Sound The Trumpet : Revelation 13:11

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“Revelation 13:11”
by Art Sadlier
September 20th, 2009

“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.” In this verse we are introduced to another beast, this beast is called the false prophet, (Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).

The first beast comes up out of the sea, this second beast comes up out of the earth. Some scholars believe that this second beast is Jewish, I do not believe that he is. We know that the first beast is of the Roman Empire, Daniel 9:26.

Some Bible teachers feel that because he arises out of the earth that this refers to the land of Israel. The word land often refers in scripture to Israel’s land, but this word translated earth here is the common word for earth and does not speak of any particular land. I do not believe this is evidence to conclude that this beast is Jewish.

Another reason that some give to suggest the idea that this beast is Jewish is because they do not believe that the Jews will follow one who is not Jewish. The whole scenario in this situation is deception, Israel will be totally deceived. In John 5:43 Jesus said, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” The whole concept is the wrapped up in the blindness of Israel, Romans 11:25.

The first beast is a political leader. The second beast is a religious leader. The false prophet is a worship leader, we see that in verse 12.

In the woman riding the beast (Rev. 17) we have a union of the Harlot World Church with the World Government of the first beast. We have here a union of Church and State, therefore we conclude that the second beast is the leader of the World Church, possibly the Pope or whoever is chosen to that position.

The second beast fulfills a secondary role and supports the activity of the first beast. He receives the same power or authority as the first beast because he is also indwelt by Satan.

In this unholy trinity, the second beast or false prophet is the imitation of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity. The second beast directs worship to the first beast just as the Holy Spirit directs worship to Christ. Because the second beast is a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit he is called the false prophet. Jesus referred to these two in Matthew 24:24, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that , if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” There have been many false prophets and false Christs over the years, these two will be the personification of all that is false and deceptive.

Notice, it says of the false prophet , “ he had two horns like a lamb”, this man claims to speak for Christ but notice his real character, “he spake like a dragon”. A lamb is a picture of meekness, this man hides behind a mask of meekness, that is a part of his deception. No matter what he pretends to be he is Satan’s man, his speech reveals his true identity, but the rebellious world is deceived by him.

It is amazing that a world of rebellious men and women will refuse the true God, yet respond to a counterfeit. I think we have an explanation in John 12:35, to paraphrase, while you have the light walk in the light or the light will be taken away from you. When men choose to obey or reject the truth, they are actually choosing light or darkness. Men are therefore responsible for their own deception.

Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13