REVELATION LESSON 27

REVELATION

 LESSON 27

ARE WE LIVING IN THE END TIMES?

Revelation 13:13-14   ¹³ And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

¹⁴ And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

This word “wonders” is translated as signs. the same word used by the apostle John in his gospel describing the ministry of Jesus. it’s translated also as miracles. This would lead us to believe that the false prophet will be equipped by Satan and the antichrist with authority and power to do such supernatural signs to deceive the very elect.

Satan can preform what appears to be miraculous signs and wonders, like the apostle Paul tells us, the coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan. Coming with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all the unrighteous deception among those who perish.

It is often overlooked that even though Satan has miraculous powers, it is limited and less extensive than that of God. One of the impressive signs the false prophet will preform is that of causing fire to fall from heaven before a great multitude. This in itself will not prove he is from God.

But yet many will believe he is. He will order his followers to honor the antichrist by setting up an image or statue of the first beast. They will gladly do what he commands. When they do emphasis will be placed on the antichrists wound and what appears to be a miraculous healing and resurrection.

Many cult leaders deify themselves and with this they are attempting to humanize God. They raise themselves up as gods and bring Christ down to mere human status. The false christs of the cults are idols and the bible has warned us explicitly that when we bow down to any idol we are worshiping devils.

Revelation 13:15   ¹⁵ And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

The false prophet will be given the power to impart breath to the image of the antichrist. When he does the image will appear to come to life. Some how he gives life to this image, the time limit on how long it will manifest life is unknown.

This is a reminder that the antichrist was once dead but is again alive. There is no doubt that it will be an incredible event that will catch the worlds attention. After the image begins breathing it will also speak. Whether it will be done by ventriloquism, demonic possession, computer or something else unsaid we do not know at this time.

Nevertheless, we know that it will be a convincing performance. The image will proclaim that all who refuse to worship it will die. Jesus warned us of this kind of persecution when he said, then will they deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for my name sake.

Matthew 24:9   ⁹ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Paul warned us about it too when he said, but know this that in the last days perilous times will come. Perilous means dangerous and full of risks.

2 Timothy 3:1   3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

The false prophet doesn’t sound like the lamb he first appeared as is starting to sound more like a demonic inspired roaring lion. This is why he is called the false prophet. He is a religious pretender who will not hesitate to break Gods laws.

In stead of putting the bible into practice the false prophet will make every attempt possible to set it aside.

Revelation 13:16   ¹⁶ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

The false prophet will demand that everyone will be given a mark known as the mark of the beast. People will be allowed to select one of the two places on their bodies for the mark. The right hand or the forehead. No one will be exempt laws will be enacted to identify and punish those who do not support the world government. To have food and medical services or medicine will be a privilege to those who cooperate. Those who refuse will be denied any privilege.

John recorded that he will force everyone both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave to receive this mark so that none could buy or sell unless he had the mark. Which is the name of the beast.

Taking the mark would be like getting a license to start a business you would need the mark to sell the goods and customers would need the mark to buy them.

With this in his grasp the false prophet will force people to worship the image of the beast. In this way he will merge church and state.

Until our next lesson,

Stay in the word. 

Brother Andy