In this daily Bible reading the Apostle John sees a vision of a beast having ten horns. The Bible says that in the ‘end times’ a person will rise to become leader of the former Roman empire. The Bible characterizes this person as ‘the beast.’ Additionally, the Bible also calls this person the Antichrist.
This person will unify the former Roman empire which today is the European Community or EU. The EU currently consists of 27 countries. However, this new leader will pair it down to 10 countries: most likely the 10 most economically sound countries. These countries are not currently unified politically. However, they will become unified under this new leader.
Satan will enable this person to rule with great power and authority for 42 months or 3 ½ years. ‘The Beast’ will make war with the Saints: those who believe In Jesus and worship God. Many Saints will be killed.
‘The beast’ will not only be a political leader. He will also be a religious leader and demand to be worshiped. At his side will be a powerful person who the Bible calls the ‘false prophet.’ This ‘false prophet’ will make people worship the beast. ‘The beast’ and his companion will have great power to deceive those who will be deceived.
I believe this final 42-month period will be a time of identifying those who are true believers and those who are not true believers. Only those who are firmly anchored in the Word of God, the Bible, will be able to resist ‘the beast.’ Believers may be killed, but they will go to Heaven.
