In this continuing study I take a look at the Rapture Doctrine. Is this a Pre-Trib, as taught in most mainstream Churches are do Christians go through the Tribulation Period? I compare Thessalonians to Matthew 24 along with Revelation. I venture into Paul’s writings to explore what he has to say, along with what Yahweh says in Ezekiel. I also ask the listeners to grab a pencil and paper as we create charts for comparison as we get deeper into this study.
In this Part 33 I go into the Book of Revelation Chapter 13:11-18 and see what Yahshua Messiah has to say to His disciples and most important TO US TODAY!
11. beast = the beast system in verse one was a political beast whereas this beast system will be a religious one. John sees this second monster coming up out of the earth, a beast that has two horns like a lamb, and a voice like the voice of a dragon. There is a close connection existing between the ten-horned and the two-horned beast. The latter (1) exercises the power of the first beast before him, (2) causeth the earth to worship the first beast, (3) says to the earth that it should make an image of the first beast (verse 14), (4) gives life unto the image of the first beast, and (5) causes those who will not worship the image to be slain (verse 15). These statements show that there exists a close connection between the two, and that the last is the supporter and restorer of the first.
Coming up out of the earth = Prof. Stuart renders this, “ascending from the land.” The former was represented as rising up out of the sea verse 1; indicating that the power was to rise from a perturbed or unsettled state of affairs - like the ocean. This, from what was more settled and stable - as the land is firmer than the waters
And he had two horns like a lamb = In some respects he resembled a lamb; that is, he seemed to be a mild, gentle, harmless animal. There is a similitude like the Lamb of Elohim; a counterfeit representation; but a voice like the old dragon even back to Gen 3.
And he spake as a dragon = See the notes on Rev. 12:3. The meaning here is, that he spoke in a harsh, conceited, proud, arrogant tone - as we should suppose a dragon would if he had the power of utterance. The general sense is that while this “beast” had, in one respect in its resemblance to a lamb - the appearance of great gentleness, meekness, and kindness, it had, in another respect, a haughty, imperious, and arrogant spirit.
The second Beast, like the first, is superhuman, obsessed and energized by satanic power. Three times he is called "the False Prophet" (16:13; 19:20; and 20:10). He is also the great assistant of the first Beast, and his mission is to aid the first Beast by deceiving mankind. The Lord Yahshua Messiah, in speaking of this great Tribulation, warned against False Prophets as well as against False Christ’s, and spoke of their great work and power to deceive (Matt 24:5, 11, 24. Mark 13:22). Here is "the False Prophet," and this is his proper title.
He has two horns, and not ten, as the first Beast. The ten denote dominion; the two speak of testimony; in this case false testimony. He spake as a dragon, i.e., subtilely, craftily and deceitfully. (Compare Gen 3:1; 49:17. 2 Cor 11:3, 14).
And all these are used in behalf of the first Beast. The former is Political, the latter is Religious. The Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet form the Devil's travesty of the Holy Trinity.
It is infernal, as the other is Divine. The Dragon is the anti-Elohim; the Beast is the anti-Messiah; the False Prophet is the anti-Holy Spirit.
All the Scriptures, which refer to these Beast’s speak of them, without exception, as individuals. There is no hint as to their being anything else.
Have any questions? Feel free to email me at utwoy@netzero.net
