The False Prophet, the Second Beast

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.

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.