Counsel #26 — Prophetic Overview ‒ Part 1

Picture: Counsel #26 — Prophetic Overview ‒ Part 1CCW 134.1

In apocalyptic prophecy, beasts often represent powerful kingdoms, nations, or political entities (Daniel 7:17). Revelation 13 depicts such a beast-nation, one with an end-time rise and global influence. Described with "two horns like a lamb," it carries a facade of Christ-like qualities, mirroring the Lamb symbolism for Jesus throughout Revelation (see Revelation 5:6 and Revelation 12:11). However, the deceptive nature of this power is revealed in the second part — it speaks "like a dragon" (Revelation 13:11). Recalling Revelation 12:9, where the dragon is identified as the Devil and Satan, this beast-nation represents a powerful entity that initially appears Christ-like but ultimately serves the will of the deceiver, demolishing religious freedom.^{[200]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/the-mark-of-the-beast/}CCW 134.2

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.” Revelation 13:11 NKJVCCW 134.3

“We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is not to be set aside for a ‘Thus saith the church’ or a ‘Thus saith the state.’ The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 68CCW 134.4

Reflect: How can you prepare yourself to navigate potential conflicts between following your faith and obeying human authority?CCW 134.5