The Protection of the Saints (Revelation 13)

Going on in our world right now is something that will inevitably shape the end times of the Revelation. There are rich and powerful people who are not elected officials, but who work tirelessly behind the political scene. Their ultimate goal is to make this world into a one world government. During the last election, America became dangerously close to falling prey to such schemes. Currently, the resistance is working hard to bring about worldwide socialism, not because socialism would be the best for all, but because of their insatiable quest for power. Capitalism is under attack worldwide. This dangerous one world government is the foundational work of the Antichrist found in Revelation 13.

I. The Authority of the Antichrist

The decline in God's authority and the affect he has on America began in the mid sixties. Our nation has been in a downward spiral regarding anything spiritual since that time. It seems that God's authority has been replaced by man's authority, and truthfully yet, by the authority of the coming antichrist of Revelation 13. This chapter of Revelation speaks of two beasts (leaders), one political, and one religious. The first beast has the power to rule. He has set up 10 different nationalities. Ten nations will rise to power and will be controlled by Satan. It will be a world of forced compliance - a rule by domination and persecution. Only speculation can guess if this antichrist will be a person, a government, or an ideology. No one knows who this antichrist ruler will be, but it is clear what "it" will do. The control of the governments of the world, like a United Nations type entity, could be a possibility, but no one really knows. It is clear that the foundation of this political beast is present in our world today. The ideology of secular humanism, having its start in the sixties, is alive and well. Secular means a world totally without God. During this time, there will be no influence of God on the earth. Today, Christians are expected to huddle inside their church buildings and not try to share with their neighbors the goodness of Christ. After all, that would be politically incorrect. Today, it seems like the resistance is winning. In 2018, the resistance is so angry. Their anger stems from the fact that they did not control the vote in 2016. Are Christians doomed? Keep reading.

II, The Protection of the Believer

Even though chapter 13 paints a seemingly grim picture for the Saints of God, we remember that in chapter 7, John foreshadows the outcome of the Saints. Everyone whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be in heaven with the Lord. God will give them the power to stay faithful and persevere. Some will be martyred, but all will have the ability to resist the beast and refuse his mark. Verse 9 states, "If anyone has an ear, let him hear." In other words, all who have placed their faith in the true and living God will hear God. It is a matter of the heart. If you have answered God's call, and he lives in your heart, then you will be able to resist the beast.

III. The Mark of the Beast

The second beast rules from a "religious" perspective. His purpose is to make everyone listen to the first beast. He has the ability to do signs and wonders. He will make an image that will come to life. The wow factor of it all will draw people to him. He will lead people to receive the mark of the beast. No one will be able to buy or sell without the mark. Whatever the mechanics of the mark, six hundred sixty-six, the government will control everything. It will control all the commerce of the whole world.

All this sounds hopeless, but for the believer, remember this. God will give you the ability to withstand. Our hope is not built on the signs and wonders of a false Christ, or on the events of the world. Our hope is built on the finished work of Jesus Christ. In the end, we win. The bottom line is this. We have nothing to fear. Stay tuned in and focused on the word and work of our God because you have nothing to fear.

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