The Third Angels Message

In order to understand this message, we must decode the symbols being used throughout our study.

The Beast

The beast here mentioned is described earlier in Revelation 13:1-10 as "like a leopard". A comparison between this "beast" and the "little horn" in Daniel 7 see also p. 1-2) shows clearly that we are here dealing with the same power, namely, the papacy.

Just like the "little horn", the "beast" also represents a blaspheming power Rev. 13:6 which persecutes the Christians Rev. 13:7 and evolves out of pagan Rome Rev. 13:2, ruling for 1260 years Rev. 13:5. After this time period she was to be relieved of her power by a "deadly wound" Rev. 13:3, 10; (see page 2-bottom).

But this "deadly wound" was to be healed Rev. 13:3.

This healing of the papacy began in the year of 1929 with the signing of the Lateran treaties. At that time the Vatican received the property, generous financial support, and all diplomatic rights of a sovereign State. Through their international diplomacy and financial power the Vatican has again gained considerable power and influence on a worldwide scope. The "deadly wound" is being healed.

Before we consider the "image of the beast" and his "mark", we must consider another "beast power" described in Revelation 13.

The Second Beast

While the previous beast came out of the "sea" of "nations and tongues" Rev. 17:15, this beast was "coming up out of the earth". Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation represented here must arise and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of Europe. It must be sought in the western continent. Only one nation was rising into power at the time of the papacy's loss of supremacy in 1798 - this prophecy points directly to the United States of America!

The lamb like horns indicate youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the original character of the USA. Civil and religious liberty (the two "horns") were the foundations of this nation. The European Christians, who were persecuted by the papacy, fled by the thousands to the "New World", America. This was the birth of the USA. But the beast with "lamb like horns"

The "lamb like horns" and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking contrast between the professions and the practice of the nation thus represented. The "speaking" of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities. By such action it will contradict those liberal and peaceful principles which it has put forth as the foundation of its policy. The predictions that it will speak

and exercise

plainly foretell a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution Rev. 12:13,17 the same as was manifested by the first beast (which we learned is the papacy). The statement that the beast with the two horns

indicates that the authority of this nation (USA) is to be exercised in enforcing obedience, which will give homage to the papacy. Today we observe how the USA and the Vatican are working more closely together in order to make their influence more prominent.

The Image of the Beast

When the early church departied from the simplicity of the gospel and accepted pagan rites and customs, she became corrupted and lost the Spirit and power of God. In order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of heresy. In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will again be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.

It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civil government, and this prepared the way for the development of the papacy, the "beast".

Said Paul:

In the same way will the obvious apostasy in the protestant churches of today clear the way to prepare for the image to the beast.

During the past decades the ecumenical efforts of the protestant churches have increased to the extent that "unity for any price" is being pursued at the expense of biblical truth. In October 1999, by signing the "Joint Declaration" with the Vatican, the Lutheran World Federation declared the Reformation null and void. This ecumenical movement is therefore nothing other than the great spiritual apostasy prophesied by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, influence the state to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an "image" of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon those who refuse to cooperate will be the inevitable result. The image to the beast, consequently, represents apostate Protestantism that seeks the support of the state to enforce their doctrines.

The Mark of the Beast

The beast with the two horns (USA)

The man that stands at the top of the papal (antichristian) hierarchy is none other than the pope. His official title is "VICARIUS FILII DEI" meaning "Representative of the Son of God" (Our Sunday Visitor 4-18-1915). This language is Latin and in many of the older languages, Latin for example, the letters have numerical values attached to them. The corresponding numerical values of this official title, when added, show the number of the beast to be 666.

While one group of people will accept the mark of the beast and worship the image to the beast, another group is also described:

Consequently, the difference between the true and false worship has to do with the keeping of the commandments of God. On one side is the seal of God, meaning Saturday - the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Opposite stands the mark of the beast, namely, Sunday sacredness. The papacy considers it as her "mark of authority" because in the year 364 AD she changed the Sabbath to Sunday (The Convert's Catechism, P. Geiermann).

Whoever knowingly keeps the commandments as changed by the papacy honors this antichristian system placing himself in opposition to God.

Many true Christians of various denominations keep Sunday, thinking that they honor the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. God accepts their sincere intention and honesty, because

However, when Sunday observance in the already developing New World Order, originating in America, is enforced by law - after the world has been instructed in reference to our responsibility to the true Sabbath - then all who knowingly transgress God's law will at that time receive the mark of the beast. They can no longer expect God's grace, but await His vengeance, and the punishment of eternal death Rev. 14:9-11. The ultimate control of man has been planned for years by the World Council of Churches and leading governments of the world with the UN (United Nations) in New York. The goal is to create a common unbiblical "Sunday Worship Day" as envisioned by the papacy and the ecumenical movement. The many visits by the pope to various governments, his encyclicals, and his general worldwide efforts all confirm this plan.

What is your decision?

The events and catastrophes taking place in the present world will increase until the return of Christ. This sinful world and her evil works will pass away, but God

Contrary to the hopelessness of this world, God promises a glorious future for those that have been loyal to Him here on earth:

These words not only give hope for the future, but they give present peace and security here.

The judgment is now passing in heaven. Soon - none know how soon - their case will be considered. Therefore, it is essential now that every soul take the warning to heart:

When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation for this world will suddenly end shortly before Jesus Christ appears in the clouds of heaven.

Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary for my sins and your sins, in order to open for us the path into the new glorious future. Even today you and I may come to Him in prayer, confess our sins and start a new life in obedience to His commandments. Then Christ can be our Intercessor in the judgment! 1 Timothy 2:5.