Revelation, the Major Players
The Beasts of Revelation
Although it is not referred to as a “beast” directly, the Dragon in Chapter 12 is indeed one in every important way. It meets all the requirements of constituting a beast. The Revelator wants us to recognize this by showing us that this dragon, just like the beasts of Chapters 13 and 17, has “heads” and “horns”. As a matter of fact, all three of these characters have the same number of heads and horns. This is so that we realize that all three are related, even though they are NOT EXACTLY THE SAME.
THE BEAST OF CHAPTER 12
The DRAGON is none other than the Roman Empire out of which grew, the eventual, “Holy Roman Empire”—a mixture of church and state. (Daniel’s prophecy fulfilled, Dan 2:41-43). Chapter 12 keeps the Roman Church (under “Michael”—its Papal head, the counterfeit) separate so that we can see the relationship of Churchianity to the state.
THE BEAST OF CHAPTER 13
The 10-horned beast, which came forth from the “sea” (the world of mankind, the restless masses), incorporates church and state into one big beast—the combination of “Michael” and the “Dragon” from Chapter 12. This is because Chapter 13 wants us to see how the “Holy Roman Empire” would function historically as rival apostate churches appear.
THE BEAST OF CHAPTER 17
The 10-horned beast of Chapter 17 provides a picture to show us HOW THINGS WILL COME APART—“the Judgment of the harlot who sits…upon a scarlet colored beast” (Rev 17:1, 3). Therefore, this chapter is still dealing with the “Holy Roman Empire” (and its predecessors and derivatives) but is specifically to show us what was to happen to each part of the arrangement, i.e. the heads, horns, body and rider. The woman who rides (one who controls) this beast is really a part of this beast as was shown back in Chapter 13. But she is now, instead, shown as a rider so that we can see how the arrangement will turn on itself and devour its own religious part! (Rev 17:16) (Also see Jeremiah’s prophecy Jer 51:44)
Thus seen, these three major characters are not quite so confusing. They are all the same, but are viewed three different ways to make three different points.
In Chapter 13 Verse 11 a two horned beast is mentioned as having come up out of the “earth” (organized society, order loving people), this creature is clearly a challenge to its older 10-horned counterpart. History suggests strongly that the English-Irish (two-horns) church-state arrangement fulfilled this symbol.
An “Image of the beast” is also mentioned in Chapter 13. This suggestion is that England’s successful challenge to Rome stimulated the rise of Protestantism. A very careful study of this chapter along with Rev 19:20; 20:10; 16:2 and 13, indicates that this “image” eventually is to be absorbed with the two-horned beast into an entity known as The False Prophet.
OTHER PLAYERS
The four living ones, the four and twenty elders, the seven spirits, seven angels, and the great multitudes (Yes—there ARE more than one!)—These are all symbolism's, which demand careful topical study. Such prayerful and careful study will be richly rewarded with understanding.
Next post.
The Beasts of Revelation
Although it is not referred to as a “beast” directly, the Dragon in Chapter 12 is indeed one in every important way. It meets all the requirements of constituting a beast. The Revelator wants us to recognize this by showing us that this dragon, just like the beasts of Chapters 13 and 17, has “heads” and “horns”. As a matter of fact, all three of these characters have the same number of heads and horns. This is so that we realize that all three are related, even though they are NOT EXACTLY THE SAME.
THE BEAST OF CHAPTER 12
The DRAGON is none other than the Roman Empire out of which grew, the eventual, “Holy Roman Empire”—a mixture of church and state. (Daniel’s prophecy fulfilled, Dan 2:41-43). Chapter 12 keeps the Roman Church (under “Michael”—its Papal head, the counterfeit) separate so that we can see the relationship of Churchianity to the state.
THE BEAST OF CHAPTER 13
The 10-horned beast, which came forth from the “sea” (the world of mankind, the restless masses), incorporates church and state into one big beast—the combination of “Michael” and the “Dragon” from Chapter 12. This is because Chapter 13 wants us to see how the “Holy Roman Empire” would function historically as rival apostate churches appear.
THE BEAST OF CHAPTER 17
The 10-horned beast of Chapter 17 provides a picture to show us HOW THINGS WILL COME APART—“the Judgment of the harlot who sits…upon a scarlet colored beast” (Rev 17:1, 3). Therefore, this chapter is still dealing with the “Holy Roman Empire” (and its predecessors and derivatives) but is specifically to show us what was to happen to each part of the arrangement, i.e. the heads, horns, body and rider. The woman who rides (one who controls) this beast is really a part of this beast as was shown back in Chapter 13. But she is now, instead, shown as a rider so that we can see how the arrangement will turn on itself and devour its own religious part! (Rev 17:16) (Also see Jeremiah’s prophecy Jer 51:44)
Thus seen, these three major characters are not quite so confusing. They are all the same, but are viewed three different ways to make three different points.
In Chapter 13 Verse 11 a two horned beast is mentioned as having come up out of the “earth” (organized society, order loving people), this creature is clearly a challenge to its older 10-horned counterpart. History suggests strongly that the English-Irish (two-horns) church-state arrangement fulfilled this symbol.
An “Image of the beast” is also mentioned in Chapter 13. This suggestion is that England’s successful challenge to Rome stimulated the rise of Protestantism. A very careful study of this chapter along with Rev 19:20; 20:10; 16:2 and 13, indicates that this “image” eventually is to be absorbed with the two-horned beast into an entity known as The False Prophet.
OTHER PLAYERS
The four living ones, the four and twenty elders, the seven spirits, seven angels, and the great multitudes (Yes—there ARE more than one!)—These are all symbolism's, which demand careful topical study. Such prayerful and careful study will be richly rewarded with understanding.
Next post.
