← All studies

Study 09 of 16

Persecution and the Confederated Powers

The alliance of apostate religious powers to enforce Sunday legislation as a mark of allegiance to Rome.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The second beast of Revelation 13, representing the United States, begins with lamblike, Christlike features of religious liberty but eventually speaks as a dragon. This nation will take the lead in enforcing papal Sunday observance by national legislation, signaling a national apostasy that invites national ruin. The prophecy describes a sinister confederation: the 'dragon' (Satan, working through paganism and modern spiritualism), the 'beast' (the papacy), and the 'false prophet' (apostate Protestantism). These powers join hands based on two great errors: the sacredness of Sunday and the natural immortality of the soul. The 'image to the beast' is defined as apostate Protestantism, which adopts the papacy's methods by uniting church and state to enforce religious dogma. While the modern ecumenical movement may present a fair front, the prophecy warns that Rome remains fundamentally unchanged, and the danger of this union is currently underestimated. The enforcement of Sunday-keeping by this confederated power will become the great test of loyalty, separating those who obey God's commandments from those who receive the mark of the beast.

Key points

  • The U.S. will fulfill the prophecy of the lamblike beast that eventually speaks as a dragon.
  • The final alliance involves the dragon, the papacy, and apostate Protestantism.
  • Two primary errors unite these powers: Sunday sacredness and the natural immortality of the soul.
  • The 'image to the beast' is formed when Protestant churches unite with the state to enforce religious laws.

Key texts

  • Revelation 13:11-18
  • Revelation 16:13-14
  • Revelation 14:4

From the book

Outline 9 · Chapter 6 — Persecution · Read this chapter

  • “The beast—the papacy (first beast of Rev. 13). The false prophet—apostate Protestantism.” (book p. 100)
  • “The alliance—Protestants join hands with Rome and both come under influence of spiritualism.” (book p. 100)
  • “Despite present propaganda, 'Rome never changes.'” (book p. 100)

Put it into practice

  • Study Revelation 13 carefully to understand the role of the U.S. in the final crisis.
  • Identify how the doctrines of spiritualism and Sunday sacredness are currently gaining ground.
  • Reaffirm loyalty to God's Sabbath, the sign of His authority, amidst growing pressures for Sunday laws.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What nation is symbolized by the beast with horns like a lamb?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. What does it mean for the nation to 'speak as a dragon'?

  3. Scripture

    3. Who are the three partners in the final religious-political confederacy?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. What are the two great errors that form the basis of this union?

  5. Comprehension

    5. How is the 'image to the beast' defined?

  6. Contrast

    6. Is the papacy's essential character different today?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. Why is national Sunday legislation a signal of national ruin?

  8. Application

    8. How can you personally maintain fidelity to God's law as this coalition forms?