The Woman, the Dragon, and the Beasts of Revelation
The Woman's Son: Revelation 12-14
Revelation 12–14 presents a vivid depiction of the cosmic battle between God’s kingdom and the forces of evil. The vision begins with a woman, symbolizing Israel, giving birth to a son, representing Jesus, who is destined to rule all nations. A great dragon, identified as Satan, seeks to destroy the child but is ultimately cast out of heaven along with a third of the angels who joined his rebellion. On earth, the dragon wages war against the woman’s other offspring—those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Two beasts emerge to assist the dragon: the first beast, a wild and oppressive ruler from the chaotic sea, and the second beast, a deceptive figure from the earth, who persuades humanity to worship the first beast and adopt its false righteousness. These forces establish a counterfeit kingdom, marked by rebellion and opposition to God. Despite the dragon’s efforts, the son remains victorious, and judgment is proclaimed against all who align with the beasts. The passage calls for endurance and faithfulness from God’s people, promising ultimate victory and eternal rest in the Lamb’s kingdom.
Sermon Transcript
Revelation 12–14
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in labor and agony as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: There was a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven crowns. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth it might devour her child. She gave birth to a Son, a male who is going to rule all nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared by God, to be nourished there for 1,260 days.
Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was thrown out—the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say,
The salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Christ
have now come,
because the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them
before our God day and night,
has been thrown down.
They conquered him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
for they did not love their lives
to the point of death.
Therefore rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them!
Woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has come down to you
with great fury,
because he knows his time is short.
When the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male child. The woman was given two wings of a great eagle, so that she could fly from the serpent’s presence to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, times, and half a time. From his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river flowing after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. But the earth helped the woman. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river that the dragon had spewed from his mouth. So the dragon was furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus.
The dragon stood on the sand of the sea.
And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names. The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority. One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed.
The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”
The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme his name and his dwelling—those who dwell in heaven. And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen.
If anyone is to be taken captive,
into captivity he goes.
If anyone is to be killed with a sword,
with a sword he will be killed.
This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints.
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people. It deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs that it is permitted to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. It was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And it makes 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 can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast’s name or the number of its name.
This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, because it is the number of a person. Its number is 666.
Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of cascading waters and like the rumbling of loud thunder. The sound I heard was like harpists playing on their harps. They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders, but no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, since they remained virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were redeemed from humanity as the firstfruits for God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with the eternal gospel to announce to the inhabitants of the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He spoke with a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
And another, a second angel, followed, saying, “It has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen. She made all the nations drink the wine of her sexual immorality, which brings wrath.”
And another, a third angel, followed them and spoke with a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, which is poured full strength into the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or anyone who receives the mark of its name. This calls for endurance from the saints, who keep God’s commands and their faith in Jesus.”
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they will rest from their labors, since their works follow them.”
Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and one like the Son of Man was seated on the cloud, with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the one who was seated on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap, for the time to reap has come, since the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Then another angel who also had a sharp sickle came out of the temple in heaven. Yet another angel, who had authority over fire, came from the altar, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vineyard of the earth, because its grapes have ripened.” So the angel swung his sickle at the earth and gathered the grapes from the vineyard of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Then the press was trampled outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press up to the horses’ bridles for about 180 miles.
The Woman, the Dragon, and the Child
Many years ago, there was a woman named Israel, chosen and named by Yahweh, the Almighty. She was destined to bear a child—unique, special, a hero like no other. By God's will, she became pregnant, and the child she carried was set apart to change the world. Yet, as the time came for her to give birth, a great, fiery red dragon appeared in the heavens, seeking to devour the child.
The dragon already ruled over ten of the world's eleven kingdoms. Only the eleventh kingdom remained under Yahweh's sovereign rule. Using deception, the dragon convinced a third of Yahweh’s armies to rebel and join him in waging war against the woman and her son.
As the woman prepared to deliver her child, the dragon stood ready to destroy him. But at the moment of birth, the son was caught up to Yahweh in the heavens, safe from the dragon's grasp. The son was destined to rule all nations with righteousness and authority, seated at the right hand of the Almighty. The woman, though left behind, was not abandoned. She fled into the wilderness to a sacred place where Yahweh's angels ministered to her.
War in the Heavens
War erupted in heaven. The dragon and his forces sought to seize the son of the woman Israel, but Yahweh’s archangel Michael led the armies of heaven in battle. The dragon could not prevail. Cast down from heaven, the dragon and his rebellious angels were exiled to the earth, defeated but still dangerous.
This marked the moment of Satan’s fall, the day the dragon and his followers were removed from their heavenly thrones. But the dragon’s rage burned fiercely. Stripped of his place in heaven, he turned his attention to the woman, Israel, tormenting her with relentless persecution. Yet, Yahweh sustained her, giving her wings like an eagle so she could escape. As the prophet declared, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). Yahweh protected her time and time again, even commanding the earth to swallow the rivers of destruction the dragon unleashed against her.
The Dragon's War on Earth
Frustrated in his attempt to destroy the woman, the dragon turned his fury against her other children—those who follow Israel’s firstborn son and keep Yahweh’s commandments. Standing on the shores of the sea, the dragon summoned an ally to continue his war.
The Beast from the Sea
From the chaos waters, a monstrous beast emerged—a wild, ravenous creature unlike anything the world had ever seen. The beast wielded power over the ten kingdoms of the earth, serving as the dragon’s enforcer. These kingdoms, deceived by the beast, worshipped him on the high places, rejecting Yahweh's authority. The beast blasphemed Yahweh and desecrated everything good, righteous, and holy.
The people of the earth marveled at the beast and followed him, declaring, "Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against him?" Yet their worship was rooted in fear, not faith, as they failed to believe in a higher power. For a time, the beast ruled, persecuting the followers of the firstborn son. But even as he conquered many, he could not destroy Yahweh’s eternal kingdom—the eleventh kingdom, established before the foundation of the world.
Yahweh had written the names of His chosen people in the Lamb’s Book of Life, a record belonging to the son who reigns at His right hand.
The Beast from the Earth
A second beast rose—not from the sea, but from the earth. This beast was not wild like the first but polished, refined, and persuasive. Unlike the first beast, who ruled through fear, the second beast won the people of the world with compelling words and subtle deceit. He exercised the authority of the first beast, directing worship toward him and away from Yahweh. The second beast appeared as a counterfeit of the firstborn son, calling down fire from heaven to deceive the nations. Yet his judgment was false, a distortion of the truth.
The second beast’s greatest deception lay in convincing the people to see righteousness and holiness within themselves, apart from Yahweh. He blinded the nations to the glory of the Almighty and His son, leading them to worship the beast instead. He erected a monument to himself, declaring his own sacrifices and righteousness, and demanded that the people align themselves with him. They bore his mark, the infamous "mark of the beast," on their foreheads—a sign of allegiance to the dragon and his counterfeit kingdom.
The Choice Before Us
This apocalyptic vision reminds us of the stark contrast between the kingdoms of this world and the eternal kingdom of Yahweh. While the dragon and his beasts deceive and destroy, Yahweh’s son reigns in righteousness, calling all people to repent and follow Him. The question is clear: To whom will we give our allegiance? Will we follow the deceiver and his beasts, or will we join the son in His kingdom, worshipping the one true God?
This refined version maintains the narrative power of the sermon while ensuring it’s clear, engaging, and faithful to the scriptural imagery. Let me know if you'd like adjustments or expansions!
Anyone who refused to bow to the second beast, because they had seen the glory of the son of the woman Israel—who rules with the full authority of the Almighty in heaven—was persecuted. They were rejected by society, labeled as outsiders in a world that prided itself on being “decent.” Some were even put to death because they bore the name of the son on their foreheads rather than the name of the beast.
For those who bear the name of the son, their allegiance is clear. As the son himself declared, it is not through their own righteousness that they are known, but through their love for one another. Their mark is visible to the world because of their care for each other, a reflection of their devotion to the son.
This passage calls for wisdom, as it is written that the number of the beast is 666. While the exact number may be counted, it symbolizes something greater. The multitudes who bow to the beast, who belong to the ten kingdoms under his rule, are immeasurable. The wise discern that the number six—repeated for the dragon, the first beast, and the second beast—represents the fullness of rebellion against Yahweh. Together, they form the number 666, the symbol of the kingdom of this world in its total opposition to the Almighty.
Then, the heavens opened, and the son of the woman Israel appeared, standing on the highest and holiest mountain, Mount Zion. This mountain, the dwelling place of Yahweh, extended into the throne room of heaven. The very peak of the mountain revealed the Holy of Holies, where the Almighty reigns. Surrounding the throne were the cherubim, the divine throne guardians, singing songs of praise day and night. The elders of Yahweh’s kingdom were there, united with the elders of the son’s kingdom, forming one people under the Almighty.
The remnant of the twelve tribes stood before the throne, bearing the name of Yahweh and Israel on their foreheads. These faithful ones had not defiled themselves by worshiping the gods of the nations under the dragon, nor had they participated in the unspeakable moral atrocities committed in the temples of these false gods.
A great sound, like the roar of mighty waterfalls and the crashing of thunder, emanated from the heavens. Yet, it also carried the beauty of a perfectly tuned choir. This was the sound of a new song, sung in worship before the throne. The remnant, the first fruits of Yahweh’s eternal kingdom, joined in this song, praising the Almighty and the son.
An angel appeared, flying high above the nations, proclaiming to every people and ethnicity, "Fear God and give Him glory! Worship the one who made the heavens and the earth." Despite the deception of the second beast, the angel reminded the nations that Yahweh alone created the dragon, the beasts, and even the chaos waters from which they arose.
Then, the one who looked like the son of man—the son of the woman Israel—returned to the earth, riding on a cloud. In his hand, he carried a sharpened sickle, a tool for the great harvest. He began to reap the fruit of the earth, gathering the kingdoms of this world for judgment. Angels cheered as he crushed the rebellious nations in the winepress of God’s wrath. Their blood covered the earth, symbolizing the complete judgment of the ten kingdoms that had rejected the son.
This is the mystery revealed: the harvest is the judgment of those who followed the second beast, deceived into rejecting the son of the woman Israel. The winepress is Yahweh’s justice, poured out on the nations in full measure. Yet, blessed are those who died in the Lord before these days, for they will not endure the wrath to come. The son will gather them into Yahweh’s eternal storehouse, where they will rest in peace forever.
Revisiting Revelation 12–14
This morning, we’ve walked through Revelation 12, 13, and 14—a single, unified vision from John. These chapters vividly depict the dragon, the two beasts, and their rebellion against Yahweh’s kingdom. Together, they reveal the ongoing spiritual conflict and the faithfulness of those who follow the son of the woman Israel.
In this vision, the first beast represents the harsh, oppressive rulers of the Old Testament era, who governed by fear and force. The second beast reflects the spirit of deceit in this present age, a counterfeit “Christ” who draws people away from Yahweh with smooth words and false promises. Both beasts serve the dragon, the ancient serpent who has warred against Yahweh and His people since the beginning.
As we consider these chapters, I want to highlight three key ideas that are practical for our faith today:
1. The Presence of Spiritual Evil in the World
Revelation 12:3 introduces the great fiery red dragon, who is described as having seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail sweeps away a third of the stars in the heavens, hurling them to the earth. This imagery connects to the gods of the nations—the spiritual powers that rebelled against Yahweh.
The Apostle Paul refers to these entities in Ephesians 6 as the "powers and principalities" in the heavenly places. In the ancient world, these spiritual beings were often associated with the stars in the night sky. Many believed the stars represented gods who watched over the earth. These gods demanded worship and allegiance, leading the nations astray. Today, we recognize that these powers, though defeated, still exert influence over the world, opposing the work of Yahweh’s kingdom.
Then here, the fiery red dragon is described as sweeping away a third of the stars with his tail. The phrase “sweep away” might make you think of brushing dust into a pan, but that’s not exactly what is happening here. The Greek term can have multiple connotations, and in this context, it’s better understood as the dragon gathering or snatching them for himself. He wasn’t discarding them; he was recruiting them into his rebellion. Like someone sweeping poker chips into their pile after a winning hand, the dragon swept them away from God’s forces and aligned them with his own.
These “stars,” representing spiritual powers in the heavens, lost their place in God’s kingdom and hierarchy. They joined Satan’s rebellion, abandoning their allegiance to the Almighty.
Revelation 12:9 provides more clarity about this event:
“Satan could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was thrown out—the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.”
This passage refers to Satan and the third of the angels who followed him in rebellion. Interestingly, this raises a question many have asked: If Satan fell from heaven in the beginning, as we often assume, how is he still in the throne room of God in the book of Job, speaking with the Almighty?
This is a common misunderstanding rooted in John Milton’s Paradise Lost. While Milton’s work is fascinating and worth reading, it’s not Scripture, and it takes liberties with theological concepts. The idea that Satan fell before creation originates more from Paradise Lost than from the Bible itself. It’s important to distinguish cultural assumptions from biblical truth.
What Scripture seems to present here in Revelation is something different. The fall of Satan and his rebellion against God is tied to the coming of the son, Jesus. The narrative suggests that the rebellion intensifies when the son is born.
The first beast represents the oppressive rulers of the nations during the Old Testament period. This beast oversees the gods of the nations—the rebellious spiritual beings who were cast out of heaven. These gods ruled unjustly, leading to the wickedness described in Psalm 82, where the psalmist cries out for Yahweh to judge them:
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? … Arise, O God, judge the earth, for you shall inherit all the nations!” (Psalm 82:2, 8).
Psalm 82 depicts the gods of the nations still holding authority in the Old Testament era. The psalmist pleads for Yahweh to bring judgment, but that judgment had not yet come. The rebellion escalates in Revelation 12, where Satan gathers a third of these fallen spiritual beings to join him in his final attempt to overthrow God.
The dragon’s plan hinges on destroying the child—this prophesied hero, the Messiah, who is born from Israel. The woman in Revelation 12 represents Israel, and the son she bears is Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah and the descendant of King David. Jesus fulfills the promise of a perfect, eternal king who will rule on David’s throne forever.
From the moment of Jesus’ birth, Satan’s plan has been to destroy him. This is evident throughout the Gospels, starting with Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus as an infant and continuing through Satan’s temptations and manipulations, culminating in the cross. Satan believed that killing the son of God would thwart God’s plan and secure victory for himself.
But as the story unfolds, we see that the very act Satan intended as his triumph—the crucifixion of Jesus—becomes the means by which God secures victory. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquers sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The dragon’s rebellion is ultimately doomed, and his defeat is sealed by the victory of the son.
This narrative reminds us of the cosmic scope of the Gospel. It’s not just about individual salvation; it’s about God reclaiming the nations, overthrowing the rebellious powers, and establishing His eternal kingdom through His son. This truth shapes how we understand our place in God’s story and how we live as followers of the victorious King.
At Jesus’ birth, the epic war in heaven began. Satan and his forces launched their rebellion, but we know how the story ends—Satan loses. Jesus dies on the cross, rises from the dead, and ascends to the right hand of the Father, where He is seated on His throne. Philippians 2 tells us that, once seated, all authority in heaven and on earth is given to Him. This authority enables His people on earth—us, the Church—to go forth and proclaim the good news, conquering the world in His name by sharing the message of salvation.
Satan, on the other hand, is cast out of heaven, along with a third of the angels who joined his rebellion. This is where we find ourselves in the story now. Jesus is on the throne, ruling with all authority, while Satan and his angels have been cast down to the earth. Their presence represents the spiritual evil we encounter around us today.
So what are Satan and his forces doing now? Revelation 12:17 gives us insight:
“The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus.”
Satan and his angels are waging war against God’s people. Whether metaphorical or literal, this war is real, and we, as the Church, are the targets. These spiritual beings—referred to in Scripture as demons, which means “lesser gods”—are actively working to oppose God’s kingdom. Their goal is to wage war against the human race, specifically against those who follow Jesus.
This is why Christians face persecution. While in some parts of the world this persecution manifests as violent oppression, in the Western world it often takes the form of ideological and cultural warfare. There is an active and deliberate effort to undermine Christianity as a whole, attacking the ideas of God’s holiness, justice, righteousness, and authority.
It’s important to remember that Satan and his angels have already lost the war. Revelation tells us that the Archangel Michael and the faithful angels have conquered Satan and his forces. Yet, though they are defeated, these beings are still here on the earth, waging a kind of scorched-earth campaign. Since they cannot destroy Jesus or overthrow His throne, their goal is to deceive and distract humanity, robbing people of the opportunity to know and follow Him.
Their strategy is to prevent the growth of God’s kingdom by diverting attention away from the gospel. They seek to blind people to their need for Jesus, the glory of Christ, and the hope of salvation. Their deceit is subtle but pervasive, infiltrating society, culture, and even our own minds.
This is why we, as followers of Jesus, must be watchful. We must guard against areas of deceit. I’m not talking about conspiracy theories or wild speculations. I’m talking about the ways in which the truths of Scripture are being challenged and undermined.
One of the clearest examples is the attack on the exclusivity of Jesus. Scripture tells us plainly that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him” (John 14:6). Yet, society wants to believe that all paths lead to God, that being a “good person” is enough to secure eternal rest. But Jesus is clear—there is no other way.
Other examples of deception arise in moral issues, such as sexuality, gender, and the sanctity of life. The world seeks to redefine goodness and righteousness, creating a new standard based on human preferences rather than God’s Word. As Revelation portrays, Satan has his own set of laws—a counterfeit morality that the world readily adopts. When Christians stand against this and uphold God’s righteousness, we are met with resistance, rejection, and even persecution.
This persecution takes different forms. In some places, it involves death, famine, or imprisonment. In the Western world, it may look like the marginalization of Christian beliefs and values. Regardless of its form, the persecution is real, and its source is spiritual evil.
This passage in Revelation explains why these spiritual beings are here and what they are doing. Their entire purpose is to deceive, distract, and destroy. They aim to pull people away from Jesus, to undermine His kingdom, and to prevent His reign from expanding in the hearts of humanity.
So how do we respond? We remain vigilant. We ground ourselves in Scripture, holding fast to the truths God has revealed. We look at where society is challenging these truths and ask ourselves: Where is deceit creeping in?
The core of the attack is on Jesus. The world wants to undermine His exclusivity, His authority, and His righteousness. But we know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We must hold firmly to that testimony, even in the face of opposition.
When we look at moral issues like sexuality, gender, and life itself, we see a consistent effort to shift the focus away from God’s standards and onto human-defined values. Satan and his forces seek to set a new standard of goodness, one that opposes God’s righteousness. This is why we, as followers of Jesus, face backlash when we stand firm on biblical truth.
Persecution, whether ideological or physical, is a direct result of this spiritual war. It’s a war led by the powers of evil on earth, as they try to challenge God’s kingdom and prevent its growth.
This is the reality we face. But as we’ll explore, the Bible gives us not only an understanding of the battle but also the tools to stand firm and persevere.
Let’s consider what “demonic” really means. In our modern understanding, shaped by epic literature and media, the idea of the demonic can feel exaggerated or fantastical. But in Scripture, the term has a specific meaning that’s deeply relevant to us today. Let’s take a closer look at how the Bible describes these beings and their influence in the world.
Certainly, there are still groups today who worship Satan, pagan gods, or other spiritual entities. Some even carry out the atrocious practices we read about in Scripture. These things are real and still happening. However, I think the picture we often associate with what it means to follow the dragon, Satan, or the beasts doesn’t fully reflect their actual strategies in the world today.
Let’s reflect on the story. The first beast represents a more familiar idea of what we think of as “demonic.” This beast belongs to the ancient times—the Old Testament era. In John’s vision, the first beast comes out of the sea. Satan, the dragon, stands on the shore, beckoning the beast to rise.
The image of the sea is important. In ancient thought, including in Hebrew literature, the sea often symbolized chaos and destruction. It was a dangerous, untamed place—unpredictable and deadly. For ancient people, the sea represented disorder, a place to be avoided, and the domain of terrifying creatures like Leviathan, the great sea beast.
In John’s vision, the dragon, who holds the key to the abyss, calls forth this beast from the chaotic waters. The abyss, often depicted in ancient narratives as a trapdoor at the bottom of the ocean, was seen as a prison for destructive forces. Here, Satan unlocks it, allowing the beast to emerge.
The first beast is in submission to Satan, yet it holds a position of immense power. It sits at Satan’s right hand, symbolizing the full authority of the dragon. Within this hierarchy of rebellion, Satan reigns supreme, with the first beast as his closest enforcer.
This beast wields its power over the gods of the nations—those spiritual beings swept down from heaven in Satan’s rebellion. Under the beast’s influence, these gods ruled harshly over humanity, demanding all sorts of immoral practices within their temples. The beast represents the oppressive, chaotic nature of these gods and their systems of worship, which were prevalent in ancient tribal religions.
In these primitive religious systems, gods or spirits were often seen as unpredictable beings who needed to be appeased. Each god had its domain—whether the harvest, the rivers, or even chaos itself—and humans believed that they had to offer sacrifices to avoid the gods’ wrath or to gain blessings.
Some gods, like Molech, demanded child sacrifices. Others required acts of sexual immorality, such as temple prostitution, orgies, or other degrading practices. The idea was that by performing these rituals, people could please their gods and receive prosperity, fertility, or protection in return.
But Scripture is clear: these gods had no real authority. The psalmists proclaim that it is Yahweh alone who brings growth to the earth, who gives life to humans, animals, and plants. These so-called gods were chaotic, self-serving beings who deceived humanity and demanded worship. They were not creators but destructive, manipulative forces.
The Old Testament gives us numerous examples of these practices. For instance, the followers of Molech sacrificed their children in hopes of securing prosperity. Others engaged in immoral rites to entertain or appease their gods. These chaotic beings thrived on deception and worship, demanding whatever pleased them without offering anything of real value in return.
This is the essence of what is truly demonic. It’s not just the grotesque or horrific imagery we often associate with the word; it’s the systemic deception and manipulation of humanity to turn them away from Yahweh. These beings created a counterfeit version of worship and morality, demanding sacrifices, rites, and allegiance that led people further into chaos and destruction.
When we think of ancient religions—whether it’s Greek, Norse, or the mythologies of Asia and the Americas—they often reflect similar ideas. These spirits or gods were portrayed as powerful but capricious beings who demanded appeasement and offered little in return. They thrived on fear, worship, and chaos.
In many ways, the first beast embodies this system. It represents the harsh, chaotic rule of the gods of the nations during the Old Testament era. It’s a stark contrast to the true and righteous rule of Yahweh, who desires justice, holiness, and life for His people.
This understanding of the first beast helps us frame what is happening in Revelation. The beast emerges from chaos, empowered by Satan, and leads the gods of the nations in rebellion against Yahweh. It demands worship, fosters immorality, and spreads deception. This is the picture of spiritual evil that dominated much of the ancient world.
All of these ancient stories, whether from tribal religions or pagan practices, follow a similar pattern. They revolve around appeasing or pleasing a god to gain something—whether favor, protection, or prosperity—or to fulfill what people believe are the gods' needs. This idea assumes that these gods have needs, which is absurd when we think about the true God, who has no needs.
When we think of the demonic, this is often the image that comes to mind. We imagine people failing to appease a god, leading to curses or disasters. We picture ghosts, poltergeists, or demonic possessions. Today, we talk about demonic oppression, where a demon speaks lies or temptations to someone, trying to convince them to act in destructive or sinful ways.
People even blame demons for the decisions of politicians or leaders, and while that might sound like an exaggeration, it’s not entirely without basis. Sometimes it’s not possession, but oppression. Other times, it may simply be sinful, selfish human beings acting out of their own desires. However, Scripture teaches us that behind our sinful nature and fleshly desires, there is often a deeper, spiritual influence—a motive coming from the realm of evil.
When we think of demonic activity, we often imagine black masses, Satan worship, or ritualistic immorality. These dark practices, which still occur today, fit the picture of what we typically associate with the work of the first beast. These horrifying acts are real, but they largely belong to the ancient world and the first beast’s dominion.
That’s why we see these practices more prominently in ancient times. The first beast represents the chaotic, oppressive rule of the gods of the nations during the Old Testament era. While some of these practices persist today, the strategies of spiritual evil have shifted. The second beast brings a new form of deception, one that we need to pay attention to in our world today.
The second beast comes out of the earth, in contrast to the first beast, which emerged from the chaotic waters. This is significant. The first beast, wild and ravenous, reflected the chaos of the sea. The second beast, however, comes from the earth, which is more stable and familiar. It reminds us of how Adam was formed from the dust of the earth.
Interestingly, the second beast is described as looking like the son of man, which is a stark contrast to the wild, untamed image of the first beast. This suggests a more respectable, polished appearance. The second beast doesn’t rely on brute force or chaos to rule. Instead, it uses deception and cunning, speaking with the voice of the dragon, who is the great deceiver.
The first beast demanded submission out of survival. People worshipped it because they feared its power and needed to appease it to avoid suffering. The second beast, however, operates differently. It persuades people that its ways are not only acceptable but righteous, holy, and good. It convinces people to reject the truth of Jesus and instead follow its counterfeit version of goodness.
This deception is far more subtle and dangerous. The second beast draws people’s attention away from Jesus, painting Him as the problem while presenting its own ways as the solution. This is how it leads people astray—not through fear, but through the promise of a false righteousness.
Revelation 13:13 describes the second beast performing signs:
"It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people."
Fire from heaven is often associated with judgment in Scripture, and the second beast uses this imagery to appear as though it judges with heavenly authority. However, its judgment is counterfeit. It mimics the authority of Jesus, the true judge, to deceive people into believing it is the source of righteousness.
The second beast doesn’t operate in rebellion like the first beast, which embodied chaos and destruction. Instead, it positions itself as the arbiter of righteousness. It deceives people into thinking its judgments are holy and good, pulling their focus away from the true work of God.
Revelation 13:14 continues:
"It deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs that it is permitted to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived."
Here, we see that the second beast works under the authority of the first beast, which, in turn, submits to the dragon. The second beast’s deception is strategic—it performs signs and creates a counterfeit form of worship, drawing people to revere the first beast and, ultimately, the dragon.
The second beast’s goal isn’t just to oppose Jesus outright but to replace Him in people’s hearts and minds. By appearing as a righteous judge, it diverts attention from God’s true righteousness and redefines morality according to its own standards.
This is the demonic activity we see today. It’s not the chaos of the first beast but the cunning deception of the second beast. It’s not just about black masses or overt acts of evil. It’s about redefining what is good and right in ways that oppose God’s truth. It’s about convincing people that they don’t need Jesus because they can find righteousness on their own terms.
The devil, working through the second beast, now introduces a new strategy. The first beast approves of this approach, granting the second beast authority to execute it. This strategy doesn’t rely on overt terror or chaos, as the first beast did, but instead on distraction. The second beast shifts people’s focus away from God’s justice and righteousness, presenting itself as the one who rules justly according to heavenly standards—or so it claims.
Consider where we’ve seen this strategy in the world. Entire ideologies and belief systems now argue that biblical morality is not only outdated but immoral. For example, the biblical vision of marriage between a man and a woman is often labeled oppressive, and traditional views on gender and sexuality are criticized as unjust or harmful. These perspectives don’t just reject God’s righteousness; they replace it with a new standard that stands in direct contrast to the biblical one.
This isn’t just people doing what seems right in their own eyes, though that is part of it. Revelation gives us a spiritual dimension to understand what’s happening. Humanity’s rebellion against God is deeply connected to the influence of the second beast and the spiritual forces at work behind the scenes.
The Apostle Paul warns us of this in Romans 1:25, where he says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator.” This exchange is central to the second beast’s strategy: convincing people to call what is evil good, to redefine morality, and to reject God’s righteousness.
The second beast also fosters a rebellion that elevates humanity itself as divine. There’s a growing cultural idea that humans possess an innate divinity or supernatural essence, and that through self-discovery or enlightenment, we can become more divine. This belief has roots in ancient philosophy, particularly in Platonic thought, which posited a metaphysical part of humanity that connects us to the divine.
Over the centuries, this idea has influenced many religions, spiritual movements, and even cultural philosophies. Today, it manifests in various ways—through self-help ideologies, mystical practices, or even the belief that humanity is progressing toward some higher spiritual plane. These perspectives encourage people to look inward, to seek divinity within themselves, rather than turning to God.
This is where the second beast’s deception becomes dangerous. By promoting the idea that humanity can define its own morality or access its own divinity, it distracts people from their need for Jesus. It replaces worship of the Creator with worship of the self or the created order.
Revelation 13:16-17 describes this deception in stark terms:
“The second beast makes 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 can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast’s name or the number of its name.”
The “mark of the beast” isn’t just about allegiance to the beast; it’s about social conformity. In the ancient world, the marketplace was the center of society. To be excluded from the marketplace meant being cut off from community and survival. John’s vision portrays a world where those who refuse to align with the beast’s ideology are excluded from society, unable to participate fully in its systems.
This isn’t just about a physical mark. It’s about the spiritual and cultural reality of rejecting the beast’s ideologies. To reject the beast is to reject the societal norms it enforces, and that comes with real consequences—ostracism, rejection, and persecution.
This is incredibly relevant to our world today. We see ideologies perpetuated through teachers, politicians, celebrities, authors, and influencers. While these individuals may not consciously align with the beast, they often promote ideas that distract from God’s truth and encourage conformity to a worldview that opposes Him.
Behind these human voices lies a spiritual reality. The second beast’s presence isn’t confined to a single person or moment; it’s pervasive throughout this age, influencing culture, society, and individuals to reject the worship of the one true God.
Revelation shows us that this distraction is intentional. The second beast’s goal is to replace God’s truth with lies, to draw people away from Jesus, and to lead them into rebellion against the Creator. This rebellion isn’t just spiritual—it has social and cultural dimensions as well. Those who reject the beast’s ideology often face social rejection, exclusion, and ridicule.
But where is Jesus in all of this?
We’ve spent much of this time talking about the dragon, the beasts, and the spiritual forces of evil. But Jesus is not absent from this narrative. He was there at the beginning of the story, born to Israel and pursued by the dragon. His life, death, and resurrection marked the turning point in this cosmic battle.
Jesus is the one who conquered sin, death, and the forces of darkness. His ascension to the right hand of the Father establishes His authority over all things. Even as the dragon and his beasts continue to wage war, their defeat is certain because of the victory Jesus has already secured.
As we consider the second beast’s strategy, let us also remember Jesus’ strategy. He doesn’t deceive or distract. He invites. He calls us to turn away from the lies of the world and embrace the truth of His kingdom. His way is not the way of coercion but of grace, mercy, and love.
The second beast seeks to divide and distort, but Jesus unites and restores. The beast’s lies lead to death, but Jesus’ truth leads to life.
So, as we face the spiritual battles of our time, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us discern the lies of the beast and cling to the truth of God’s Word. And let us stand firm, knowing that the Lamb has already triumphed over the dragon, and His victory is our hope.
Jesus takes a strong, central role again in Revelation 14, not just as the Lamb who was slain but as the ascended King, the Lord of lords, who now reigns with all authority. His presence in this chapter shifts our focus toward His judgment and the ultimate hope for His people.
In Revelation 14:9-11, John writes:
“And another, a third angel, followed them and spoke with a loud voice: ‘If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, which is poured full strength into the cup of His anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or anyone who receives the mark of its name.’”
This passage makes clear that Jesus comes to judge. Right now, in this time of preparation, He is waiting for the moment when He will execute judgment on the earth. We cry out with the psalmist, asking, “When will You rescue us? When will You judge the powers of the earth?” (Psalm 82). That final judgment hasn’t yet occurred, but it will come at the second coming of Jesus, when He judges both the spiritual powers and those who follow them.
On one side of this coming judgment, we see the followers of the second beast—those who have rejected Jesus and embraced the beast’s ideologies. These individuals have their own defined standards of righteousness, but those standards are false and rooted in rebellion against God. Judgment is coming for them, and this is something we must take seriously.
This coming judgment also forces us to examine the influence of these ideologies within the Church. For example, we hear questions like, “What about people who haven’t heard of Jesus? Can they be saved?” Or, “If someone is a good person, wouldn’t God have mercy on them and allow them into His kingdom?” These are common thoughts, and they stem from tying perceived human righteousness to the message of salvation.
But Scripture gives us the answer: the gospel. What is the gospel? From Genesis to Revelation, it is the same: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. No one is righteous. When Paul writes this in Romans 3, he’s quoting David in the Psalms. The message is consistent—salvation is by faith alone in the one true God, revealed to us fully in Jesus Christ.
Why do bad things happen to “good” people? Why don’t “good” people go to heaven? The Bible’s answer is clear: there are no good people. “None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Every person has sinned and stands guilty before God. Salvation doesn’t come through good works or moral behavior; it comes through faith in Jesus.
How does Jesus save us? He went to the cross to pay for our sins. Though He was handed over by human hands, those actions were influenced by Satan, the great deceiver. Jesus died to take our place, and just as He rose from the grave, we are promised that we, too, will rise and live with Him forever.
The gospel is not about human goodness; it’s about God’s grace. We cannot compromise this truth by entertaining the idea that there is another way to salvation apart from Jesus.
Revelation 14:12 gives us another key to understanding Jesus’ role:
“This calls for endurance from the saints, who keep God’s commands and their faith in Jesus.”
This is a call to endurance for God’s people—for the Church, for Jesus’ disciples, for those made holy by faith. Notice the pairing here: keeping God’s commands and maintaining faith in Jesus. These are the two areas where the second beast attacks the Church:
First, our faith in Jesus. The world calls Christians intolerant because we believe Jesus is the only way to salvation. This exclusivity sets Christianity apart from other religions, and it draws sharp criticism from society. The second beast’s strategy is to lead people to believe that humanity is intrinsically righteous, that Jesus isn’t necessary, and that there are many paths to God.
Second, the commands of God. The beast promotes a new moral standard, one that directly contradicts Scripture. Society pressures Christians to abandon biblical teachings in favor of this new standard, often under the guise of progress or tolerance. This is a direct attack on God’s righteousness.
The Church must stand firm. We cannot set aside the clear commands of Scripture or redefine morality to fit societal trends. Faith and faithfulness always go together. To have faith in Jesus is to obey Him, to live according to His commands, and to trust in His righteousness above all else.
Finally, Revelation reminds us that Jesus is working right now. He is seated on the throne, interceding for us, and preserving His people. Revelation 14:12 is a reminder that endurance is not something we accomplish on our own. It is something Jesus works in us as we rely on Him. He is strengthening us to remain faithful, to keep His commands, and to hold fast to the truth in the face of opposition.
Jesus is not absent in this narrative. He is present as the ascended King, preparing for the final judgment, preserving His people, and empowering us to endure. The dragon and the beasts may be active, but they are already defeated. Jesus has triumphed, and His victory is our hope and strength.
Finally, those who die in the Lord are blessed. Jesus provides blessing even in death. Revelation 14:13 says:
“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so they will rest from their labors, since their works follow them.’”
The promise here is simple yet profound: rest. But this isn’t the kind of rest we often think of—a quick break, a vacation, or even a quiet evening to relax. This is the eternal rest that comes with being reconciled to God.
This rest is more than physical relief from life’s hardships. It’s the resolution of every pain, every persecution, and every struggle we face as Christians. It’s the reward for our perseverance in faith, for holding fast to Jesus through moral trials and spiritual battles.
Eternal rest means being fully reconciled to the one true God. It means that everything sin has torn apart—our relationship with God, our unity with creation, and even the brokenness in our own hearts—will be made whole. Every wound caused by demonic forces, human depravity, and rebellion will be healed.
This is what the Hebrew word shalom embodies. Shalom isn’t just peace as we think of it; it’s wholeness, completeness, and harmony. It’s being at peace with God, with others, and with creation. It’s a kind of rest we can’t even imagine, far beyond any fleeting comfort or pleasure we’ve known in this life.
Throughout Scripture, we are reminded to keep our eyes on this eternal hope. The Apostle Paul says to “press on toward the prize” (Philippians 3:14). This hope sustains us through suffering, giving us joy and strength to endure. And we don’t persevere alone—Jesus has given us His Spirit. The Spirit of God dwells within us, guiding and strengthening us as we move toward eternity.
Because of Jesus, we can endure. We can hold on to faith and remain faithful, knowing that our rest and reward are secure in Him.
As we close, I want to challenge you to consider your perseverance. Perhaps you see the struggle of evil in this world, and it feels overwhelming. Maybe today is the day you decide to say:
“I will follow the one true God. I will follow the Almighty. I will follow Jesus. I will submit to the one who is on the throne. I will not be swayed by society, because I do not belong to the kingdom of this world. I belong to the kingdom of God—the eternal kingdom where I will find rest and reconciliation with Him forever.”
Prayer
Let’s pray.
Lord, we come before You with thankful hearts for Your Word, for its truth and its promises. We thank You for leaving us with Your Spirit, who sustains us and gives us hope. We thank You that You are on the throne, in control of all things, so we do not have to fear the dragon, the beasts, or any other force in this world.
Lord, we are grateful that You have called us by name and written those names in Your book of life. We are humbled to be called sons and daughters of the Most High, heirs of the promises You established.
We thank You for Jesus, who went before us, who lived the perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead, giving us the eternal hope of rest. We are a people in desperate need of rest, and we pray that You would grant us Your peace now through Your Spirit, as we await the eternal rest to come.
We acknowledge that we cannot fully fathom what this eternal rest will be like, but we trust that it will surpass every longing and expectation. It will be more wonderful and beautiful than we could ever imagine.
Give us hope, perseverance, and endurance to the end, Lord. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to remain faithful in the face of trials and to keep our eyes fixed on the prize—eternity with You.
We pray all this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and King. Amen.
