The characteristics of the 2nd beast: (the false prophet):
- He arises from earth suggests the he will be less overpowering and terrifying than the Antichrist.
- He is not political and does not carry any kingdom signs.
- He looks harmless as a lamb unlike the first beast which was grotesque and frightening.
- He spoke like a dragon with a strange voice.
- He will be the dragon Satan’s mouthpiece speaking his words, speak winsome, deceiving words of praise about the Antichrist luring the world to worship the satanic dictator.
- He exercises all the authority of the first beast (Antichrist).
The false prophets program: (13:15-18)
- He will lead the worldwide religion of Antichrist worship.
- He will cause the fire to come down from heaven and also kills the 2-witnesses (11:11).
- The apparent healing of first beast’s fatal wound ( a satanic imitation of Christ’s resurrection, a faked one) and the submission of authority to the false prophet makes the 2nd beast (false prophet) more powerful and super human.
- He will escalate the false world religion, worship of Satan and implant a strange blasphemous image in the temple (synagogue) as prophesied by (Dan 9:27, 11:31; 12:11, Matt. 24:15) “the abomination of desolation.”
- He will breathe some spirit into the image and make it appear to be live through some special technological effects which are possible in this super-technology world. It will be a tribute to the awesome power of Antichrist.
- With his immense world-wide success he will cause all people to worship the image of Antichrist. Many martyrs mentioned in (6:9-11; 7:13-14) are those who will be killed during this terrible time of persecution.
- The death sentence is decreed on all those who do not worship the image. Many will be killed but some will be spared until the return of Christ and will enter into His millennial kingdom as living people (12:6-7, 14; Isa.65:20-23; Matt. 25:31-40).
Mark 666: (13:16-18):
God sealed his people (1,44,000) to preserve them from His wrath against the unbelieving world (7:2-3). In the same way, Satan will enforce the worship of Antichrist, and give a mark on their right hand or on their forehead. The mark may be something like a tattoo or UCS (universal coding system). Such marks were given to slaves, soldiers and devotees of religious cults. The mark will signify that he is the loyal follower of the Antichrist. Those who refused to take the mark will be subject to execution. Besides the constant threat of death, they will not be able to buy or sell their daily living necessities and Satan will have strict economic control over the world. Currency will vanish, credit, debit cards will vanish and replaced by a code on their forehead or right hand. Everyone in this world will require having this identifying mark or they will suffer persecution and execution.
Further the Apostle John calls for wisdom and understanding (13:18). It is a warning to those alive at that time to be wise and discerning. They will need to recognize what is happening and understand the significance of the number connected with Antichrist’s name. Those with understanding will be able to calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man and his number is 666. This number has intrigued many people in this world and there was no end to speculation.The number 666 falls one short of God’s number of perfection which is 7. This number is like a false trinity of sinful origin and reflects an imperfection times three.The main thing is that the number 666 is anti-Christ or anti-God and is supremely carnal and sinful.
This stands as a warning to the unbelievers and a challenge to the believers to lead careful and godly lives (1 Pet. 4:7, 2 Pet. 3:11) and evangelize the world with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.