Watchman on the Wall

Southwest Radio Ministries: Welcome to Watchman on the Wall, a daily outreach of Southwest Radio Ministries and swrc.com. God is still on the throne and prayer changes things. Today, Pastor Donald Perkins continues his verse-by-verse study of Revelation. And then a little later, Pastor Larry Spargimino and Matthew Suleman will discuss the latest from the country of Pakistan.

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Donald Perkins: Good to have you with us again. We’re continuing our series, Understanding the Book of Revelation, Part 37. Last time we began a new start in Revelation chapter 13, looking at the beast out of the sea. We’re going to continue there. Again, we’re going to see some amazing things. We’re further identifying this beast of Revelation chapter 13. Just by way of review, we covered a number of things.

We talked about the beast out of the sea. That gave reference to this kingdom coming out of the world nations. It represented a multitude of people, nations, languages, and tongues. We talked about how this beast, as he comes out of the sea, has ten horns and the horns have ten crowns. This represents the revived Roman Empire. The crowns represent that particular revived Roman Empire being in power at that time. Its leader will be none other than the man of sin, the Antichrist.

We also mentioned in chapter 13, verse 2, when John saw this beast, this beast looked like a leopard, it had feet like a bear, and it had a mouth like a lion. We talked about that being tied back to the Book of Daniel, looking at the Grecian Empire represented by the leopard. We talked about the bear feet representing the Medo-Persian Empire. Then the mouth like a lion representing the kingdom of Babylon. In other words, when John saw this beast coming out of the sea, he saw a conglomeration of world kingdoms and governments throughout the course of history who have come against the nation of Israel. It will come to a basic culmination or end with the revived Roman Empire represented by the ten horns out of this beast. Again, its leader will be none other than the Antichrist.

I want to bring in a chart from the book Charting the End Times. It’s a wonderful book and this is an outline of the future. You see a diagram here of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. This is from Daniel chapter 2. King Nebuchadnezzar saw a head of gold, a chest of silver, a belly of brass, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay. But if you look further down the chart, Daniel also saw a vision of these different kingdoms as well, represented as different animals.

Here you see the Babylonian Empire, which is represented by the lion. You see the bear representing the Medo-Persian Empire. You see the leopard there representing the Grecian Empire. Then you see the Roman Empire. It’s more of an indescript beast here, but this is the Roman Empire. Then lastly, you see the last one with the feet of iron and clay. You see a man there. It’s part of the revived Roman Empire, which is the Antichrist. So, this is where we are in prophecy. We are moving into Revelation chapter 13. We’re in the mid-part of the Great Tribulation.

Last week we closed out looking at verse number 3. John wrote this: "And I saw one of the heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." One of the heads of the seven-headed beast was wounded with a mortal death wound or deadly wound. Again, there has been much debate among scholars today as to what this means. Some scholars hold the belief that this refers to the Antichrist and that he will receive a deadly wound and that he will be resurrected during the Great Tribulation. I’m going to talk a little bit more about that.

As a result of this great miracle, many believe that this miracle will cause great deception and it would allow people to literally believe the Antichrist as to who he claims that he will be. Others hold to the fact that this is showing the fall of the Roman Empire and then the miracle of it being the revived Roman Empire in the end. For many years, I believed this deadly wound to one of the beast’s heads represented one of the seven kingdoms that would fall, namely the Roman Empire, and the miracle of it again was the healing.

I held that view for a long time. But I’m forever a student and I’m constantly growing as well. Looking at other colleagues and other scholars, I’ve come to a different view now and I’m going to present that to you as well. I believe that this does represent Antichrist during the time of Tribulation being wounded unto death and literally being healed. What I’m going to do is give you some scholars' views in reference to it.

The first one I want to look at here is Dr. Mark Hitchcock from his book, 101 Answers to Questions About the Book of Revelation. He deals with the subject: will the beast be assassinated and come back to life? Listen to what he says: "There are three main views on the meaning of these words. Some believe that the death and resurrection here refers to the demise of the Roman Empire in AD 476 and its comeback in the end times. In other words, this is talking about the empire rising from the dead and not a man."

The main problem with this view is how the world responds to the beast’s restoration. This is one of those key things that we must look at too because we’re going to see as we go further in the text of Revelation 13 that the world will literally marvel at the beast’s restoration as he comes back to life. They’re going to be amazed by it. Would the revival of the Roman Empire really cause people all over the globe to respond as described in Revelation 13:3? No. The people will be so amazed that they follow after the beast.

This would be much more likely if it refers to a man rather than an empire. A revival of the Roman Empire would hardly leave the world dumbstruck and cause everyone to follow it. This transition would be a slow transition of it coming back and the world probably really wouldn’t notice it before they realized they're in the revived Roman Empire. But if this man was raised from the dead, that would make the news and many people would literally follow him. If a great world leader were assassinated with a fatal wound to his head, then came back to life a few days later, people would understandably respond in amazement.

During the time of the Great Tribulation, we’re going to see too that the Antichrist, he is about miracles, he is about making his case, he is about deceiving people. People will come under the Antichrist’s demonic influence and as a result of that, it’s going to be people will literally be deceived by the deceptive miracles that will happen during that time.

I want to quote another scholar from the late Dr. Jack Van Impe from his book, Revelation Revealed. Listen to what he says: "The wounding of the beast is mentioned three times in the chapter: verse 3, verse 12, and verse 14. The wound produced death, but restoration to life follows. Some commentators think that this statement represents the fall of the old Roman Empire and its restoration through the ten-nation confederacy. Others believe that it speaks of the resurrection of Judas Iscariot."

For he and Antichrist are the only ones called the sons of perdition. That is true. Judas was called the son of perdition. The Antichrist called son of perdition or the son of hell. In other words, these men, their lives and their choices will send them both to this place called hell. He goes on to say in John 17:12 and 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, verse number 3.

He said: "A third possibility would be that the Antichrist is assassinated midway through the Tribulation hour. Perhaps in retaliation for overthrowing three members of the original ten federation." That’s going to happen because when Antichrist comes on the scene, he’s going to come conquering and three of the ten nations that form with him in this ten confederacy, three of them he’s going to shut them down. He’s going to attack them and he’s going to conquer them and then the others will basically just submit their will or kingdoms to him.

He goes on to say: "Such an event would give the great counterfeiter, Satan, the opportunity to perform a resurrection. This would prove invaluable to the prestige of the Antichrist since the deity of Jesus Christ was affirmed by the resurrection 2,000 years before in Matthew chapter 12, verses 39 through 40." Remember that Antichrist proclaims himself God and even sits in the temple of Jerusalem during the Tribulation. 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, verse number 4 and Matthew chapter 24, verse 15. Thus, a counterfeit resurrection would assure the world that he is all he claims to be.

I personally believe this to be the correct solution because when it happens, all the world wonders after him. That’s what the scripture says, they wonder after him. Mankind is literally overwhelmed by the Antichrist’s power and authority. This is really amazing here because the scripture literally talks about this great deception that the Antichrist will cause.

I’m reminded of a passage, and I wish I had this in the presentation, but I’m going to read this to you. This is an amazing passage found in 2 Thessalonians here. I’m going to read this because when the Antichrist comes on the scene, it’s going to be such a deception and the scripture literally talks about this supernatural deception that’s literally going to come on the scene. I’m going to read this for you. This is found in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. It’s literally talking about the Antichrist when he deceives.

I’m going to start here, chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians, verse number 7. The Bible says: "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed," talking about the Antichrist, "that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him," talking about the Antichrist, "whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

This is powerful, saints. This is during the time of the Tribulation. The Antichrist will have a supernatural ability to deceive mankind. The scripture says here that God will allow them to receive a spirit of delusion because they have rejected truth. They’ve rejected the truth of the Gospel. Many people who’ve heard the Gospel and rejected that Gospel, many of them may find themselves on the other side of the Tribulation coming under this supernatural deception of the Antichrist. Again, verse 11 says: "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." These people have rejected Christ, they’ve rejected God’s love advanced, and when the Antichrist comes on the scene, they’re going to be marveled and deceived by him.

Again, I want to bring in our chart again. This is taking place right at the center part of the Great Tribulation. Right at the midpoint is when the Antichrist, he would desecrate the Jewish altars, he’s going to break the covenant with Israel, and he will receive his power. Now something I didn’t mention before, in verse 1 and 2, it also talked about the Antichrist or this beast receiving his seat, power, and authority from the dragon. Now the dragon is Satan, the devil.

What’s going to happen at the time of the Great Tribulation, we’re going to see it going forward here, that God is going to allow the Antichrist to receive his full demon power from Satan. A seat of authority means that he’s going to allow him to rule over the revised Roman Empire. This is going to be a different world this world has never seen. That’s why again, I keep reiterating as we’re going through the Tribulation, Jesus said it would be a time this world has never seen nor never ever will see again. It’s going to be a world like none other.

But you know something? Men today are hungry for a world leader. Mankind wants peace, but they don't want to come to God. You know, peace is only found in Jesus Christ. You know the Bible calls Jesus the Savior, the Prince of Peace. You know peace will not last or happen until we get into the millennial kingdom when the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, is seated on the throne. Any peace before that will literally be a counterfeit peace. This is what the Antichrist is going to offer. Daniel said that by peace this Antichrist, this man of sin, he would destroy many by this false peace.

Now, we’re going to move a step further now in the study. We’re still in chapter 13. We’re looking at this Antichrist and now we’re literally going to see the man of sin being revealed. But I want to quote an amazing quote here. We mentioned this quote in our series dealing with the Antichrist, but this is something that’s amazing. The Secretary General of NATO back in around 1957 to 1960, he made an astounding quote that I think is the heart of the world today looking for a man who’s going to bring peace. The world is ready, I believe, to receive an Antichrist.

Listen what he said, and this is quoting Henry Spaak, the Secretary General of NATO, 1957 to 1960. He said this: "What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the alliances of all the people and to lift us out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such a man, and be he God or devil, we will receive him. We will receive him." Listen, this is the heart cry of the world. The world is looking for a man who could bring peace. Henry Spaak said, "be it God or the devil, give us somebody who can lift us out of where we are."

This was back then, 1956, 1960. You know where we are today and the things that are going on today. I mean, the world is crying for a world leader and guess what? One is coming, but they’re not going to like him. Now, I want to give you another verse here in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, verse 3. The apostle Paul, again talking about the Antichrist, he said: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." The scripture is tell us that this man, this Antichrist, is coming and here we find him in Revelation chapter 13.

Now, I want to quote here from the book Who is the Antichrist? by Dr. Mark Hitchcock. I love what he shared here. It’s in reference to why should we be concerned about the Antichrist. Listen what he says: "Few people probably realize that there are more than a hundred passages of scripture that describe the origin, the nationality, the character, the career, the kingdom, the final doom of the Antichrist. God doesn’t want us to be over-occupied with this individual in an unhealthy or unbalanced way, but clearly God wants us to know about this coming prince of darkness. For he has chosen to tell us a lot about him. The sheer volume of information about the Antichrist in the scriptures is reason enough for us to understand who he is and what he will do."

Now again, in chapter 13 is where we’re going to find out a lot about this man of sin, this Antichrist, this world leader, this world conqueror, the head, the leader of the revised Roman Empire. Now, let’s go back to Revelation 13 and now we’re going to pick up at verse number 4. John wrote: "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"

Now here, an amazing thing happens. In the Tribulation, worship is going to break out for the dragon. Now, we learned last week the dragon represented the devil. So, there will be satanic worship during the Tribulation. These people are going to worship the devil because he has given power to his man, the Antichrist. They’re going to also worship the beast. Now, we’re going to find out going forward that people will take the mark of the beast but also people who worship the Antichrist, they will have damned their souls for all eternity. To worship the Antichrist is just like taking the mark of the beast and we’re going to see that as we go forward. But again, these people are going to worship Satan, satanic worship, and they’re going to worship the beast, the Antichrist. And then they’re going to declare, "Who is able to make war against him?"

Southwest Radio Ministries: The Book of Revelation can seem mysterious, confusing, and even intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In the comprehensive DVD series Understanding Revelation, Bible prophecy teacher Donald Perkins takes you verse-by-verse through all 22 chapters of Revelation, helping you understand God’s prophetic plan for the last days. This incredible teaching set includes 71 in-depth lessons on 24 DVDs, providing hours of biblical instruction you can study at your own pace. From the letters to the seven churches to the rise of the Antichrist, the Tribulation, Armageddon, and Christ’s glorious return, Donald Perkins brings clarity to one of the Bible’s most important books. Whether you’re a new student of prophecy or a seasoned believer, this series will strengthen your understanding of God’s Word and deepen your appreciation for God’s plan for the future. Order Understanding Revelation today at swrc.com or call 1-800-652-1144. That’s swrc.com or 1-800-652-1144. Now, here is Dr. Larry Spargimino.

Larry Spargimino: This is Pastor Larry, and I’m so excited that we’ve got a special guest, his name is Matthew. He is from Pakistan. He is an apologist for Christianity. He’s done a lot of ministry to Muslims and he’s had a lot of great success. I understand a thousand Muslims, Matthew—

Matthew Suleman: Over a thousand Muslims.

Larry Spargimino: Over a thousand Muslims have been converted to the Lord Jesus Christ to follow him. I think what’s really special about Matthew is that he reads the Quran in the original language. So if he says this is contradictory or if he says there are some versions of the Quran that don’t have this, or other Muslim nations use a different version, he knows what he’s talking about. Matthew, thank you so much. You’re from Pakistan and we are here in Oklahoma having a wonderful fellowship already.

Matthew Suleman: Yes, sir. Well, thanks for having me. It’s really nice to be here.

Larry Spargimino: Matthew, tell us what kind of ministry are you involved in? Do you speak to Muslims eyeball to eyeball or do you hold great meetings with crowds of people? How do you organize something like this in Pakistan? I’m thinking the government, you know, if you look at the flag, it’s a Muslim nation. Tell us a little bit about that.

Matthew Suleman: Okay, so I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ back in 2006. Although I was born in a Christian family, my life wasn’t good as per Christian standards. I was into all kinds of bad stuff. God saved me from myself in 2006 and then he called me into ministry by the mid-2007. In Pakistan, religious debates are banned. You cannot debate religion in Pakistan. In 2008, I had my first debate with a Muslim apologist and that was the first debate in the history of Pakistan, the first public debate.

So God honored me by making me the first Pakistani Christian to use as a Christian debater in Pakistan, in the history of Pakistan. When that happened, I had a few more debates and I was isolated by everyone, by my church, by my family and friends because they used to say you are going to die and you are going to bring us down along with you. You are like a bomb and when you explode, we are going to burn with you.

It wasn’t easy. I was joined by five Christian brethren earlier, but they left me within a month. It has never been easy. I basically am a Christian apologist. I write and speak for the defense of Christian faith. But that’s not the only thing I do. I do Christian polemics as well, which is to go offensive against Islam as well as heresies such as Mormonism, Unitarianism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, SDA—

Larry Spargimino: Seventh-Day Adventist.

Matthew Suleman: Yeah, yeah. So, but I use logic and reasoning to defend Christian faith as well as to attack or go offensive against heresies, cults, and false religions. Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity are the areas of my expertise and I have also studied a few things about Greek mythology, Ancient Egyptian mythology, Roman mythology, and Norse mythology. So yeah, I’m into different kind of things, but my main area is Islam considering the fact that I live in, I belong to, a Muslim majority country.

Larry Spargimino: One of the things that I’d really like you to explain—I think I know the answer because I’ve been to Pakistan several times—what is it about Jesus Christ that is so attractive to people all over the world?

Matthew Suleman: Well, when it comes to Christians in Muslim majority countries, they love Jesus Christ because they know that he loved us first.

Larry Spargimino: Well, Matthew, it’s been a great delight and an honor. We certainly pray for you, pray for your ministry, and we’re really anxious to read some of your stuff in English. God bless you, dear brother.

Matthew Suleman: And you as well, sir. Thank you.

Southwest Radio Ministries: Do you want to understand the Book of Revelation like never before? Southwest Radio Ministries is excited to offer these Revelation study resources. Three powerful resources designed to help you unlock God’s prophetic word. Begin with Donald Perkins’ comprehensive Understanding Revelation DVD series featuring 71 lessons on 24 DVDs covering all 22 chapters of Revelation.

Then, dive deeper with What’s Next on God’s Calendar? by Dr. Rob Lindsted, a clear and compelling guide to God’s prophetic timeline. And explore one of prophecy’s most debated questions with Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation?, a fascinating study that examines what scripture teaches about the Rapture, the Tribulation, and God’s plan for his church in the last days.

Together, these three resources provide a solid foundation for understanding Bible prophecy and the exciting events foretold in God’s word. Order today at swrc.com or call 1-800-652-1144. That’s 1-800-652-1144. Tomorrow, authors Micah Van Huss and Mac Dominick will begin a fascinating look inside the unseen realm. Be sure to tune in. Watchman on the Wall is a production of Southwest Radio Ministries and is supported by faithful listeners like you. To learn more, visit swrc.com.