We received the following question: "I have been told that the "Beast" of Revelation Chapter 13 is a government system and is not the Anti-Christ as is commonly taught." "What do you believe?"
ANSWER: According to the Scriptures, the"Beast" is both a man and his political system.
This is not a new concept to the Scriptures as can easily be verified. For example in Daniel Ch. 2, King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a giant statue, which represented all the world kingdoms through history, was explained by Daniel the Prophet.
In verse 44 we are shown when the God of Heaven will set up His eternal kingdom and quote, "It shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms."
Now the first kingdom, which was Babylon, was represented as a head made of fine gold (see Dan. 2:32). Yet verse 38 reveals Daniel stating to King Nebuchadnezzar, "you are this head of gold." Verse 39 then carries on this dualistic style of identification by stating that "after you shall arise another inferior to yours."
In Dan. Ch. 7 these world kingdoms are again presented in symbolic form...this time as beasts. Verses 7 -8 reveals the last kingdom which was (and will be) the Roman Empire metamorphosed into a man. This man is the Anti-Christ and verse 11 reveals his being burned up by fire at the close of his reign.
Looking at verse 17 for a moment we find the Scriptures clearly declaring "Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings, yet, Dan. 7:23 states that "the fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom." So which is it, king or kingdom?
There are many more examples which could be given from the Scriptures where symbolic references and kingdoms or orders of one kind or another are described interchangeably with a man.
Keep in mind for later that the beastly king in Dan. 7:1 will be given to the burning flame to see how Scriptures dovetail.
In the New Testament we can follow up on the scriptural revelations shared by Daniel. In Revelation 13 we are shown a great beast "rising up out of the sea."
The description of the beast in verses 1 & 2 reveals a composite of the beastly kingdoms shown to us previously in Dan. Ch. 7. The point seems obvious; that this final beast will incorporate all of the abilities and might of the worldly kingdoms which had come before.
Daniel 7:12 reinforces the revelation that the ancient, beastly kingdoms carry on forward over time by declaring that, "As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time."
Returning to Rev. Ch. 13, starting at verse 1 we once again find this final beast metamorphosed and being described as a man. In verse 1 we find it is "his horns" and "his heads." Verse 2 speaks of "his feet," "his mouth, " "his power" and "his throne." Verse 3 speaks of "one of his heads." Verse 4 asks, "Who is able to make war with him?"
One can continue on finding clear references in this chapter that reveal this final, beastly, world empire is personified in the Anti-Christ king called the "Beast."
Revelation 13:8 reads, "all who dwell on the earth will worship him" not "all who dwell on the earth will worship it."
Revelation 19:20 of God's Word tells us that, "the Beast was captured, and with him the false prophet," and that, "These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." What is being said is clear and unmistakable. It is not a kingdom or system that will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire.
The Scriptures take us 1,000 years further into the future in Rev. 20:7&10. There we find that the devil will join the beast and the false prophet, who are still existing, in the Lake of Fire where the 3 of them will "be tormented" day and night forever and ever." A non personal entity such as a government cannot be tormented forever.
Even though Satan has supernatural abilities he still needs fallen mankind to supplement his power in order to be effective as is revealed in Rev. 13:2 & 4 & Rev. 16:13. Satan is not omnipresent and mankind's armies and technology are necessary for him to exercise control over the earth. This can also be seen illustrated in the 10 toed kingdom of the statue in Dan. 2:40-43.
The symbolism of "10 toes" are 10 kings according to verse 44 and are likewise the 10 kings of the "10 horns" found in Rev. 17:12.
Daniel 7:24 reveals that the 10 kings are kings in the process of forming a kingdom before the Anti-Christ arrives upon the scene. Therefore they are kings already, ruling over countries prior to the Anti-Christ taking over.
The Anti-Christ does not make them into kings. It is the Anti-Christ who brings to fruition their unification efforts into the final world empire. It is only then that they "give
‘ the beast their individual "power and authority" according to Rev. 17:13, and it is only then that the 10 horned kingdom of the Anti-Christ comes to realization.
The 10 kings enjoy their dream of global domination for a very short time under the beast's leadership according to Rev. 17:12 & 17.
Daniel 2:41-43 reveals that the iron will of Satan and the Beast will not be enough to bring total commitment. The 10 kings will cling to their independent ideals and the union will exhibit a fragility due to nationalistic pride.
The European Union is dramatically fulfilling every nuance prophesied of for this final world empire.
In summation, one must read the context of a Scripture carefully in order to determine what or who is specifically being spoken of. An interchangeableness can often be found between symbolic references, a man, or his kingdom. It is our belief that the beastly Anti-Christ king and his bestial, world-dominating kingdom are about to take center stage upon the earth.
Time is very short. Today, this very moment, is the time to put your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and rest in His promise that He "will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world..." (Rev. 3:10).
Jesus shed His blood on the cross almost 2,000 years ago so that all who believe in Him will never perish, but will inherit eternal life.
If you would like some free information which more thoroughly explains how and why Jesus paid the full penalty for the sins of the world then write and ask for "God's Plan for Salvation."