The Great Impostors
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The Great Impostors
1. Understanding the Nature of Apocalyptic Literature
Revelation 13 introduces us to two beasts described in symbolic and often unsettling terms. This chapter is part of what’s called apocalyptic literature, which uses vivid imagery and metaphor to communicate spiritual realities. The beasts are not literal monsters but represent significant powers and forces at work in opposition to God. Understanding the symbolic nature of this passage is key to interpreting it correctly.
2. The First Beast: Antichrist in Power
Description: Blasphemously Appealing
The first beast rises out of the sea, which symbolizes chaos and evil. It has ten horns and seven heads with ten crowns and blasphemous names. Its appearance is a combination of leopard, bear, and lion—drawing directly from Daniel 7’s depiction of successive kingdoms hostile to God. This beast has a head that appears mortally wounded but then healed, mimicking Jesus’ death and resurrection. People marvel and worship it, proclaiming, "Who is like the beast?"
Identity: The Antichrist
This beast mimics the person and work of Jesus but is empowered by the dragon, who is Satan. It reflects governmental powers or world systems that exalt themselves above God and oppose His people. While there may be one future Antichrist figure, the spirit of antichrist is already at work through many entities (1 John 2:18).
Activity: Blasphemy and Persecution
The beast utters proud and blasphemous words, making war against the saints. It is granted authority for 42 months—a limited period allowed by God. During this time, the beast persecutes believers and demands allegiance. Everyone not written in the Lamb’s book of life worships it. The destruction it brings is indiscriminate, and its influence widespread.
Our Response: Endure Courageously
Believers are called to endure with faith. Though persecution may intensify, we must not back down or remain silent. James 4:7 calls us to resist the devil, and he will flee. Resistance includes bold witness and proclamation of the gospel. Silence or compromise only furthers the beast’s mission. We must stand firm in the truth, trusting in God’s control and final victory.
3. The Second Beast: False Prophet in Religion
Description: A Counterfeit Spirit
The second beast arises from the earth and has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. It appears gentle—like Christ, the Lamb—but its words betray its true nature as satanic. This is a deceptive appearance designed to mislead.
Identity: The False Prophet
This beast acts like the Holy Spirit in that it points worship toward the first beast, just as the Spirit glorifies Jesus. Together with the dragon (Satan) and the first beast (Antichrist), it forms an unholy trinity. It is later referred to explicitly as the "false prophet" (Revelation 16:13).
Activity: Deception and Control
The false prophet performs signs and miracles, including calling down fire from heaven. It deceives people into worshiping the first beast and erects an image of it. Those who refuse to worship are killed. It enforces the infamous mark of the beast on the right hand or forehead so that only those who have the mark can buy or sell. This symbolizes allegiance.
The number of the beast is 666—a number representing imperfection, falling short of the divine completeness symbolized by 777. It’s not necessarily a riddle to be solved, but a truth to be embraced: that this unholy trinity is always less than, never equal to, the true God.
Our Response: Exercise Wisdom
John writes, "This calls for wisdom." Discernment is critical because deception is subtle. The mark on the hand or forehead may not be literal but indicates visible allegiance to the beast’s ways. Just as God’s mark on believers reflects a life of obedience, the mark of the beast reflects a life aligned with evil.
Wisdom comes through the Word of God. 1 John 4:1 warns us to test the spirits. We must know the real thing so we can recognize the counterfeit. The sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is our weapon. The best defense against deception is immersion in truth.
4. A Challenge: Know the Real So You Spot the Fake
To grow in discernment and stand firm against the great impostors, Pastor Jeff challenges us to read the letters of John this week:
Day 1: 1 John 1
Day 2: 1 John 2
Day 3: 1 John 3
Day 4: 1 John 4
Day 5: 1 John 5
Day 6: 2 John
Day 7: 3 John
As you read, ask God to open your eyes to truth and strengthen your heart to resist deception.
5. Communion: Celebrating the True Christ
We celebrate the One who is real—Jesus Christ—through the Lord’s Supper. The bread symbolizes His broken body. The cup represents His poured-out blood. Though the beasts try to mimic His resurrection and demand worship, they are impostors. Christ alone is victorious over death and the power of Satan. This is a victory meal. We remember His death until He comes again—and we do so with grateful hearts, celebrating His triumph and our hope in Him.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Great Impostors
Date: Jun 2, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 13
Revelation 12:17
Revelation 5
Revelation 16
Exodus 15
Daniel 7
James 4
1 John 2
1 John 4
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