THE BEAST

    The beast that we read of in the Bible is called by a number of names and titles; listed in the following verses are some if you wish to look them up.  He is called the "son of perdition" (2nd Thes. 2:1-12) also, "that man of sin", and "that wicked".  John called him "the antichrist" (1st John 2:18-23).  Daniel saw him as the "little horn" or king (Dan. 7:7-8).  He called him in another chapter "a king of fierce countenance" (Dan. 8:23-25).  The Book of Revelation calls him a "beast" (Rev. 13). Much has been written and said about just who this "beast" is and when he will arise, etc.  There are a few things that I know the Bible teaches about this great evil power and I intend to point them out to you briefly.  There is no doubt that he will be given his power, seat and authority by the dragon. (Rev. 13:2) and the dragon is the devil (Rev. 12:9).  The "beast" is a power of church and state as he will cause all (who will) to worship him (his god and doctrine) and he will cause all to take the mark or a number if they are to buy and sell (Rev. 13:8,16-17).  This evil power is headed by a man, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped (2nd Thes. 2:3-4).  He is called a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences--and he shall prosper and destroy the mighty and holy people (Dan. 8:23-25).  Some will tell you that the "beast" has already been and we will see no more of him, etc.  I will show you with a few simple scriptures where this is untrue.  This wicked will be destroyed with the brightness of the Lord's coming (2nd Thes. 2:8).  John in the book of Revelation shows us plainly Jesus coming from heaven with His armies and the beast with his armies making war with Jesus but of course they will be destroyed by being cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone (Rev. 19:11-21).  Daniel tells us, Yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him (Dan. 11:45).  In another place we read, he (beast) shall also stand up against the Prince of Peace (Jesus), but he shall be broken without hand (Dan. 8:25).  The very fact that the "beast" will make war with the saints (Rev. 13:7) is sufficient proof that the church will be here on earth in at least a part of his reign!  It is true that we will be lifted out of the greater part as Jesus said for us to pray that we might escape (Luke 21:36).  Saints, keep your eyes open; the man of sin will soon be revealed.  When he appears he will have great control both natural and spiritual things.