“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).
I believe we are living in the time described in Revelation 13 and 14. These chapters deal with the two great beasts. In chapter 13 the first beast— the one that rises from the sea and has seven heads and ten horns—was wounded, but its “deadly wound was healed.” This is a segment of time that has already passed. Then the second beast—which has two horns like a lamb and speaks like a dragon (Revelation 13:11)—comes on the scene and is ready to make an image to the first beast that was healed. It tries to force everyone on Earth to worship the first beast.
According to Daniel 7, these beasts are nations. I believe the second beast is the United States, which accurately fits the description and historical setting. It looks like a lamb; it starts out as a nation founded on Christian principles, but it begins to speak like a dragon.
In prophecy, a lamb is a symbol of Christ and a dragon is a symbol of Satan. We are going to see America bringing the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches to apostatize—to abandon their distinctive beliefs and come together to form a one-world church that undermines God’s law.
However, there will be a biblical element who will remain true to God and refuse to receive the mark of the beast, “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).
I believe we are on the verge of religious laws that will hedge in God’s people and force a decision for or against God’s moral law. This conflict will spotlight the fourth commandment, the law that focuses on God as Creator. That’s why the first angel’s message warns us to “worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Revelation 14:7). Those who choose to keep God’s law will triumph. Jesus assures that “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22)
Dear Lord, thank you for being my ever-present strength and shield. Make me unswerving in my commitment to you and your law of love!
For Further Study: Daniel 7:17; Matthew 24:12–14; Revelation 13 and 14.
What's on your mind