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Revelation 13:11: “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” This is the second great political power that Satan will use in his last desperate attempt to destroy God’s “remnant.” It is also described as the “false prophet” (Revelation 16:13; 19: 20; 20:10), so it is an agency that will eventually combine religion with politics. The purpose of this lesson is to identify this power. 1-WHO IS THE SECOND BEAST OF REVELATION 13?FIRST FIVE IDENTIFICATION MARKSThe Symbols: Arises out of the earth (v 11) – The Meaning: Arises in some new, vacant, or sparsely populated land.
Arises at the time the sea-beast is falling (v 10) – The Meaning: Grows into nation-hood about the time of the Papal overthrow (A.D. 1798).
Has two lamb-like horns (v 11) – The Meaning: Two Christ-like principles give it strength (Civil and Religious Liberty).
Has no crowns on horns (v 11) – The Meaning: Not a monarchy: some form of republic.
Exercises power equal to the sea-beast (v 12) – The Meaning: Becomes a formidable, if not supreme, world power. Attachment: 
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Only one power in history meets these five prophetic specifications, namely, the United States of America. This nation was not established by military conquest like the kingdoms of Europe, but grew up quietly like a plant in the sparsely-populated New World. It became a nation in the latter half of the 18th century, as the Papal power was waning. No nation in history has dedicated itself more openly to the principles of civil and religious liberty. It is a republic, not a monarchy. It has made enormous gains in population, material wealth and military strength, especially during the past century, until today it is the richest and most powerful nation on earth!2-WHAT IS MEANT BY “IT” SPAKE AS A DRAGON?Here are two opposites pictured in glaring contrast. “Lamb-like” characteristics change dramatically to “Dragon-like” characteristics. The “Lamb” is the symbol of Christ. The “Dragon” is the symbol of Satan. According to this prophecy, history will yet witness on American soil the emergence of a State-supported religious tyranny as ruthless as the Spanish Inquisition of the Middle Ages, or the iron fisted despotism of Imperial Rome!LAST FIVE IDENTIFICATION MARKSThe Symbols:Speaks as a Dragon (v 11) – The Meaning: Undergoes a startling change from democracy to absolutism.
Enforces worship of the sea-beast (v 12) – The Meaning: Becomes a leader in the crusade for Papal restoration. Deceives multitudes by working miracles (v 13) – Exalts physical as well as spiritual proof of its apparent might.
Urges making of image and reception of mark of sea-beast under pain of death (v’s 14, 15) – The Meaning: Creates in the New World a Church-State monopoly patterned on the Mediaeval Papacy.
Enforces worship of image and reception of mark of sea-beast under pain of death (v’s 15, 16, 17) – The Meaning: Repudiates man’s basic freedoms-boycotts and persecutes God’s faithful minority.3-WHAT IS MEANT BY THE “MARK” OF THE BEAST?The mark of the beast is something that is deceptively given to the world: “He deceived them that had received the mark of the beast” (Revelation 19:20). Therefore the Mark of the Beast must involve some form of subtle deception. It is a subtle allegiance to the beast which Revelation says is received in the forehead or in the hand. What does this mean? This idea about the forehead or the hand is not unique to Revelation. Moses told the Israelites, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart . . . Thou shalt bind them for a sign on thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:, 8). Again, Moses said, “Therefore shall ye lay up these mine words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 11:18). What is this idea of the forehead and the hand really about? Anciently, God wanted His words on the foreheads of the Israelites. This must mean He wanted them inside of their minds. What about the His words on their hands? This must apply to their actions. So, the forehead represents the mind, and the hand represents the actions. Revelation 13 is clearly saying that one day the masses will fully yield their minds and their actions to some specific idea, or tradition, or mark that comes from the beast. 5- ARE THERE SIGNS THAT THIS “IMAGE OT THE BEAST” IS NOW COMING TO LIFE?There are many ominous signs. Here are just a few:
The work of the National Reform Administration dedicated to making America a “Christian Nation” by laws and penalties, if persuasion fails.
The activities of the Lord’s Day Alliance dedicated to the making and enforcement of a National Day of Worship.
The rapid growth of Roman Catholic power and influence in America.
The retreat of Historic Protestantism.
The strong Rome-ward current of the Ecumenical movement.6- ARE THERE SIGNS OF REACTION AGAINST THIS BETRAYAL OF INDIVIDUAL SOUL-LIBERTY?Yes. Hundreds of Americans have refused—and many are even now refusing—to surrender the rights of individual conscience. Men will be facing fines, imprisonment, social rejection and loss employment rather than disobey the Word of God. When the laws of State conflict with the laws of God, we along with Peter and the others will say: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).Conclusion – What of the future?According to the Word of God, religious freedom is facing its darkest, but finest hour! A crisis will yet develop in America, and in every land of earth, which will match the scene in ancient Babylon, when King Nebuchadnezzar set up his golden image, gathered his officers together, and commanded them, on pain of death, to bow down and worship (Dan. 3:1-7).
But when the moment of testing came and the vast multitude bowed down as one man, there were three slim figures silhouetted against the sky. The figures of Shadrach, Meshach, and Bed-nego who said, “Be it known unto thee, O king,” they said, “That we will not serve they gods, nor worship the golden image which though hast set up” (Dan. 3:16-28).
In every religious crisis of the past, God has found such men. In earth’s last great hour of testing, He will find them again. Will we be among them? Yes, by God’s grace!
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