I got some information from CitizenGo couple days back, that there is a pushing to vote for anti conversion law in whole india. Present there are 6 states who have this anti conversion law. But now BJP wants to bring this law to every state. This means whoever convert away from hinduism will be punished. Lets pray for free distributing the gospel in india.
anti conversion law in india
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Amen Brother Wolfwint,
My thoughts and prayers are with the brothers and sisters in Christ in India. Do you really know who is behind this decree? If you study the books of Daniel and Revelation you will find the culprit of this deadly decree.
Lesson 1
The vast kingdom of Babylon was opulent and prosperous, yet Nebuchadnezzar the king stirred in his royal bed. How long would this golden era last, he wondered, and what would become of his powerful empire when he was gone?
With these disturbing questions in mind, the mighty monarch drifted off to sleep. That night, a vivid image of a towering multi-mineral man flashed into his mind with a panorama of color unlike anything he had ever experienced. Throwing aside his embroidered covers, the king jumped out of bed and shouted to his bodyguards: "Call all the magicians and astrologers to come at once. I must know the meaning of this dream!"
The king's wise men were roused and herded into the presence of the bewildered sovereign. "And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream." Daniel 2:3. One of the phony prophets smugly responded, "Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation." But as often happens with dreams, the details had already grown cloudy in Nebuchadnezzar's mind.
These men had claimed divine insight, but the king was beginning to doubt their abilities. This would be the perfect test. "Tell me the dream and the interpretation, and you will be rewarded," the king told his counselors, "otherwise I will cut you in pieces and turn your homes into dumps!"
The magicians and astrologers had no choice but to admit that they were powerless to explain the king's dream without first hearing it. Furious with these imposters, the king commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be gathered for execution. However, the Lord still had one person in Babylon who could explain the dream of the colossal Millennial Man.
[h=2]1. Why did God give the Babylonian king this dream?[/h]
Daniel 2:28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth __________, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] In this dream of the multi-mineral image, God outlined for all future millenniums the rise and fall of the empires that would have a direct influence on His people.
[h=2]2. When the king's counselors failed to reveal and interpret the dream, what was Nebuchadnezzar's command?[/h]
Daniel 2:12 . The king ... commanded to __________ all the wise men of Babylon.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] The astrologers and magicians of Babylon claimed to have supernatural power, but when they could not reveal the dream to the king, they were shown to be impotent imposters. If the king had recalled the dream, they would have simply manufactured a bogus interpretation. In his rage, Nebuchadnezzar commanded all the wise men to be slain-even those who were not present. Among those absent from the first meeting with the king was a God-fearing captive named Daniel, who had just been trained for the king's service.
[h=2]3. When Daniel learned about the death decree, what did he ask of the king and what did he tell his friends?[/h]
Daniel 2:16 . Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him __________, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
Daniel 2:17, 18 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] Daniel requested a little time from Nebuchadnezzar and promised that he would reveal the dream and its meaning. The king, who was still desperate to know the significance of his vision, granted Daniel's request. Then he and his friends appealed to the only Source who could reveal the king's dream. They prayed to the God of heaven.
[h=2]4. When the Lord revealed the dream to Daniel, to whom did he give praise and credit?[/h]
Daniel 2:23, 28 . I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou __________ of my fathers... There is a __________ in heaven that revealeth secrets.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] The rise and fall of empires may appear as if happening by the will of men, but Daniel's prayer of praise clearly reveals the essence of divine intervention. Nothing happens that God is not already aware of and has not allowed. Sometimes we may not understand what is happening in our world today or why, but it is comforting to know that God is still sovereign. Only Daniel could reveal the dream to the king, yet he clearly gives the credit to the One who revealed the dream to him, the God of heaven.
[h=2]5. What two objects did Daniel say the king saw in his dream?[/h]
Daniel 2:31. Thou, O king, sawest, and behold, a great __________.
Daniel 2:34. Thou sawest ... that a stone was cut out without hands.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] The first thing the king saw was a great image made of the following mineral elements:
- The head was of gold.
- The breast and arms were of silver.
- The belly and thighs were of brass.
- The legs were of iron.
- The feet of iron and clay.
Daniel had related the dream precisely as God had given it to him. Now the king eagerly waited, wondering what the dream meant.
Daniel proceeded to explain the interpretation as the Lord had revealed it to him, and we would do well to take it just as He gave it. The only safe way to interpret the Bible and prophecy is to allow the Bible to explain itself.
[h=2]6. What does the head of gold represent?[/h]
Daniel 2:38 . Thou art this __________ of gold.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] The king was regarded as the head of the state. This is why Nebuchadnezzar represented Babylon, the empire that began the prophecy. Neo-Babylon ruled the world from 612-539 B.C. as one of the mightiest empires of antiquity, one that could aptly be described as the head of gold. Notice that the prophecy begins with Daniel's time.
[h=2]7. Would the Babylonian kingdom last forever?[/h]
Daniel 2:39. After thee shall arise __________ kingdom inferior to thee.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] Babylon's supremacy would not last forever. Succeeding kingdoms, inferior to Babylon, would rule in their turn. Just as silver is inferior to gold, so the kingdom that followed Babylon enjoyed diminished glory. Led by Cyrus in 539 B.C., the Medo-Persian empire conquered Babylon and reduced it to ruins. The Medes and Persians were the ruling world power from 539-331 B.C. During their reign, all taxes had to be paid in silver.
[h=2]8. What metal would represent the kingdom that followed Medo-Persia?[/h]
Daniel 2:39. Another third kingdom of __________ ... shall bear rule over all the earth.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] The brass kingdom of Greece came into power when Alexander the Great conquered the Medes and Persians at the battle of Arbela in 331 B.C., and Greece remained in power until about 168 B.C. Greek soldiers were called "brazen coated" because their armor was all bronze. Notice how each succeeding mineral depicted in the image is less valuable, yet more enduring than the one before it.
[h=2]9. What metal represents the fourth kingdom?[/h]
Daniel 2:40. The fourth kingdom shall be strong as __________.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] The iron monarchy of Rome conquered the Greeks in 168 B.C. and enjoyed world supremacy until Rome was captured by the Ostrogoths in A.D. 476. Rome is the kingdom that dominated the world when Jesus Christ was born. Notice how Daniel foretold a thousand years of world history with unerring accuracy. The rise and fall of these four world empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome-are clearly foretold in the Bible and proved by the history books.
[h=2]10. What would happen after the fall of the Roman Empire?[/h]
Daniel 2:41, 42 . The kingdom shall be __________ ... As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h][h=2][/h] When the Roman Empire began to crumble in A.D. 476, it was not overtaken by another world power. Instead, barbarian tribes conquered the Roman Empire and divided itjust as Daniel prophesied. Ten of these tribes evolved into modern Europe. They were the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Alemannians, Sueves, Anglo-Saxons, Heruls, Lombards, and Burgundians. Seven of them still exist today in Europe. For example, the Anglo-Saxons became the English, the Franks became the French, the Alemannians became the Germans, and the Lombards became the Italians.
[TABLE="class: c2-29 c2-176, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="class: c2-140"]
[h=2]11. Would these 10 kingdoms ever succeed in uniting?[/h]
Daniel 2:43. They shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not __________ one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] Through marriage, alliances, and treaties, men have vainly attempted to reunite the European continent. All throughout history, leaders such as Charlemagne, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, Mussolini, and Hitler have fought to build a new European empire but these words of Scripture have stopped every single would-be world ruler. Revelation 13 tells us there will be another attempt to establish a universal religion, but Daniel's prophecy clearly states that the world will remain politically divided for the rest of Earth's history.
[h=2]12. Who will set up the final kingdom?[/h]
Daniel 2:44. And in the days of these kings shall the God of __________ set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] The next great universal kingdom will be the kingdom of heaven, which is described in Matthew 25:31-34.
[h=2]13. What does the stone do to the other world kingdoms?[/h]
Daniel 2:34, 35. A stone was cut out without hands, which __________ the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. ... And the stone that __________ the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] The stone that was cut without human hands represents God's kingdom. It will not be a conglomeration of earthly kingdoms, but a total replacement Revelation 21:1. The Scriptures declare that when Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will completely consume all the kingdoms of earth and establish an everlasting kingdom Daniel 2:44. What exciting news! Jesus Christ is coming again! All history is moving toward this climactic conclusion, when the Son of God shall return in majesty to bring in the kingdom of everlasting righteousness.
King Nebuchadnezzar may have thought that he had defeated the true God when he besieged Jerusalem and plundered the temple Daniel 1:1, 2, but he was shown very quickly that God is ruler over all. Human events are under His control, and ultimately He will win the conflict. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the 10 divisions of the Roman Empire may have sought to usurp divine authority and destroy the people of God, but all earthly kingdoms will eventually be crushed by the coming of Christ. Thank God, He will win the great controversy!
[h=2]14. After hearing Daniel's clear interpretation of the dream, what did Nebuchadnezzar say about the Lord?[/h]
Daniel 2:47. The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your __________ is a __________ of __________s, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] Having seen that God has complete control of world events, even Nebuchadnezzar readily acknowledged that the God Daniel served was above all the heathen gods of Babylon. How quickly the picture had changed! Daniel and his friends, because of their faithfulness to God, were elevated from their initial captivity in Babylon to positions of prominent leadership for the kingdom Daniel 2:48, 49. God always honors those who honor Him 1 Samuel 2:30.
[h=2]15. Recognizing that God is in full control of earthly events, are you willing to let Him have full control of your life?[/h]Answer:
Supplement
This section provides additional information for further study.
Gold = Babylon
The head of gold represented Babylon, which was the ruling world power from 612-539 B.C.
Silver = Medo-Persia
The chest of silver represented Medo-Persia, the ruling world empire from 539-331 B.C.
Bronze = Greece
The thighs of bronze represented Greece, the dominant world ruler from 331-168 B.C.
Iron = Rome
The legs of iron represented Rome, which enjoyed world supremacy from 168 B.C.-A.D. 476.
Iron and Clay = the Divided Empire
The feet that were partly iron and partly clay represented a divided empire that would not cleave together. No single power has ruled the world since A.D. 476, and it will remain divided until Christ’s return.
Stone = Christ’s Eternal Kingdom, His Word, and His Law
[/TD]
[TD="class: c2-154"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Hopefully this will give you a better understanding as to who is behind this decree but not this one only...this will be a world wide sweep that will involve every nation, tongue and people.
[TR]
[TD="class: c2-140"]
[h=2]11. Would these 10 kingdoms ever succeed in uniting?[/h]
Daniel 2:43. They shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not __________ one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] Through marriage, alliances, and treaties, men have vainly attempted to reunite the European continent. All throughout history, leaders such as Charlemagne, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, Mussolini, and Hitler have fought to build a new European empire but these words of Scripture have stopped every single would-be world ruler. Revelation 13 tells us there will be another attempt to establish a universal religion, but Daniel's prophecy clearly states that the world will remain politically divided for the rest of Earth's history.
[h=2]12. Who will set up the final kingdom?[/h]
Daniel 2:44. And in the days of these kings shall the God of __________ set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] The next great universal kingdom will be the kingdom of heaven, which is described in Matthew 25:31-34.
[h=2]13. What does the stone do to the other world kingdoms?[/h]
Daniel 2:34, 35. A stone was cut out without hands, which __________ the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. ... And the stone that __________ the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] The stone that was cut without human hands represents God's kingdom. It will not be a conglomeration of earthly kingdoms, but a total replacement Revelation 21:1. The Scriptures declare that when Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will completely consume all the kingdoms of earth and establish an everlasting kingdom Daniel 2:44. What exciting news! Jesus Christ is coming again! All history is moving toward this climactic conclusion, when the Son of God shall return in majesty to bring in the kingdom of everlasting righteousness.
King Nebuchadnezzar may have thought that he had defeated the true God when he besieged Jerusalem and plundered the temple Daniel 1:1, 2, but he was shown very quickly that God is ruler over all. Human events are under His control, and ultimately He will win the conflict. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the 10 divisions of the Roman Empire may have sought to usurp divine authority and destroy the people of God, but all earthly kingdoms will eventually be crushed by the coming of Christ. Thank God, He will win the great controversy!
[h=2]14. After hearing Daniel's clear interpretation of the dream, what did Nebuchadnezzar say about the Lord?[/h]
Daniel 2:47. The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your __________ is a __________ of __________s, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets.
Answer: ____________________
[h=2]Note:[/h][h=2][/h] Having seen that God has complete control of world events, even Nebuchadnezzar readily acknowledged that the God Daniel served was above all the heathen gods of Babylon. How quickly the picture had changed! Daniel and his friends, because of their faithfulness to God, were elevated from their initial captivity in Babylon to positions of prominent leadership for the kingdom Daniel 2:48, 49. God always honors those who honor Him 1 Samuel 2:30.
[h=2]15. Recognizing that God is in full control of earthly events, are you willing to let Him have full control of your life?[/h]Answer:
Supplement
This section provides additional information for further study.
Gold = Babylon
The head of gold represented Babylon, which was the ruling world power from 612-539 B.C.
Silver = Medo-Persia
The chest of silver represented Medo-Persia, the ruling world empire from 539-331 B.C.
Bronze = Greece
The thighs of bronze represented Greece, the dominant world ruler from 331-168 B.C.
Iron = Rome
The legs of iron represented Rome, which enjoyed world supremacy from 168 B.C.-A.D. 476.
Iron and Clay = the Divided Empire
The feet that were partly iron and partly clay represented a divided empire that would not cleave together. No single power has ruled the world since A.D. 476, and it will remain divided until Christ’s return.
Stone = Christ’s Eternal Kingdom, His Word, and His Law
[/TD]
[TD="class: c2-154"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Hopefully this will give you a better understanding as to who is behind this decree but not this one only...this will be a world wide sweep that will involve every nation, tongue and people.
King Nebuchadnezzar gave the signal, and as the music from a thousand instruments began to swell, the curtain fell, exposing a dazzling, 90-foot image of gold glimmering in the sunlight. Then, according to King's command, all the officials who had gathered on the plain of Dura fell prostrate to the ground in devout worship. All bowed down except three young Hebrew men, who were servants of a greater King.
Nebuchadnezzar was beaming with pride and satisfaction until it was reported that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had refused to bow and worship his image. Astonished that anyone would dare to disobey, Nebuchadnezzar assumed these young advisers must have misunderstood his decree. So he offered them one more chance to bow down but they refused! Now the king's expression turned to rage. He ordered his soldiers to heat the nearby furnace seven times hotter than normal. As fuel was piled onto the fire, the three men were firmly tied with ropes. The resulting heat was so intense that it killed the soldiers who threw them into the blazing inferno.
As the king peered into the roaring furnace, his mouth suddenly fell open. With a trembling voice he asked, "Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" His counselors agreed that they had. Then the king said, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Daniel 3:25.
God delivered those brave young men in the fiery furnace because they stood up for His truth. In the last days, God's people will have to face a similar test.
[h=2]1. How does our story in Daniel 3 relate to Revelation?[/h]
Revelation 13:15. As many as would not ______ the image of the beast should be killed.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In the last days, God's people will be forced once again to worship contrary to conscience or be slain. They will have to choose between obeying the law of God or the laws of man.
[h=2]2. What are the three angels' messages of Revelation 14?[/h]
Revelation 14:7. Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his _________ is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Revelation 14:9,10 If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The Bible tells us in Revelation 14:6-14 that in the last days, this awesome three-point message of hope and warning will go to the entire world to prepare people for Jesus' return. One of these messages warns against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark. In this lesson, we will identify the beast. In Lesson 14, we will identify the mark. Eternal life itself may be at stake, so pray earnestly for God's guidance and understanding as you study.
[h=2]3. What does a beast represent in Bible prophecies?[/h]
Daniel 7:23. The fourth beast shall be the fourth ________ upon earth.
Daniel 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings.
Daniel 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In Bible prophecy, a beast represents a government, kingdom, or political power. God uses beasts to symbolize governments, as we do today--an eagle (the United States of America), a bear (Russia), etc. In the Bible, "beast" is not a disrespectful term. It does not suggest beastly characteristics. The beast that has the mark is pictured in Revelation 13:1-10, 15-18. Please take time to read these verses before proceeding to question 4.
[h=2]4. How does the Bible identify the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a _______ rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In Revelation 13:1-10, 15-18, God gives 10 clues to help us identify the beast. He gives us a long list of characteristics so that we can be absolutely certain of the beast's identity.
Point 1 - Rises up out of the sea (verse 1)
Point 2 - Receives its power, seat, and authority from the dragon (verse 2)
Point 3 - Becomes a worldwide power (verses 3, 7)
Point 4 - Is guilty of blasphemy (verses 1, 5, 6)
Point 5 - Rules for 42 prophetic months (verse 5)
Point 6 - Receives a deadly wound that heals (verse 3)
Point 7 - Is a religious power that receives worship (verses 4, 8)
Point 8 - Persecutes God's saints (verse 7)
Point 9 - Has the mysterious number 666 (verse 18)
Point 10- Is led by one supreme man (verse 18)
Only one power fits all 10 of these identifying marks--the papacy. But in order to be certain, we will carefully consider them one at a time, beginning with question 5.
[h=2]5. This beast arises from the sea. What does the sea, or water, symbolize?[/h]
Revelation 17:15. The waters which thou sawest ... are _______, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In prophecy, water represents great multitudes of people, or heavily populated areas. Prophecy predicted that the beast would arise from amid the established nations of the then-known world. The papacy arose in western Europe, so it fits Point 1. But what about the other nine identifying points?
[h=2]6. Who gives the beast its power and position?[/h]
Revelation 13:2. And the _______ gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The beast--which has a mark that we must avoid--obtained its power, authority, and capital city from the dragon. According to Revelation 12:3-5, the dragon is the power that sought to destroy the child Jesus at the time of His birth. It was Satan who inspired Herod, a king for the pagan Roman empire, to slay all the male babies in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13, 16). To whom did pagan Rome give her authority and capital city? History is clear that pagan Rome turned over its power and capital city to the church of Rome. The following historical quote is typical: "The Roman church ... pushed itself into the place of the Roman World-Empire, of which it is the actual continuation. ... The Pope, who calls himself 'King' and 'Pontifex Maximus,' is Caesar's successor."* So Point 2 fits the papacy, as well.
*Adolph Harnack, What Is Christianity? (New York: Putnam, second edition, revised, 1901), p. 270.
[h=2]7. How far-reaching is the influence of the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:3. And all the _____ wondered after the beast.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] No one would question that during the Middle Ages, the papacy was indeed a worldwide power. In fact, the word "catholic" means "universal." We can see that Point 3 also fits the papacy.
[h=2]8. What comes out of the mouth of the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:6. And he opened his mouth in ________ against God, to blaspheme his name.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The Bible defines blasphemy as man claiming to forgive sins (Luke 5:21) and claiming to be God (John 10:33). The papacy boldly claims the power to forgive sins. Notice the following section from a Catholic catechism: "Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ."[SUP]1[/SUP]
The papacy also claims that the pope is equal with God. Pope Leo XIII said, "We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty."[SUP]2[/SUP] Here is another startling statement about the pope: "Thou art another God on earth."[SUP]3[/SUP] So Point 4 also fits the papacy.
[SUP]1[/SUP]Joseph Deharbe, S.J., A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion (New York: Schwartz, Kirwin & Fauss, 1924), p. 279.
[SUP]2[/SUP]Christopher Marcellus, Oration in the Fifth Lateran Council, Session IV (1512), manuscript SC, Vol. 32, col. 761 (Latin).
[SUP]3[/SUP]Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Letter "The Reunion of Christendom," dated June 20, 1894, trans. in The Great Encyclical letters of Pope Leo XIII (New York: Benziger, 1903), p. 304.
[h=2]9. How long would this first beast rule?[/h]
Revelation 13:5. And power was given unto him to continue _____ and ___ months.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Remember that in prophecy, one prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6). This time period is repeatedly referred to in prophecy as three and a half years, 42 months, or 1,260 days. Based on the 30-day calendar used by the Jews, all three time periods total the same 1,260 prophetic days, or 1,260 literal years. The worldwide power of papal Rome became official in A.D. 538, when Emperor Justinian's decree making the papacy supreme was no longer opposed. The papacy was dealt what appeared to be a death blow in 1798 when the pope was captured by Napoleon's general, Alexander Berthier. You will notice that the time period between A.D. 538 and 1798 is precisely 1,260 years. Point 5 also fits the papacy.
[h=2]10. What happened to the beast after the 42 months?[/h]
Revelation 13:3. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly ______ was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] As already mentioned, the papacy received what appeared to be a deadly wound in 1798 when General Berthier took the pope captive to France, where he died in exile.[SUP]1[/SUP] Half of Europe thought that this event signaled the end of the papacy, but God had said that the wound would be healed and that the papacy's power and influence would be restored until the entire world would follow her leading. Malachi Martin, consummate Vatican insider, reveals the following in his book The Keys of This Blood: "The pope is the best-known person of the 20th century (p. 123), has formed personal relationships with the leaders of 91 countries (p. 490), and is prepared for worldwide rule now" (p. 143).[SUP]2[/SUP] Even a novice would recognize that today the papacy is, in many ways, the most influential power on earth. And with each trip the pope makes, his power and influence grow. Multiplied millions worldwide look to the papacy as the only hope for world unity, peace, and decency--precisely as God predicted. The papacy clearly fits Point 6.
[SUP]1[/SUP]Joseph Rickaby, "The Modern Papacy," Lectures on the History of Religion, (London: Catholic Truth Society, 1910), Vol. 3, Lecture 24, p. 1.
[SUP]2[/SUP]Malachi Martin, The Keys of This Blood (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990).
Nebuchadnezzar was beaming with pride and satisfaction until it was reported that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had refused to bow and worship his image. Astonished that anyone would dare to disobey, Nebuchadnezzar assumed these young advisers must have misunderstood his decree. So he offered them one more chance to bow down but they refused! Now the king's expression turned to rage. He ordered his soldiers to heat the nearby furnace seven times hotter than normal. As fuel was piled onto the fire, the three men were firmly tied with ropes. The resulting heat was so intense that it killed the soldiers who threw them into the blazing inferno.
As the king peered into the roaring furnace, his mouth suddenly fell open. With a trembling voice he asked, "Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" His counselors agreed that they had. Then the king said, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Daniel 3:25.
God delivered those brave young men in the fiery furnace because they stood up for His truth. In the last days, God's people will have to face a similar test.
[h=2]1. How does our story in Daniel 3 relate to Revelation?[/h]
Revelation 13:15. As many as would not ______ the image of the beast should be killed.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In the last days, God's people will be forced once again to worship contrary to conscience or be slain. They will have to choose between obeying the law of God or the laws of man.
[h=2]2. What are the three angels' messages of Revelation 14?[/h]
Revelation 14:7. Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his _________ is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Revelation 14:9,10 If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The Bible tells us in Revelation 14:6-14 that in the last days, this awesome three-point message of hope and warning will go to the entire world to prepare people for Jesus' return. One of these messages warns against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark. In this lesson, we will identify the beast. In Lesson 14, we will identify the mark. Eternal life itself may be at stake, so pray earnestly for God's guidance and understanding as you study.
[h=2]3. What does a beast represent in Bible prophecies?[/h]
Daniel 7:23. The fourth beast shall be the fourth ________ upon earth.
Daniel 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings.
Daniel 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In Bible prophecy, a beast represents a government, kingdom, or political power. God uses beasts to symbolize governments, as we do today--an eagle (the United States of America), a bear (Russia), etc. In the Bible, "beast" is not a disrespectful term. It does not suggest beastly characteristics. The beast that has the mark is pictured in Revelation 13:1-10, 15-18. Please take time to read these verses before proceeding to question 4.
[h=2]4. How does the Bible identify the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a _______ rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In Revelation 13:1-10, 15-18, God gives 10 clues to help us identify the beast. He gives us a long list of characteristics so that we can be absolutely certain of the beast's identity.
Point 1 - Rises up out of the sea (verse 1)
Point 2 - Receives its power, seat, and authority from the dragon (verse 2)
Point 3 - Becomes a worldwide power (verses 3, 7)
Point 4 - Is guilty of blasphemy (verses 1, 5, 6)
Point 5 - Rules for 42 prophetic months (verse 5)
Point 6 - Receives a deadly wound that heals (verse 3)
Point 7 - Is a religious power that receives worship (verses 4, 8)
Point 8 - Persecutes God's saints (verse 7)
Point 9 - Has the mysterious number 666 (verse 18)
Point 10- Is led by one supreme man (verse 18)
Only one power fits all 10 of these identifying marks--the papacy. But in order to be certain, we will carefully consider them one at a time, beginning with question 5.
[h=2]5. This beast arises from the sea. What does the sea, or water, symbolize?[/h]
Revelation 17:15. The waters which thou sawest ... are _______, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In prophecy, water represents great multitudes of people, or heavily populated areas. Prophecy predicted that the beast would arise from amid the established nations of the then-known world. The papacy arose in western Europe, so it fits Point 1. But what about the other nine identifying points?
[h=2]6. Who gives the beast its power and position?[/h]
Revelation 13:2. And the _______ gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The beast--which has a mark that we must avoid--obtained its power, authority, and capital city from the dragon. According to Revelation 12:3-5, the dragon is the power that sought to destroy the child Jesus at the time of His birth. It was Satan who inspired Herod, a king for the pagan Roman empire, to slay all the male babies in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13, 16). To whom did pagan Rome give her authority and capital city? History is clear that pagan Rome turned over its power and capital city to the church of Rome. The following historical quote is typical: "The Roman church ... pushed itself into the place of the Roman World-Empire, of which it is the actual continuation. ... The Pope, who calls himself 'King' and 'Pontifex Maximus,' is Caesar's successor."* So Point 2 fits the papacy, as well.
*Adolph Harnack, What Is Christianity? (New York: Putnam, second edition, revised, 1901), p. 270.
[h=2]7. How far-reaching is the influence of the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:3. And all the _____ wondered after the beast.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] No one would question that during the Middle Ages, the papacy was indeed a worldwide power. In fact, the word "catholic" means "universal." We can see that Point 3 also fits the papacy.
[h=2]8. What comes out of the mouth of the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:6. And he opened his mouth in ________ against God, to blaspheme his name.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The Bible defines blasphemy as man claiming to forgive sins (Luke 5:21) and claiming to be God (John 10:33). The papacy boldly claims the power to forgive sins. Notice the following section from a Catholic catechism: "Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ."[SUP]1[/SUP]
The papacy also claims that the pope is equal with God. Pope Leo XIII said, "We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty."[SUP]2[/SUP] Here is another startling statement about the pope: "Thou art another God on earth."[SUP]3[/SUP] So Point 4 also fits the papacy.
[SUP]1[/SUP]Joseph Deharbe, S.J., A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion (New York: Schwartz, Kirwin & Fauss, 1924), p. 279.
[SUP]2[/SUP]Christopher Marcellus, Oration in the Fifth Lateran Council, Session IV (1512), manuscript SC, Vol. 32, col. 761 (Latin).
[SUP]3[/SUP]Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Letter "The Reunion of Christendom," dated June 20, 1894, trans. in The Great Encyclical letters of Pope Leo XIII (New York: Benziger, 1903), p. 304.
[h=2]9. How long would this first beast rule?[/h]
Revelation 13:5. And power was given unto him to continue _____ and ___ months.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Remember that in prophecy, one prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6). This time period is repeatedly referred to in prophecy as three and a half years, 42 months, or 1,260 days. Based on the 30-day calendar used by the Jews, all three time periods total the same 1,260 prophetic days, or 1,260 literal years. The worldwide power of papal Rome became official in A.D. 538, when Emperor Justinian's decree making the papacy supreme was no longer opposed. The papacy was dealt what appeared to be a death blow in 1798 when the pope was captured by Napoleon's general, Alexander Berthier. You will notice that the time period between A.D. 538 and 1798 is precisely 1,260 years. Point 5 also fits the papacy.
[h=2]10. What happened to the beast after the 42 months?[/h]
Revelation 13:3. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly ______ was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] As already mentioned, the papacy received what appeared to be a deadly wound in 1798 when General Berthier took the pope captive to France, where he died in exile.[SUP]1[/SUP] Half of Europe thought that this event signaled the end of the papacy, but God had said that the wound would be healed and that the papacy's power and influence would be restored until the entire world would follow her leading. Malachi Martin, consummate Vatican insider, reveals the following in his book The Keys of This Blood: "The pope is the best-known person of the 20th century (p. 123), has formed personal relationships with the leaders of 91 countries (p. 490), and is prepared for worldwide rule now" (p. 143).[SUP]2[/SUP] Even a novice would recognize that today the papacy is, in many ways, the most influential power on earth. And with each trip the pope makes, his power and influence grow. Multiplied millions worldwide look to the papacy as the only hope for world unity, peace, and decency--precisely as God predicted. The papacy clearly fits Point 6.
[SUP]1[/SUP]Joseph Rickaby, "The Modern Papacy," Lectures on the History of Religion, (London: Catholic Truth Society, 1910), Vol. 3, Lecture 24, p. 1.
[SUP]2[/SUP]Malachi Martin, The Keys of This Blood (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990).
[TABLE="class: c2-29 c2-176, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="class: c2-140"]
[h=2]11. Is the beast a religious power?[/h]
Revelation 13:15. And cause that as many as would not _______ the image of the beast should be killed.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h] It is obvious that this entity would be involved in spiritual matters. The words "worship" or "worshiped" are used five times in Revelation 13 in reference to this power. Surely no one doubts that the papacy fits Point 7.
[h=2]12. What does the beast do to the saints?[/h]
Revelation 13:7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to _________ them.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h] It is common knowledge that the papacy did persecute and destroy conscientious Christians, especially during the Middle Ages, the peak period of its control. Many historians say that more than 50 million people died for their faith during this period of great tribulation. Apparently the church felt it was doing God a favor by stamping out "heresy." The pope has asked that the church be forgiven for its atrocities, but the fact remains that it did persecute and destroy. The papacy fits Point 8 also.
[h=2]13. What is the mysterious number that identifies the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:18. His number is six hundred threescore and ______.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h] In Revelation 13:18, God says to count the number of the beast's name and that it is the number of a man. When we think of the papacy, the man we naturally think of is the pope. What is his name? One of the pope's official titles is "Vicar of the Son of God," which is "Vicarius Filii Dei" in Latin (the official language of the church). Newspaper articles, when referring to the pope as "Vicar of Christ," will often enclose the words in quotation marks to show that they are a translation of his title, or name. The book of Revelation is saying that the Roman numeral value of the letters of his name will equal 666. Let's see whether or not Point 9 fits the papacy:
[TABLE="align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 5, align: center"]VICARIUS FILII DEI[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 30%"]V = 5
I = 1
C = 100
A = 0
R = 0
I = 1
U = 5
S = 0[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]F = 0
I = 1
L = 50
I = 1
I = 1[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]D = 500
E = 0
I = 1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 30%"]=======[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]=======[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]=======[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]112[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]53[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]501[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 5, align: center"]TOTAL 112 + 53 + 501 = 666[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
There should be no doubt remaining. We have shown that all 10 characteristics portrayed in Revelation 13:1-8, 15-18 fit the papacy. And this power has a specific mark that we dare not receive.
Now please note that there are many godly, loving Roman Catholic Christians whom God counts as His children. There have also been many gracious and courageous popes who loved God. This lesson is not an attack upon our Catholic friends. It is an attack upon the devil, who lures churches away from scriptural truth. However, God Himself has told us that this institution has a mark we dare not receive. Sincere Protestants, Catholics, Jews, and non-Christians will all be eager to discover what this mark is so they can avoid receiving it. Let's thank God that in His word He has exposed Satan's ugly plans to destroy us all.
In our next lesson, we will clearly identify the "mark" of the beast. If you receive the mark of the beast, you will be lost. Many will discover that avoiding the mark will involve a tremendous struggle. But God can give us the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were willing to face death in order to honor God.
[h=2]14. Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even though you may lose your friends?[/h]
Answer : ____________________
[/TD]
[TD="class: c2-154"][/TD]
[TD="class: c2-153"] [TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[h=3][/h]
[TABLE="class: c2-147, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="class: c2-148 t2-75"]
Email:
Prayer Request:
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
There are more Bible Studies like this if you are interested. If you log on to a site called Amazing Facts Doug Batchelor, there you will find many interesting studies. Blessings to you.
You can also watch and listen to audio studies on this site too. I know you will be blessed.
[TR]
[TD="class: c2-140"]
[h=2]11. Is the beast a religious power?[/h]
Revelation 13:15. And cause that as many as would not _______ the image of the beast should be killed.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h] It is obvious that this entity would be involved in spiritual matters. The words "worship" or "worshiped" are used five times in Revelation 13 in reference to this power. Surely no one doubts that the papacy fits Point 7.
[h=2]12. What does the beast do to the saints?[/h]
Revelation 13:7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to _________ them.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h] It is common knowledge that the papacy did persecute and destroy conscientious Christians, especially during the Middle Ages, the peak period of its control. Many historians say that more than 50 million people died for their faith during this period of great tribulation. Apparently the church felt it was doing God a favor by stamping out "heresy." The pope has asked that the church be forgiven for its atrocities, but the fact remains that it did persecute and destroy. The papacy fits Point 8 also.
[h=2]13. What is the mysterious number that identifies the beast?[/h]
Revelation 13:18. His number is six hundred threescore and ______.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h] In Revelation 13:18, God says to count the number of the beast's name and that it is the number of a man. When we think of the papacy, the man we naturally think of is the pope. What is his name? One of the pope's official titles is "Vicar of the Son of God," which is "Vicarius Filii Dei" in Latin (the official language of the church). Newspaper articles, when referring to the pope as "Vicar of Christ," will often enclose the words in quotation marks to show that they are a translation of his title, or name. The book of Revelation is saying that the Roman numeral value of the letters of his name will equal 666. Let's see whether or not Point 9 fits the papacy:
[TABLE="align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 5, align: center"]VICARIUS FILII DEI[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 30%"]V = 5
I = 1
C = 100
A = 0
R = 0
I = 1
U = 5
S = 0[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]F = 0
I = 1
L = 50
I = 1
I = 1[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]D = 500
E = 0
I = 1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 30%"]=======[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]=======[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]=======[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]112[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]53[/TD]
[TD="width: 8%"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]501[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 5, align: center"]TOTAL 112 + 53 + 501 = 666[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
There should be no doubt remaining. We have shown that all 10 characteristics portrayed in Revelation 13:1-8, 15-18 fit the papacy. And this power has a specific mark that we dare not receive.
Now please note that there are many godly, loving Roman Catholic Christians whom God counts as His children. There have also been many gracious and courageous popes who loved God. This lesson is not an attack upon our Catholic friends. It is an attack upon the devil, who lures churches away from scriptural truth. However, God Himself has told us that this institution has a mark we dare not receive. Sincere Protestants, Catholics, Jews, and non-Christians will all be eager to discover what this mark is so they can avoid receiving it. Let's thank God that in His word He has exposed Satan's ugly plans to destroy us all.
In our next lesson, we will clearly identify the "mark" of the beast. If you receive the mark of the beast, you will be lost. Many will discover that avoiding the mark will involve a tremendous struggle. But God can give us the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were willing to face death in order to honor God.
[h=2]14. Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even though you may lose your friends?[/h]
Answer : ____________________
[/TD]
[TD="class: c2-154"][/TD]
[TD="class: c2-153"] [TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[h=3][/h]
[TABLE="class: c2-147, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="class: c2-148 t2-75"]
Email:
Prayer Request:
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
There are more Bible Studies like this if you are interested. If you log on to a site called Amazing Facts Doug Batchelor, there you will find many interesting studies. Blessings to you.
You can also watch and listen to audio studies on this site too. I know you will be blessed.
King Herod's wife, Herodias, hated John the Baptist. The desert-dwelling prophet had dared to call her an adulteress for leaving her husband Philip to marry his evil but wealthier brother. Now the wicked queen determined to use her influence over Herod to get even with John. First, she persuaded him to have John imprisoned. Then she asked to have John executed, but Herod refused. He knew that John was a true prophet and feared political backlash from the people.
Finally, Herodias developed a fool-proof scheme. She threw a party for Herod's birthday and invited all his friends and the nobles from his realm, then she arranged for her beautiful daughter Salome to dance in a seductive, captivating style. Herodias hoped that after Herod had a few glasses of wine, he would ask Salome what reward she wanted for her enchanting dance.
Her sinister plan worked. After Salome's dance, Herod made a pompous oath: "Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom." Mark 6:23. As the inebriated guests were applauding the king's generosity, the girl stood ready with her reply. Then she shocked everyone by asking for the head of John the Baptist on a platter! Herod was stunned by the gruesome request, but all of his shocked friends were watching for his response. Afraid that he would appear weak if he refused, the proud king reluctantly gave the order. That very day the mighty prophet John was beheaded alone in prison.
This was not the first time that a mother and daughter team used the government to persecute God's people.
[h=2]1. What other mother and daughter team persecuted God's people in the Old Testament?[/h]
1 Kings 18:13. ________ slew the prophets of the Lord.
2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah ... saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In the Old Testament, Jezebel and her daughter Athaliah were known for violently controlling the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and for forcing pagan worship on God's people.
[h=2]2. What is the second angel's message in Revelation 14?[/h]
Revelation 14:8. And there followed another angel, saying, _________ is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Revelation 14 contains an urgent three-point message that must reach the entire world before Jesus' second coming. In this lesson we will look at the second point of that message. God's indictment of Babylon is given because she has made all nations drunk with her intoxicating wine. This lesson will address some very straight, and perhaps disturbing, messages to both Catholic and Protestant believers. Remember that the second angel's message is from Jesus, the One we all love. Open your heart to His truth, for His only aim is to save and to bless you.
[h=2]3. How does God symbolize Babylon in Revelation 17?[/h]
Revelation 17:18. And the _______ which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In Bible prophecy, a woman symbolizes a church. A pure woman represents God's true church as described in Revelation 12. An unfaithful woman represents a church that has departed from the Scriptures. We can be certain who this fallen woman is, because Revelation 17:18 says she was ruling when Revelation was written. History tells us it was pagan Rome (Luke 2:1) that eventually turned over its authority, capital city, and power to papal Rome.
[h=2]4. What other evidence from Revelation 17 proves that Babylon refers to papal Rome?[/h]
Revelation 17:3. ... I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of _________,
A. She is guilty of blasphemy (verse 3).
B. She is dressed in purple and scarlet (verse 4).
C. She is called the Mother (verse 5).
D. She has harlot daughters who also are fallen (verse 5).
E. She persecuted and martyred the saints (verse 6).
F. She sits upon "seven mountains" (verse 9).
G. She ruled over the "kings of the earth" (verse 18).
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Papal Rome fits every description. Its headquarters is in Rome--"the city of seven hills." Scarlet is the color of cardinals' robes, and the pope often wears the royal color of purple at important functions. The Roman Catholic church freely admits that during the Middle Ages, she persecuted the saints and ruled over the kings of the earth. (For evidence that the papacy is guilty of blasphemy, review Lesson 13.) God's symbolism fits perfectly--a fallen mother church whose fallen daughters protested and thus began to be called Protestants. Notice this quote from Father James A. O'Brien: "That observance [of Sunday instead of Saturday] remains as a reminder of the Mother Church from which the non-Catholic sects broke away."[SUP]1[/SUP]
[SUP]1[/SUP]The Faith of Millions (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1974), p. 401.
[h=2]5. How do the beasts of Revelation 13 and 17 compare?[/h]
Revelation 13:1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten __________, ... and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Revelation 17:3 I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The beast of Revelation 13:1-10 and the beast of Revelation 17 are obviously the same. Both symbolize this Roman power. Revelation 17 points out the church-state coalition, with the church (the fallen woman) riding and controlling the state (the beast). Revelation 13 also portrays two beasts involved in forcing others to worship. The first beast is the same power as the "mother of harlots" described in Revelation 17. This lesson will soon reveal the identity of the second beast.
[h=2]6. What is the meaning and origin of the word "Babylon"?[/h]
Genesis 11:4, 6, 7, 9. Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven. ... And the Lord said, ... let us go down, and there _________ [confuse] their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. ... Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The terms "Babel" and "Babylon" both mean confusion. The name originated at the Tower of Babel, built by defiant pagans after the Flood. They hoped to build it so high that no future floodwaters could cover it. But the Lord confused their languages, which created such chaos that the project was abandoned. Babylon later arose to be an idolatrous world kingdom that persecuted God's people. In the book of Revelation, the term "Babylon" signifies a counterfeit religious kingdom that is an enemy of God's spiritual Israel.
[h=2]7. How does God describe Babylon in urging His people to leave?[/h]
Revelation 18:2-4. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is ________, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit. ... Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] God says that Babylon has fallen and has become the home of devils and evil spirits. He warns that her sins are so offensive that Babylon must be destroyed. God's people must come out quickly, or else be destroyed with Babylon's plagues.
[h=2]8. Jesus repeatedly indicts Babylon for making the world drunk with her wine. What is this wine?[/h]
Revelation 17:4. Having a golden cup in her hand full of ___________.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Her wine cup is full of intoxicating lies (Proverbs 12:22), or false teachings that make people spiritually drunk. Here is a partial list of her beguiling lies:
A. The Ten Commandments are not binding (see Lesson 6).
B. Sunday sacredness (see Lesson 14).
C. Secret rapture (see Lesson 3).
D. Immortality of the soul (see Lesson 9).
E. An eternal torment in hell (see Lesson 10).
F. Confessing your sins to a priest (see Lesson 13).
G. Counterfeit baptisms (see Lesson 11).
H. A confusion of tongues (see Lesson 23).
The sad truth is that once Babylon's messages are accepted, a person becomes spiritually drunk and virtually unable to understand what the Bible really says, because these false doctrines dull a person's ability to comprehend the truth.
[h=2]9. What power will support the beast in the end time?[/h]
Revelation 13:11, 12. I beheld ________ beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Brace yourself! This second beast of Revelation 13 symbolizes the United States of America. Consider the evidence:
A. The time it arose.
God described this power as rising up about the same time the first beast goes into captivity and receives its deadly wound (Revelation 13:10, 11). The United States of America arose about the time the papacy's power was broken at the end of the 1,260 years, which was in 1798. America declared its independence in 1776, voted the Constitution in 1787, adopted the Bill of Rights in 1791, and was clearly recognized as a world power in 1798.
B. It arose from the earth.
As we've studied before, the waters from which most kingdoms (beasts) arose represent a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15). The earth represents the opposite. The United States fits this point perfectly because it was established on a sparsely populated continent.
C. It had two horns like a lamb.
In prophecy, a lamb represents Jesus and a horn represents power. The two great horns represent Protestant principles upon which America was founded civil and religious liberty. The founding fathers fled from Europe to escape religious and political persecution. They established a society based on the principles of civil and religious freedom-"government without a king and religion without a Pope."
[h=2]10. According to the prophecy, what drastic change will take place in America?[/h]
Revelation 13:11. And he ______ as a dragon.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Speaking as a dragon means that the United States, under the influence of Satan, will reverse its original Protestant principles of the separation of church and state. It will pass religious laws forcing people to worship contrary to conscience or else be punished with economic sanctions (verses 16, 17) and finally death (verse 15).
Finally, Herodias developed a fool-proof scheme. She threw a party for Herod's birthday and invited all his friends and the nobles from his realm, then she arranged for her beautiful daughter Salome to dance in a seductive, captivating style. Herodias hoped that after Herod had a few glasses of wine, he would ask Salome what reward she wanted for her enchanting dance.
Her sinister plan worked. After Salome's dance, Herod made a pompous oath: "Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom." Mark 6:23. As the inebriated guests were applauding the king's generosity, the girl stood ready with her reply. Then she shocked everyone by asking for the head of John the Baptist on a platter! Herod was stunned by the gruesome request, but all of his shocked friends were watching for his response. Afraid that he would appear weak if he refused, the proud king reluctantly gave the order. That very day the mighty prophet John was beheaded alone in prison.
This was not the first time that a mother and daughter team used the government to persecute God's people.
[h=2]1. What other mother and daughter team persecuted God's people in the Old Testament?[/h]
1 Kings 18:13. ________ slew the prophets of the Lord.
2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah ... saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In the Old Testament, Jezebel and her daughter Athaliah were known for violently controlling the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and for forcing pagan worship on God's people.
[h=2]2. What is the second angel's message in Revelation 14?[/h]
Revelation 14:8. And there followed another angel, saying, _________ is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Revelation 14 contains an urgent three-point message that must reach the entire world before Jesus' second coming. In this lesson we will look at the second point of that message. God's indictment of Babylon is given because she has made all nations drunk with her intoxicating wine. This lesson will address some very straight, and perhaps disturbing, messages to both Catholic and Protestant believers. Remember that the second angel's message is from Jesus, the One we all love. Open your heart to His truth, for His only aim is to save and to bless you.
[h=2]3. How does God symbolize Babylon in Revelation 17?[/h]
Revelation 17:18. And the _______ which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] In Bible prophecy, a woman symbolizes a church. A pure woman represents God's true church as described in Revelation 12. An unfaithful woman represents a church that has departed from the Scriptures. We can be certain who this fallen woman is, because Revelation 17:18 says she was ruling when Revelation was written. History tells us it was pagan Rome (Luke 2:1) that eventually turned over its authority, capital city, and power to papal Rome.
[h=2]4. What other evidence from Revelation 17 proves that Babylon refers to papal Rome?[/h]
Revelation 17:3. ... I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of _________,
A. She is guilty of blasphemy (verse 3).
B. She is dressed in purple and scarlet (verse 4).
C. She is called the Mother (verse 5).
D. She has harlot daughters who also are fallen (verse 5).
E. She persecuted and martyred the saints (verse 6).
F. She sits upon "seven mountains" (verse 9).
G. She ruled over the "kings of the earth" (verse 18).
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Papal Rome fits every description. Its headquarters is in Rome--"the city of seven hills." Scarlet is the color of cardinals' robes, and the pope often wears the royal color of purple at important functions. The Roman Catholic church freely admits that during the Middle Ages, she persecuted the saints and ruled over the kings of the earth. (For evidence that the papacy is guilty of blasphemy, review Lesson 13.) God's symbolism fits perfectly--a fallen mother church whose fallen daughters protested and thus began to be called Protestants. Notice this quote from Father James A. O'Brien: "That observance [of Sunday instead of Saturday] remains as a reminder of the Mother Church from which the non-Catholic sects broke away."[SUP]1[/SUP]
[SUP]1[/SUP]The Faith of Millions (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1974), p. 401.
[h=2]5. How do the beasts of Revelation 13 and 17 compare?[/h]
Revelation 13:1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten __________, ... and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Revelation 17:3 I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The beast of Revelation 13:1-10 and the beast of Revelation 17 are obviously the same. Both symbolize this Roman power. Revelation 17 points out the church-state coalition, with the church (the fallen woman) riding and controlling the state (the beast). Revelation 13 also portrays two beasts involved in forcing others to worship. The first beast is the same power as the "mother of harlots" described in Revelation 17. This lesson will soon reveal the identity of the second beast.
[h=2]6. What is the meaning and origin of the word "Babylon"?[/h]
Genesis 11:4, 6, 7, 9. Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven. ... And the Lord said, ... let us go down, and there _________ [confuse] their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. ... Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The terms "Babel" and "Babylon" both mean confusion. The name originated at the Tower of Babel, built by defiant pagans after the Flood. They hoped to build it so high that no future floodwaters could cover it. But the Lord confused their languages, which created such chaos that the project was abandoned. Babylon later arose to be an idolatrous world kingdom that persecuted God's people. In the book of Revelation, the term "Babylon" signifies a counterfeit religious kingdom that is an enemy of God's spiritual Israel.
[h=2]7. How does God describe Babylon in urging His people to leave?[/h]
Revelation 18:2-4. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is ________, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit. ... Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] God says that Babylon has fallen and has become the home of devils and evil spirits. He warns that her sins are so offensive that Babylon must be destroyed. God's people must come out quickly, or else be destroyed with Babylon's plagues.
[h=2]8. Jesus repeatedly indicts Babylon for making the world drunk with her wine. What is this wine?[/h]
Revelation 17:4. Having a golden cup in her hand full of ___________.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Her wine cup is full of intoxicating lies (Proverbs 12:22), or false teachings that make people spiritually drunk. Here is a partial list of her beguiling lies:
A. The Ten Commandments are not binding (see Lesson 6).
B. Sunday sacredness (see Lesson 14).
C. Secret rapture (see Lesson 3).
D. Immortality of the soul (see Lesson 9).
E. An eternal torment in hell (see Lesson 10).
F. Confessing your sins to a priest (see Lesson 13).
G. Counterfeit baptisms (see Lesson 11).
H. A confusion of tongues (see Lesson 23).
The sad truth is that once Babylon's messages are accepted, a person becomes spiritually drunk and virtually unable to understand what the Bible really says, because these false doctrines dull a person's ability to comprehend the truth.
[h=2]9. What power will support the beast in the end time?[/h]
Revelation 13:11, 12. I beheld ________ beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Brace yourself! This second beast of Revelation 13 symbolizes the United States of America. Consider the evidence:
A. The time it arose.
God described this power as rising up about the same time the first beast goes into captivity and receives its deadly wound (Revelation 13:10, 11). The United States of America arose about the time the papacy's power was broken at the end of the 1,260 years, which was in 1798. America declared its independence in 1776, voted the Constitution in 1787, adopted the Bill of Rights in 1791, and was clearly recognized as a world power in 1798.
B. It arose from the earth.
As we've studied before, the waters from which most kingdoms (beasts) arose represent a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15). The earth represents the opposite. The United States fits this point perfectly because it was established on a sparsely populated continent.
C. It had two horns like a lamb.
In prophecy, a lamb represents Jesus and a horn represents power. The two great horns represent Protestant principles upon which America was founded civil and religious liberty. The founding fathers fled from Europe to escape religious and political persecution. They established a society based on the principles of civil and religious freedom-"government without a king and religion without a Pope."
[h=2]10. According to the prophecy, what drastic change will take place in America?[/h]
Revelation 13:11. And he ______ as a dragon.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Speaking as a dragon means that the United States, under the influence of Satan, will reverse its original Protestant principles of the separation of church and state. It will pass religious laws forcing people to worship contrary to conscience or else be punished with economic sanctions (verses 16, 17) and finally death (verse 15).
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[h=2]11. What three powers will unite against God's people in the end time?[/h]
Revelation 16:13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false ________.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The dragon is Satan (Revelation 12:9), working through pagan religions. The beast of Revelation 13:1-10 is the papacy. The false prophet in Revelation 16 is apostate Protestantism in America, which is the same power as the beast of Revelation 13:11-17 that has two horns like a lamb but will later speak as a dragon. This is the power that does "great wonders" and "deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast." Revelation 13:13, 14. (Compare with the description of the false prophet given in Revelation 19:20.)
[h=2]12. Will these diverse organizations ever effectively unite?[/h]
Revelation 16:14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the _______ of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Yes, God says they will unite. Notice that they are united in their work of spreading deception and building a confederacy against God's people. The "battle of that great day of God Almighty" is the same event as the dragon making war with the woman's offspring (Revelation 12:17).
[h=2]13. What effective methods will this end-time coalition utilize?[/h]
Revelation 16:14. For they are the spirits of devils, working _________.
Revelation 13:13, 14 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] This end-time coalition will work mighty miracles by the spirits of devils, and almost the entire world will be convinced (Revelation 13:3) and deceived. Revelation 18:23 says, "By thy sorceries were all nations deceived."
[h=2]14. What will prevent God's end-time people from being deceived?[/h]
Isaiah 8:20. To the _____ and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] God's people will need to test everything by the Bible. They will not be deceived, because they will test the miracles and teachings to determine whether they come from spirits of devils or from the Lord.
[h=2]15. Today God is calling His people out of Babylon into the safety of His remnant church. He says that those who remain in Babylon will partake of her sins and receive her plagues. In Noah's day, only eight people entered the ark God had provided for their salvation. All others perished. Today He provides His remnant church as an ark of safety, and millions are entering. Jesus is inviting you to "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." Genesis 7:1. Will you say "Yes" to His invitation today? [/h]
Answer : ____________________
Supplemental Study
How Powerful Are the USA and Rome?
Revelation chapter 13 points out that in the end-time, the papacy and the United States will team up to influence the entire world to worship the beast. Are these entities powerful enough to accomplish this?
The papacy is by far the strongest religio-political power in the world. Nearly every leading country has an official ambassador or state representative at the Vatican. The pope is revered and welcomed by virtually all countries. Former U.S.S.R. leader Mikhail Gorbachev said, "Everything which took place in Eastern Europe in recent years would have been impossible without the Pope's efforts and the enormous role, including the political role, which he played in the world arena."[SUP]1[/SUP] The pope has made more than 50 world trips to achieve his goal of unifying the religious world under the papacy's leadership.
America is now looked upon as the number one military power and center of influence. "[America is] the planet's sole remaining superpower."[SUP]2[/SUP]
"America's power will now determine all major global events."[SUP]3[/SUP] Bible prophecy predicts with clarity that the United States of America and the papacy will join hands, and world events clearly show that the coalition is being formed.
[SUP]1[/SUP]Toronto Star, March 9, 1992, p. A-1.
[SUP]2[/SUP]"The UN Obsession," Time, May 9, 1994, p. 86.
[SUP]3[/SUP]Jim Hoaglad, "Of Heroes ...," The Washington Post, August 21, 1991, p. A-23.
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[h=2]11. What three powers will unite against God's people in the end time?[/h]
Revelation 16:13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false ________.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] The dragon is Satan (Revelation 12:9), working through pagan religions. The beast of Revelation 13:1-10 is the papacy. The false prophet in Revelation 16 is apostate Protestantism in America, which is the same power as the beast of Revelation 13:11-17 that has two horns like a lamb but will later speak as a dragon. This is the power that does "great wonders" and "deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast." Revelation 13:13, 14. (Compare with the description of the false prophet given in Revelation 19:20.)
[h=2]12. Will these diverse organizations ever effectively unite?[/h]
Revelation 16:14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the _______ of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] Yes, God says they will unite. Notice that they are united in their work of spreading deception and building a confederacy against God's people. The "battle of that great day of God Almighty" is the same event as the dragon making war with the woman's offspring (Revelation 12:17).
[h=2]13. What effective methods will this end-time coalition utilize?[/h]
Revelation 16:14. For they are the spirits of devils, working _________.
Revelation 13:13, 14 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] This end-time coalition will work mighty miracles by the spirits of devils, and almost the entire world will be convinced (Revelation 13:3) and deceived. Revelation 18:23 says, "By thy sorceries were all nations deceived."
[h=2]14. What will prevent God's end-time people from being deceived?[/h]
Isaiah 8:20. To the _____ and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Answer : ____________________
[h=2]NOTE:[/h][h=2][/h] God's people will need to test everything by the Bible. They will not be deceived, because they will test the miracles and teachings to determine whether they come from spirits of devils or from the Lord.
[h=2]15. Today God is calling His people out of Babylon into the safety of His remnant church. He says that those who remain in Babylon will partake of her sins and receive her plagues. In Noah's day, only eight people entered the ark God had provided for their salvation. All others perished. Today He provides His remnant church as an ark of safety, and millions are entering. Jesus is inviting you to "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." Genesis 7:1. Will you say "Yes" to His invitation today? [/h]
Answer : ____________________
Supplemental Study
How Powerful Are the USA and Rome?
Revelation chapter 13 points out that in the end-time, the papacy and the United States will team up to influence the entire world to worship the beast. Are these entities powerful enough to accomplish this?
The papacy is by far the strongest religio-political power in the world. Nearly every leading country has an official ambassador or state representative at the Vatican. The pope is revered and welcomed by virtually all countries. Former U.S.S.R. leader Mikhail Gorbachev said, "Everything which took place in Eastern Europe in recent years would have been impossible without the Pope's efforts and the enormous role, including the political role, which he played in the world arena."[SUP]1[/SUP] The pope has made more than 50 world trips to achieve his goal of unifying the religious world under the papacy's leadership.
America is now looked upon as the number one military power and center of influence. "[America is] the planet's sole remaining superpower."[SUP]2[/SUP]
"America's power will now determine all major global events."[SUP]3[/SUP] Bible prophecy predicts with clarity that the United States of America and the papacy will join hands, and world events clearly show that the coalition is being formed.
[SUP]1[/SUP]Toronto Star, March 9, 1992, p. A-1.
[SUP]2[/SUP]"The UN Obsession," Time, May 9, 1994, p. 86.
[SUP]3[/SUP]Jim Hoaglad, "Of Heroes ...," The Washington Post, August 21, 1991, p. A-23.
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K
Sorry to interject but first I would give some sound advice, and that is do not listen to what is said on Amazing Facts. I have listened to a number of his teachings, and his hatred for the Catholic church blinds his teachings to not use all of God's word and only pull those that seem to make the Catholic church fit.
Book of Daniel Cleary shows that the Roman empire will not reform, and the final beast system shown in Revelation is a combination of empires together, not just one revised empire. Last of all Revelation shows Turkey is where to look !!!
Book of Daniel Cleary shows that the Roman empire will not reform, and the final beast system shown in Revelation is a combination of empires together, not just one revised empire. Last of all Revelation shows Turkey is where to look !!!