Descending into Greatness is Following the Lamb not the Beast Part 2.
“… And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast … (Revelation.13:5-8.NLT.)
The picture never ceases to amaze me. The Lamb, so innocent and trusting, dies for the very ones who slaughter Him. He gives His life for the very ones who are taking His life. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34.)
Compare this passage with Daniel 7:24,25: “Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.” NLT
Read also 2 Thessalonians 2:2-12 “concerning the man of lawlessness in the last days. Which is an important insight into Revelation 13, concerning “the great rebellion against God…” “This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them…”
Many passages warn us to be wary of signs, wonders, and miracles in the last days. Even now the enemy is laying the foundation for this final deception. Signs wonders and miracles, miraculous visions or utterances are a poor way to judge truth. All these things can be counterfeited.
He wages war against God’s holy people (v7). This was described in Daniel 7:24-26 and Revelation 11:3. History tells the sad tale of millions who lost their lives in the countries of Europe at the hands of this power – all in the name of Christ!
History could not paint a truer picture that vs 3 and 8. From a small insignificant church, held in contempt for centuries during its beginning, to one that is held in high esteem today by the world. I saw a bumper sticker once that said, “1.4 Billion Catholics can’t be wrong.” Its council is sought on all major decisions, it has 180 ambassadors who have the ear of Kings and Presidents. It is looked to for leadership on political and moral issues. The fact that it will be worshipped shows that the beast is a religious entity, as well as a civil one.
There is no other power that fulfills all 81 points; the scripture is clear and precise concerning this beast. It had led people into captivity, and it was taken into captivity itself. Through the power of the state it had killed, and by a civil power it received a mortal wound.