11. Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.
12. He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.
13. And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men.
14. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
15. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
16. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead,
17. so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
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Reflection |
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The Second Beast (13:11–17)
In yesterday’s reading, we briefly saw the Satanic trinity which mimics the Holy Trinity. The first beast, the antichrist, comes out of the sea and is given authority by the dragon, Satan. The second beast, also known as the false prophet, comes out of the earth and is a counterfeit Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit brings people to worship the Son, the beast brings people to worship the antichrist. Many will be deceived. Even though he has two horns like a lamb, he is really a dragon. Those whose allegiance is to the beast will be given a mark on their hand or forehead. Without this mark, people will not be able to buy or sell. There will be an economic marginalization of all who follow Christ.
The Number of the Beast (13:18)
Much has been said about 666, the number of the beast, which is often wrongly depicted in media and movies. But why this number? The most common answer is that 666 mimics 777, the number representing God. It looks very similar, but it stops short. Something is lacking. The number seven represents perfection, purity, completion, and holiness. For example, God created the world in seven days, there are seven churches in Revelation, and Jesus says to forgive seventy-seven times. Further, 777 represents the Holy Trinity, while the antithesis, 666, represents the Satanic trinity. Everything Satan does is mockery of God. He is a distorted imitation of the real thing.
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Application |
- Jesus Himself said to beware of false prophets. Even demons know and quote Scripture. Do you understand basic Christian doctrine, and can you differentiate between what is real and what is counterfeit?
- Do not be deceived into following the false thinking of the world. Universalism, relativity, polytheism, etc. may look good on the outside, but they are counterfeit gods. They fall short of our true God.
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A Letter to
God |
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Lord, keep me alert in these last days. Grant me spiritual sensitivity to see what is of You and what is counterfeit. Strengthen Your church to fight the onslaught of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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