The importance of the expression “Mark of the Beast” is to be seen in its several uses in Revelation (13:16-18; 14:11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4). This mark can be taken to be a brand, stamp, tag or the phylacteries, (Deut. 6:8), having economic (Rev. 13:17) and religious significance (Rev. 14:11).  Rev. 13:18 suggests that the mark of the beast is to be identified with the number of the beast, 666. John could be using an ancient system of numerology called gematria, in which the number concepts (e.g., 600, 60, 6, etc.) are identified with their alphabetic letter equivalents, to be translated then into proper names.

Thus, 666 have been identified with Titus, or Nero, or Napoleon, or Mussolini, or even to a computer. In fact, there have been dozens of significant persons throughout history who have been identified as "the beast." Needless to say, all these guesses have been wrong. The anti-Christ is not a computer as claimed by some Charismatic because a computer has no soul and therefore, it cannot suffer in hell.

The number 666 could well be identified with some future historical antichrist or situation, but history teaches us to be cautious in trying to be too precise. Although the term "antichrist" occurs only in the Epistles, the conception of an arch-enemy of the Messiah is found in the Scriptures. The Antichrist opposes Christ. Because Christ is not fully revealed in the Old Testament offers an  incomplete portrait of Antichrist but furnishes materials for the picture in description of personal or national opposition to God. The Bible described the anti-Christ but did not identify the Beast and the anti-Christ, so we are not in position to accuse somebody as the antichrist.

Belial. Certain individuals, infamous for wickedness, are called "sons or men of Belial" (beliya'al, probably "without worth," "useless"). Idolatry (Deut. 13:13), sodomy and rape (Judges. 19:22; 20:13), drunkenness (1 Sam. 1:16), disregard of God (1 Sam. 2:12), sacrilege (1 Sam. 2:17, 22), disrespect for authority (1 Sam. 10:27; 2 Chr. 13:7), lack of hospitality (1 Sam. 25:17, 25), perjury (1 Kings 21:10, 13), and evil speech (Prov. 6:12; 16:27) are among the sins of these men.

Opposition of God's kingdom is opposition to Him. The nations' vain plot against the Lord's anointed king in Psalm 2 may be a foreshadowing idea of the antichrist.  This rebellion is symbolized in Daniel's little horn. Chapter 7, the more eschatological, seems to depict the defeat of God's final enemy, while chapter 8 describes Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-163 B.C.), the foreign ruler most hated by the Jews because of his personal wickedness and ruthless persecution of their religion. The writers of the Scriptures used their own rulers as reference and epitome of evil.

 The portrait of this "king of the north" (Dan. 11), the personification of evil, has helped significantly to shape the New Testament figure of Antichrist: (1) he abolished the continual burnt offering and erected the abomination of desolation in the temple (Dan. 11:31; Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14; Rev. 13:14-15); (2) he exalted himself to the position of deity (Dan. 11:36-39; 2 Thess. 2:3-4); (3) his helpless death points to Christ's slaying of "the lawless one" (Dan. 11:45; 2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 19:20).. The beast from the sea in Revelation 13:1 recalls Daniel 7:3:7 and strengthens the link between Daniel's prophecy and the New Testament account of the Antichrist.

The "lawless one" (2 Thess. 2:8,9) has been connected with Beliar, which in rabbinic tradition is interpreted as "without yoke" (beli'ol), "refusing the law's yoke". This connection seems strengthened by the translation of belial by paranomos, "lawbreaker" (Deut. 13:13). However, though Paul's description may partially reflect the Beliar tradition, he distinguishes Beliar from the lawless one: Beliar is a synonym of Satan (2 Cor. 6:15), while Satan and the lawless one are differentiated.

The references to Christ's opponent are neither numerous nor specific. The disciples were warned that false Christ will attempt to deceive even the elect (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22). Similarly, Christ speaks of one who comes in His own name, whom the Jews receive (John 5:43). This may be a veiled reference to the Antichrist or to any false Messiah who present himself to Judaism. Even the mention of the abomination of desolation (Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14), recalling vividly Daniel's prophecy, is made with remarkable restraint. A single evil personality may be in view, but his portrait is not even sketched.

 In 2 Thessalonians, Paul gives a clearer picture of Christ's archenemy, whose outstanding characteristic is contempt of law. Two names, "man of lawlessness"  and "the lawless one" (2:3, 8-9), stress this anarchistic attitude, recalling Dan. 7:25, where the little horn tries to change the times and law. The Antichrist makes exclusive claim to deity (2:4) in terms reminiscent of Daniel 7:25; 11:36. Paul presented  a pseudo-God viciously opposing all  religions.

His model may have been the blasphemous emperor Gaius (A.D. 37-41).  The anti-Christ will deceive many by wonders (2 Thess. 2:9-10). Christ worked miracles by God's power, and the Jews attributed them to Satan (Matt. 12:24); Antichrist will work miracles by satanic power, and so therefore many will worship him as God.

 One of the Antichrist's names, "son of perdition" (2 Thess. 2:3; John 17:12), reveals his destiny: Christ will slay him by his breath and the brightness of his appearing (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 19:15, 20;  Isaiah 11:4). The Antichrist is the personal culmination of a principle of rebellion already working secretly, "the mystery of lawlessness" (2 Thess. 2:7). When God's restraining hand which preserves law and order is withdrawn, this spirit of satanic lawlessness will become incarnate in "the lawless one" (see Tract 68).

Though John recognized the expectation of a single antichrist, he turns his attention to the many antichrist who have come denying that Jesus is the Christ and thus denying the true nature of both Father and Son (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3). Cultic religions discredited Christ's humanity (2 John 7), claiming that he seemed to have human form. To John they were the embodiment of the antichrist spirit. John's account complements rather than contradicts Paul's. Following Daniel, Paul depicts a single archenemy, who claims the right to personal worship. John stresses the spiritual elements in these claims and the spiritual lie which made the Antichrist seemingly strong. The anti-Christ is an Israelite by blood with burning passion for power.

The Apocalyptic beast (Rev. 13), is dependent in spirit and detail on Daniel, combines the characteristics of all four Old Testament beasts. Further, the New Testament beast has an authority belonging only to the little horn of Daniel's beast. John seemingly implies that the savage impiety of Antiochus will be embodied in a kingdom; for the beast, although he has some personal characteristics, is more than a person: his seven heads are seven kings (Rev. 17:10-12). The beast himself is an eighth king, springing from one of the seven.

This complicated picture suggests that the beast symbolizes worldly power, the anti-God spirit of a nationalistic ambition (in Daniel's prophecy personified in Antiochus and in John's day in Roman's Emperors) which will become incarnate in one great demagogue, Antichrist. To Paul's account John adds at least one important element, the false prophet, a second beast who works under the authority of Antichrist, as the Antichrist gains his authority from the dragon, Satan (Rev. 13:2, 11-12). After directing Antichrist's political and religious enterprises, the false prophet shares his fate at Christ's advent (Rev. 19:20).

 The Reformers equated Antichrist with the papacy, as had some medieval theologians, Gregory I, who taught that whoever assumed the title "universal priest" was the Antichrist. They believe that Antichrist will usher in a period of great tribulation at history's close, in connection with a mighty empire like a revived Rome, and will dominate politics, religion, and commerce until Christ's advent.  Roman Catholic scholars retaliated, branding Rome's opponents Antichrist. As of this time, it is irrational to speculate who will be this anti-Christ because he will remain unrevealed until the rapture of the Church.

THE FIRST BEAST (will come out of the turbulent “sea” of nations, Rev.13:1)

• Of the “seven heads” or kingdoms of Rev.2:2-12, the seventh king eventually subdues three horns of the ten-horn confederation and thereby assumes control.  He becomes the Dictator of the entire Revived Roman Empire.
• He is the Anti-Christ or King of the West (Dan.11:36-45).
• He is the “little horn” (Dan.7:8-9,19-24); “horn” denotes power given to him by the dragon, Satan (Rev.12:7-9).
• He is “the feet of the image” (Dan.2:31-45).
• He is the “prince that shall come” (Dan.9:26,27).
• He is the “god of forces” (Dan.11:38).
• He is the “man of sin” (II Th.2:3-10).
• He is the “scarlet beast” on which the whore rides (Rev.17:3,8-13).
•  He is the “abomination of desolation” (Mt.24:15).
• He is the “prince of Tyrus” because of Satan possession at the mid  point of the Tribulation (Ez.28:1-10).
• He is very charismatic, a great orator, brilliant in diplomacy and administration, poses as a great humanitarian, and is loved by all (Dan.7:20, Rev.13:4-5).

He signs a seven year agreement or COVENANT ISRAEL (Dan.9:27, Isa.28:15).  He promises them protection and religious freedom, but it may be that this is only offered if they agree to totally disarm militarily.  They will be permitted to rebuild the Temple, to resume sacrifices, and  to practice Judaism apart from the world religious system’s or the muslims’ interference.     But halfway through the Tribulation, something happens          

THE SECOND BEAST  (will come “out of the earth” or the Land of Palestine)

Rev,13:11,  “…and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.”  His two horns are two offices of power:

False Prophet  -  the third member of Satan’s counterfeit trinity.  While Satan is the Father (Rev.12:7-9), the Dictator of the Revived Roman Empire is the Son, and the False Prophet is the Holy Spirit.

King or Dictator of Palestine.  He is known as “the willful king” (Dan.11:36-40) and “the idol shepherd” (Zech.11:15-17).

He made the Covenant for protection with the Roman Dictator who demanded a share in the wealth of Palestine (Dan.11:36-39).  Over time, he bankrupts Israel, and then, he is truly owing to the Roman Dictator.

For a short period, he dupes people into believing that he is the Messiah, “like a lamb,” but underneath this disguise lies the fierceness of this dictator.

Rev,13:13,  “And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men like Elijah did.   Being able to produce great signs and wonders gives him undeniable divine credibility.

JR Cherreguine Bible Doctrine Ministries

MID-TRIBULATION

Midway through the Tribulation, an enraged and avenging Satan will be tossed out of heaven and will come down to earth to indwell the Dictator of the Revived Roman Empire, bringing him back to life as the eighth king after he has been violently assassinated  (Isa.14:12, Rev.12:7-17, 17:10-13).

Rev.17:16  “And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire.”  The First thing the Satan-possessed Dictator will do is turn against the religious hierarchy of Rome by burning it to the ground.  He and the Roman Empire kings are tired of her restrictions, jealous of her power, and they rob her of all of her wealth.  No more pretenses.  Raw genocide. 

Then he proclaims himself to be the Messiah turning his hatred on the Jews, “the woman” of Rev.12:13, by entering the Holy of Holies, “the abomination of desolation,” commanding all to worship himself upon penalty of death just like King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.3), eliminating Jewish sacrifices in the Temple (Dan.12:11), and thereby breaking his treaty with them. 

The False Prophet, bankrupt and surrounded by foes, erects an image of the Antichrist, an automaton or talking robot, in the Temple and orders all to take the mark of the Beast, 666 (Rev.17: 14-18).

When Jewish believers see him enter the Holy of Holies, that is their signal to flee to the mountains (Matt.14:15,16, Rev.12:14).

Satan then mobilizes all armies of the world against Israel in the Battle of Armageddon.  Some great Jerusalem Jews catch on late, turn to the Lord for their spiritual salvation, fight brilliantly, and live to see Him return to deliver them (Dan.11, Joel 2:1-9, Zech.12:2-6,14:2-7), and to annihilate the enemy (Psa.97:2-6, Rev.1:7,19:11-21, 14:19-20, Ez.39:12).

©2005-2009   J. R. Cherreguine Bible Doctrine Ministries