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QUESTION 30
Who is the beast of the Book of Revelation and what part does he have in the last days?

ANSWER:
There are two beasts mentioned in this book. The first one is in Revelation 13:1 “... I saw a “beast” rise out of the sea...” then in Revelation 13:11 we read of John seeing another beast rise out of the earth. The two are not the same, although the word “another” means “another of the same kind”. They are two, but the same in nature and purpose. They are both men v. 18 says his number or name is that of a man. They both function as men throughout this book.

The first beast is the Antichrist being the one that is worshipped. (Revelation 13:4. He is also known as “the man of sin” 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and the “little horn” in Daniel 7:8. He rises out of the sea, which is often figurative of the “nations”. He is a Gentile and will rise out of the ruins of the Old Roman Empire Daniel 9:26 and will make a covenant with Israel for a short period of time. (Daniel 9:27). It is called a covenant with “death and hell” Isaiah 28:18. He will then break his agreement with them and severally persecute them like never before Matthew 24:21. He will be hailed as “the man” the world needs and will have many of the answers to man's problems Daniel 8:23-25. After showing his true character (beastly) he will be destroyed without hands at the coming again of Christ. Daniel 8:25, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, and Revelation 19:19-20.

The second beast rises out of the land. He is a prophet of the first beast and will deceive mankind in worshipping the first beast Revelation 13:13-14. He could be a Jew but not necessarily. He will be destroyed with the first beast Revelation 19:20.

Not a very pleasant outlook for the future of this world's systems. Only those in Christ have a bright future when He comes to set up His kingdom they will reign with Him Revelation 5:9-10.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen