Revelation-What It Means for God's Enemies - GOD'S ENEMIES DESCRIBED "IN SIGNS"

  In the very first verse, Revelations tells us that the information we are about to read is being presented  "in signs,"  that is a symbolic language. (Revelation 1:1) God's enemies are described  symbolically. We see a number of wild beasts.  For example, there is "a wild beast ascending out of the sea."  It has "ten horns and seven heads." (Revelation 13:1)  That beast is followed by  "another wild beast ascending out of the earth." That beast speaks like a dragon and makes  "fire come out of heaven." (Revelation 13:11-13) Then we see a different beast, "a scarlet-colored  wild beast," whichis being ridden by a prostitute. These three wild beasts represent long-standing enemies of Jehovah God and his Kingdom.  Therefore, it is important that we identify them. - REVELATION 17:1, 3.

FOUR HUGE BEASTS

Before we can learn who these enemies are, we need to understand what this symbolic language means. They key to understanding it is to allow the Bible to explain itself.  Many of the symbols found in Revelation are already explained in other books of the Bible.  For example, the prophet Daniel had a dream in which "four huge beasts represent four "kings,"or governments.  (Read Daniel 7:15-17.)  That clear  explanation helps us to understand that the beasts  described in Revelation  must also refer to political powers.

Let us  now examine some of the signs described in Revelation. As we do, we will see how the Bible helps us identify what these signs mean.  We will start with the series of wild beasts.  First, we will identify whom they represent. Thenm we will see what happens to these beasts. Finally, we will consider what these events  mean for  us.

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for God's Enemies - THE IDENTITY OF GOD'S ENEMIES REVEALED

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