Revelation 13
Revelation 13 speaks of two beasts. The first ten verses of Revelation 13 describe the first beast or the papacy in its rise to power. Then, immediately, John saw a second beast in vision “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” (Revelation 13:11).
Identifying Marks of the Second Beast
There are several points in Revelation 13:11 that help us identify who the second beast is, and these points are:
- Comes into existence around the time that the first beast receives its wound
- Comes up out of the earth
- Has two lamb-like horns
- Speaks like a dragon
Considering these points, it can be concluded that the second beast represents the United States of America. Therefore, let us see the biblical explanation:
Point 1
The second beast comes into existence around the time that the first beast receives its wound. The papal captivity mentioned in Revelation 13:10 took place in 1798, and the new power (verse 11) was seen emerging at that time. The United States 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 by 1798. Thus, the timing clearly fits the United States of America.
Point 2
The second beast comes out of the earth. Knowing that water in Bible prophecy represents a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15), earth as opposed to water means a scarcely populated area. This new nation would arise in an area of the world that had been virtually unpopulated before the late 1700s. The United States of American arose in a “new land.”
Point 3
The second beast has two lamb-like horns. Horns represent kingdoms, governments (Daniel 7:24; 8:21), and powers (Habakkuk 3:4). Therefore, this nation has two separate powers and the two governing principles upon which the USA was founded which are: civil and religious liberty. This could also be democracy and republicanism. Lamb-like horns means an innocent, non-oppressive and spiritual nation. No other power on earth besides the USA could fit the characteristics and the time frame of the lamb-horned beast.
Point 4
The second beast will speak like a dragon. The ‘lamb-like horns’ and ‘dragon’s voice’ point to a contrast between the peaceful words and the actions of this nation. In time, this once peaceful and free nation will come under the influence of the devil by means of deception. The dragon is Satan, who works through governments to crush God’s saints by persecution.
Therefore, “speaking as a dragon” means that the United States will use legal actions as a means of forcing worship contrary to God’s law or be punished. Hence, this will occur at the end of time and be the final test of all people.
The First and Second Beasts Unite
Revelation 13:12 says, “And he (the second beast) 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.”
The book of Revelation predicts that the government of United States of America will go against the Declaration of Independence and the rights defended by the Constitution concerning religious freedom. It will be biased towards the Catholic faith to promote religious intolerance of other beliefs and persecute those who oppose it.
“And cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15). Therefore, the United States will lead the nations of the world to impose a universal death sentence upon all who refuse to worship the beast or his image.
What is the Mark of the Beast? https://bibleask.org/what-is-the-mark-of-the-beast/
Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
Disclaimer:
The contents of this article and website are not intended to be against any individual. There are many priests and faithful believers in Roman Catholicism who serve God to the best of their knowledge. They are seen by God as His children. Thus, the information contained herein is directed only towards the Roman Catholic religio-political system which has reigned in varying degrees of power for nearly two millennia. This system has established an increasing number of doctrines and statements that directly go against the Bible.
It is our purpose to lay the clear Word of God before you, the truth-seeking reader, to decide for yourself what is truth and what is error. Therefore, if you find anything here contrary to the Bible, do not accept it. However, if you desire to seek for Truth as for hidden treasure, and find herein something of that quality and feel that the Holy Spirit is revealing Truth to you, please make all haste to accept it.
