The words of Jesus are in red text.

Because there is a significant amount of content, this lesson has been segmented into 3 parts: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Navigation buttons are at the top and bottom of each page. Introduction During the final seven years of the last days—life as we know it—will be forever changed. This dismal and dark period of time is known as the Tribulation: a period of time when the world will be influenced, dominated, and destroyed by a Satan-empowered person known as the Beast. “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. Daniel 8:23-25 “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Given the condition and present darkness within the world, there is a very good chance the Beast is alive today—as he and the world is being prepared for his entrance upon the global stage by the ruler of this world: Satan. “The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.” Revelation13:2 Jesus declared, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22 Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to be fully aware of the Beast and to look for him. The purpose of this lesson is to reveal what he will do; explain why God would allow the Beast to exist; describes possible ways he may enter into power; lists likely aspects of his persona; and examines the dire and unprecedented consequences of his satanically-driven influence upon the earth. Very Important Note: It is my core desire and commitment to base all lesson content upon Bible scripture. However, given this topic, there is lesson content that requires logical speculation to “fill in” the unknowns that are not defined in the Bible. For example, the Bible does not specifically answer a very relevant and important question: How will the Beast enter into power? Because the Bible does not reveal how he will arise and assume his power and great authority—lesson content that explores these possibilities are based upon logical reasoning and speculation. Therefore, this type of content will be preceded by the following words: “The following content (in this section) is based upon logical speculation.” Speculative content is based upon rational thought and prayer—and is provided as a means to stimulate thought of what may occur. Each reader should consider speculative content as “possibilities” and not fact; and either embrace the information for future reference, or disregard it because it is not biblically defined. In truth, the absolute answers to some questions are unavailable, and the factual depiction of some future events is unreliable—and will remain so until we witness their occurrence. But it is beneficial to thoughtfully consider what may occur as we prepare for the inevitable. The Unholy Trinity The term “Holy Trinity” is a human term used to describe the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit as three separate persons unified into one Godhead. It is God’s will that we believe in His Son (our Savior and Lord), repent and turn towards Him, and be changed from within by the Holy Spirit (our helper, teacher and guide)—so that we may experience an eternal life in His presence. The following words spoken by Jesus refers to God, Himself and the Holy Spirit (Helper). • “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 • “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:7-11 However, during the last days, an unholy trinity will form that will consist of Satan (the ruler of this world who is judged), the Beast and the False Prophet. The desires of this unholy trinity is to cause persons to reject Jesus Christ—via deceptional lies—and join them in an eternal death within the lake of fire. The Beast will be Satan incarnate (in whom Satan will dwell), and will provide Satan with a physical human body to deceive and destroy anyone who will listen, believe in, and follow. Satan desired to be worshiped as God, and convinced 1/3 of the angels to join him in attempting to overthrow God. Satan and his fallen angels failed in their attempt and were cast to earth as temporary punishment (we are living in Satan’s prison). Satan’s desire to be worshipped as God remains. This is why he wants to stand in the Temple in Jerusalem—the last place God dwelt upon earth and declare he is God—which was destroyed in 70AD. To make this occur, the Beast will enter into an agreement (covenant) that will allow the Temple to be rebuilt to support Jewish sacrifices and offerings—which initiates the 7-year Tribulation. Biblically Defined Beast Events • Satan (the dragon) will give the Beast his power, his throne and great authority. Dan 8:24; Rev 13:2 • The Beast will make a covenant to resume sacrifices and offerings. Dan 9:27 • The Beast will break the covenant after 3½ years have passed. Dan 9:27, 11:31, 12:11 • The Beast will then reveal his true identity and will exert his authority, his will and his power over the next 3½ years as the "abomination that causes desolation." Rev 13:5, 11:2; Dan 9:27, 12:11 • The Beast will desecrate the Temple. Dan 11:31; Rev 11:2 • The Beast will set himself up in the Temple. Matt 24:15; Dan 9:27, 11:31, 12:11; Mark 13:14 • The Beast is described as having 7 heads. One of the heads will receive a fatal wound, but the fatal wound will heal. Rev 13:1-3, 12 • The world will be astonished with the healing and will follow the Beast. Rev 13:3-4 • The world will worship Satan and the Beast. Rev 13:4, 8, 12 • The world will also worship the Beast because they believe that no comparisons exist that can defeat the Beast. Rev 13:4 • The Beast will speak highly of himself, and will slander God and those in heaven. Rev 13:5-6; II Thess 2:4 • The Beast is given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. Dan 8:24-25; Rev 13:7 • The Beast will join armies to war against Israel, but will be defeated by Jesus. Dan 8:25 Revelation 13:11 and 19:20 identifies the third component of the unholy trinity (the False Prophet), who will also be given power and authority, and will cause the world to enter into greater darkness. Biblically Defined False Prophet Events • He will have the same authority as the Beast. Rev 13:12, 14 • He will make the world worship the Beast. Rev 13:12 • He will perform great miracles and signs. Rev 13:13, 19:20; Mark 13:22; II Thess 2:9 • He will cause fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of all. Rev 13:13 • He will deceive the world. Rev 13:14, 19:20 • He will make a statue of the Beast because the Beast was wounded and yet lived. Rev 13:14 • He will give breath to the statue so that it can speak. Rev 13:15 • He will cause all that refuse to worship the statue to be killed. Rev 13:15, 20:4 • He will compel all to receive a mark. Rev 13:16 • Mandates the mark of the Beast. No one can buy or sell unless they receive the mark of the Beast’s name on their right hand or forehead. Rev 13:17-18 The False Covenant The Jewish Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Approximately 40 years earlier Jesus declared, “Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:2 For more than 2,000 years the Israelites have been unable to make sacrific es and offerings for their sins, and fulfill the requirements defined within the Mosaic Law. The Wailing Wall (aka Western Wall), was given its name because of the sorrowful prayers of Jews due of the loss of their Temple. Take a moment and consider the heart-felt pain you would experience if a key component of your faith is taken from you: your ability to receive forgiveness of your sins through the death and the blood shed by a sacrificial animal—for this is the pain experienced by Jews as they continue to look for the Mashiach (Messiah)—who will restore Israel, Jerusalem, and the Temple service. The Beast will negotiate a covenant with Israel and Israel’s enemies (i.e. “many”) that will allow the rebuilding of the Temple and resumption of sacrifices and offerings. This covenant is a critical event to look for because it initiates the 7-year Tribulation (referred to as one week below). 3½ years after the covenant is made, the Beast will break the covenant, stand in the Temple and declare he is God, and will attack the saints (Jews and Christians). This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation, and the first time Satan will be able to execute his rage and vengeance upon all who inhabit the earth. • “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Daniel 9:27 • “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.” Daniel 11:31 • “ Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4 • “And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” Revelation 13:5-7 • Jesus warned, “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:15-22 Some Israelites may consider the Beast as the long- awaited Messiah because of his covenant, and the perceived “protection” he will provide during the first 3½ years of the Tribulation. Jews believe the Messiah will come in power to destroy their earthly enemies. But God had a different plan. His Son, the Messiah, came as a lowly lamb—unblemished and without sin—willingly gave His life on the cross, and shed His blood as a sin sacrifice for all who believe. Jesus came not to destroy Israel’s earthly enemies as they perceived, but to destroy their spiritual enemies. However, God will fulfill His promises. Jesus will come in power to destroy all of Israel’s earthly enemies when He returns. This is when all Jews will realize Jesus was and is the Messiah, and He will forgive them, and they will mourn. “It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:9-10 For more information on the covenant, read “The Covenant” on UniqueBibleStudies.com . Why Will God Allow the Beast to Exist? Jesus provided us with spiritual insight into the purpose of the last days, the Beast and the influence of the Beast. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares describes a final harvest via the separation of the wheat (saved) from the tares (non-saved). Tares are weeds that look like wheat, and live amongst the wheat. “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Matthew 13:24-30 “And His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.’ He answered and said to them: ‘He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’” Matthew 13:37-43 The final separator of the wheat from the tares will occur when people will be required to receive a visible mark of the Beast in order to buy and sell (purchase food, pay for rent, buy gasoline, and survive). Those who reject the mark will be easily identifiable as the desired wheat—to be gathered for an eternal life with Jesus. Those who accept the visible mark will be easily identifiable as tares—to be gathered for eternal burning in the lake of fire. The Mark of the Beast “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:16-17 Every person on earth will be required to receive the mark of the Beast to buy and sell. In other words, you will need the mark to buy food, clothing and shelter; you will need the mark to receive income, pay rent and bills; and you will need the mark to maintain a semblance of one’s present lifestyle, and to avoid a multitude of insecure, fearful, and gut-wrenching unknowns. Because "he causes (or compels) all," rather than "forces all," reveals there will be a choice to accept the mark of the Beast or not. Besides, God would not force one into eternal death. If one decides to accept the mark it will be easier to buy and sell in the marketplace. However, based upon the scripture below, the long-term consequences of accepting the mark are far worse than not accepting the mark. “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’” Revelation 14:9-11 The lives of those who reject the mark will be completely and forever changed. In order to survive, they will need to spend a significant amount of time seeking food, clothing and shelter (likely by trading for goods and services, or by receiving assistance from those who are marked…if allowed ). The daily stresses of normal life will not compare to the overwhelming pressures of a survivalistic existence. As such, it becomes easier to understand why it should not be difficult to cause both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to accept the mark of the Beast. The Relevance of the Mark In Genesis 4:15, God put a mark on Cain so that no one would kill him. In Exodus 12:7, God directed Moses to tell all in Israel to mark the sides and tops of the door frames of their houses with blood from a sacrificial lamb. That evening, those who did not have the mark on their door frames lost their first born. Paul states in II Corinthians 1:22 that God places His seal of ownership on us and puts His Spirit within our hearts as a guarantee of what is to come. Revelation 7:1-8 reveals that God will put a seal on the foreheads of His servants, from the 12 tribes of Israel, in order to save them from destruction in the last days. In contrast, the Beast’s mark identifies eternal damnation. Those who accept the mark will demonstrate their willingness to follow his mandates; represents a form of worship of the Beast and Satan; and their rebellion towards God. Refusing the mark will require a total trust and faith in God, in His Word, and in His promises. The mark represents the final dividing line or "wedge" that will eternally separate the wheat (saved) from the tares (non-saved). It will no longer be possible to delay a personal decision for Christ, or be “lukewarm,” or “straddle the fence” (claim C hristianity and live a worldly life), or hide faith in Christ. The mark of the Beast and all of the personal sacrifices it represents will dissolve any false "fronts" that someone may be hiding behind. Who or what we truly believe in will be revealed…because each person must make one of two decisions: reject the mark and live eternally with Jesus, or eternally perish with the Beast by accepting his mark. Jesus spoke to our hearts. The Beast will speak to our flesh. Jesus spoke of peace for the saints. The Beast will proclaim war against the saints. Jesus sought to eliminate idolatrous worship in the temple. The Beast will destroy the rebuilt temple. Jesus came to save the lost. The Beast will seek to destroy the saved. Jesus spoke truth. The Beast will deceive. Jesus pointed the way toward Heaven. The Beast will point the way to hell. Jesus glorified God. The Beast will glorify Satan. The Beast’s Persona Satan’s Darkness Satan’s existence was perfect. He was an anointed cherub who lived in the presence of God. However, he was consumed by delusional sinful thinking—which caused him to believe he could overthrow God and become the Most High. As such, Satan’s malignant mind caused him to convince 1/3 of the angels to join him in a rebellion to overthrow God. However, Satan and his fallen angels were defeated. As punishment, they were cast down to earth (their prison) to await their final judgment in the lake of fire. Read Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:7-12 and 20:10-14. Jesus said regarding Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44 Satan’s delusion to be God has not changed. “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 When Satan declares he is God in the Temple, “There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22 Fake Persona Note: The following content (in this section) is based upon logical speculation. It is likely the beast will initially portray a fake persona (words and behavior) to persuade the masses. His persona will hide his true intent. He must first drive a cult following. He will be rejected if he initially declares his actual intentions. He   may   portray   himself   as   a   religious   person,   or   has religious ideals. It will be beneficial for the masses to perceive the Beast’s persona as being “spiritually founded.” He will depict himself as a friend of Israel. Rebuilding the Temple requires Israeli acceptance of him. He   may   declare   he   has   a   solution   to   the   world’s   instability and   chaos. This “solution” is a likely “ticket” that will give him access to a global “stage.” He   will   appeal   to   many   in   the   world. The words that he speaks will align with the needs and perceptions of many. He   will   likely   divert   blame   by   declaring   others   are   guilty   of the   crimes   he   is   instigating   (redirects   the   truth). As he executes his darkened objectives, he will redirect responsibility and criticism towards others. “Do not look at me—but look over there because they are causing this.” He   will   likely   verbally   attack   and   demean   anyone   who stands   in   his   way. He may use caustic words against anyone who criticizes him. In addition, those who seek to rebel against him may be attacked via threats or actual physical harm. The Beast may not initially reveal who he is and his true objectives…because he will be more subject to ridicule and rejection. He must first gain a following (i.e. a “cult worship”), to build his power base who will do his bidding. However, over time and as he gains power, he will be unable to hide behind a fake persona as his Satan- inspired nature and Satan-driven objectives will come to the “surface” for all to see. Mental Disorders Satan’s attempt to overthrow God indicates his delusional and malignant mind. To gain insight, it is possible to compare human personality disorders that correlate to Satan’s behavior. Sociopaths and narcissists are an example. As you read each of the behavioral descriptions below, consider the following questions: How does this behavior relate to: 1 . Satan’s attempted rebellion? 2 . Past or present leaders (i.e. Hitler)? A person is considered a sociopath when they: • Chronically lie. • Has a propensity to break laws and social norms. • Lacks empathy, and does not experience guilt or remorse if they harm others. • Is unwilling to take responsibility for their actions-- including consequences of their actions. • Is willing to take advantage of others for personal gain. A person is considered a narcissist when they: • Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance: o Overestimates their abilities. o Devalues other people. o Are surprised when they do not receive the praise they feel they deserve. o Blames others when they fail to achieve expected successes. • Perceive they are special or unique. • Seek and demand admiration. • Project a sense of entitlement. • Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner. • Visualize fantasies of success. • Takes advantage of others Now review the list of behaviors again, and ask if each defines the antithesis (opposite) of Jesus. Satan (via the Beast) will cause unprecedented global destruction and death. To accomplish this he will: • Lie. • Break laws and social norms if they benefit him. • Not experience remorse or guilt for causing destruction and death. • Deflect responsibility for the consequences of his actions by blaming others. • Use anyone who may assist in his objective, and discard them when no longer useful. • Attack anyone who stands in his way. • Become the most destructive person who has ever lived upon earth. This concludes part 1 (of 3 parts). Part 2 describes the various ways the Beast may enter into power. Click on this button to read Part 2.