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Rendering Homage

The False Prophet uses every means necessary to coax or coerce men to give their allegiance to the Beast from the sea .  The “ false prophet ” uses “ signs and wonders ” and its control of commerce to cause the “ inhabitants of the earth ” to render homage to the “ Beast .” Whether he employs force or persuasion, the goal is the same. Anyone who refuses to submit is excluded from the economic life of the  Empire.

The Ancient Beast

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The Beast of Revelation is the embodiment of the ancient power that has been stalking the saints since the fall of Adam .  History repeats itself. It is littered with past efforts by tyrants and regimes to dominate the Earth. Each may experience some success, but so far, every empire that has appointed itself sovereign over humanity has floundered in the end. For example, the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar and Caesar’s imper9al realm both ceased to exist thousands of years ago.

Beastly Warfare

In the book of Revelation, Satan attacks the Lamb by persecuting his followers, those who have the testimony of Jesus .  At times, there may be so many “trees” that we find it difficult to see the “forest” - details distract us from seeing the obvious. This is often the case when dealing with the visions of  Revelation . According to its very first verse, it is intended to “ reveal what things must come to pass ,” not to conceal them or mystify its readers.

The Neronian Problem

The Bible claims that God gives political power to whomever He pleases, “ even to the basest of men .” He “ removes kings and installs kings ” to accomplish His purposes, including rulers of whom many church leaders and members may disapprove. Disciples of Jesus who assume that certain politicians should hold governmental power presume on God’s patience and prerogative, and this is especially problematic in Western-style democratic societies.

Beastly Economics

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The “ False Prophet ” uses economic power against anyone who refuses to render homage to the  World Empire , and the “ Mark of the Beast ” is his enforcement mechanism. The ability to impose monetary penalties on nations, communities, and individuals is key to the imperial power of the First Beast.