The Beast from the Sea
1Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and throne and great authority.
3One of the heads of the beast appeared to be fatally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?”
5The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for forty-two months. 6And the beast opened its mouth to blaspheme against God and slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven.
7Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. 8And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.
9He who has an ear, let him hear.
10“If anyone is destined for captivity,
into captivity he will go;
If anyone is to diea by the sword,
by the sword he must be killed.”b
Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.
John now concentrates on earth with his visions. In ancient Israel’s time the sea was considered untamed, wild and dangerous.
So we have the antichrist rising up out of the sea. Anti means opposite, antichrist is the opposite of Christ. He is the satanic messiah!
He will lead humanity in the end times in a rebellion against God!
The antichrist had ten horns, meaning he will rule over ten nations.
Does Satan enter a man like he did with Judas or is it an evil spirit that possesses a man? Either way the antichrist (beast) is a despicable human being!
“Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and conquer them”. Why would God allow this? I am reminded by this verse, Isiah 57:1 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
Revelation is a book of the end times and judgement. God has had enough of sin and of Satan. His ways are His own and we don’t see the whole picture.
When we read through Revelation we realize the importance of salvation. We all have an unsaved family member or friend, pray for them, pray that God softens their heart and draws them to Him.
Blessings, David
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