HOPE FOR THE LAST DAYS
THE BEAST and THE BLESSING

All Protestant Reformers believed that Revelation 12 AND 13 foretold a continuing line of Satanic power upon the earth. Thus, the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet each represent specific manifestations of Satan's kingdom as seen over many centuries. Today, most teachers of Bible Prophecy see Revelation's three monstrosities as symbols of things that are yet to come and these will only be seen in the future 7 year tribulation of the "last days." Which view is correct?

FIRST KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:

What time period is included in the Biblical phrase "the last days?"

WE ARE LIVING IN "THE LAST DAYS"

The Bible defines "Last Days" as being that time between Jesus' ministry and his second coming. There were former days (being the time before Messiah) and there are latter days. (being the days following Jesus birth) This one Bible truth will make Bible Prophecy far easier to grasp and harmonize. Let the simple language of scripture be your light in this matter!

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE LAST DAYS

JESUS FIRST COMING OCCURRED IN THE LAST DAYS.

Hebrews 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"

THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY GHOST ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST HAPPENED IN THE "LAST DAYS."

Acts 2: 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"

 THEREFORE, GOD'S KINGDOM FIRST APPEARED WITH THE MINISTRY OF JESUS (Matthew 12:28 "... the kingdom of God is come unto you.") AND IS NOW GROWING IN THE EARTH

In Jesus' parable of the wheat and tares we discover that both the good and bad grow together until the final harvest. Therefore, there is a kingdom of God here and now? YES! We maintain that the glory of the early Church is not gone but will actually increase as the Coming of Christ draws near.

Consider that as the harvest nears it becomes easier to desern the wheat from the tares. Truly, Jesus will return for " a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing..." Ephesians 5:27

SECOND KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:

Does the progressive manifestation of Satan's prophecied kingdom (the dragon, beast, and false prophet) mean that God's kingdom is not present? Do Christians have any hope of prevailing against a prophesied monstrosity? When Jesus said that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" his Church was he foreseeing a victory that would only be realized in two thousand years or perhaps later? When Jesus instructed us to pray "thy kingdom come" was he only speaking about his Millennial Kingdom and were our prayers to be made as mere expressions of hope and not powerful vehicles of deliverance?

THE SAINTS...SHALL TAKE THE KINGDOM

As we read about the dragon, beast, and false prophet we need not despair. These are simply successive manifestations of Satan's dark kingdom. God's kingdom of light also rises up in the these "last days" and progressively puts antichrist to flight! Remember that we are given authority to tread upon scorpions and serpents until the appearing of Jesus.

Daniel 7:18 "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever."

 THREE GREAT BATTLES:

1. THE EARLY CHURCH BROUGHT DOWN THE DRAGON

Consider that the early Church spread the gospel to the Roman Empire inspite of flaming persecution. Rome was essentially defeated by the claims of Christ.

2. THE REFORMERS DEFEATED THE BEAST

Consider that the Reformers defeated the Apostate Beast of Romanism through the word of God. The lies of multiplied Popes were undone by prayer and gospel preaching. Although this beast of apostate Christianity enjoyed 1260 years of power he was at last brought low as the Reformation saints took the kingdom.

3. TODAY, WE CAN DEFEAT THE FALSE PROPHET OF ISLAM AS WELL AS GODLESS MODERNISM. THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST CHRIST'S CHURCH!

Consider that the False Prophet (Modern Islam) can also be defeated by the message of Christ. The Koran tells Mohammed's followers to burn and dissmember unbelievers. Mohamuidism has always been spread by the sword. Conversely, Jesus said to love your enemies and to freely take the good news to the whole world. In the end the Love of Christ will prevail. When people hear the words of the Koran and understand the immorality of its message they will hunger for Jesus' good news and the wonderful light of God's true heaven.

DEFEATING ANTICHRIST IN OUR GENERATION
The Power of Prayer and the Gospel
Satan's mountain must fall

Mark 11:23-24 "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

Jeremiah 51:25-26 "Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. 26 And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD."

IN THE END GOD'S KINGDOM WILL PREVAIL!

Isaiah 2:2 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."

Return to

BIBLE PROPHECY SITE