6) The Two Beasts
The powers that oppose God in the last days
Revelation 13 presents two beasts that work together to deceive the world and persecute God’s people. Identifying these powers is crucial so we are not deceived in the last days.
The Beast from the Sea
Where does the first beast come from?
From whom does the beast receive power and authority?
For how long would the beast exercise authority?
What happened to one of the beast's heads?
“The beast from the sea combines characteristics of the four animals of Daniel 7. It represents a religio-political power that persecuted the saints for 1260 years and whose mortal wound would be healed.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 439
The Beast from the Earth
Where does the second beast come from?
How is the second beast described?
What does the second beast do in favor of the first?
The Image and the Mark of the Beast
What does the second beast command to be done?
Where is the mark of the beast placed?
What is the number of the beast?
And Now?
Revelation 13 warns us about:
- The beast from the sea: A religio-political power that persecuted the church
- The healed wound: Restoration of its power
- The beast from the earth: A power that promotes worship of the first beast
- The mark: Sign of allegiance to the beast’s system
My Decision
I do not want to receive the mark of the beast. I choose to be loyal to God, even if it means persecution. I desire to be among those who keep God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus, receiving God’s seal instead of the beast’s mark.