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 Donald Perkins will continue his study through the book of Revelation, and then a little later Josh Davis will have a Moment of Prophecy. As we begin our time together today, I want to encourage you to visit swrc.com. That’s our website. There you’ll find the latest episode of our Prophecy in the News television program as well as our daily Watchman on the Wall program.

At swrc.com, you’ll also find resources that will enrich your faith and encourage your walk. And remember, when you order a resource from swrc.com, you’re supporting the ministry and outreach of Southwest Radio Ministries. So visit today swrc.com. That’s swrc.com. Time to get our Bibles out and open to the book of Revelation. Donald Perkins is ready with the next lesson in his Understanding Revelation series.

Donald Perkins: I want to welcome you back to our program, Your Future in Bible Prophecy. We’re continuing our series Understanding the Book of Revelation, Part 35. Now last time we were with you we literally closed up Revelation chapter 12. We looked at the sun-clothed woman, the man child. We looked at the dragon, the great red dragon. We looked at Israel fleeing into the wilderness and God supernaturally protecting her.

Now we’re going to move a step further and I want to bring in our prophecy chart. We’re still right there in the center of the Great Tribulation. Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Revelation, these are parenthetical chapters that are going to give us information about what’s going to take place right here during this season.

Now we’re in chapter 13 now. We’re going to move a step further and we’re going to look at these two beasts that the Bible is going to describe. Now I’ve got some pictures here of just different artist renditions of the beast coming out of the sea. There’s all types of renditions out there. Here’s another one here. I love this one. It’s from an illustrated book of Revelation by Jimmy Swaggart. It's one of the best pictures that I found in regards to it. And then here’s another artist rendition that has the beast coming out of the sea, the dragon, it has the mark of the beast in the background, and it shows the other beast coming up out of the earth.

Now chapter 13, just like chapter 14, we’re going to see it will be an action-packed chapter. This chapter is going to be loaded. There’s going to be so much that we’re going to cover during this time and as we look at it we’ll get some clarity and some understanding. I must reiterate we’re looking at dispensation, meaning a period of time, and this time is during the time of the Great Tribulation at the midpoint.

As I always like to do when we start a new chapter, I like to give us a little outline of what we’re going to be looking at. Here we’re going to look first of all at the identification of this beast that comes out of the sea. We’re going to literally find out what this represents, what John saw, and how it relates to the future.

Then we’re going to look at the man of sin, the antichrist being revealed as the beast. We’re going to look at the antichrist and what the Bible is literally going to tell us about him in Revelation chapter 13. Then we’re going to move a step forward and we’re going to see the second beast, identify who this beast out of the earth is and how he will play a major part in aiding the antichrist during the time of the Great Tribulation.

Then last, we’ll close chapter 13 looking at the mark of the beast. Chapter 13 is where we find that particular teaching of the mark of the beast. As I’ve shared many, many times, as a Christian, as a born-again believer today, you do not have to fear the mark of the beast because it won’t come into use until the mid-part of the tribulation which we’re going to see as we go forward in the series.

Now I want to first start off with the first three verses of Revelation chapter 13. I'm going to start at verse number 1. John wrote, "And I stood upon the sand of the sea and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his head the name blasphemy."

Verse 2: "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion, and the dragon gave him his power and seat and great authority." Verse 3: "And I saw one of the heads as it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed, and all the world marveled after the beast."

This is just an amazing start to this wonderful study here of Revelation 13. As we begin to look at this beast, this beast is coming up out of the sea. John is looking at something that is so amazing. I can imagine as he’s looking at this trying to describe it or trying to put words in his mouth to give it some understanding, it was quite overwhelming. But what John saw were events that had transpired in the past going into the future. We’re going to see that as we go forward.

So we’re going to start it off by looking at the identification of this beast that’s coming out of the sea. In order to do that, I’m going to go back to verse number 1. John wrote again, "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and I saw a beast rise up out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his head the name blasphemy."

I want to first deal with the part of the beast coming up out of the sea. This term sea represents a conglomeration of world kingdoms from the time of Egypt all the way into the future time of John seeing it here in Revelation chapter 13. But the sea part of it, this beast is coming up out of the sea, we’re going to realize that this beast kingdom is literally coming out of the peoples or the multitudes of nations and languages. This symbol represents nations releasing this particular kingdom throughout the world.

To give us a little more understanding on it, I’m going to give you another passage, Revelation chapter 17 verse number 1. In chapter 17, we'll look at that when we get there, but this deals with the great whore. The Bible said that she’s riding on the beast but she sits upon many waters. This is going to help us to get a little more understanding as a reference to the seas and the waters representing the multitude of people.

Revelation chapter 17 verse number 1, John wrote, "And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me saying unto me, Come hither; I will show thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." Now this great whore sits upon many waters. This beast of Revelation 13 comes out of the waters or out of the sea. Verse 15 of the same chapter 17, John wrote, "And he saith unto me," this angel talking to John, "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."

So what we’re going to see here is that in chapter 13 of Revelation, this beast is rising up out of the sea, this conglomeration of nations rising up out of the sea of humanity. Here John is revealing these Gentile nations in the past leading into the future that have come against the nation of Israel.

The beast had seven heads, which represents the seven kingdoms of history and the future who would persecute the nation of Israel. These are seven world governments or empires who have come up against the nation. There were seven world empires, seven world kingdoms. These kingdoms started off with Egypt, then Assyria, then the Babylonian kingdom, then the Medo-Persian empire, then the Grecian empire, then the Roman empire, and then the last kingdom will be the revived Roman empire.

This beast represents all of those kingdoms, a conglomeration, a confederation of all these nations past, present, and future that have come against the nation of Israel. This last kingdom will be the kingdom called the revived Roman empire. This will actually be the kingdom that the antichrist will rule over.

Let me give you just some facts about the seven kingdoms. The first kingdom was Egypt, 1300 to 1290 BC. We have the Assyrian kingdom, 721 BC. We have the Babylonian kingdom, which is 606 to 536 BC. Then we have the Medo-Persian kingdom or empire, which is 536 to 330 BC. Then we have the Grecian empire headed by Alexander the Great, which is 330 to 30 BC. Then we have the Roman empire, 30 BC on to 364 AD. The last kingdom again is the revived Roman empire. This would be the future kingdom that the antichrist will actually head over.

Now I want to quote from the late Dr. Grant Jeffrey from his book called *Prince of Darkness*, and he’s going to talk about or give us a little understanding about the reviving of the Roman empire, which will be the kingdom that the antichrist will be a part of. Listen to what he says.

"Twenty-five centuries ago, the prophet Daniel foretold that four world kingdoms or empires would arise in turn to rule the world until the Messiah would appear to establish his eternal kingdom of righteousness. Daniel prophesied that the fourth great empire would be Rome and that Rome would revive itself in the last days to rule the world once more. Thousands of years ago, the prophet saw the revived Roman empire rising in Europe from the ruins of the ancient empire of Rome. In centuries following the fall of Rome, a fierce sense of nationalism arose among the emerging nation-states in Europe. During the last millennia, the Roman empire that once ruled from Britain to the deserts of Syria, despite the violent efforts of kings, emperors, popes, and politicians to force them to unite, the European nation-states vigorously resisted until now. Finally in our lifetime, the Roman empire is being revived. Following the devastation of World Wars I and II, the ravaged nations of Europe began the first tentative steps toward reestablishing the foundation of a superstate."

What’s so amazing about that is that Daniel saw this European kingdom. Daniel saw the revival of the revived Roman empire. John saw it here with this beast coming up out of the sea. What we are witnessing today is amazing as this revived Roman system is actually being prepared and coming together before our very eyes. We know that they’ve had a lot of situations and problems there but those things will be worked out. But one thing is for sure, we are literally witnessing the beginning of the revived Roman system that’s going to come online.

I get a question all the time, "Brother Perkins, where is America in Bible prophecy?" You’ve heard me say many times that I have not found America in Bible prophecy. Now, it doesn’t mean that America won’t be around. I believe as we move into the future, especially when the nations of the world go into the tribulation, America would not be the superpower that she is today. One reason we know that is because of this prophecy in Revelation 13: the rise of this beast system, the revived Roman empire that’s going to literally come on the scene.

I want to quote also from a book called *The Book of Revelation: A Commentary*. This is Philip Hughes, and listen to what he says in regards to this. "John now sees coming out of the sea of humanity in its falling nature is the monster of terrifying aspect. Like the dragon who is Satan, it has seven heads and ten horns, and as such may be understood to be the dragon’s agent or representative in human society, invested as it is with the dragon’s power and throne and great authority." He’s talking about this kingdom when it comes on the scene. This kingdom will have a leader who will actually be the antichrist.

He goes on to say, "This beast should be taken as denoting the activity of the devil throughout the history of this age by the instrumentality of humanity and movements and organizations rather than a single individual. While the dragon or the devil’s seven heads were adorned with seven diadems, here it is the beast’s ten horns on which the ten diadems are placed."

We talked about last time in reference to the dragon, the great dragon. We noted that that represented the devil, but he had seven heads which were the same kingdoms that we’re talking about now. Satan’s influence has been over each one of those kingdoms in the past. But now we move to chapter 13 and we see the beast coming out of the sea with the same seven heads.

But what was different about the dragon in chapter 12 was that the crowns were on the seven heads. Now in chapter 13, we see the seven heads but we see the crowns now are on the ten horns. The ten horns will be that revived Roman empire that the antichrist is going to be over. The crowns always denote authority and denote rule. So at the time of Revelation 13, the antichrist will be the ruling leader. He will be the head of state that’s going to rule the entire world, and we’re going to see that as the scriptures go forward.

Also in that verse that we read earlier in Revelation chapter 13 verse 1, the latter part of that verse says that on the heads of this beast were the names blasphemy. This tells us a lot about this whole system because it has the names of blasphemy on each of the seven heads.

I want to define the term blasphemy for you. Blasphemy is defined as the act or offense of speaking sacrilegious about God or sacred things. It is also profane talk. So this whole beast system that’s coming out of the sea represented here in Revelation 13:1 is a profane system. You’re going to see all through it it blasphemes God. Every aspect, the whole character of this kingdom will blaspheme God, and even its leader will blaspheme God. Not only its leader, but also the people and associates that will identify with the antichrist kingdom. All of them will be blaspheming God throughout the latter part of the Great Tribulation. This is just so amazing to see.

In light of that, I want to quote here *The Book of Revelation: The Smart Guide to the Bible* by Larry Richards in reference to the blasphemy on the heads of the beast. "According to the Bible, mankind will go through seven heads, the heads of seven world kingdoms or seven world governments. Each of the seven heads will have a blasphemous name because all seven world governments and their corresponding false religions will be noted for their wickedness. The seventh head or the seventh world government will be run by the antichrist. His government will be subdivided into ten crowns, ten major divisions, with each division having its own wicked ruler. Everything about this coming world kingdom of the Great Tribulation of antichrist will be wicked. It’s going to be demonic. It’s going to be devilish."

People need to understand that. I always say, if you’re not saved today, I want to encourage you to receive Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior because once the church is raptured, what’s going to come upon the world is going to be unbelievable. Jesus said it would be a time this world has never seen. Mankind has never imagined the wickedness that’s going to be unleashed during the time of the seven-year tribulation. A blasphemous kingdom of wickedness will be in power during that time.

I want to quote also from the book *Revelation* by Dr. John Walvoord. "In the first ten verses of chapter 13, a character is introduced of central importance to the events of the Great Tribulation. This passage is first of all a revelation of the revived Roman empire in its period of worldwide dominion. But more especially this paragraph describes attention to the evil character who exercises satanic power as the world dictator. This is the beast with ten horns and seven heads that John sees coming up out of the sea."

He goes on to say, "The ten crowns are on the horns, and on the seven heads names of blasphemy are written. The identity of this beast is quite clear in its reference to the revived Roman empire since the description is similar to Daniel chapter 7 verses 7 and 8, Revelation chapter 12 verse 3, and Revelation chapter 17 verses 3 and 7. The stage of the empire depicted by the beast is the period after the emergence of the little horn or the revealing of antichrist. The future world leader displacing three of the horns, found in Daniel 7:8. The description fits the time of the empire during the Great Tribulation period."

Again, we are looking at something that is so amazing. John sees this beast coming out of the sea of humanity. He sees this beast representing this wicked, blasphemous kingdom of the antichrist.

Southwest Radio Ministries: To enhance and grow your understanding of Revelation, we have several resources for you today. First, the book *No Uncertain Future: A Study Guide Commentary of Revelation* by Dr. Larry Spargimino. The DVD *Revealing Revelation* by J.R. Church, and Noah Hutchings’ book *Revelation for Today*. All three of these resources are available right now when you call 1-800-652-1144. That’s 1-800-652-1144.

You can also order on our website swrc.com. *No Uncertain Future*, *Revealing Revelation*, and *Revelation for Today*. 1-800-652-1144. Josh Davis comes now with a Moment of Prophecy, encouraging us to pay close attention to the small words in scripture because they can make a big difference in the interpretation of Bible prophecy.

Josh Davis: Greetings, friends. When it comes to studying Bible prophecy, we need to pay close attention to the words that scripture uses, even the small words, the words that sometimes we want to ignore and just gloss over. They can be vital clues to help us to rightly interpret and understand God’s prophetic plan for the ages.

I’m going to turn to 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 and show you just what I’m talking about. Now remember the context of this passage is 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. Starting around verse 13, it begins to describe the rapture of the church. This is one of the central passages on the rapture in the New Testament, 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 verses 13 to verse 18. Verse 18 ends this section with these words: "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." And then as you turn the page over to chapter 5 verse 1, Paul begins a new section.

He says, "But of the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you." Now I want to point out a couple of things here before we read down through his description of the Day of the Lord. When he begins with this phrase "But of," there’s a Greek construction here. It’s two Greek words that every single time Paul uses those two words, he uses them to begin a new section, a new thought, every single time.

This is showing us that there’s a sequence to his events that he’s describing. He’s describing first the rapture and then the tribulation. First the rapture and then the coming Day of the Lord. This little structure, these two Greek words "But of" translated in our English Bibles, is an indication that he is beginning a new line of thought. Every time he uses those words in that order, it’s a new topic being introduced.

One of the main things I want you to notice as I read through the next few verses is to pay close attention to the pronouns, those words like you, they, we, us. Those small little words make such a big difference in understanding this passage of scripture. As I read through these verses, I’m going to emphasize those words. It’ll help you gain some greater insight to what Paul is emphasizing here in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 as he describes the coming tribulation period known as the Day of the Lord.

He says, reading verse 1 again, "But of the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they," now notice there’s the shift in pronoun usage, from we, us, you, you all, to they. Another group is in mind here. Another group is in view. "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."

"But ye," again another shift back to you, "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

His message is, be watchful, be ready, be sober, be faith-filled, be filled with love, be filled with hope. "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation" or deliverance I believe in reference to the coming tribulation, "that deliverance by our Lord Jesus Christ," going back to what he’s just promised them in the previous chapter.

As we read at the end of chapter number 4, the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up or raptured together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Yes, dear friends, the rapture is a wonderful comfort for the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, for he has not appointed us unto wrath.

Southwest Radio Ministries: Donald Perkins’ series Understanding the Book of Revelation is now available. This 24-DVD set contains all 71 lessons going verse-by-verse studying through the book of Revelation. Order Understanding the Book of Revelation by Donald Perkins today. Call 1-800-652-1144. That’s 1-800-652-1144. You can also order on our website swrc.com.

Friends, this study is an excellent resource for churches, Sunday school classes, small group studies, homeschool Bible classes; 71 lessons on 24 DVDs. Understanding the Book of Revelation. 1-800-652-1144. Tomorrow Josh Davis shares the details on how opposition to Christianity is growing around the world. Be sure to tune in by downloading our free SWRC mobile app or by subscribing to our daily Watchman on the Wall podcast. Watchman on the Wall is a production of Southwest Radio Ministries and is supported by faithful listeners like you. Visit swrc.com.