saying, And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like
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the beast, and who can fight against it?" And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
The previous verses described the beast in terms of political power, but here his religious intent is identified. People worship him, and because the dragon is the source of his power, that worship is ultimately directed to him. The relationship of the beast and the dragon is designed to counterfeit that of Jesus with His heavenly Father. The arrogant blasphemies of the beast may simply be that he claims to have the authority of God and Christ, or perhaps, he will present himself as an alternative
to
Christianity.
However
the
beast
blasphemes, people will be drawn to worship him because of his power. Verse 4 tells us that people will say, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?" The kingdom contrast showed us that false religion seeks power, but this worship contrast shows us that false religion adores and exalts power. — 12 —
Of course, the beast’s power is a lie; he will be defeated after just 42 months. God is far more powerful, but his most attractive characteristics are his mercy, love, and grace. When God revealed himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6 we read that, The LORD passed before him proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love faithfulness.”
and God and and
As the Old Testament prophets looked forward to the coming of Christ, the same characteristics come to the forefront. Isaiah 42:2-3 says, He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
It’s no surprise then that Jesus presents himself in similar terms. Matthew 11:29 tells us that he said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
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Paul picks up on this same theme and claims it as the reason for devoting our lives to Christ. In Romans 12:1 he says, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
What is it that draws you to worship? Is it power or mercy? Beware of any religion, even one that seems to be Christian, but boasts in power rather than celebrating grace.
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In our society today, the people who speak most about unity, acceptance, and tolerance are often very quick to use force toward those who hold different views. The antichrist will take the same approach. As John continue to speak of the beast in Revelation 13:7-10, he says, Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name
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has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
The beast will unite the entire world in worship, but in order to achieve that goal, he must make war against the saints. The term “saints” could also be translated as “holy ones.” They are not holy through their own efforts, however. The New Testament often refers to believers as saints because we are made holy in God’s eyes through the saving work of Christ. In fact, the saints are those whose names were written in the book of life before the foundation of the world. They were chosen by God, but John makes it clear that by this point the rest of the world is not. You might assume that this persecution of the saints is out of God’s control, but that is not the case. According to verse 7, the beast could not make war unless it was allowed. The authority he has was granted to him. The instructions in verses 9 and 10,
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show that God allows his saints to undergo persecution to demonstrate their endurance and faith. True unity is not a matter of outward conformity like that brought about by the beast. True unity arises when people hold the same convictions of faith. In Ephesians 4:4-6 Paul says, There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The beast will attempt to mimic that unity, but it will all be a farce brought about through persecution. At times in history, those claiming the name of Christ have used force to compel people to believe, but again that reliance upon power is a mark of false religion reflecting Satan’s deceitful influence. This passage reminds us not to abandon biblical convictions to conform to the world’s idea of unity even when that unity is based in religion. Times of persecution will come even before this beast arrives, but God’s people must endure and stay true to the faith.
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Every time someone teaches, whether it be in a church or a school, the teacher always points to someone or something as the authority. School teachers may point to a textbook or a curriculum as their authority, but both of those are liable to change. As I teach our church family every Sunday, I point to the Bible as God’s authoritative revelation. In Revelation 13:11-12, John sees a second beast that serves as a religious leader. He says, Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it — 18 —
spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.
Verse 8 just spoke of Jesus as the Lamb who was slain, so this beast seems to present itself in a Christlike form. The passage does not specifically say how he seeks to resemble Christ, but his speech reveals his true nature. He speaks like a dragon, like Satan himself. It was Satan’s deceitful speech that enticed Eve to eat the forbidden fruit at the beginning of creation. We find another record of Satan speaking in Matthew 4 when he tempted Jesus. In both cases, he used God’s Word but twisted it to suit his own purpose. This second beast will undoubtedly do the same. The beast’s appearance as a lamb may suggest some pretense of gentleness. That may also be the idea of him rising out of the earth as compared to the first beast rising out of the tumultuous sea. However he appears, his teaching points to the first beast as the authority and the object of worship. He leads the entire earth in worshiping the first beast.
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The one true reliable authority is God’s Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul says, All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
Sound Christian teaching is rooted in the simple, straightforward interpretation and explanation of the Bible. It doesn’t show off the teacher’s intellect, creativity, drama, or sense of humor. You will find a lot of teaching like that in churches, but that approach leaves hearers unable to recognize false teaching. Sound Christian teaching clearly points to God’s authority in his Word. Is that what you look for as you read a book or listen to some teaching that claims to be Christian? The spirit of antichrist is already active in propagating false religion today. We must exercise careful discernment.
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The greatest miracle that has ever occurred was the resurrection of Jesus. That event is foundational to the Christian faith. False teachers throughout history have tried to entice people with tricks and stories of miracles, but during those final years before the return of Christ, God allows Satan to work a series of impressive signs. In Revelation 13:13-15 John continues speaking about this second beast and says, It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of — 21 —
people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.
These signs will be genuine supernatural events, but they are still counterfeits. In 1 Kings 17, the Prophet Elijah challenged the false prophets of his day to a competition to see who could call down fire upon a sacrifice. The prophets of Baal failed, but God answered Elijah’s prayer. This future false prophet tries to validate his ministry by copying Elijah. The healing of the first beast has already been mentioned twice in the chapter. Verse 14 gives us more detail saying that he was wounded by the sword. His healing is surely an attempt to duplicate the resurrection of Christ. The false prophet then uses this miracle to justify the creation of an image or an idol of the first beast for people to worship. Of course, idolatry like this violates God’s commandments, but
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the second beast confirms his instructions by miraculously enabling this statue to speak, calling for the death of anyone who does not worship. This passage shows us that performing powerful miraculous signs, in and of itself, does not confirm that someone is speaking God’s truth. As we saw a moment ago, Scripture is the authority, not miracles. True miracles are actually rare in the pages of Scripture. We find them clustered at certain key times in history. Moses performed miracles at the time of the Exodus to show God’s power against Egypt. Elijah and Elisha performed miracles to demonstrate God’s power when Israel had fallen into worshiping the false god, Baal. Then Jesus and the apostles performed miracles to show the authority of Christ and his coming kingdom. We should be skeptical of claims of the miraculous and careful to evaluate whatever anyone says by the clear teaching of Scripture.
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For many people religion is just a minor part of their lives, but genuine faith in Christ shapes your entire identity. It defines who you are. Anything less than that is not true Christianity. We call it nominal Christianity, Christian in name only. False
religions
do
not
settle
for
nominal
commitment either. Even today, false religions are often controlling and manipulative. I remember one friend in college who mistakenly got involved with a cult group. When she skipped a few small group
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meetings, leaders confronted her and called her salvation into question. The second beast of Revelation 13 is a master manipulator. In Revelation 13:16-18 John says, Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
Many students of Revelation get caught up in wild speculation about this number, supposing that it somehow reveals the identity of the beast. Others worry that they will inadvertently receive the mark through some credit card, barcode, or computer chip. The point of the passage is clear. Whatever this mark will be, it will not be a secret because it will serve to identify someone’s devotion to the beast. By associating the mark with buying and selling, the beast will attempt to control all of someone’s life. He will be their identity. But the wisdom that John — 25 —
relates in verse 18 is the reality that the beast is only a man. He is not the Messiah and he will be defeated. The real question posed by this passage is how you define your identity. You will never need the name of Christ on your body to buy and sell, but do people still see that you belong to Christ? In 1 Corinthians 6:1920 Paul says, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Jesus does not use some manipulation tactic to force us to be devoted to him. He invites us by his grace to be his willing followers.
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False
religion
counterfeits
revolves
Christ's
around
kingdom,
power.
worship,
It
unity,
teaching, miracles, and the identifying role he plays in the lives of believers, but the contrast with genuine Christianity is still evident. God does not manipulate us by his power. He draws us by his grace. Have you personally received his saving grace? Have you responded to him in humble faith? If not, I invite you to do so today. If you want to learn more about God's grace, I would encourage you to read Romans 5. If you are following Christ, one of the best passages to help us recognize false teaching may be Christ's Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10. You might benefit by focusing on living out those characteristics and maybe even committing those verses to memory. May God help us live in light of his mercy and grace!
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1. How would you respond to someone who claims that all religions are the same?
2. In light of these contrasts in Revelation 13, how has false religion seeped into your life?
3. What steps will you take to guard your heart from the influence of false religion?
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Bryan Craddock has served as the Pastor of Calvary Bible Church East in Kalamazoo, Michigan since the church began in 2007. He is a graduate of the Master’s College and Seminary (B.A. and M.Div.) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He and his wife, Shari, live in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with their three children.
Calvary Bible Church East is an independent, nondenominational, Bible church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, guided by a three-part vision. First, we seek to understand the Bible in order to live out its teaching as Spirit-filled worshippers of God and followers of Jesus Christ. Next, we seek to deepen our love for one another as the family of God. Finally, we seek to be actively engaged in our community in order to shine Christ’s light through meeting pressing needs and communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information, visit us online at CalvaryEast.com.