DO YOU REALLY KNOW

WHO THIS MAN IS?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: THE MAN OF SIN REVEALED
CHAPTER 2: GOD'S LAST WARNING MESSAGE
CHAPTER 3: GOD'S LAST CALL
GOD'S TEN COMMANDMENTS




CHAPTER 1
THE MAN OF SIN REVEALED

There are only two parties upon this earth - those who stand under the bloodstained banner of Jesus Christ and those who stand under the black banner of rebellion. There is and ever will be, until the end of time, a great conflict between the obedient and the disobedient.

Those who love and keep the commandments of God are most obnoxious to those who do not. The apostle John foresaw the conflict between the people who love God, and the power of evil, and said, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 12:17)

The forces of darkness will unite with human agents who have given themselves into the control of Satan, and the same scenes that were exhibited at the trial, rejection, and crucifixion of Christ will be revived.

Satanic agencies have made the earth a stage for horrors which no language can describe. War and bloodshed are carried on by nations claiming to be Christian. A disregard for the Law of God has brought it's sure result.

The great conflict now being waged is not merely a strife of man against man. On one side stands the Prince of Life, acting as man's substitute and surety; on the other, the prince of darkness, with the fallen angels under his command. The apostle Paul tells us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 8:112)

In the Word of God are represented two contending parties that influence and control human agencies in our world. Constantly these parties are working with every human being. Those who are under God's control and who are influenced by the heavenly angels, will be able to discern the crafty workings of the unseen powers of darkness. Those who desire to be in harmony with the heavenly agencies should be intensely in earnest to do God's will. They must give no place whatever to Satan and his angels.

Speaking of Satan, the Lord declares that he abode not in the truth. Once he was beautiful, radiant in light. But God's Word declares of him, "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty." (Ezekiel 28:17)

Satan instigated others to rebel, and after they were cast out of heaven he bound them together in a confederacy to do all the evil possible to man, as the only means of striking God. Excluded from heaven, he resolved to be avenged by injuring the workmanship of God. Around the standard of rebellion that he planted, evil workers of all generations have rallied. Evil angels have united with evil men in a warfare against Christ's kingdom.

Satan's aim had been to reproduce his own character in human beings. No sooner was man created than Satan resolved to efface in him the image of God, and to place his stamp where God's should be. And he has succeeded in instilling into the heart of men the spirit of envy, of hatred, of ambition. In this world he has set up a kingdom of darkness, of which he, the leader in guilt, is prince. He desires to usurp the throne of God. Failing in this, he has worked in darkness, in crookedness, in deception, to usurp his place in the hearts of men. He has set up his throne between God and man, to appropriate the adoration that belongs to God alone.

We need to consider what kind of a position we should be left in if we had not the ministry of holy angels. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood." We meet the opposition of men, but there is someone behind that opposition. It is the prince of the powers of darkness with his evil angels that are constantly at work, and we want to consider, all of us, that our warfare is "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world."

Who is it that is ruling the world today, and who is it that have chosen to stand under the banner of the prince of darkness? Why it is nearly the whole world at large! All the world that have not accepted Jesus Christ have chosen for their leader the prince of darkness; and just as soon as they stand under his banner, they have connection with evil angels. Either the evil angels or the angels of God are controlling the minds of men. Our minds are given to the control of God, or to the control of the powers of darkness; and it would be well for us to inquire where we are standing today - whether under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, or under the black banner of the powers of darkness.

For a correct understanding of the times in which we live we can always depend on the Word of God, and God has given clear instruction and guidance in His holy Word, the Bible. He has told us in II Timothy 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, for instruction in righteousness." We want to do what is right, don't we?

Dear reader, the great controversy between Christ and Satan is being fought daily. When truth is revealed, the devil seeks to nullify it. But God, knowing the future, also controls it. Knowing the future, God has revealed that future in the book of the Bible called Revelation. It is the last book in His holy Word and is, in fact, a revealing or revelation of the very time in which we live. We can trust what God reveals here because Jesus tells us in John 17:17 that "Thy word is truth."

Did you know that the apostle Paul tells us in II Thessalonians 2:3-4 about a man coming in the last days of this earth's history who would be working for Satan but would portray himself as God? But praise God, Paul then tells us that that man of sin would be revealed.

In the vision given to John, in the thirteenth chapter of Revelation, he sees two beasts. Two agents through whom the devil continues his warfare against God's people. The two beasts derive their power from a common source and they seem to help each other. Throughout this vision the basic thought is the predominance of might over that which is right. The dragon has much in common with the first beast, therefore it becomes evident that whatever power the devil exercises, he does through the first beast, and it will be seen that this beast assumes a power which belongs only to God. It appears that the first beast dominates the world except for God's elect, His saints. The second beast appears meek and gentle but before long becomes fierce and deceptive. This beast has one objective; to secure homage to the first beast. Both are the enemies of God and His church. Despite Satan's continued attempts to destroy God's people, they will overcome through patience and faith.

Let us look at this thirteenth chapter of Revelation and see if we can clearly identify these two beasts John saw in vision. We will start with verses one through three:

"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

And the beast which I saw was likened unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast."

Here the prophet presents the picture of a beast. This beast represents a power with great authority. His description of the beast shows clearly that it has much in common with the dragon, Satan. (Revelation 12) Even though this beast suffered a tragedy yet our attention is directed to it's world-wide popularity. What a power in the eyes of the world! Masterfully the devil brings the world to the feet of this beast.

John brings out sixteen items which demand our attention. They are:
1. The sea
2. A beast arises
3. Seven heads
4. Ten horns
5. Ten crowns
6. Blasphemy on the heads
7. Beast like a leopard
8. Feet of a bear
9. Mouth of a lion
10. Dragon involved with this beast
11. Power from the dragon
12. Seat from the dragon
13. Authority from the dragon
14. A deadly wound
15. Deadly wound healed
16. All the world wondered after the beast
Carefully considering these descriptive details, this power can accurately be identified.

The Bible definition for "Sea" is "the waters which thou sawest...are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." (Revelation 17:15) This beast which arose from among the peoples of earth was similar to the dragon. (Revelation 12). "The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth." Revelation 17:9. And the ten horns refer to the lesser than universal powers into which Rome was divided. The crowns upon the horns seem to clinch the idea that the horns are political powers.

Blasphemy is inscribed on the seven heads. This makes it possible to understand the real character of the leopard beast. Blasphemy according to Webster's dictionary is "irreverence toward God;....the act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of deity."

In each of the world empires through which Satan worked to oppose God the ruler was in charge of both civil and religious affairs. He was often referred to as the Pontifex Maximus. The emperor was worshipped and in this one act alone he took God's place.

This leopard beast represents Satan's rulership under the dominion of the religio-political power of Papal Rome. This composite beast developed it's religion from the ecclesiastical systems of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The dragon plays a very important role in the activities of the leopard beast by giving him his power, seat, and great authority. The predominating influence of this papal power was religious. It continued to wield its influence in religious matters until it was wounded to death. A death blow was struck when the Reformation of the 16th century began. However, just as that power had been centuries in gaining supremacy the Reformation did not strike the final death blow. This was accomplished in the temporary overthrow of the Papacy in 1798 when the French Directory sent Berthier, the French General, to Rome and took the pope prisoner. He died in exile on August 29, 1799. It was not until early in the year of 1800 that another pope was elected.

Some have thought that when the pope was given the right to rule the Vatican State of nearly 109 acres, by the signing of the Latering Treaty in 1929, that Rome's power was restored. God pictures a much greater restoration. It would appear that there must be a complete healing of the deadly wound which would restore the papal power to the place of prominence she once held.

What was the deadly wound? How was the papal power wounded? For 1260 years the Papacy was a combination of both religion and civil power. Whenever she was opposed in matters of religion the arm of state, which she controlled, was used to persecute and to put to death the dissenters. God had foretold she would do this. (Daniel 7:25) Therefore when she suffered the deadly wound it was because her power to persecute the saints was taken from her. And this began to be accomplished with the rise of America and its doctrine of both civil and religious freedom made possible by the American Revolution of 1776. Then followed the French Revolution which was an anti-God movement made possible in France under the guise of both civil and religious freedom. During this time the Papacy was stripped of its power to persecute and put to death any who opposed her.

Since 1798 the principles of civil and religious freedom have spread throughout the world. From that day to this the papal method of persecution of heretics and dissenters has not existed on a world wide scale. It is true that the Pope of Rome was given civil authority and power in 1929 to rule over the Vatican State, but the deadly wound has not been completely healed. However, the time is quickly coming upon us when the deadly wound will be completely healed. We are seeing this in the revival of the Papacy. The beast is coming to life again and the world is giving power to the Papal beast. As the Papal power is revived, we see church and state being united. The Papacy is being exalted in the eyes of all the world by the two horned beast of the latter part of Revelation thirteen who will repudiate every principle of religious freedom.

It is certain that that day, the deadly wound being completely healed, is upon us. Let us continue and see how the details of prophecy are revealed.

"And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?

"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

"And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

"If any man have an ear, let him hear.

"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."


Look at the power of the beast. The dragon is a source of that power. Satan's scheme is to get men to worship him. Men place a high estimate upon the beast. They recognize him to be unconquerable so that they dare not oppose him.

The beast utters blasphemies against God and continues for forty-two prophetic months or 1260 years. This beast is identical with the little horn of Daniel 7:8,25 who is represented as speaking "great words against the Most High." His blasphemy is in the form of defiance of God. The Bible definition of Blasphemy is a person assuming the place of God. (John 10:33) When one takes for himself the titles of the Deity, this is also blasphemy.

The following extracts from Ferrari's Ecclesiastical Dictionary (R.C.) article on the pope shows clearly that the authority and position given the pope is blasphemy against God.

 "The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God.

"The pope is of such lofty and supreme dignity that, properly speaking, he has not been established in any rank of dignity, but rather has been placed upon the very summit of all ranks of dignities.

"The pope is called most holy because he is rightfully presumed to be such.

"Nor can emperors and kings be called most holy; for although in civil laws the term most sacred seems sometimes to have been usurped by emperors, yet never that of most holy.

"The pope alone is deservedly called by the name most holy because he alone is the vicar of Christ, who is the fountain and source and fullness of all holiness.

"The pope by reason of the excellence of his supreme dignity is called bishop of bishops.

"He is also called ordinary of ordinaries.

"He is likewise bishop of the universal church.

"He is likewise the divine monarch and supreme emperor, the king of kings.

"Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven, and of earth, and of the lower regions.

"Moreover the superiority and the power of the Roman pontiff by no means pertain only to heavenly things, to earthly things, and to things under the earth, but are even over angels, than whom he is greater.

"So that if it were possible that the angels might err in the faith, or might think contrary to the faith, they could be judged and excommunicated by the pope.

"For he is so great dignity and power that he forms one and the same tribunal with Christ.

"So that whatever the pope does, seems to proceed from the mouth of God, as according to most doctors, etc.

"The pope is as it were God on earth, soul sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief king of kings, having plentitude of power, to whom has been entrusted by the omnipotent God direction not only of the earthly but also of the heavenly kingdom.

"The pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even divine laws.

In a recent book published before the death of Pope Paul VI entitled, The Final Conclave, by Malachi Martin, a former Jesuit professor at the Pontifical Biblical institute in Rome, there appears a statement concerning the pope which shows that the church still regards him to be the vicar of Christ. "Only to witness by service to men and women - without any distinction of creed or race - this is the task of the church in today's world where a new unity among human beings has emerged; a world which of itself excludes christianity and the central authority of the pope as the vicar of Jesus and the center of world unity." Page 20.

Another blasphemous thing this power has done is the taking away of the priesthood of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary and in His place has instituted a counterfeit and mediatorial system in which the priest is the mediator between God and man. This is assuming prerogatives belonging only to Christ. He assumes the power to create as well.

"With regard to the power of priests over the real body of Jesus Christ, it is a faith that when they pronounce the words of consecration, the Incarnate Word has obliged Himself to obey and to come into their hands under the sacramental species...we are struck with wonder when we...find that in obedience to the words of his priests 'Hoc est corpus meum' (This is my body - God himself descends on the altar, that He comes whenever they call Him, and as often as they call Him, and places Himself in their hands, even though they should be His enemies. And after having come, He remains, entirely at their disposal; and they move Him as they please, from one place to another; they may if they wish, shut Him up in the tabernacle, or expose Him on the altar, or carry Him outside the church; they may, if they choose eat His flesh and give Him for the food of others...-Dianitv and Duties of the Priest; Selva, St. Alphonsus Ligouri R.C.) pages 26-34.

The leopard beast power seems to be motivated with a determined purpose to destroy God's people. The suffering saints are again brought into focus. For 1260 years through this power Satan worked against the Saints. As the controversy was being waged the devil combed the earth for ideas and ways to hurt Christ in the person of His saints. The blood of martyrs flowed freely.

Satan carries on his battle for the purpose of dominating every nation of earth. And it appears that his efforts meet with success. Who will worship the beast? Who will not bow down to this power? What is the deciding factor? Remember, it is a battle between Christ and Satan. The martyrs of the dark ages were those who had chosen to follow the Lamb of God "slain from the foundation of the world". What a choice! No greater choice can be made. When that choice is made the highest honor bestowed on mortals is ours - our name is recorded in heaven in the book of life. (Luke 10:19,20) Faithfulness is attributed to those whose names are in the book of life and their names will be retained there. (Philipians 4:3; Revelation 3:5) None will be saved whose names are not recorded in the book of life. (Psalms 69:28; Daniel 12:1) It took a living, active faith on the part of the martyrs, otherwise they would have bowed in adoration and worship of the beast. Throughout the entire period of Satan's warfare, the saints are those who faithfully and steadfastly remain true to God.

God continues to reveal the character of this beast power as we look at the last portion of this chapter in Revelation.

"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

"And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

"And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

"And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six." Revelation 13:11-18

This second beast which arises out of the earth completes the satanic trinity of error. It is most deceptive in its appearance. No one is afraid of a lamb. It is gentle, innocent and harmless. The power represented by this lamb is a newly born power. Since it arises out of the earth there is the suggestion that it comes upon the scene in a place where no other nation has existed. No government was overthrown to make way for this lamb-like power. Furthermore this second beast was to emerge in a new locality as the leopard beast was being taken into captivity. There is only one power which fits these qualifications. It is the United States of America.

The prophet in describing this lamb and his accomplishments uses seven strong verbs of action. What does it do?
1. He exerciseth all the power of the first beast
2. He causeth worship of the first beast
3. He doeth great wonders
4. He maketh fire come down from heaven
5. He deceiveth
6. He giveth life unto the image of the beast
7. He causeth all to receive a mark

This lamb with two horns grew into prominence and power as the first beast was going into captivity. It arose from "the earth" or in the new world.

Both the appearance of this beast and the manner of its rise indicate that the nation which it represents is unlike those presented under the preceding symbols. The great kingdoms that have ruled the world were presented to the prophet Daniel as beasts of prey, rising when "the four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea." (Daniel 1:2) In Revelation 17 an angel explained that waters represent "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." (Revelation 17:15) Winds are a symbol of strife. The four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea represent the terrible scenes of conquest and revolution by which kingdoms have attained to power.

But the beast with lamb-like horns was seen "coming up out of the earth." Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the old world - that turbulent sea of "peoples, and multitudes, and nation, and tongues." It must be sought in the western continent.

This new power seems determined to exalt the first beast. However, there will be no worship of the first beast until events have transpired which bring about the healing of the deadly wound. In order to accomplish its objective (causing men to worship the first beast) it is given power to do wonders, bringing fire down from heaven and performing miracles.

It is important for God's people to understand that wonders and miracles are not to be the ultimate test of the power of God. It is clearly stated concerning these miracles that "he had power to do" them. No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan's agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.

Anciently God warned His people of the false prophet which would through the use of signs and wonders lead people to worship other gods. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) Elijah, God's true prophet, called fire down from heaven. (I Kings 18:36-39) It appears that this lamb-like beast will eventually imitate the miracles performed by the true prophets for the purpose of deceiving and causing the people to worship the leopard beast. When a false prophet appears, according to Jesus, he comes "in sheep's clothing." (Matthew 7:15) But it isn't what he appears to be but what he says and does that really determines his character. The great original dragon of Revelation 12:9 was the devil and he was said to be the deceiver of the nations. It is evident that this lamb-like appearing power will share with Satan this power to deceive when he speaks like a dragon.

Elsewhere in the scriptures this lamb-like power is called the "false prophet." (Revelation 16:13; 19:20) At the first this new power had no aspirations to delve into the area of religion. Its only interest was to provide civil and religious freedom. To speak as a dragon will necessitate a complete reversal of the principles which brought it into existence. Since this beast is to exercise "all the power of the first beast" here is a divine forecast that this second beast will become a combination of religion and politics.

How can such a change take place? It is unthinkable at the present time because the principles of freedom are still guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States. This prophecy reveals how this lamb- like power will change its present policy so that every prediction relative to its future actions will become a reality.

The lamb with two horns will develop to the place of international recognition. He will suggest to the entire world the feasibility of making "an image of the beast". But before this suggestion is made, it will be apparent that this lamb-like beast has "power to give life unto the image of the beast". When the image of the beast is formed it will speak through its laws. If its laws are not obeyed in worshipping the beast the disobedient will face the death sentence.

What is God telling us as He predicts the action of the lamb-like power to a point where he leads out in setting up an.image to the first beast? An image is a likeness. Therefore an image of the first beast would be the creation of an organization which would function based on the same principles the beast operated on in centuries past. Since the beast power was a union of church and state, the forming of an image of the beast will mean the loss of religious freedom. Then persecution will be inevitable. Force will be the method employed in enforcing its laws.

What is the mark which will be forced upon earth's inhabitants? It is something which belongs to the beast. Whoever receives the mark of the beast will be identified as a worshipper of the beast, the Papacy. The mark of the beast will be some act by which the papal power is recognized.

The papal power is the one who changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.

"The Catholic church for over one thousand years before the existence of a Protestant, by virtue of her divine mission, changed the day from Saturday to Sunday. We say by virtue of her divine mission, because He who called Himself the 'Lord of the Sabbath,' endowed with His own power to teach, 'he that heareth you heareth Me;' commanded all who believe in Him to hear her, under penalty of being placed with the 'heathen and publican', and promised to be with her till the end of the world. She holds her charter as teacher from Him - a charter as infallible as perpetual. The protestant world at its birth (in the Reformation of the sixteenth century) found the Christian Sabbath too strongly entrenched to run counter to its existence; it was therefore placed under the necessity of acquiescing in the arrangement, thus implying the church's right to change the day, for over three hundred years. The Christian Sabbath is therefore to this day, the acknowledged offspring of the Catholic church as spouse of the Holy Ghost, without a word of remonstrance from the Protestant world." -The Catholic Mirror, (Baltimore) September 23, 1893.

The reformers of the sixteenth century took their stand for the Bible alone in matters of doctrine yet they continued to observe the first day of the week, called Sunday, as the Sabbath day. In 1545 the Papacy called the Council of Trent which lasted over a period of eighteen years. In this council the church attempted to solve this question: can the tradition of the church be successfully defended against the reformation which stood for the Bible alone? They were dealing with a question of authority. This was debated for many years. Finally the speech given by the Archbishop of Reggio turned the tide in favor of tradition. This is a portion of what he said: "Such is the condition of the heretics of this age that on nothing do they rely more on that, under the pretense of the Word of God, they overthrow the authority of the church; as though the church, His body, could be opposed to the Word of Christ, or the head to the body. On the contrary, the authority of the church, then, is illustrated most clearly by the Scriptures; for while on the one hand she recommends them, declares them to be divine, offers them to us to be read, in doubtful matters explains them faithfully, and condemns whatever is contrary to them; on the other hand, the legal precepts in the Scriptures taught by the Lord have ceased by virtue of the same authority. The Sabbath, the most glorious day in the Law, has been changed into the Lord's day...these and other similar matters have not ceased by virtue of Christ's teaching (for He says He has come to fulfil the law, not to destroy it), but they have been changed by the authority of the church. Indeed, if she should be removed (since there must be heresies), who would set forth truth, and confound the obstinacy of heretics?" - Mansi SC, Volume 33, pages 529, 530.

Doctor H.J.Holtzmann, in his book Cannon and Tradition, page 263, summarizes this speech by saying, "Finally, at the last opening on the eighteenth of January, 1562, all hesitation was set aside: the Archbishop of Reggio made his speech in which he openly declared that tradition stood above Scripture. The authority of the church therefore could not be bound to the authority of the Scriptures, because the church had changed...Sabbath into Sunday, not by the command of Christ, but by its own authority."

The last great conflict of the devil against Christ will revolve around the Law of God. The devil will especially attack the fourth commandment. This is the one commandment of the ten which God has prefaced with the word "Remember". This commandment God has especially mentioned as the sign of His relationship to His people. Only the Sabbath commandment contains the essential elements of an official seal and gives authority to the ten commandment Law. It gives the name and title of God and shows His right to direct the obedience of the human race. (Exodus 20:8-41)

How does a person receive the mark of the beast? It can be received only when the issues are clearly drawn between the religion of God and the religion of man. The third angel's message (Revelation 14:9-11), given in earth's final days, is a warning against receiving the mark of the beast. The proclamation of this message will be given with power under the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit and will enlighten the entire world (Revelation 18:1) concerning truth. Should a person then decide to worship on Sunday rather than on God's holy Sabbath, because the mark of the papal power is being enforced by law, he will render obedience to the beast power and thus receive the mark of the beast. People will receive the mark of the beast in at least one of several ways. First, there will be many who will agree that there is a great need to unite in an attempt to end war. They are convinced that worldwide ecumenicalism is the only way to go. Then there are those who are careless and indifferent, it matters not to whom they render allegiance. Many will simply lack the courage to take a stand for God's truth.

The reception of the mark of the beast will permit two things. It will serve to identify those who worship the beast. It will allow them to engage in the commercial transactions of that day. For those who do not conform there will be the economic boycott.

The last verse of this chapter gives a key to the identity of the beast, The number of the beast is "the number of a man" who is considered to be the visible head of the church. One of the titles for the pope of Rome is Vicarius Filii Dei, meaning "vicar of the Son of God." The numerical values of this Latin title total to exactly what God said it would be-666.

V		5           "U" and "V" have
I		1             the same value.
C		100           Look in your
A		0          Encyclopedia under
R		0               "Alphabet".
I		1
U (U=V) 	5
S		0

F		0
I		1
L		50
I		1
I		1

D		500
E		0
I		1
		___
		666


God wants you saved so much that He has given overwhelming evidence who this beast power is that all the world wonders after, the man of sin, the son of perdition.

Already preparations are advancing and movements are in progress, which will result in making an image to the beast, the professed Protestant world is forming a confederacy with the man of sin. The time is coming when God's people will feel the hand of persecution because they keep holy the seventh day. Satan has caused the change of the Sabbath in the hope of carrying out his purpose for the defeat of God's plans. He seeks to make the commands of God of less force in the world than human laws.

There are many who have never heard these things before. They are deceived by their teachers, pastors, and priests and they have not received the mark of the beast. The Lord is working with them: He has not left them to their own ways, until they are convicted of the truth, and trample upon the evidence given to enlighten them, the Lord will not withdraw His grace from them.

As we now have discovered who the two beasts are of Revelation 13, let us look at God's last warning message found in Revelation 14.


CHAPTER 2
GOD'S LAST WARNING MESSAGE

This chapter is one of the great chapters of Revelation. The message is applicable right now. It is God's last warning message to a perishing world. There will be no other! What John presents in the setting of the end-time conflict is definitely in contrast to the lamb-like beast of chapter 13. The lamb is identified with His victorious people. It is evident that the consummation of all things is under the control of God.

In this chapter of Revelation God gives us a three-fold message especially designed for people living in the time of the end. It is first and foremost a call to repentance. It is addressed to unbelievers, It is the everlasting gospel and as such it is the good news of salvation. Its world-wide proclamation foresees the swift completion of God's redemptive purpose for the human race.

This is a judgment hour message and this great truth must not be overlooked. The urgency of God's final call is clear in the light of the announcement "the hour of His judgment is come." (Revelation 14:7) Acceptance of the judgment hour message will produce conviction, conversion, and consecration. The time of reckoning has come. Error and truth will be exposed.

Let's look at God's last warning message. "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an hundred and forty four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads.

"And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as a voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

"And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

"And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." Revelation 14:1-5.

What a thrilling revelation of the destiny of God's people! Remember that this scene is not an actuality until Christ comes for His people. However, this is another of God's great pictures of assurance for those who bear the mark of God "having His Fathers name written in their foreheads." They have the character of God. They have allowed the mind of Christ to be in them. (Philliplans 2:5)

The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. He has His thousands who have not bowed the knee to those laws of man that oppose God's Law. Such will stand with Him on Mount Zion. But they must first stand on this earth, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish.

We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow Him here. Following Him in heaven depends on our keeping His commandments now. We cannot follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage.

We must choose to follow Him. In daily life we must follow His example, as a flock trustingly follows its shepherd.

We must take special note of verse 4 - "These are they which are not defiled with women; for they are virgins."

This does not refer to a special self- denial in abstaining from marriage. The Bible nowhere supports such a view. This refers to their spiritual condition. They separated themselves from Babylon, the worldly religious system of the beast. They are virgins and undefiled in the sense that they have refused to worship the beast and have kept themselves pure. It reflects their loyalty to Cod.

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

"Saying with a loud voice, fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14:817


As the gospel is given throughout the world, earth's inhabitants will be provided an opportunity to make an intelligent decision regarding the one who shall have their allegiance.

After having revealed to John the final salvation of the redeemed, God announces, through the symbol of angels flying in the heavens, His last warning message. It is given in ample time before the close of earth's probation. These angels are symbolic of the people of God who in earth's last hour will be fulfilling the gospel commission by proclaiming the everlasting gospel. (Matthew 28:19-20) It is everlasting because it has to do with eternal truths. In a time when the worship of the beast is being forced (Revelation 14) the everlasting gospel urges, fear God! Worship God! This is not another gospel. Its principles had been the same in every age.

It is a judgment hour message. Are you prepared to stand before the judge of the universe?

The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.

The message of the first angel calls attention to God and requires loyalty, allegiance, and service. It asks us to glorify Him by honoring him and attributing all power to Him for His marvelous grace which enables us to live consistent Christian lives. The message asks us to worship God as Creator. This is especially significant since the lamb-like beast wilt be causing the inhabitants of earth to worship the beast upon the first day of the week in opposition to God's people who will continue to worship God on the Biblical Sabbath, the seventh day of the week. It is the fourth commandment which reveals God's role as Creator. The observance of His day of rest is a sign of God's total activity - His power as Creator and Redeemer.

"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Revelation 14:8
Here is great news! In one short verse the overthrow of Babylon is depicted. Christ is victorious over the great worldwide religious system of the beast.

God denounces Babylon "because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." This means that she has disregarded the only commandment which points out the true God, and has torn down the Sabbath, God's memorial of creation.

God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh, sanctifying this day, and setting it apart from all others as holy to Himself, to be observed by His people throughout their generations.

But the man of sin, exalting himself above God, sitting in the temple of God, and showing himself to be God, thought to change times and laws. This power, thinking to prove that it was not only equal to God, but above God, changed the rest day, placing the first day of the week where the seventh should be. And the Protestant world has taken this child of the Papacy to be regarded as sacred. In the Word of God, this is called fornication.

The churches of today are fulfilling the prophecy of John. "All nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." They have divorced themselves from God by refusing to receive His sign. They have not the spirit of God's true commandment-keeping people. And the people of the world by giving their sanction to a false Sabbath, and in trampling under their feet the Sabbath of the Lord, have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

"The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Revelation 14:9-11.


It is clear that those who refuse to repent and worship God will suffer the doom mentioned in these verses. They will be the objects of the unmingled wrath of God. God has decreed that the seven last plagues will be poured out on those who worship the beast, and his image, and receive the mark of the beast; the loss of eternal life being the end result.

It is, then, for the interest of all to understand what the mark of the beast is, and how they may escape the dread threatenings of God. Why are men and women not interested to know what constitutes the mark of the beast and his image? It is in direct contrast with the mark of God, the keeping holy of the seventh day Sabbath.

John was called to behold a people distinct from those who worship the beast and his image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance of this day is the mark of the beast.

The third angels message has been sent forth to the world, warning men and women against receiving the mark of the beast or of his image in their foreheads or in their hands. To receive this mark means to come to the same decision as the beast has done, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct opposition to the Word of God. Of all who receive this mark, God says, "the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb..."

If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false Sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls "My holy day", you receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast and refuse the seal of God.

Dear reader, everything is now at stake! In the issue of the great contest, two parties are developed, those who "worship the beast and his image," and receive his mark, and those who receive "the seal of the living God", who have the "Father's name written in their foreheads." This is not a visible mark, but a decision you have made to follow God and not the man of sin. Individually we need to inquire, in observing a day of rest, have I drawn my faith from the Scriptures, or from spurious representations of truth? Every soul who fastens himself to the divine, everlasting covenant, made and presented to us as a sign and mark of God's government, fastens himself to the golden chain of obedience, every link of which is a promise. He shows that he regards God's Word as above the word of man, God's love as preferable to the love of man. And those who repent of transgression, and return to their loyalty by accepting God's Word, show themselves to be true subjects, ready to do His will, to obey His commandments. True observance of the Sabbath is the sign of loyalty to God.

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12


Despite the severe persecution brought upon the saints, this does not deter them from their straight forward course of right. The saints are characterized by steadfast endurance as they maintain their integrity to God. The Christian is represented as a person who maintains his faith in Jesus and is loyal to the standard of righteousness, the ten commandments. Friend, determine today, I will not turn traitor when God would be most glorified and honored by my loyalty.

CHAPTER 3
GOD'S LAST CALL

In this chapter, we will see that spiritual Babylon becomes involved with the nations of earth and she rises to such power that the principles of freedom will be abolished and the death decree established for those who dare to stand for God in opposition to the requirements of Babylon.

It is evident that God's judgment upon Babylon will be complete. Her false doctrines and principles having permeated the entire world, means that her fall will not only be religious, she will lose her political and commercial power too. Final judgment means the overthrow of all that opposes itself to God.

The good news of this chapter is that God remembers His true and faithful Saints in the midst of Babylon. Here is God's last call to His people. It's an impressive call. Here is the indication that there is a way of escape. But in this call of God, as in all others, no attempt is made to force the will of man. The way has been opened by Jesus Christ. Leaving Babylon by accepting the call of God is a matter of choice. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?" Hebrews 2:3

"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

"And he cried mightily with a strong voice saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

"For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

"For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

"Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

"How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her; for she sayeth in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

"Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." Revelation 18:1-8.


The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angels message is to lighten the whole world with His glory. A work of worldwide extent in unwonted power is here foretold.

The great work of the gospel is not to dose with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening.

What a thrilling prospect is ahead for the people of God! This last message (the fourth angel), will be proclaimed in a time of overwhelming apostasy.

From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan's purpose to overthrow the Law of God, the last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long standing controversy concerning the Law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering a battle between the laws of man and the precepts of the religion of the Bible and a religion of fable and tradition.

We are living in the most solemn period of this earth's history. The destiny of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" We need to humble ourselves before the Lord. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose! Events of vital importance are taking place around us: we are on Satan's enchanted ground. Babylon has dispensed her false doctrines to the peoples of earth.

Revelation 18 points to our time now, as a result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12. The churches are teaching the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon are being called upon to separate from these churches.

This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work. When those that "believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" II Thessalonians 2:12, shall be left to receive strong delusion and to believe a lie, then the light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and all the children of the lord that remain in Babylon, those churches that align themselves with the man of sin, win heed the call: "come out of her my people."

As you read this book, dear reader, you are hearing God's call, be thankful. It is an indication that you are one of God's children. It may cost you something to renounce all fellowship with Babylon. But it is worth infinitely more than it costs.

The call to separation is in keeping with the call of God in every age. God's people are not to be a part of this great world system of Babylon, one world order, there must be a clear line of demarcation between them and Babylon. Babylon's doom is certain. Her judgment is in God's hands. Babylon's particular sin is the exultation of self. She glories in her own power. She refuses to concede defeat. She says, "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." But her self deception will not deter God's judgment for her complete destruction is sure "for strong is the Lord who judgeth her." Dear reader, it has been said that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. This is one of the great purposes of God in presenting prophecy which reveals the workings of the man of sin.

Please make a decision today to stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, heaven will be worth it all!

GOD'S TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE LAW OF GOD AS CHANGED BY MAN
I
Thou shalt have no other gods before
Me.
I
I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not
have strange gods before Me.
II
Thou shalt not make unto thee any
graven image, or any likeness of any
thing that is in heaven above, or
that is in the earth beneath, or that is
in the water under the earth: Thou
shalt not bow down thyself to them,
nor serve them: for I the LORD thy
God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the child-
ren unto the third and fourth generat-
ion of them that hate me; And
showing mercy unto thousands of
them that love Me, and keep My
commandments.
II
Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain.
III
Thou shalt not take the name of the
LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will
not hold him guiltless that taketh His
name in vain.
III
Remember that thou keep holy the
Sabbath day.
IV
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it
holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and
do all thy work; But the seventh day
is the sabbath of the LORD thy God:
in it thou shalt not do any work, thou,
nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man
servant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy
cattle, nor thy stranger that is within
thy gates: For in six days the LORD
made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the LORD
blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
IV
Honor thy father and mother.
V
Honour thy father and thy mother: that
thy days may be long upon the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
V
Thou shalt not kill.
VI
Thou shalt not kill.
VI
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VII
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VII
Thou shalt not steal.
VIII
Thou shalt not steal.
VIII
Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor.
IX
Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor.
IX
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors
wife.
X
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's
house, thou shalt not covet thy neigh-
bour's wife, nor his manservant, nor
his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his
ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
X
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors
goods.
Exodus 20:3-17 (Butler's Catechism, page 28.)




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