The fourth “beast” is presented in more detail than the first three. It is the center of the vision. The other “beasts” provide background information for the rise of this kingdom. Unlike the first three, it has no analog in the animal kingdom. It is an unnatural creature with “iron teeth” and “ten horns.”
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THE SERPENT VS THE SON
Next, war breaks out in “heaven” and the “Dragon” is poised to destroy the messianic son as soon as he is born – Revelation 12:1-6.
In chapter 12, John sees a new “sign” in the heavens – the woman “clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet.” And she is wearing a “crown of twelve stars.” She is pregnant and about to give birth to one identified as a “son.” He appears in fulfillment of the messianic promise in the second Psalm – Yahweh’s king and son who is destined to “rule the nations.”
Continue reading “THE SERPENT VS THE SON”THE DRAGON’S WAR
In Revelation, the language of “war” is used metaphorically to portray the attacks of the “beast” against the saints.
The book of Revelation uses “war” and related terms to illustrate Satan’s attacks against the followers of the “Lamb.” It shows no interest in conventional or nuclear warfare between nation-states. Instead, the “Dragon” strives mightily to annihilate the church before his allotted time expires, and, to do so, he employs deception, compromise, and persecution.
Continue reading “THE DRAGON’S WAR”WAR AGAINST THE SAINTS
The Beast from the sea is authorized to wage war against the “saints” for its overlord, the Dragon – Revelation 13:6-10.
Next, the “Dragon” tasked the “beast” with the annihilation of the “saints,” and to facilitate it, he received authority over all nations and peoples. Humanity is divided into two groups: Those who “render homage to the beast,” and those who “follow the Lamb wherever he goes,” that is, the “saints.”
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