The Lamb And The Beasts

"The Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour."--1 John 2:18 We see evidence of the Antichrist and his spirit in the chaos, fear, hate, deceit, arrogance and cruelty both in news headlines and in the world around us. Our ancient enemy is cunning, and his subtle deceptions can infiltrate an unsuspecting heart--and church. When we don't know or take seriously the daily relevance of the Bible's teaching on Satan and the end times, we can unwittingly get swept up in his schemes. In this eye-opening book, trusted Bible scholar Derek Prince reveals what the Scriptures really say about Satan, the Antichrist and the mark of the Beast--and why Jesus Christ as the Lamb is so important. Derek also gives you the tools you need to · defend against confusion and fear · guard your heart with purity and assurance · hold fast in the midst of great opposition Today and in the days ahead, a destiny-determining choice lies before you: Will you give in to the nature and deception of the Beast? Or will you stand firm in the nature of the Lamb, preparing yourself for the day He returns?

The book of Revelation is not about what the future holds, but about who holds the future. It lays out contrasting visions of the world'the world of the Lamb and the world of the beasts'and expresses the magnitude of our choice with inspired imagery. Reading Revelation momentarily gives us the eyes of God to glimpse the heavenly meaning of our worship, to look evil in the face and see its full reality, to gaze upon the cosmic meaning of Christ's sacrifice, and to envision the world renewed by the hope of God's victory. Revelation offers the world a wakeup call and teaches us how to live in joyful hope.

Revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Dogmatism abounds as different groups insist on their own interpretation. This introduction explains its relevance to modern readers.

The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

Christians view the mark of the beast as something futuristic. The receiving of the mark of the beast commands the wrath and indignation of God; and the consequences are severe. Many Christians has already accepted the mark of the beast; unbeknownst to them. They do not have a clear vision as to whom or what is the beast. Each denomination has their interpretation of the beast and how and when it will manifest. The word says, And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. Revelation 14: 9, 10. Many Christian denominations believe the prophecy points to the papacy as the beast. However, in scripture, the Papal system has never been a beast, is not a beast and will never be a beast. To call that system the beast is to take the word of God on a very long stretch. This horn functions both politically and as a Christian Church. It persecuted and killed any Christian who disagrees with its dogmas. The word says the Saints shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time and he would come to his end unto the end. Nowhere in scripture is it indicated that this horn power will regain its dominion to persecute the saints of God as it did for over twelve hundred years. Then who is the beast? This book has the answer. Reviewed by Online Book Club: Official Review: The Mark of the Beast Revelation 13

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. What can we know about the book of Revelation? What should we make of its visions of apocalyptic horsemen, horns with faces, flying angels, and fantastic beasts? Most important, what meaning does it hold for us here and now, and how can we apply it to our lives? Craig S. Keener shares perspectives on Revelation and helps us strengthen our hope in the future while living out our faith wisely in the present. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's context, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

The act of martyrdom in the worldview of the Apocalypse has been considered to be an exemplification of non-violent resistance. Paul Middleton argues here, however, that it is in fact a representation of direct participation by Christians, through their martyrdom, in divine violence against those the author of Revelation portrays as God's enemies. Middleton shows that acceptance of martyrdom is to grasp the invitation to participate in the Revelation's divine violence. Martyrs follow the model laid down by the Lamb, who was not only slain, but resurrected, glorified, and who executes judgement. The world created by the Apocalypse encourages readers to conquer the Beast through martyrdom, but also through the experience of resurrection and being appointed judges. In this role, martyrs participate in the judgement of the wicked by sharing the Lamb's power to judge. Different from eschewing violence, the conceptual world of the Apocalypse portrays God, the Lamb, and the martyrs as possessing more power, might, and violent potential than the Emperor and his armies. Middleton believes that martyrdom and violence are necessary components of the worldview of Revelation.