The Visions of The Great Image

and The Four Beasts. 

The Five World-wide Kingdoms;  

The Fourth Kingdom of Rome and the Little Horn Kingdom of Papal Rome;  

And the Kingdom of Heaven.

Part II - 

The Four Beasts and The Little Horn

By 

Gerry Watts

 

The Vision of the Four Beasts

A number of decades later, sometime after the death of Nebuchadnezzar, towards the end of Babylon's rule, in the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel himself had a dream full of visions. Here is the dream 

 Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great (or vast) sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.

 "The first was like a lion (lit. lioness), and it had the wings of an eagle (or vulture). I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.

 "And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear (lit. she-bear). It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up and eat your fill of flesh!'

  "After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard (lit. leopardess). And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

 "After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

 "While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

 "As I looked,
       "thrones were set in place,
       and the Ancient of Days (or Transferrer of Days - CV) took his seat.
       His clothing was as white as snow;
       the hair of his head was white like wool.
       His throne was flaming with fire,
       and its wheels were all ablaze.

A river of fire was flowing,
       coming out from before him.
       Thousands upon thousands attended him;
       ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
       The court was seated,
       and the books were opened.

 "Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)

  "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him (shall serve Him). His dominion is an everlasting (eonian) dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed (His kingdom shall not be confined - CV).

 (Daniel 7:2-14 NIV). 

Daniel had a frightening dream where he saw four beasts or monstrous animals coming up from the vast sea. Some have supposed that this refers to the 'Great Sea,' the Mediterranean, but this is not the same phrase. This is the vast sea of the nations. The sea is often used in Scripture as a symbol of the mass of humanity in the form of the shifting nations and peoples (Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 17:15). Anyhow, these four kingdoms did not all arise out of the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. That could only truly be said of Greece and Rome. 

This vision, then, is revealing the true spirit of the four Empires of the nations that arose out of the sea of humanity. This is confirmed by the interpretation of the dream that Daniel is given.

I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: 'The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise (perish - CV) from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it (or safeguard it - CV) forever—yes, for ever and ever (unto the age--even unto the age of the ages - CV).' 

(7:16-18 NIV)

So here we have the four worldwide kingdoms that had been revealed in the previous vision of the Great Image, but whereas the Image appealed more to the pride of man in its appearance, the beasts are describing their true character. There is a principle in Scripture that every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16). In accordance with this, when God seeks to firmly establish the truth in a matter, He reveals it at least twice. This occurred with the two dreams given to Pharaoh, concerning the 7 years of plenty and the 7 years of famine, which Joseph interpreted (Genesis 41:32).

So here also we have two distinct dreams revealing the same truth. The first vision of the Statue had been given to king Nebuchadnezzar, who at the time was an unbelieving idolater (though later he did become a believer in Yahweh); and the second dream of the Beasts was given to Daniel later in a different form, yet both of these visions are establishing the same truth. When the age of this world has been fulfilled, the true people of God, (that is, the saints of the Most High; the Body/Bride of Christ; the true Ecclesia of God, the spiritual Israel of God), shall receive the kingdom under the rulership of the Messiah, and they shall reign unto the age of all ages in the New Creation.

    The Four Kingdoms Again

Let's take a brief look at these four beasts/kingdoms. They are said to 'rise from the earth,' though the CV has 'perish from the earth' instead. Both are true, because these four kingdoms arise from the earth, that is, they are worldly, terrestrial; yet they shall also perish from the earth to be replaced by the fifth kingdom, the supernatural kingdom of the heavens; the kingdom of the Messiah. Yet it makes more sense in the words of the vision to say they 'arose out of the sea' yet they will 'perish from the earth.'

The first beast is a lioness with vultures' wings. The wings are scraped off and the lioness stands up like a man and the heart of a man is given to it. This is describing the Empire of Babylon and its mighty, predatory nature as an eagle or vulture, in which it became the greatest Empire of the world at that time. The lion represents its power and majesty. Yet within a matter of decades, its greatest ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, (who represented the head of gold in the earlier vision) was humbled under the mighty hand of God, therefore the lion was given the heart of a man. Within 70 years, the whole Empire of Babylon was judged for its wickedness and was destroyed. It's wings had been scraped off as judgment for its sin and arrogance, and it was totally humbled - going from a mighty Lion to a mere man.

The second is a she-bear that is risen up on one side with three ribs in her mouth, and she is told to 'eat her fill of flesh.' This is describing the Media/Persian Empire and its violent conquests. The bear being raised on one side represents the Persian domination under king Cyrus, which became more powerful than Media. Some commentators have taken the three ribs to be symbolic of three major powers that this Empire conquered, which would include Babylon and Egypt, but nowhere in Daniel are we given any specific interpretation of the three ribs. It would be safe to say, though, that they symbolise the general 'prey' of their enemies.

The third is a leopardess with four wings on its back and four heads. It is given authority to rule. This is the Greek Empire, particularly under its first king, Alexander the Great. It is astounding how quickly Alexander conquered the world, hence the symbol of the leopard with four wings to represent the swiftness with which he conquered - north, south, east, and west. Within a decade, he was dead, and his kingdom was divided up between four of his generals, hence the four heads. Throughout these visions, heads are a symbol of headship and authority, hence, kingdoms and their kings. As we shall soon see, horns are also used in this manner to represent kingdoms or governments or powers.

Further details of the Media/Persian Empire, and the Greek Empire and its four-fold division, are given in the vision in Daniel Chapter 8, which we shall be looking at in the next study; and there are even more details given in Daniel's last vision in Chapter 11, but we need to take one vision at a time.

The fourth and final beast is almost beyond description, with monstrous iron teeth and great strength, pulverising and stamping upon what is left (of the animals or the world). She is different from the others and has ten horns. This kingdom will be characterised by violent, brute force that doesn't really show much care for others, particularly those of other races. It stamps, smashes, pulverises, crushes and devours virtually everything in its path.

This is the 'un-named' fourth kingdom of Rome. It is un-named because, as we have seen, this fourth kingdom goes beyond the ancient Roman Empire alone, and encompasses all that follows till the end of this age. It is also worth noting, as mentioned earlier, that this 'Beast' is not named in the vision of Revelation either, except in cryptic form as 666. Many early Christian commentators (e.g. Irenaeus, Tertullian, Hippolytus, and also Isaac Newton and others of the Reformation period onward) knew that the ancient Greek and Hebrew for 'Roman' came to 666, because every letter in these languages has a numerical value. This is called Gematria.

I am sure that the reason for concealing the name of this 'Beast' kingdom in cryptic form, which only those with wisdom and spiritual insight could decipher, was to prevent the Roman Empire from becoming even more arrogant by claiming a divine right to trample the world and persecute the people of God due to these prophecies. Things were already bad enough for the early Christians, without the Roman Emperors seeking self-fulfilling prophecies, and making the persecutions even worse. Also, only those with spiritual ears to hear could understand the 'Roman' aspect being applied to the Church and the prophecies of the 'little horn' antichrist kingdom of Christendom.

Now, returning to our vision in Daniel, notice the iron teeth of this fourth Beast, recalling the Iron kingdom of the earlier vision, stamping and pulverising the earth. This Beast is different from all the others, for not only is it virtually indescribable, looking like some kind of mutant animal, but it has ten horns on its head, which recalls the ten toes of the earlier vision.

    The Ten Horns and Another Horn

Daniel is told very clearly what these ten horns represent - they are kingdoms (that is, they represent kings or rulers, and their kingdoms or empires). Horns are a symbol of power and strength in Scripture.

"He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. 

(7:23-24a NIV)

This is exactly in line with what was revealed in the earlier vision of the Image. And these ten kings do not rule successively, one after the other; they all rule at the same time, in the latter part of the kingdom - though, of course, these kingdoms will continue to exist in various forms through succeeding generations until the end. This is something that was unheard of in the previous Empires: a ten-fold division. Yet that is how it would be in the latter stages of the final form of this fourth kingdom. The Roman Empire would seemingly collapse and then be divided into at least ten kingdoms. This is confirmed by what follows.

While Daniel is looking at the ten horns, another horn comes up amongst the others, and three of the ten horns are felled to stumps before it! This horn has the eyes of a man and a mouth declaring monstrous things, and it makes war on the saints, that is, the holy people of God. Here is the explanation of this other horn.

  I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

  "He gave me this explanation: '... After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting (eonian) kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.' 

(7:20-27 NIV)

(This last sentence should read more accurately "Their kingdom is an eonian kingdom, and all other authorities shall serve and hearken to them." - CV)

A simple reading of this text reveals that once this ten-fold kingdom is in place, another kingdom will arise among them. It is not one of the ten, but it emerges amongst them, and in some way or another, it will be different from the others. This is probably referring to the fact that it would be a religious kingdom as well as a political one. But three of the ten kingdoms will not accept the leadership of this kingdom and he therefore defeats them somehow by humiliating them. The remaining kingdoms will acknowledge him without any open resistance. This proves that the ten kingdoms are all ruling at the same time, and, if you will, an eleventh kingdom rises up to rule over them all.

It will also become clearer, when we consider Daniel 8 and the vision of the Ram and the Goat in the next study, that these 'kingdoms,' these 'horns,' are representing governmental powers or Empires, and their successive rulers - not necessarily just one individual! 

This is evident in the prophecies of the Seleucids and the Ptolemies in Daniel 8, and its fulfillment in their successive rulers over a period of two centuries. So in reference to the Little Horn kingdom that arises amongst the 10, this is not about one individual Antichrist, but many successive rulers of this kingdom/empire who are antichrist!

Now there is good reason as to why there are 10 toes or 10 horns representing 10 kingdoms, and there is also good reason as to why the 'little horn' kingdom is not actually described as the 11th horn in the text. This is because the number 10 is symbolic of worldwide completeness or fullness, and on average, you can't get more than 10 toes on two feet! So this is symbolising the complete rule of man during this age as a result of the division and 'fall' of the ancient Roman Empire. Yet out of these kingdoms arises another kingdom that becomes all-powerful, with blasphemous, and devastating, consequences.

This 'Horn' (that is, the ruler(s) of this kingdom) is then described as speaking out things against God, the Supreme, aiming to set Him aside so that he can rule in His place. He will wage war against the people of God, oppressing them and wearing them out, and he will attempt to alter the stated times concerning the prophetic Scriptures, and he will also attempt to change an edict or decree, or laws. Young's Literal Translation reads "...and it hopeth to change seasons and law." The 'stated times' or 'seasons,' and the 'law,' refer to the words of God and our Lord Jesus in the Scriptures. 

This Horn kingdom and its ruler will attempt to set itself up in place of God's Anointed One, the Messiah (or Christ), hence, it is an antichrist kingdom. He will attempt to counterfeit the kingdom of God, and he will be given absolute worldwide authority for a specified time. He will seek to change the words of the Living God and His laws. The saints will be given into his hands for a cryptic period of time stated as 'time, times and half a time.'

The Mystical Time Period

This time period, stated in verse 25, is the first specific one given in Daniel. It is written as 'a season, two seasons and the dividing of a season,' also translated as 'a time, times and half a time.' Taken literally, this is another way of writing 'three and a half years.' This is confirmed elsewhere in Scripture in the vision of Revelation where this time period is recorded in days, as we shall see. This is the only prophetic time period that is recorded in the New Testament. There isn't any mention of a final 7 year period (referred to as Daniel's 70th Week) in the NT - only this three and a half year period, IF TAKEN LITERALLY. But the fact that this prophetic time period is subsequently stated only in the highly symbolic vision of Revelation is good reason to believe that this is not to be taken literally.

(I firmly believe that the '70th Week' has been fulfilled in the First Coming of Christ, which will be shown in a later study, so therefore there isn't any seven year period yet to come, commonly called 'The Great Tribulation').

Nevertheless, the other time periods revealed in Daniel have all had a literal fulfillment within history in relation to Israel and Jerusalem, and the Old Covenant. Yet it can be shown that this initial time period of time, times and half a time can be interpreted in 3 ways - and all are correct. Briefly stated, it has had a literal fulfillment in the Roman/Jewish War in 66-70 AD. Secondly, it has had a mystical fulfillment in relation to the Antichrist kingdom in accordance with the day/year principle, where 1260 days becomes 1260 years. And thirdly, it is ultimately symbolising the entire present age that is called 'the last days.'

Now the prophecy in Daniel says that after this mystical time period has run its course, the Horn kingdom will be judged by God Himself and stripped of its authority, and its kingdom shall subsequently be destroyed. The Kingdom of God will then be established throughout the earth under the authority of the true King and Lord, Messiah Jesus. The saints themselves will take over the kingdoms of men and 'all other authorities shall serve and hearken to them, and the kingdom will endure indefinitely for the ages to come.'

The culmination of this prophecy is clearly referring to the Return of Christ at the end of this age, although it is true to say that the kingdom of God began to be established at the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in 33 AD. Nevertheless, the ultimate fulfillment of these things is still yet to come in the near future.

But who are 'the saints' in this prophecy? Some say they are Israel, while others say they are the Church - and the Bible teaches both of these truths! The truth is that in the Old Testament era, the saints were the people of Israel, but since the coming of the Holy Spirit in 33 AD and the subsequent blessings that have been poured out on both Jew AND Gentile, the saints are now the Church of God, the Joint-Body of Christ, whether Jew or Gentile. 

Therefore, those who belong to the Ecclesia (or church) of Christ are one and the same as the saints of God. Numerous times in the New Testament, followers of Christ are called saints, which means holy ones or sanctified ones; those who are set apart for God's use. So the oppression of the saints in this vision is referring to a great affliction that would come upon the true followers of Christ - and it would last for a specified period of time. In fact, this false Antichrist kingdom was to be given exactly the same amount of time, mystically speaking, to 'minister' as the true Messiah, Jesus, was given when He came the first time - the cryptic three and a half years!

Before we consider more on this issue of the Beast kingdom, let us conclude Daniel's vision.

In verses 9-14, quoted earlier, Daniel sees a heavenly judgment scene, with the One on the throne known as the 'Transferrer of Days- CV,' commonly rendered the 'Ancient of Days.' He alone will transfer the kingdom to His people, the Ecclesia of God, through the Messiah, Who is called the 'Son of Mankind.' His age-abiding jurisdiction (or dominion) will not pass away, as the previous kingdoms have done, and His kingdom shall not be confined (CV) or destroyed (NIV) like the others before it, but it shall reach to the limits of the earth and beyond - even to the far reaches of the universe! 

Again, take note how this Judgment is closely associated with the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, followed by the destruction of the Beast kingdom and its 10 horns. As yet, this has not happened in its entirety.

Jesus was referring to this portion of the vision when He was on trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin. In fact, it was when He applied this prophecy to Himself that His fate was sealed before the High Priest, and they all charged Him with blasphemy, for they knew very well that He was claiming to be God's Son, the Messiah. 

But Jesus remained silent.
      The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."

 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"
      "He is worthy of death," they answered.

(Matthew 26:63-66 NIV)

Daniel subsequently sees the fourth beast kingdom being destroyed in fire, but concerning the remainder of the animals, we are told that 'their authority is caused to pass away, yet a lengthening of life is granted to them till the stated time and season' (v12 CV). In other words, these previous kingdoms will be taken over by the fourth beast, so that their authority passes away, but they will nevertheless become a part of the fourth kingdom until the stated time of the end. That is, what goes before becomes absorbed into what subsequently follows. The Beast kingdom, in its final form, will be composite; a mixture; an amalgamation of all the previous Empires, especially Greece (the bronze/copper) and Rome (the iron).

The Composite Nature of the Beast: 

The Greco-Roman Kingdoms

  Firstly, take note of the fact that, in verse 19, Daniel adds that this fourth beast had iron teeth and bronze (or copper) claws.

 "Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws..." 

(Daniel 7:19 NIV)

  If you recall, in the earlier vision of the Image, the Greek Empire was represented in the Bronze/Copper, and the Roman Empire was represented in the Iron. So this is a clear reference to the fact that this fourth Beast, particularly in its final form, will be predominantly a Greco-Roman Empire dominated by the West. This is confirmed and expanded in the vision of Revelation.

  At this point, it would be beneficial for us to take a look at some very important texts in the book of Revelation to show the connection between that vision and this one in the book of Daniel. So let's take a brief look at Revelation 13.

  And it (the Dragon) was standing on the sand of the sea. And I perceived a wild beast ascending out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns ten diadems, and on its heads blasphemous names. And the wild beast which I perceived was like a leopardess, and its feet were as a bear's, and its mouth as the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gives it its power and its throne and great authority. 

 

(Revelation 13:1-2 CV)

Now take careful note here. The Apostle John sees the Dragon (Satan) standing on the seashore, and it causes a wild beast to arise out of the sea. Like the Dragon before it (described in Rev. 12:3), this Beast also has seven heads and ten horns. But whereas the Dragon has monarch's crowns on its seven heads, this Beast has them on its ten horns. And on its seven heads are blasphemous names. This composite Beast resembles a leopardess, a bear and a lion. 

Do you see it? This is the Beast of Daniel's vision in its final composite form, being a mixture or amalgamation of all the previous kingdoms, both Eastern and Western. This is representing the ancient Roman Empire, in its Western and Eastern divisions, as well as the 10-fold division of the Empire at its 'fall' into many Western and Eastern kingdoms and Empires - which still continue to the present day.

So the first Wild Beast in Revelation 13 is symbolically describing the ancient Roman Empire and its later divisions, as well as its revival in the form of the Holy Roman Empire, and they were to be predominantly characterised by a Western Greco-Roman culture and influence. Amazingly, almost every Empire that has arisen since the 5th century AD, whether Christian or Islamic or otherwise, has predominantly sought to claim the title and authority of the Roman or Greek Empires.

It is very evident to anyone who has a basic knowledge of the history of the Roman Empire, and of the subsequent Kingdoms and Empires that followed its demise, that these prophetic visions have been fulfilled in history. The ancient Roman Empire was ultimately 'wounded to death' and seemingly died in 476 AD when Rome fell to the Barbarian hordes. It was then divided into at least 10 kingdoms (symbolising its universal division into feuding kingdoms, nations and empires).

The Little Horn Kingdom

Yet out of this division and chaos there arose another Beast, another Horn, an Antichrist kingdom - Papal Rome - that eventually revived the image of Imperial Rome in the form of the Holy Roman Empire, and caused the whole world to worship 'the image of the Beast.' This Horn/Beast kingdom and its ruler, the Man of Lawlessness, proceeded to persecute, and trample upon, the true people of God - the Christians who wouldn't bow the knee to Papal Rome to worship the image of Imperial Rome or take its name - for a mystical period of 1260 day/years (i.e. 'time, times, and half a time').

During its rise to power, this horn kingdom of Papal Rome uprooted and subdued three other kingdoms. Some commentators and historians view the initial 10 kingdoms as the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Alamanni, Suevi, Anglo-Saxons, Heruli, Lombards and Burgundians. The exact identification of these initial kingdoms is not absolutely necessary, for there were at least 10 divisions of the Roman Empire after its fall.

Three of these kingdoms eventually opposed the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and his decrees. They were the Heruli, the Vandals and the Ostrogoths. These three powers were eventually defeated by Rome by the time of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. In 538 AD, the Eastern Emperor Justinian had uprooted the Ostrogoths from Rome and it was at this juncture that he established the Bishop of Rome as the "Supreme High Priest" and sole Overseer of the whole Christian Church. This is when the little Horn of Papal Rome officially began its worldwide domination - after uprooting three of the other horns first.

 Yet according to Revelation 17, the 10 kingdoms of a divided Roman Empire would eventually give their power and authority to the Beast of Rome and together they would unite against the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, but He will ultimately defeat them. The complete domination of the Holy Roman Empire is seen in these verses - and history reveals the truth of these words.

  "And the ten horns which you perceived are ten kings who obtained no kingdom as yet, but are obtaining authority as kings one hour with the wild beast. These have one opinion, and they are giving their power and authority to the wild beast. These will be battling with the Lambkin, and the Lambkin will be conquering them, seeing that It is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with It are called and chosen and faithful." 

(Revelation 17:12-14 CV)

Yet even the treachery and revolt of the nations against the domination of Papal Rome (the Harlot riding the Beast), which led to her demise, is prophesied also in Revelation 17, but that is for another study. For further information about these prophecies in regard to the Beast and Mystery Babylon, see Who is Secret Babylon the Great?  

Returning to the vision in Daniel, other commentators see the prophecy about the three horns being uprooted as being fulfilled in the Papacy taking over the government (or Exarchate) of Ravenna, then the kingdom of the Lombards, subsequently followed by the Roman Senate itself. This occurred much later, from 755-800 AD. At the conclusion of this era, the Papacy officially formed the Holy Roman Empire by crowning Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans, thereby making an image to the Imperial Roman Empire, and ruling with religious and political power from the Vatican in Rome. The three 'horn kingdoms' subsequently became part of the Papal states.

Either way, it is very evident that these prophecies have been fulfilled in history. I personally accept the first interpretation, because these things occurred in fairly quick succession during the 5th-6th century AD, which included the fall of Rome, and the division of the Empire, followed by the rise of the Papal Rome of Christendom, and it's subjugation of three other kingdoms.

Subsequently, the 'fatally wounded' Roman Empire was resurrected as the Holy Roman Empire, and Papal Rome ruled 'as God' over the whole world for over 1000 years, causing all to worship the Roman image, while it persecuted and murdered millions of innocent people, including the true saints of the Living God.

As a 'Lamb-like Beast' that had the mouth of the Dragon (that is, it claimed to represent Jesus Christ, but it really represented Satan), this Man of Sin seated himself in the 'Temple of God,' the true Church of God, demonstrating with great power that he is God - while, in fact, it/he is Antichrist (i.e. a replacement Christ, one who rules in His stead by usurpation). Even the history of Roman Catholicism, going right back to Constantine himself, is full of instances of false miracles, signs and wonders in the midst of lawless deception, corruption and wickedness. It even claimed the authority of God Himself, like 'fire descending from heaven in the sight of all men.'

Now with the above historical facts in mind, consider the following texts of Scripture from Daniel and Revelation, as well as the classic text from Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2, taking into account the symbolism of these visions and their Divine interpretation. Also, take careful note of the mystical time period that we considered earlier, which is stated in three different ways in Revelation.

"He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time."

(Daniel 7:23-25 NIV)

And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"

 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.

 He who has an ear, let him hear.
 If anyone is to go into captivity,
      into captivity he will go.
   If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
      with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

 Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. 

He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.

 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.

(Revelation 13:1-18 NIV)

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

 Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NIV)

The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days... When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent's reach.

(Revelation 12:6, 13-14 NIV)

"But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 

 ...Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.

(Revelation 11:2-3, 7 NIV)

 

A Brief Summary So Far

At this point, I just want you to notice the main details that are given here, which all tie in with each other, as well as the cryptic time period which is stated in three different ways:

1) Time, times and half a time (a season, seasons and half a season)

2) 42 Months

3) 1260 days

These are all referring to the exact same time period of the mystical three and a half years. During this time, we are told that the following things will occur: 

a) There will be a great persecution and affliction of the saints of God (the Woman and her seed, the true Church);

b) A small remnant of the Woman will be divinely kept safe during this era of persecution so that she will not be destroyed;

c) There will be a trampling of the true Holy City of the heavenly Jerusalem, who are the true Christians (as well as a trampling of the earthly Jerusalem);

d) Worldwide authority will be given to the Beast Empire;

e) There will be worldwide worship of the Beast Kingdom through a false messiah or Christ (that is, antichrist; a false religious system);

f) And there will be false miracles and powers to substantiate the power of this kingdom and its rulers;

g) The true saints of God are also represented as Two Witnesses (or Martyrs) speaking forth the truth, who eventually triumph over the Beast kingdom with resurrection power.. 

ALL of these things are said to occur within this mystical three and a half year period.

Three Levels of Truth in Rightly Dividing the Word

When it comes to understanding Scripture correctly, including prophecy, we must understand that there are three levels of truth - horizontally and vertically (the shape of the cross). Firstly, horizontally, in accordance with the ages of Time, there is 

a) was (For example, past antichrists and the likes of Antiochus IV Epiphanes)

b) is (E.g. present antichrists)

c) is coming or will be (future antichrists)

Put another way, this is the Past, the ongoing Present, and the Future. Jesus is He 'who was, and is, and who is coming, the Almighty' (Revelation 1:4, 8). This is the basic meaning of the personal Hebrew name for God - Yahweh or Jehovah (will-being-was). He encompasses ALL time.

Then vertically there are also three levels of truth:

a) the natural or earthly (for example, a literal Antichrist in history)

b) the supernatural or heavenly (E.g. the spirit of Antichrist, ultimately Satan)

c) the figurative or allegorical (E.g. the Antichrist within the sinful flesh of man)

These levels of truth are also represented in the 3 heavens; as well as in Body, Soul and Spirit, amongst other things. This is not the time to expound any further on these deep truths but hopefully I will be able to do so in future writings.

Therefore, every aspect of prophecy can be understood on these three levels, both horizontally and vertically - and ALL ARE TRUE.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul says the following to his fellow-worker, Timothy:

Endeavor to present yourself to God qualified, an unashamed worker, correctly cutting the word of truth. (CV)

So what did Paul mean by the phrase 'correctly cutting the word of truth.' The KJV reads 'rightly dividing the word...' while the NIV reads 'correctly handling the word...'

The real difference between these versions are the words cutting, dividing and handling. So is Paul just talking about handling or using the Bible correctly, or is he saying something else? Well, of course a teacher of the Scriptures needs to handle the Word of God correctly or rightly, but how is that to be done? This is what Paul is revealing here - the how. The answer to this is that a good teacher is to be cutting or dividing the Word correctly. That is to say, the doctrines of Scripture, the truth revealed therein, are not to be all lumped in together. There are right divisions to be made, even though the whole Bible is a unified revelation of Truth.

The Greek word translated correctly cutting or rightly dividing is orthotomeo. It is essentially two words put together literally meaning to correctly cut something. One of the simplest and clearest examples of this cutting or dividing is the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Old Testament needs to be understood in light of the New Covenant which has been established in Christ. The book of Hebrews makes this point very clearly. It is in this letter to the Hebrews, which I firmly believe was written by Paul, that we have a similar description of the Word of God.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

The Word of God is likened to a two-edged sword that can divide soul and spirit; joints (or connections) and marrow. The soul describes the physical senses of man, and the spirit is the invisible Divine power that gives life. The joints or connections are the outward movements of man (like bone joints), and the marrow is the hidden source that gives life to man (like the blood-filled marrow of bones). The Word of God gives the light to be able to discern the difference between the two - fleshly or spiritual - and it judges accordingly. This is the main key to understanding what it means to correctly cut the Word of Truth. Let me put it like this:

On one level, there is that which is soulish, fleshly, carnal, earthly, worldly.

On another level of truth there is that which is spiritual and heavenly.

Then, as I've explained above, there is the horizontal level of Time, in which God has been, and is, progressively revealing His Plan to His servants through His written Word. This Divine Plan is being worked out through various Ages, which are long periods or divisions of time (Eons); and Administrations, which are various sub-divisions within the Ages, in which God is revealing His righteous principles, and His character, as Father of His household. This is especially evident in the establishing of the covenants - particularly the contrast between the Old and the New Covenants. This also requires 'correct cutting' of the Word. And all of this can only be done properly under the guidance of the Spirit of God and of Christ dwelling within.

We need to realise that, in relation to this, God is dealing with us all in immaturity first, while seeking to bring us to maturity as sons of God. This outworking of His Plan occurs through Time, whether it be in long time, dealing with humanity over long generations; or in shorter time, dealing with an individual's life span or a particular generation. We are drawing near to the beginning of a New Age in which the mature Sons of God, the Body/Bride of Christ, will co-rule with Christ over the earth in immortal bodies. These are the Firstfruits of a New Humanity. The remainder of humanity will eventually be brought to maturity over the final Ages of time in accordance with the justice, and mercy, of God. This is the ultimate purpose of the kingdom of God.

Now when we apply this 'cutting' principle to God's prophetic Plan, we see that the following exists:

a) There is an Israel according to the flesh (which is as Ishmael and Esau), and

b) there is an Israel according to the Spirit (which is as Isaac and Israel)

Also,

a) There is an earthly Jerusalem (that presently is in bondage, and we should pray for the peace of this Jerusalem), and

b) there is a heavenly Jerusalem (which is free and already at peace)

And,

a) There has been an earthly Temple of God, and

b) there is also a heavenly Temple (both celestial AND figurative)

 

The truth is this: that BOTH a & b exist on two different levels of truth. Paul makes it clear in Romans 9-11 that there is an Israel according to the flesh, and that certain prophecies will be fulfilled in them, so that many Jews will yet be grafted back into their own olive tree. Yet he also reveals that there now exists a remnant chosen by grace who are already the true spiritual, heavenly Israel of God (also Galatians 3:26- 4:7, 21-31; 6:14-16). BOTH exist at the same time and are fulfilling various prophecies. 

Only the heavenly, celestial Israel, though, is the Bride and Body of Christ. These are the Sons of God, the Overcomers,  who have a greater destiny than earthly Israel ever did - to rule as kings and priests over the whole earth. Yet eventually, during the ages to come, everyone and everything will be brought in to the New Creation through Christ Jesus.

Yet even now, before the coming manifestation of the Kingdom of God in its fullness, the principle given in 1 Corinthians 15:46 is in force:

THE SOULISH FIRST THEN THE SPIRITUAL

Hopefully, more will be said on these things as these studies progress. If we keep these spiritual principles in mind then we will avoid needless narrow dogmatism that seeks to interpret these things on ONLY ONE LEVEL! We will be able to view the truth from all angles, and to see clearly from all sides of the Mountain of Truth. Now let us return to our subject of the Beast kingdom of the Roman Empire and its 10-fold division.

Throughout these past centuries, since the fall of ancient Rome, and right up to the present day, the '10 kingdoms' of the divided Roman Empire have continued to fight one another, causing various western and eastern Empires to emerge on the world stage, seeking to (and often to actually) rule the world as ancient Rome once did. And the remnants of these kingdoms still exist today, especially those dominated by Graeco-Roman culture. 

So before we consider 2 Thessalonians 2 in greater detail, let us take a very brief journey through history so that we can see a little more clearly the continuing influence of the major Empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and particularly Rome, upon the world, especially as they became embodied in the religions and Empires of Christendom and Islam.

 

The European Colonies, Islam, and the British Empire

The ancient Roman Empire was never actually totally conquered by another nation, as such. There are many factors that contributed to its demise, but primarily it slowly disintegrated from within due to division and corruption, and was also gradually chipped away at from without through wars with the 'Barbarian nations.' But in another sense, this Empire has continued in a different form. This change began in the Fourth Century AD, when, under the Emperor Constantine, the Roman Empire became a Christianised Empire and it began spreading its powerful influence throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Shortly after, the Empire became divided into East (based at Constantinople) and West (Papal Rome), but this only served to expand the influence of Greece and Rome throughout the world. The influence of the Greek language and culture was already predominant throughout the Empire, but now the Latin tongue was becoming more widely used, particularly by the Catholic priests. The power of the Roman Church and also the Byzantine Empire (and the Greek Orthodox Church) greatly influenced the nations of Europe and the Near East.

But during the Seventh Century, a new power emerged in the East in the form of the religion of Islam, based on the 'revelations' of the self-proclaimed prophet Mohammed. Immediately it began to expand its power and influence around the East, even breaking into some of the Western countries, subsequently leading to the eventual demise of the Byzantine Empire. 

The Islamic Empire became one of the greatest Empires of the East, firstly through the Arab Empire and then through the Turkish Empire, dominating major parts of the world for many centuries, from the 8th century through to the 19th century AD. Its presence and influence is still strongly felt today, though sadly it is often in the form of Islamic fundamentalist terrorism. Nevertheless, the Islamic nations have had a large part to play in the history of civilisation, especially in the Middle East - and this still continues to some extent today.

As the centuries rolled by, the power and wealth of Christendom in the West continued to increase. Even with the subsequent rise of the Protestant Church during the 14th & 15th Centuries, the power of the Roman Church held sway over much of Europe. The influence of the Greek and Latin languages was becoming increasingly evident through the change in other European languages such as English, which contains many words that originated from Greek and Latin. (English is essentially a European language that has now become the predominant tongue throughout the modern world, and it is the foremost language for global communication).

Also, many prominent buildings throughout Europe and the East were being designed on the basis of Greek and Roman architecture, and the influence of Greek and Roman art and philosophy was also very evident - not to mention the religious aspect, which became a powerful influence within the new religion of Christianity.

The Era of Explorers

It was during this later era (around the 15^th Century) that certain European nations were becoming extremely powerful, such as England, France, Portugal and Spain. They began to expand their power and influence around the globe by establishing colonies in various places. The most powerful of these nations was what became Great Britain. At its height, the British Empire ruled from one-fifth to one quarter of the world, extending its influence to all four corners of the earth. Even the 'world clock,' known as Greenwich Mean Time, was established in London, by which all time zones are measured.

But the most significant string of events was the establishing of European colonies in North and South America. Spain and Portugal conquered most of South and Central America, which even today is known as Latin America, due to the influence of Catholicism. During this era, such famous explorers as John Cabot and Christopher Columbus made their voyages to the New World. Much of North America, particularly along the East Coast, was conquered primarily by the British and the French, although Britain eventually became the dominant Empire in these territories.

The thirteen American colonies were originally under British rule until the War of Independence or the American Revolution of 1775-1783, which subsequently resulted in the establishment of the United States of America. Numerous other countries were also colonised by Great Britain, including Canada, Australia, South Africa and India. Although most of these countries have since regained their independence, yet even now many of these ex-colonial nations remain within the Commonwealth of Nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies and India.

During the 20^th Century, partially as a result of the two World Wars, the British Empire began to wane and subsequently the USA emerged as the most powerful and richest nation on the earth, although Great Britain (or the UK) has remained one of the foremost European allies of the United States. Furthermore, the whole of Europe is now attempting to unite as the European Union, a federation of a United States of Europe. With the 'fall' of Communism, even western Russia and some of the former Soviet European countries are now a part of the greater Europe. This somewhat loose amalgamation of the USA and Britain, and its commonwealth allies, Canada and Australia, along with most of Europe, is bringing at least the West into an era of peace and safety on a scale never really seen before.

Moreover, the United Nations, which has member nations from throughout the world, is seeking to unite the world (as the name suggests), so as to expand these borders of peace and safety to much of the world. Nevertheless, the UN appears to be heavily influenced (some would say controlled) by one of it's initial founders, the USA, with it's headquarters in New York.

Roman Empire versus USA and the West

With all of the above in mind, let us now briefly compare some of the characteristics of the ancient Roman Empire with the USA, the UN, and its Western allies. We shall find that a surprising picture emerges, which confirms the fact that the influence and spirit of ancient Rome is still very much alive and well today!

Roman Empire: Military Power

This Empire was known for its military might and the enforcing of the 'Pax Romana,' the Roman Peace, by establishing and controlling provinces (or colonies), which often included the paying of tribute to Rome as the occupying power for its protection and 'beneficent' sway over the people. Army recruits were often taken from various countries around the Empire and stationed in the provinces. Territorial expansion was often accomplished through initiating wars and attacking weaker nations. Israel (or Palestine) was an important province that was a challenge for the Roman governors to deal with. Many cities throughout the provinces became the homes of governing officials who ruled the various countries and sought to quash any sign of rebellion.

USA and the West

Military might in the air, and on the land and sea, is the great boast of the US and British forces. The UN Peacekeeping Force and NATO is establishing its military presence around the world as the basis for a global Police Force. Europe is also attempting to establish its own 'reactionary' force. The USA and Britain particularly, along with the UN, has recently been enforcing its military might in the fight against 'terrorist' regimes. 'Blockades' and 'economic sanctions' are forcing certain countries to bow the knee to their power, although it is claimed that this is all done in the name of 'peace.'

The USA and Britain are especially involved with the State of Israel and the problems of 'peace' in the Middle East - and Israel's military might is also a powerful force amongst the world's armies. The establishment of a World Court provides 'governmental justice' over the nations, bringing 'inhumane dictators' to account for their crimes. But the question could be asked, 'Who judges the Western powers that preside over this court?'

Roman Empire: World Trade Centre

Rome was the World Trade Centre for world commerce. It controlled much of the world's produce. There were two major currencies throughout the Empire, the Greek and Roman currencies.

USA and the West

The USA is the World Trade Centre for world commerce and banking. There is also the World Bank and the Global Monetary System that aims to dominate the world through two major currencies, the US dollar and the newly established Euro, via an electronic banking system. The USA and Europe predominantly has the monopoly on technology and commerce, and is largely at the head of scientific and medical research, though some of the eastern countries, such as Japan and China, are also gaining much influence and power in these areas.

Roman Empire: Religious

Religious tolerance was very much encouraged throughout the Empire, as religion was an integral part of life. Ancient 'paganism' and mythology, rooted in the Babylonian mysteries, was the predominant religion. Religious holidays were also an important part of Roman life.

USA and the West

Christianity in the West, particularly in its 'New Age' form in the US and Europe, has become greatly 'paganised' and religious tolerance is being greatly encouraged through a program for World Religious Unity. The Mother and Child cult of the Babylonian mysteries has its greatest influence through the Roman Catholic Church, which also encourages 'ecumenical' unity. Religious holidays and ritual are an important part of life, although somewhat disguised by materialism.

Roman Empire: The Games

Leisure activities were an important part of life. This included sporting events at stadiums, hippodromes, arenas and circuses, and the Greek and Roman games, and there was also drama at the theatre. These events were often accompanied by grand processions and marches, which also occurred on other important days as well. There was also an emphasis on dinner parties, and wild orgies became a regular thing as time went by. These activities helped to cement the Empire together with common, familiar pleasures, although the corruption eventually got the better of them.

USA and the West

The USA and Europe leads the world in leisure activities, from Hollywood movies and television, to major sporting events in stadiums and arenas. There is also the music business, theatre and shows, parties, clubs and even orgies, where the immorality is increasing. There is also an emphasis on processions and marches at certain events and on certain holidays. Through advertising and mass expansion of business corporations and leisure activities, the world is being 'westernised,' helping the nations to hold together through common interests. Even the Church has its own McDonalds-type 'franchises' which spreads their particular brand of  'evangelical-charismatic-rock/pop' worship services and activities worldwide.

The Flag

Incidentally, the flag of the European Union (which is presently blue with 12 yellow five-pointed stars in a circle) is very similar to one of the original flags of the American Union, part of which had a blue background with 13 white five-pointed stars in a circle, representing the 13 colonies (known as the 'Betsy Ross' flag).

Another point of interest is that Capitol Hill in Washington DC, the seat of law and government in the USA, is named after Capitoline Hill, which is apparently the highest hill of the seven hills of Rome. It is the democratic system of government, represented by Capitol Hill, that rules the USA, and it has a great influence over the nations of the world in these days. It has even begun to enforce its democratic rule in some of the countries of the Middle East. Democracy, the rule of the people, had its true birth in ancient Greece and Rome where the people were originally governed by representatives in a Senate.

There is much more that could be added to this list, but these similarities are sufficient to show that the remnants of the 10-fold division of the fourth kingdom of Rome are still with us. And we must bear in mind that the USA is essentially a European nation, founded by white, western people having migrated from Europe.

A Reflection of the Ten Horns?

    Here are a few more thoughts concerning more modern developments in the world that could have a bearing on our subject of the 10-fold kingdoms of Rome. The Group of 8 (or G8) are a very influential club and they greatly affect global government - in fact, they are global government! This group is composed of the leaders of the most powerful and richest nations on the planet - and they are primarily Western Democratic nations. At present, the following nations are represented by their Presidents or Prime Ministers - USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Russia. As of this writing (2006), Russia is just completing the process of becoming an official member, making it the G8.

   The European Union or EU is also represented, though it is not counted among the eight nations, because the EU is made up of, at present, 25 member states. The President of the European Commission represents the executive body of the EU at every G8 summit, while the President of the European Council represents the member states (and this Presidency is on a rotation). So even now there are actually ten leaders in this group, which can be seen in recent photos of the G8 leaders at their yearly summit meetings! Nevertheless, there is already the possibility that China and India may also become members of the G8, making it officially the G10; and it is also possible that in the future the EU could be represented by only one leader, the President of the EU or the EC. 

   Just some thoughts, really. Although it is evident that the prophecy of the 10-horned Beast has already been fulfilled in history, there is no doubt that the world and the earth, and particularly the Body of Christ, are experiencing a birthing process (one is fleshly, the other is spiritual) that will speed up in these days until the Kingdom of God is established at Christ's Return. In many respects, there is a reflection of prophetic cycles occurring that are a kind of mirror image of past fulfillments. These are sober, yet exciting, times.

For further information about the prophecies of Revelation in regard to the Beasts and Mystery Babylon, see Who is Secret Babylon the Great?

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12: 

The Man of Lawlessness Unveiled

  Now let's consider more closely what Paul had to say about the last days and the rise of the man of lawlessness.

"No one should be deluding you by any method, for, should not the apostasy be coming first and the man of lawlessness be unveiled, the son of destruction, who is opposing and lifting himself up over everyone termed a god or an object of veneration, so that he is seated in the temple of God, demonstrating that he himself is God? Do you not remember that, still being with you, I told you these things?" 

 

(2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 CV)

 

"This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully...

 ...Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire...

...As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom...

...He (the horn) will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever." 

 (Daniel 7:8, 11, 21-22, 25-26 NIV).

 

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, in relation to the last days and the Return of Jesus (the Day of the Lord), Paul is confirming the prophecy of Daniel chapter 7, which, as we have seen, revealed that the Roman Empire would eventually fall and become divided into many kingdoms (at least 10), after which, another kingdom would arise to dominate the world. This kingdom would persecute the saints of God, while having the pretence of doing God's work!

Paul prophesies further that this kingdom would be Christian, for its ruler would seat himself in God's Temple, the Church, and become Antichrist, that is, a man of lawlessness seeking to replace Christ and God! These things would be preceded by an Apostasy (or falling away) from the truth of the teachings of Jesus and His Apostles contained in the New Testament. Jesus Himself had taught that there would be a false Church masquerading as the true, with a mixture of truth and error (for example, the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds). The teaching of the Apostles expounded further into these things.

This 'man of lawlessness' would exalt himself to the place of God, with great boasting, which is the greatest of all abominations and blasphemies, seeking to change the times and laws of God, and he would seat himself in the temple of God, the Church, taking the place of Christ Himself, hence an antichrist. 

Many believe that this 'temple of God' is to be taken literally as referring to a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, which, it is supposed, will be desecrated by a future antichrist. However, this popular belief is a fairly new idea, and this was not the way that most of the early church fathers and commentators interpreted this text. In addition to this, we have the clear fulfillment of these things in history, in just the same way as they were prophesied by Daniel, Jesus, Paul and John. Why look any further! Anyhow, Paul never uses this phrase 'temple of God' in a literal sense in any of his letters.

In the NT, the Greek word naos, translated temple, was used both of the literal temple building in Jerusalem, that is, the house of God, AND it is used figuratively of believers, both individually and corporately. Be that as it may, the wording and context of this passage strongly suggests that Paul is referring to the figurative temple of God, the Christian Church, for that is how he uses this phrase in his letters.

The clear teaching of the NT reveals that the literal, physical temple that once stood in Jerusalem has now been replaced by a figurative, spiritual temple of God - the people of God in Christ Jesus. And nowhere in the NT does it state that the literal temple in Jerusalem shall be rebuilt. Any Christian who focuses on, or wishes to support, the rebuilding of the literal temple in Jerusalem is unwittingly deceived and in apostasy.

Here are some key texts that speak of the figurative temple of God. This is the temple that God recognises now.

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

(1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NIV)

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

(2 Corinthians 6:16 NIV)

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

(Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV)

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV)

 

The Antichrist Revealed

Now for those who wish to see the truth that the succeeding rulers of Papal Rome do actually fulfill the prophecies quoted above - of the Little Horn/Antichrist/Man of Sin seating himself in the temple of God proclaiming that he is God, etc - to the letter, here is just one quote from a pope.

“All the earth is my diocese, and I am the ordinary [the one who ordains or gives authority] of all men, having the authority of the King of all kings upon subjects. I am all in all and above all, so that God Himself and I, the vicar of God, have but one consistory, and I am able to do almost all that God can do. In all that I list my will is to stand for reason, for I am able by the law to dispense above the law, and of wrong to make justice in correcting laws and changing them . . . .

“Wherefore, if those things that I do be said not to be done of men, but of God, what can you make me but God? Again, if prelates of the Church be called and counted of Constantine [the pope, not the emperor by that name] for gods, I then, being above prelates, seem by this reason to be above all gods.

“Wherefore, no marvel if it be in my power to change times and times, to alter and abrogate laws, to dispense with all things, yea, with the precepts of Christ; for where Christ biddeth Peter put up his sword, and admonishes His disciples not to use any outward force in revenging themselves, do not I, Pope Nicolas [using another past pope’s decree as a precedent to prove his authority] writing to the bishops of France, exhort them to draw out their material swords? And whereas Christ was present Himself at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, do not I, Pope Martin, in my distinction, inhibit the spiritual clergy to be present at marriage feasts, and also to marry? Moreover, where Christ biddeth us lend without hope of gain, do not I, Pope Martin, give dispensation to do the same? What should I speak of murder, making it to be no murder or homicide to slay them that be excommunicated?

“Likewise against the law of nature, item against the apostles, also against the canons of the apostles, I can and do dispense; for where they in their canon command a priest for fornication to be deposed, I through the authority of Sylvester, do alter the rigour of their constitution, considering the minds and bodies also of men to be weaker than they were then” (Guinness, pp. 30, 31).

(Taken from The Seven Churches by Dr Stephen Jones pp 51-52)

   (For those who are interested in further proof, there are a few external links on The Great Prophetic Plan Revealed page that provide further documentary evidence of Papal Decrees, etc.)

The Apostasy

Here is what Paul had to say about the two things that needed to occur before the Day of the Lord (that is, the Return of Christ) can arrive.

"Now we are asking you, brethren, for the sake of the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to Him, that you be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor yet be alarmed, either through spirit, or through word, or through an epistle as through us, as that the Day of the Lord is present. No one should be deluding you by any method, for, should not the apostasy be coming first and the man of lawlessness be unveiled..."

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 CV)

Notice, firstly, that this has to do with 'the presence (or coming) of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling (or gathering) to Him.' Paul had already given details about the resurrection and gathering together of the saints at Christ's return in his first letter to them (1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11). He had also made it clear that this 'coming' was one and the same as 'the Day of the Lord.' He confirms this in the above text.

These believers had been told, through various means, that 'the Day of the Lord is present.' And Paul was concerned for them because they were obviously extremely alarmed and troubled at the fact that they had not been 'snatched away together...to meet the Lord in the air' (1 Thess. 4:17) and that they were about to suffer the wrath of God, even though Paul had told them that they were not appointed to suffer this indignation (1 Thess. 5:9). So Paul clearly tells them "DON'T LET ANYONE DELUDE YOU BY ANY METHOD!"

Jesus had already warned His followers that false teachers, false Christs, and false prophets would arise proclaiming that the Messiah or Christ had come! But they were not to believe them or go running after them! For when the Day of the Lord comes, there will be no mistaking it!

"For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.

 So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

(Matthew 24:24-27 NIV) 

So Paul was just confirming Jesus' own words. And it must be noted here that there isn't any mention of a 'secret Rapture' (along the lines of the more recent popular theory of Dispensationalism) in connection with the Day of the Lord. The last thing that this supernatural transformation and gathering of believers is going to be is a secret! The great Resurrection Day is part of the Day of the Lord itself - the resurrection and transformation at the last day! It is not a separate event that occurs sometime earlier, in secret!

Then Paul clearly reveals that the Day of the Lord will not arrive until these two things occur first:

1) The Apostasy, and

2) The revealing of the man of lawlessness  

The Greek word translated 'apostasy' here is apostasia. It means to depart from something; to leave; to fall away. Some versions translate it as rebellion or falling away. It is used in Acts 21:21 where Paul is accused of teaching the Jews 'apostasy from Moses.' So it clearly refers to a departure or falling away from that which was once held as truth, and in both cases it carries the negative thought of rebellion from revealed truth. 

In the above text, Paul calls it THE Apostasy. He uses the definite article. So not only is 'the secret power of lawlessness already working' (2 Thess. 2:7), which means that there was already apostasy in the Church in the 1st Century for Paul to say this, yet, nevertheless, it would continue to grow into THE APOSTASY of the last days.

Now you can't 'fall away' or 'depart' from something unless you were already there, so Paul was saying that Christendom or the Church at large will fall away from the truth of the New Testament in some form or another, and this would ultimately pave the way for the unveiling or revealing of the Man of Sin, the Antichrist - who would actually become the sole ruler of the Church based at Rome! 

All of this would occur through much deception and seduction, for this apostasy is caused by a subtle, counterfeit spirit, a secret power that is spiritual and religious in nature. This secret power likes to appear as though it is the truth, as though it were a lamb, just as Satan's servants are transfigured into ministers of righteousness, and Satan himself can appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) - but the reality before God is that it is a dragon, a wolf in sheep's clothing, a dark sinister force that ensnares people, seeking to counterfeit the true God and His Son.

In virtually every apostolic letter in the New Testament there are prophetic references to, and warnings of, this growing apostasy. All of these prophetic details were evidently fulfilled in the Christian Gnostic movements of the early centuries, as well as in the Roman Catholic Church, which became the Empire of Christendom. So The Apostasy has already occurred - and it is still with us in many forms today!

Lawlessness is sin; that which is not in accord with God's righteousness and truth. It follows the laws and traditions of men instead of Christ. It is a religious spirit that covers up the truth in a very clever, seductive manner. In light of this, these words of Jesus are very revealing.

"Not everyone saying to Me 'Lord! Lord!' will be entering into the kingdom of the heavens, but he who is doing the will of My Father Who is in the heavens. Many will be declaring to Me in that day, 'Lord! Lord! Was it not in Your name that we prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many powerful deeds?'
And then shall I be avowing to them that 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, workers of lawlessness!' 

(Matthew 7:21-23 CV)

These words of Jesus always amaze me when I read them or think of them. The 'many' whom He is talking about are Christians - MANY CHRISTIANS (i.e. the majority) - who call Him 'Lord.' They have prophesied, done miracles and cast out demons in His name, yet when they are judged HE WILL CALL THEM 'WORKERS OF LAWLESSNESS!' They have ultimately followed the spirit of the Man of Lawlessness in one form or another instead of Christ! They have not done the will of the Father (although they blindly thought they had), and therefore they will not enter the kingdom and receive age-abiding life. These are really sobering words!

False Signs and Wonders

Now continuing with Paul concerning the man of lawlessness,

"...whose presence is in accord with the operation of Satan, with all power and signs and false miracles and with every seduction of injustice among those who are perishing, because they do not receive the love of the truth for their salvation. And therefore God will be sending them an operation of deception (or strong delusion), for them to believe the falsehood, that all may be judged who do not believe the truth, but delight in injustice." 

 

(v 9-12 CV)

   Now take careful note here of what Paul is saying. He says that the working of Satan will be manifested or unveiled or revealed (Greek: apokalupto) through the presence (Greek: parousia) of this Man of Lawlessness (or Sin). He uses the same Greek words that are used of the Unveiling and Presence of Christ Jesus at His Return. He also uses the same Greek terms for 'power,' 'signs' and 'miracles' that are 'demonstrated' by God through Christ, yet here they are attributed to Satan. 

He says that God will send a powerful delusion in the form of the Man of Sin whereby the power and seduction of Satan will operate over the mass of mankind so that they 'will worship the Beast.' They will be given darkness and lies, because they refuse to love the truth and be saved, and instead they will delight in unrighteous behaviour. Paul reveals that the reason for this great delusion is to cause a separation between those who accept the truth and those who do not; between those who are genuine (the Wheat), and those who are fake (the Darnel or Weeds). Those who are fake will be judged accordingly.

At the end of the prophesied era, the lawless one will be defeated by the power of Christ's Words, and he will finally be destroyed at the coming of Christ.

" …whom the Lord Jesus will despatch with the spirit of His mouth and will discard by the advent of His presence…" 

 

(2 Thessalonians 2:8 CV)

  This Apostasy truly began when the Roman ruler Constantine had a 'vision' which led to his victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. This victory made him the Roman Emperor of the Western Empire, and it also led to his conversion to Christianity. In the following year, 313, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, known as The Act of Toleration, which officially stopped the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire, which had been Rome's official policy up to that time. This led to a new era of Christian freedom that changed the course of history - and it also led to the Apostasy and the emergence of the Man of Sin seating himself in the Temple of God.

  Constantine's actions are not to be under-estimated in history. He went on to unite the fractured Roman Empire to become the sole Emperor of the Roman Empire in 324 AD. In the following year, 325, the famous Church Council of Nicaea took place under Constantine's leadership, and he later moved the seat of the Empire to Byzantium in the East, which he renamed Constantinople. This act then opened the way for the Bishop of Rome to begin his rise to power as the Pope. By 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius had made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, prohibiting paganism in the process, although, ironically, the new Christianity was already a mixture of Babylonian paganism couched in Christian terminology!

  As a fulfillment of Paul's words, Constantine was very familiar with 'visions, signs and miracles' which he regularly received from his heavenly advisors. This caused him to view himself as a new Moses, as one who was divinely called to be on the same level as the Apostles of Christ. The Church historian, Eusebius, confirms this.

  The late Dr Ernest L Martin wrote, 

"...Constantine had not only conquered all secular opposition to his rule...he had effectively taken over control of the Christian Church as well. With his visions, dreams and signs Constantine positioned himself within the Christian community as the overall 'bishop'...(he) established...what became known as Caesaro-papism (Caesar is Pope)...

  ...In effect, what Constantine established in the fourth century was a politico-religious empire based on philosophical and theological principles that were completely contrary to the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures and the early teachings dispensed by the original apostles. This is what Eusebius was able to observe without the slightest difficulty and why he explained this fact in his Oration of Eusebius...(he) told...what the real character of Constantine was like and that he was actually being motivated by the spirit of divination." 

(From Secrets of Golgotha pp 235-236). 

  Due to the subsequent fall of the Western Empire by 476 AD, the Bishop of Rome proceeded to fill this power vacuum, and by 538 AD, the Eastern Emperor Justinian had uprooted the Ostrogoths from Rome and had established the Bishop of Rome as the "Supreme High Priest" and sole Overseer of the whole Christian Church. The whole history of Christendom since that time has been full of examples of deception, corruption and lawlessness, along with "...all power and signs and false miracles and with every seduction of injustice..." It's history is truly one of a 'dragon masquerading as a lamb.'

 

The Antichrist

Now let's briefly look at the term 'the Antichrist.' The apostle John uses this word in two of his letters. In the following verses he states that the antichrist is coming (with the definite article), although he also confirms that even in the 1st century there were already many antichrists.

  Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour... Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

(1 John 2:18, 22-23 NIV)

  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

(1 John 4:1-3 NIV)

  Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

(2 John 7 NIV)

  The Greek word antichristos means 'instead-of anointed.' It refers to someone who attempts to replace the true Messiah or Christ, and is therefore a false Messiah or Anointed One. It carries the thought of a usurper, rather than one who is openly against God, although a Christ-usurper is ultimately against the true Christ. There are many antichrists in these last days, and there were many antichrists in the 1st century, and at the time John wrote these words, towards the end of the 1st century, there was still the coming of the ultimate Antichrist, of whom Jesus, John, Paul, Daniel and other prophets had spoken. 

   John was only confirming Jesus' words.

  "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many...and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people...At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." 

(Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 23-25 NIV)

   Many of these things were fulfilled in the 1st century AD, particularly leading up to the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, and according to the Jewish historian, Josephus, there were false prophets and false messiahs, as well as 'great signs and miracles' that took place before the destruction of the temple. We shall look at these things in more detail in the studies on the Olivet Discourse.

  Jesus was evidently referring to these false prophets and messiahs, whom many of the Jews would accept, when He said to the Jewish leaders of His day,

  I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.

(John 5:43 NIV)

   There is not a contradiction here with what Jesus said in Matthew 24 above. Those who are false prophets and false anointed ones ultimately come in their own name because they have not truly been sent by God; yet they also use the name of the Messiah, God's Son, to falsely proclaim their lies. That is, there are many who pretend to be 'anointed sons of God' or 'little Christ's' but they are, in fact, imposters. Only the Lord knows those who truly belong to Him - these are truly His little flock who bear the fruit of the Spirit and seek to walk in truth.

Numerous antichrists have continued to plague mankind up to the present day, resulting in the deception of many. John describes the antichrist spirit as that which denies that the historical Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah and Son of God, come in the flesh as a human being, and therefore this worldly spirit of deception denies the truth of the Father and His Son. Yet notice that it is a RELIGIOUS SPIRIT that seeks to replace the true Anointed One of God. The truth is, most Religions and Faiths, according to this definition, are antichrists!

And even though the Popes of Rome claim to accept God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and that they represent the true Christian Church, they are, in fact, by their actions and statements, continually denying God and the true place of Jesus. The Pope of Christendom is, in fact, a Usurper-Christ - hence, the Antichrist. And that is how numerous Christian believers and Church fathers of the past have viewed these things - and numerous thousands were tortured and murdered for taking their stand against this Antichrist Beast of Rome. May we never forget these things, for her sins are piled up to heaven, and she will receive the just judgments of God when the true Christ returns.

  For further study of these things, see The Great Deception and The True Revival versus The Apostasy.

 

The Restrainer

  Do you not remember that, still being with you, I told you these things? And now you are aware what is detaining, for him to be unveiled in his own era. For the secret of lawlessness is already operating. Only when the present detainer may be coming to be out of the midst, then will be unveiled the lawless one (whom the Lord Jesus will despatch with the spirit of His mouth and will discard by the advent of His presence)...

(2 Thessalonians 2:5-8 CV)

  No