The second Beast or the Beast from
the earth in Revelation 13 is
variously identified by scholars as to its fulfillment. The Preterists identify this beast with the
Roman Empire; The Historicists, such
as Martin Luther and Isaac Newton,
identify this beast with the papacy; The Dispensationalists identify it to a future
“revived Roman Empire” matched by a future Antichrist. All of
them of course claim divine inspiration, and it is up to us to discern if they
are just claiming things they do not deserve.
The Bible gives us many identifying
points to recognize this second Beast. The
main description given is that it looks like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon: And I beheld another beast coming up out
of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as dragon."
(Rev.13:11)
The descriptions are easily discernible.
The Lamb symbolizes our Lord Jesus Christ (I Pet. 1:19), and the dragon
symbolizes the devil (Rev.12:9). The second beast, though having similarities
with Christ, will speak like the devil, an unmistakable characteristic of false
prophets. Thus, in The New Testament edited by Catholic Scholars, in its footnote for Revelation
19:20, this is what they say about this second Beast : " The False Prophet: the second
wild beast of chapter 13." (Copyright 1947 by Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine, p.471).
While “Beast” in the Bible symbolizes a “world kingdom;” nevertheless, identifying the 2nd Beast as the False Prophet is also correct, because kingdom is always symbolized by its
king, just as president is figuratively called head of state or nation. In the present case, we can spot the connection without much effort-, i.e., The false prophet is associated, connected, and
of one mind with the second Beast. In this regard,
we have to agree with Catholic scholars in their interpretation; at least this was their stand in
1947 based on the date of copyright of the book we cited.
The importance in identifying the false prophet will lead us in identifying the fulfillment of the 2nd Beast. Regardless on whether it has been fulfilled or future, the second beast is generally regarded by scholars as the Antichrist. The problem however lies on the fact that what we can only see is the outward appearance, and as always, looks can be deceiving.
But it should not be the case. There is a way of spotting them even just by looking at them. Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which came to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Therefore, one way to spot false prophet/s is in their clothing. Now notice the expression, "like a lamb, and spake as dragon" and compare it in "in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Mat.7:15). These two expressions virtually have the same meaning! Elsewhere in this blog is discussed the false prophets in sheep's clothing. click here.
The importance in identifying the false prophet will lead us in identifying the fulfillment of the 2nd Beast. Regardless on whether it has been fulfilled or future, the second beast is generally regarded by scholars as the Antichrist. The problem however lies on the fact that what we can only see is the outward appearance, and as always, looks can be deceiving.
But it should not be the case. There is a way of spotting them even just by looking at them. Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which came to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Therefore, one way to spot false prophet/s is in their clothing. Now notice the expression, "like a lamb, and spake as dragon" and compare it in "in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Mat.7:15). These two expressions virtually have the same meaning! Elsewhere in this blog is discussed the false prophets in sheep's clothing. click here.
This false prophet despite speaking
as a dragon was able to attract several followers and believers: "And
he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive
a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:"(Rev.13:16).
But how could false prophet/s attract many followers when in fact
speaking like the devil? Verse 14 informs that deception will be used and as stated, he will look like a lamb or
Christ, and of course one of the best ways of doing it of is to imitate Christ's clothing. False prophet/s will have an appearance of piousness as that of
our Lord; but will speak lies and deception.(John 8:44; Rev.13:14).
Yes, The False Prophet and the
second beast of Revelation are one and the same.
