“And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth was like the mouth of a lion, and the dragon gave him his authority. (Revelation 13: 2,3)
Revelation 13 removes any doubt about who this fourth king is and when he shall appear. Perhaps no verse in scripture so fully interprets Daniel’s dream. This scripture describes the future rule of the anti Christ (or the man of sin as he is addressed in II Thessalonians chapter 2). Further explanation is given concerning his “great words.” Revelation 13:6 says, “and he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, that is those who dwell in Heaven.”
Both Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 explain that he shall make war with the saints, and they shall resist him. That means that they will not become passive but will fight back in the battle they will not win. Some will be martyred during this battle, as they try keeping his evil from spreading. Jesus said that we are to be salt, in order to keep decay from occurring. It may cost us our lives, but the promise to the suffering church at Smyrna is “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”
The verses before us say that Jesus is coming. In our next study we will discover how God motivates us to remain faithful. A greater kingdom awaits us as we are joined to the Ancient of Days in his conquests and rewards.
Read more articles by Henry Jaegers or search for articles on the same topic or others.
