The Two Beasts of Revelation 13 -- Who Are They?

John was told to write what he saw. He wrote exactly what he "saw." It is as literal, simple and direct as that. Is it clear that the papacy is the only entity on earth that fulfills all of the identifying characteristics of the first beast of Revelation 13? He said people would wear a "666" on their foreheads and right arms. But what, exactly, did John see? Did he see "666" as we do today? Today, the prophecies of Revelation 13 are being fulfilled before our very eyes as the Vatican is gaining worldwide influence and power and closer ties with Islam.

Revelation 13 tells of two beast powers that the whole world wonders after (verse 3). This begs the question, Who are the beasts of Revelation 13? To identify the first beast mentioned, let us study its characteristics:

Revelation 13:1-10 provides ten identifying characteristics for the first beast. These are found in Revelation 13:1-8:

As we examine the fulfillment of these points, the only entity that these attributes point to is the Papacy. Let’s study these points closely to determine if this conclusion is warranted.

1). The beast would rise from the sea
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea…” (Revelation 13:1).

The sea (or water) in prophecy refers to people, or a populated area (Revelation 17:15). Therefore, the beast would arise from amid an established area, or nations, of the then-known world. The Papacy rose in power in Western Europe in the early first centuries A.D. Its headquarters are seated in Rome, which was the capital of the Roman empire. Rome was the leading world power at the time of its inception, thus the title of the Roman Catholic Church.

2). The beast would be a composite of the beasts of Daniel chapter 7
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion” (Revelation 13:2).

The prophecy of Daniel 7 tells of four beasts that also came out of the sea (verse 3). The first was a lion, representing Babylon (verse 4). The second, was a bear which represented the Median empire (verse 5). The third, a leopard which represented Persia (verse 6). Finally, Islam was represented as the ten-horned beast.

The four beasts of Daniel 7 are depicted as part of the beast because the papacy incorporated pagan beliefs from three of the empires, while greatly influencing the rise of the fourth empire. It also demonstrated attributes in its manner of operation. First, it demonstrated the swiftness and strength in conquering as did Persia. Also, standing as infallible in its decrees as the law of the Medes (Daniel 6:8, Esther 1:19). Then, the persecuting mouth of a lion (Psalm 22:13, 21-22).

These are all attributes that the Papacy has adopted in its pursuit of earthly conquest. This is seen more clearly as the subject is studied further.

3). The beast receives its power and seat (capital) from the dragon
“…and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority” (Revelation 13:2).

Revelation chapter 12 identifies the dragon: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan…” (Revelation 12:9). In prophecy, a pure woman represents YEHOVAH God’s true people or church (Jeremiah 6:2, Isaiah 51:16-18).

In Revelation 12, a pure woman is portrayed as pregnant and about to deliver a son (verses 1, 2). “…and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne” (verses 4, 5).

Next, the dragon attempts to devour or destroy the baby, who is the Messiah (Revelation 12:4,16-17). Satan used Herod as the Roman authority to attempt to destroy the Messiah by killing all male infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16). Thus, the dragon represents Satan’s use of pagan Rome to do his bidding.

A change occurred when the pagan Roman emperor Constantine supposedly converted to Christianity and issued the edict of Milan in 313 A.D. Thus, the papacy received her capital city and power from pagan Rome as prophesied.

4).The beast would receive a mortal wound
“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death…”(Revelation 13:3).

The fulfillment of the mortal wound took place in 1798. General Louis Berthier and his troops were tasked to invade Rome on February 10, 1798, and declare the creation of a new Roman Republic. He announced the deposition of Pope Pius VI and demanded that the pope renounce his temporal power. When the pope refused, General Berthier took him prisoner and escorted him from the Vatican to Siena. He was later taken to Certosa, but the French army relocated him to Valence in Drôme when a war in Tuscany became imminent. He died in Valence on August 29, 1799. This was done under the direction of the French leader, Napoleon Bonaparte.

It was Rome’s temporal power that was lost in 1798. The power of the church to use the strong arm of the state to suppress the Protestant Reformation, to use the Inquisition to root out heresy, and to persecute people who dared to disagree with the Pope had all come to an end, and rightfully so. Since 1798, Rome is no longer the dominant persecuting power that it used to be. Today, the Popes do not have the authority to use political power to impose their views on others. But even so, Rome’s ambitions remain unchanged.

5). The mortal wound would be healed, and the entire world would give homage to the beast
“…and his mortal wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast” (Revelation 13:3).

Although the Pope was exiled and imprisoned, the power of the Papacy was not completely lost. This is unlike any other nation in history. In time, the Papacy regained its influence, established a new Pope and led the world in its influence. Although it received a deadly wound in 1798, it was only about 130 years later that the Papacy not only regained power but established the church as its own religious state. On February 11, 1929 the Vatican, a 108.7 acres section of the city of Rome, was established. Since then, the Papacy has held position as a world leader and political adviser to the highest officials of governments worldwide.

Revelation 13:3 describes a current movement that is active all over the world and that aims to heal the deadly wound. Today, the papacy is becoming more powerful and has ambassadors in every developed country. And since Rome no longer possesses temporal power, she has no other choice but to promote herself through religious and political dialogue and cooperation. However, in any working relationship that the papacy enters into, she must be acknowledged as the primary figure and seen as a symbol of unity.

The Bible, however, predicts an even greater healing for the wound at the time of the end. This will be when "all that dwell upon the earth," except a faithful few of YEHOVAH's people Israel, will worship the beast. "All who dwell on the earth will worship him [the Roman Catholic Church], whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).

6). The beast would become a strong political power
“… and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7).

As previously mentioned, the Papacy is world wide political leader. Therefore, it is the only religious institution whose leader is the head of their own state, namely the Vatican. In 1969, the Vatican became the only religious state to become part of the United Nations. Also, it is the only religious entity that is recognized as a non-member state in the United Nations. Subsequently, it is able to vote in various conferences and to participate in the General Assembly. The papacy will become more and more of a world power as this prophecy continues to unfold.

The following statements about civil society were made by Pope Leo XII in his encyclical, Emmortale Dei, published in 1885. Do not forget that this was penned after 1798:

This is a call to action for all Catholics to take steps to bring back “civil society” in accordance with the papacy’s ideals.

7). The beast would become a powerful religious organization
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him…” (Revelation 13:8).

Under Pope Pius IX, the Vatican Ecumenical Council of 1870 (Vatican I) published a document called “Pastor Aeternus” (Eternal Shepherd) on July 18, 1870, which said the following in Chapter 3, Paragraphs 1 and 2:

Not only is the Pope described as having spiritual supremacy over everyone else, but they are also talking about bringing the political powers back under the authority of Rome. Apparently, Rome hasn’t learned any lessons. They have forgotten why the Pope went into captivity.

The Roman Catholic Church has over one billion members worldwide. Hence, the majority of Catholic followers ascribe to many false acts of worship taught in Catholic doctrine. First, this includes acknowledging the name of Pope which means “papa” or “father.” The Messiah specifically told his followers to call no man father but their Father in Heaven (Matthew 23:9). This is also true of Catholic priests and other clergymen.

Additionally, acts of false worship include bowing and paying homage to religious statues (Exodus 20:4-5). Also, the papacy promotes praying to saints who are dead (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6). Likewise, Catholic priests claim to be able to grant forgiveness of sins (Mark 2:7). Essentially, these are all means of worship that adhere to the dictates of the Roman Catholic Church which are in opposition to the Bible.

8).The beast would be guilty of blasphemy
“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven” (Revelation 13:6).

Blasphemy is a man making himself to stand in the place of YEHOVAH God (John 10:33). Therefore, the Roman Catholic Church is guilty of blasphemy because her popes claim to be the Messiah on earth. Another title for the Pope is the “vicar of Jesus Christ.” A vicar means “one who stands in the place of” or “substitute.” This is a plain act of blasphemy. Also, her priests claim to forgive sins which only YEHOVAH God can do. Likewise, this also is an act of speaking blasphemy (Matthew 9:2-3).

Not only that, but the beast is identified as having the name of blasphemy on its head. “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 heads the name of blasphemy” (Revelation 13:1). The name “Vicar of Jesus Christ,” in Latin is “Vicarius Filii Dei.” This is inscribed on the miter worn on the head of the pope. Thus, the pope literally wears the name of blasphemy.

9).The beast would war with and persecute the saints
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…” (Revelation 13:7).

Historians estimate that during the inquisition, Middle Ages, and Early Reformation Era, more than 50,000,000 martyrs perished for their faith at the decree of the Papacy (Halley’s Bible Handbook, 1965 edition, page 726). Thus, the Catholic Church not only killed those who opposed them politically, but those who would stand against their false doctrines. Those who held on to the dictates of the Bible and not the papacy were killed in the most gruesome of ways. Many were burnt at the stake for their faith in YEHOVAH’s Word, unwilling to recant.

10). The beast would reign for 42 months
“…and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months” (Revelation 13:5).

The book of Revelation contains almost all the Bible’s teaching on the 42 months. But unless we grasp that the 42 months exists as a distinct time period of the end times, and unless we have a general idea of the events of the 42 months, the book of Revelation is likely to be very confusing.

According to Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34, a prophetic day equals one literal year. Thus, the “Little Horn” of Daniel 7 (Antichrist) was to rule over the saints for 1,260 prophetic days or 1,260 literal years.

The rule of the papacy began in A.D. 538, when the last of the three opposing Arian kingdoms was uprooted or destroyed. The political rule of the papacy lasted until 1798 when Napoleon’s general, Berthier, took the pope captive with the goal of destroying both Pope Pius VI and the political secular power of the papacy.

Thus from 538 to 1798 we have the 42 symbolic months of papal supremacy, including what is known as the Middle (or Dark) Ages, seen by historians as a time of lack of progress from the late 5th century (when Western Rome had decayed) to the 15th century (the rise of the Protestant Reformation). We may understand the spiritual darkness during this time by the persecution and executions of those who first began translating and distributing the Scriptures to the people. The Catholic Church held that the sacred writings were to be interpreted only by its clergy. The only copies were in Latin and kept in monasteries. This is where Martin Luther discovered truth about justification by faith.

The duration of the political rule of the papacy is an exact fulfillment of the 1,260-year or the forty-two months prophecy. The blow of 1798 was a deadly wound for the papacy, but that wound began to heal to our present time.

Ultimately, based on this evidence, it is clear that the papacy is the only entity on earth that fulfills all of these identifying characteristics of the first beast of Revelation 13. Again, this is not an attack on any persons of the Catholic faith. Essentially, this is to explain and understand Bible prophecy as revealed in YEHOVAH God’s word. Today, this prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes as the Vatican is gaining worldwide influence and power.

Additionally, millions of reputable Protestant Christians like Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, and Matthew Henry (world-famous Bible Commentary author) have interpreted the first “beast” of Revelation 13:1-10 to be the religious-political system of the Roman Catholic Church (not Catholic people), led by the popes.

Also, the second beast of Revelation 13 "causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast (the Roman Catholic Church), whose mortal wound was healed...telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived...and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed" (Revelation 13:12-15).

Revelation 13:11-18 introduces the second beast, often identified as the False Prophet, who plays a significant role in the end times narrative. These verses provide seven identifying characteristics for this second beast. These are as follows:

As we examine the fulfillment of these characteristics, the only entity that these attributes point to is Islam. Let's look at these characteristics closely to see if this conclusion has a solid foundation.

1). The beast would rise from the earth
"Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth..." (Revelation 13:11).

The beast rises from the abyss, the holding place of demons. In Greek the word abussos is the source of our English word abyss -- otherwise known as the "bottomless pit." It is quite remarkable that Abul A'la Mawdudi, one of Islam's most prominent scholars of the 20th century, used the very word "abyss" when writing about the beginnings of Islam.

In a book written to introduce English-speaking people to the basics of Islam, Mawdudi tells his readers that Muhammad and his theology came out of "Arabia -- the Abyss of Darkness." These are his exact words, and they appear in bold print as a sub-heading in his book. It is no mere coincidence that this outstanding Islamic author unwittingly identified Islam's source -- in bold print no less -- as "the Abyss of Darkness" (the bottomless pit), using the very same word that appears in other parts of Revelation.

Interestingly, Islamic tradition points to Mecca as the origin of the “Beast” system. Walid Shoebat quotes two Islamic hadiths:

2). It had two horns like a lamb
"...and he had two horns like a lamb..." (Revelation 13:11).

A lamb is a young sheep. Islam claims to be the one true religion of Allah -- and that Allah is the one true God of Abraham. By this outlandish claim, however, Islam makes itself out to be the true sheep of the Messiah's pasture. It should be noted that sheep with horns on their heads are rams or male sheep. The fact that the second beast of Revelation 13 has two horns like a lamb (young ram) indicates the male dominance and female subjugation of Islamic women. Sharia law denies women the basic human rights that women in the Israelite countries enjoy. For example, under Sharia law if a Muslim woman is raped, she is always at fault and deserving of death for bring dishonor to her family.

Another thing to consider is that the true sheep of the Messiah's pasture are his bride. "'Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.' And to her was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints" (Revelation 17:7-8). The Messiah is the Lamb (male sheep, ram) of YEHOVAH God. As such his bride is a ewe (female sheep), his true Church. By identifying Islam as a male ram with two horns, the Messiah is telling us that Islam is NOT the true sheep of his pasture -- nor is Islam his bride. Furthermore, the two horns of the second beast represent the two main factions of Islam, known to us as the Shiites and the Sunnis.

3). The beast would speak like a dragon
"...and spoke like a dragon" (Revelation 13:11).

This beast spoke "like a dragon." In other words, this beast speaks with the mouth of a dragon. However, in the Greek Textus Receptus text the indefinite article "a," as used in this verse, was left out and therefore supplied by the translators. Including the indefinite article "a" inaccurately renders this verse into English. Instead, the definite article "the" should have been supplied which would more accurately render this verse into English as, "Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like the dragon."

John wanted us to know that this second beast speaks with the mouth of the dragon -- who is none other than Satan. As it is written, "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (Revelation 12:9 -- NKJV). John was trying to convey that this beast speaks with the mouth of Satan -- meaning that this beast speaks lies just like Satan. As the Bible says,

"You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44 -- KJV).

Lie #1: Islam denies that the crucifixion of the Messiah ever happened. in the Qur'an (Koran) it says, "That they said [in boast], we killed Christ Jesus the Son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah; -- but they killed him not, nor crucified him...for of a surety they killed him not" (Surah 4:157). The central figure in the New Testament is the Messiah. From his temptations in the desert to the resurrection, the focus of the Messiah is on his death on the tree to provide a sacrifice for YEHOVAH's people Israel's sin. The Qur'an denies that the Messiah died on the tree -- and that would then preclude his resurrection. It is the contention of Islam that Allah took the Messiah into heaven and transformed Judas to look like the Messiah. They teach that it was actually Judas who died on the tree.

Lie #2: Islam denies that the Messiah is the only begotten (at the present) Son of YEHOVAH God. As it is written in the Qur'an, "No son did Allah beget" (Surah 23:92).

Lie #3: Islam denies that salvation is by grace through faith but can be earned by works. The Qur'an states, "Then those whose balance [of good deeds] is heavy; -- they will attain salvation: But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls, in Hell will they abide" (Surah 23:102-103).

Lie # 4: The Qur'an advocates the beating of wives who are perceived to be disobedient. "As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them, refuse to share their beds, beat them, but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means..." (Surah 4:34). The Bible teaches that man is to love his wife and treat her as his own body.

According to Islamic prophecy, Isa -- the Muslim messiah -- will return, deny he was ever the savior of Israel, tell YEHOVAH's people and the "Christian" world they got it all wrong about YEHOVAH God, encourage people to follow Islam and its messiah figure -- the Islamic Mahdi -- and join the empire of the first beast that is reviving even now and attempting to take over the world. He is, of course, the false Muslim messiah who will be the False Prophet. The Mahdi will become great and conquer the entire world, and will rule for seven years.

This is a perfect description of the looks "like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon." This is the false prophet spoken of in Revelation 13 because the Islamic version of the Messiah will look like what we expect the true Messiah to look like, but the only difference will be that this messiah is evil because he will only be on earth to "destroy the cross and kill the swine" -- in other words the Islamic version of the Messiah will only come back to kill the Christians living during that time period.

The lamb-like beast is described as speaking like Satan because he will be a false Messiah ("like a lamb") speaking lies ("as the dragon") in order to deceive the world into believing he is the real Messiah and that they should listen to him. Since the second beast of Revelation 13 is a portrayal of the Islamic empire, it's fair to conclude that the phrase "False Prophet" is a symbolic reference to Muhammad -- Islam's false prophet. We now know that the lamb-like beast is symbolic of the religious system of Muhammad that will drive the Catholic Antichrist and his empire.

The False Prophet will be Islam's false religious leader Isa -- the coming Muslim messiah! He will claim to be the Messiah himself. This is a brilliant (though evil) and extremely deceptive plan. Muslims around the world anticipate their messiah will return and lead Islam to victory!

4). It would exercise the authority of the first beast
"And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence..." (verse 12).

The second beast acts as a propagandist and enforcer for the first beast. The second beast's primary role is to direct worship towards the first beast, thereby consolidating power and allegiance to the the first beast, and itself. To achieve its ends, the second beast performs great signs and wonders, deceiving the inhabitants of the earth and even some of YEHOVAH's people. These miraculous signs serve to authenticate the second beast's authority to mislead people into idolatry and false worship of the first beast.

Verse 12 gives us the false prophet’s mission on earth, which is to force humanity to worship the first beast (Catholic Antichrist). He has all the authority of the Antichrist because, like him, the false prophet is empowered by Satan. It is not clear whether people are forced to worship the Antichrist or whether they are so enamored of these powerful beings that they fall for the deception and worship him willingly. The fact that the second beast uses miraculous signs and wonders, including fire from heaven, to establish the credibility of both of them would seem to indicate that people will fall before them in adoration of their power and message.

5). It would tell those who live on the earth to make an image to the first beast
"...telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived" (verse 14).

Some speculate that this may be a statue or a picture that appears to come to life and speak. Others speculate it could be a supercomputer, holograms, human clones, a cyborg or superhuman artificial intelligence. However, you might be surprised that “the image of the beast” has been with us for a number of centuries -- and it’s active in our world today. First, we need to understand that this image is related to the first beast. The “image” has to be associated with that system.

Second, we need to consider that this “image” is related to worship (Revelation 13:15; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20). There will be those who refuse to worship the “image of the beast” and will gain victory over the beast (Revelation 15:2; 20:4).

The Greek word translated “image” is eiko¯n and means a “resemblance” or “likeness.” The same word was used in a discussion between the Pharisees and the Messiah when they asked him, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” The Messiah asked them to show him a coin and then asked them whose image was on it. They replied, “Caesar” (Matthew 22:17-21; Mark 12:14-16; Luke 20:22-24). The coin had an “image” -- or likeness -- of Caesar.

One thing that's clear is that the image of the beast will play a huge role in the end times. The image of the beast is mentioned another six times after Revelation chapter 13 and every time it links the worship of the beast with the worship of his image. And the Bible also says that anyone that is 'victorious' over the beast is also victorious over his image. (See Revelation 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4) So whatever this image is, it will have a profound impact and influence on each person on this earth.

But what is the "image to the beast"? and how is it to be formed? The image is ordered by the horned beast, and is an image to the first beast -- the papacy. Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed we must study the characteristics of the beast.

The "image to the beast" represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas. This can be done only by a union of church and state, or by so subordinating the civil to the ecclesiastical power that the state will be compelled to enforce the tenets and requirements of the church.

The Protestant churches, having received doctrines that the Word of YEHOVAH God condemns, will bring these to the front and force them upon the consciences of the people -- just as the papal authorities urged their dogmas upon the advocates of truth in Luther’s time. The same battle is again to be fought, and every soul will be called upon to decide upon which side of the controversy he or she will be found.

According to Ellen G. White, "…the Roman Church, [is] an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar power....So the image of the beast represents all Protestant church organizations linked together in a united confederacy, with one main purpose, to exalt the laws of man above the laws of God." She goes on to say:

Verse 14 of Revelation 13 states that the second beast -- Islam -- told "those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the [first] beast..." Is there any proof of Islamic influence in the rise of Protestant Christianity? Indeed there is.

The Protestant movement was influenced by Islam in many ways. Many of the Protestant criticisms towards Catholicism was similar to, and most likely influenced by, those of Islam. Martin Luther issued his own Latin translation of the Qur'an in 1542, and Luther’s view of Scripture as the only guide to faith and practice is similar to the Islamic view of the Qur'an. Protestant doctrines related to scriptural fundamentalism, anti-sacramentalism, radical individualism, state theocracy, marriage and the position of women bear striking parallels with earlier Islamic teachings -- suggesting an Islamic influence on the Protestant movement. In his works, Luther showed a strong familiarity with Islam, viewing many of its teachings and practices favorably, compared to Catholicism.

The Protestant states and the Islamic Turkish state acted to align themselves based on various common interests. One aspect of this is that, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Turkish and Protestant rulers shared a common geopolitical opposition to the Roman Catholic Holy Roman Empire, and tensions with France and Spain, the other large Roman Catholic states, and that this common interest gave rise to alignment in political and military alliances. Protestantism and Islam also aligned theologically on iconoclasm, and, culturally -- in terms of the religiously-motivated cultural mores of that era -- in opposition to the person or office of the Roman Catholic Pope.

6). It would cause all to be marked on the right hand or the forehead
"And he causes all...to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,..." (verse 16).

The word “mark” is translated from the Greek charagma (Strong’s Greek Concordance reference #5480) as “a scratch or etching, ie stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue): graven image.” In the Roman context charagma was the imperial stamp that was placed on official documents. It was also a “badge of servitude” etched, inscribed or branded on slaves to designate ownership. Soldiers often branded themselves with the name of their favorite general and religious cult devotees placed tattoos of their favorite gods as symbolic of their devotion and allegiance.

Interestingly, Islamic Jihadists and devotees of Islam often wear headbands on their foreheads and patches on their right arms with a mark of submission (the bismillah -- Islamic creed of “in the name of Allah”) followed by two crossed swords, etched or inscribed on the material. The significance of the right hand or arm and forehead in the Islamic context derives from their traditions. Walid Shoebat comments on this fact:

Further parallels between Islam and the second beast are evidenced by Muhammad’s obsession with the right hand or right side. Muhammad had a fanatical and rigid custom of doing everything with the right hand and commanded his followers to do likewise. This strict adherence to Muhammad’s injunctions and habits continues into the present. While entering a mosque, one has to begin with the right foot. The prophet used to start everything from the right (for good things) whenever it was possible in all his affairs, for example in washing, combing, or wearing shoes.

If a Muslim was caught stealing, his right hand was cut off from his arm as dictated by Islamic law. By having the right hand cut off, the Muslim was degraded. The rigid Islamic law required one to eat and do most of one’s daily activities, as prescribed by Muhammad, with the right hand. The individual would thus become a social outcast from the Islamic community.

In light of these traditions, this can be seen as another significant parallel between Islam and the second beast of Revelation 13. Currently, Islamic devotees wear a mark of the bismillah or Islamic creed on their right arms; but in the future this may be easily changed to the right hand.

7). The number of the beast is 666
"Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the [second] beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666" (verse 18).

John was told to write what he saw. He wrote exactly what he "saw". It is as literal, simple and direct as that. He said people would wear a "666" on their foreheads and right arms. But what, exactly, did John see? Did he see "666" as we do today? No. We use Arabic numerals. In the Greek text, "666" is represented by Greek letters that also have numerical values, specifically: Chi Xi Sigma, or "Six-hundred, three-score and six".

So what John saw was something that looked like "Chi Xi Sigma" being worn on the foreheads and right arms of the "multitude" who belong to the Beast. What does "666" mean? The Greek letters Chi Xi Sigma also spell a phrase in another language. And that language is Arabic. The last Greek letter is an accent not a letter. The first Greek letter "chi" looks like two crossed swords, the very symbol of Islam seen by John before Islam was even invented by Mohammed. The next letter in Greek, "xi" is written vertically and is the exact name of Allah when written horizontally in Arabic. Thus the symbol of the crossed swords, along with the name of Allah is the mark with the final letter more of an accent mark, known as a "sigma score" and not a "sigma" itself.

The letter sigma does not even exist in modern Greek. The verse as translated correctly in verse 18 means this. “Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding decide who the multitude of the beast is, for it is the multitudes of a man [Mohammed] and [the same multitudes] are all involved with the mark, the name of Allah." The Greek word "number" is more accurately translated as "multitudes," or the great number/multitude of those who worship the end time beast day and night.

Where do you see this today? It is what is written on the green banners and green arm-bands that Muslims wear at protests, rallies, parades, dancing in the streets like on 9/11, etc. It is also what the Martyrs for Islam wear on their heads and right arms when they blow themselves up yelling "Alla Akbar," or "God is great." It is on the new Muslim coinage. And everything in Islam is practiced, "In the Name of Allah."

Simon Altaff, a Christian who was once a former Terrorist, and Walid Shoebat, also a Christian who was a Terrorist, saw the New Testament manuscripts at separate times and places. Immediately, they both recognized the Chi Xi Sigma characters as Arabic. Both of these men see the bismillah in the ancient manuscript written by John. They both recognize the second beast of Revelation 13 as Islam -- and his mark as the bismillah with the crossed swords. Other Christian Arabs make the same claim that the bismillah symbol in the New Testament manuscripts is the symbol for "in the name of allah."

Today, the Vatican and Islam are closely associated with each other. The day is coming when this alliance will result in forcing people to take this mark -- accepting Islam as the one-world religion. This will happen because of the Vatican's influence in the European Union and Islam's influence, vis-à-vis their oil, with the rest of the world. The mark is already in place. Beware!

The second beast arises from the land, which is a reference to the land of Arabia. As with the first beast, the symbolic description suggests his role and characteristics. In this case, those are mostly spiritual and religious. This person is most typically labeled as the False Prophet, though his attempts to mimic the Messiah suggest it might be fair to title this figure as "the" Antichrist. This person is also supernaturally empowered by Satan, performing false miracles and leading people to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:11–15).

The False Prophet's ability to perform miraculous signs, such as calling down fire from heaven, echoes the miracles performed by the prophets of old, such as Elijah (1 Kings 18:38). This further reinforces the theme of deception and the counterfeit nature of the beast's power. The false prophet's actions serve as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and discerning, testing the spirits to see whether they are from YEHOVAH God (1 John 4:1).

One of the most discussed elements of Revelation 13:11-18 is the mark of the beast. The False Prophet enforces the worship of the first beast by requiring all people to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. Without this mark, no one can buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17). The mark is identified as the name of the beast or the number of its name, which is famously given as 666. A careful study of the ancient documents reveal that the Greek letters translated as 666 are actually a reference to the Islamic bismillah or name of Allah.

May we seek the truth of Scripture with an open mind in order to understand YEHOVAH’s message in these last days. “Then he said to me, 'These words are faithful and true.' And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 'Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book'” (Revelation 22: 6-7, NKJV).

Hope of Israel Ministries -- Proclaiming the Truth of YEHOVAH God to the Modern Descendants of the Ancient Israelites!

Hope of Israel Ministries
P.O. Box 853
Azusa, CA 91702, U.S.A.
www.hope-of-israel.org

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