>>The
Ten Kings and False Prophet
By Mark S Watson
http://www.markswatson.com/WebSite/tenkings.htm
Posted on
This site March 27 2005
Ten Kings and the
False Prophet
(updated 10/29/2001)
An excerpt from the book "That
He May Run That Readeth It..."
http://www.markswatson.com/WebSite/tenkings.htm
One thing
that is spoken of prophetically is that the Earth will be divided
into ten kingdoms. These Kings, who rule over these kingdoms will
then sell out their own sovereignty to a one world system
"And the ten
horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no power
as yet but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These
have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the
beast." (Rev. 17:12-13)
A system of
Government will be established, according to the Bible, which will
ascend out of the bottomless pit (Rev 17:8) and make war with the
saints and to overcome them (Rev 13:7). The Beast will cause every
man on Earth to be numbered in order to buy and sell (Rev 13
:16-17). The Beast will be a wonder to see and watch (Rev 13:3). The
entire world will worship the Dragon (Satan) who gives power to the
Beast (Rev 13:4 and Rev 20:2). The System is being rapidly set up
before our eyes and is using its economic, political and spiritual
power to bring it to pass. The Dragon gives this system its power
and authority (Rev 13:2). Because the Dragon is such a deceiver, we
should expect the system to be brought into being with great
subtlety and deceit. We have not been able to fully ascertain what
the Dragon has been doing because we have been distracted. This
Beast will be most formidable. It will literally tread the Earth
down with its power and make life hell for the saints.
But there is
another Beast.
This beast is
one that many seem to underestimate, but which is just as dangerous
as the first. The first Beast Had 10 Horns, which represents 10
kings. This second Beast has two horns. The scriptures make a very
interesting and important observation about this second beast.
"And He
exerciseth all the Power of the first Beast before him and causeth
all the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first
beast, whose deadly wound was healed." (Rev 13: 11).
The phase
'before him' can also be rendered 'in his presence'. This is a very
powerful entity. I believe we should attempt to make at least some
sort of identification of this beast as it plays a key role in the
end time system.
Identifying
the role and purpose of this beast should not be too difficult as
his activities are described for us in John's Revelation. First,
other that the fact that he has all the authority of the ten horned
World Government, he also seems to have a very important role to
play in finalizing the spiritual power to the First Beast. IT is the
False Prophet who will cause all those who dwell on the Earth to
worship the first beast. He will be able to deceive those who dwell
on the Earth by the Miracles he is able to perform:
Revelation 13
11 And I saw
another beast coming up out of the earth. And it had two horns like
a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.
12 And it
exercises all the authority of the first beast before him, and
causes the earth and those dwelling in it to worship the first
beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And it
does great wonders, so that it makes fire come down from the heaven
onto the earth in the sight of men.
14 And it
deceives those dwelling on the earth, because of the miracles which
were given to it to do before the beast, saying to those dwelling on
the earth that they should make an image to the beast who had the
wound by a sword and lived.
15 And there
was given to it to give a spirit to the image of the beast, so that
the image of the beast might both speak, and might cause as many as
would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
16 And it
causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to
receive a mark on their right hand, or in their foreheads,
17 even that
not any might buy or sell except those having the mark, or the name
of the beast, or the number of its name.
18 Here is
the wisdom. Let him having reason count the number of the beast, for
it is the number of a man. And its number is six hundred and
sixty-six.
This Beast is
either a religious system or a political system with strong
spiritual underpinnings. There have been a few biblical prophecy
teachers who have attempted to identify this system. This system
(Beast) will have the power to perform miracles and be able to
deceive many with the miracles he performs. The type of power he
wields is shown by one of the miracles he performs in the sight of
men.
This is a
miracle that Elijah performed in the book of 1st Kings (18:30-38)
and in the book of 2nd Kings (Chapter 1). This is a very deceptive
miracle because it has been prophesied that the LORD would send
Elijah before the great and terrible Day of the LORD (Mal 4:5). This
could cause many, especially in Israel to believe the miracles of
the False Prophet. This will indeed be a mighty deception,
especially if this false prophet then declares the antichrist to be
god on earth. Identifying the false Prophet is imperative to
understand the last days.
Many have
felt that the Roman Papacy was intricately identified with this
system. They see Rome as the symbol of apostate Christianity. Others
see this interpretation as too simplistic and not properly fitting
the prophetic symbology. Primarily, this is because this beast has
two horns. Horns are always interpreted as kingly or political
power. Now the papacy has throughout history exercised political
power throughout the church age. This power has been able to depose
kings and make them, especially during the Middle Ages. It has,
throughout this age, had enormous wealth at its disposal and used
for various political and religious purposes. Even today, the Roman
Pope wields tremendous power.
The Pope is
still far and away the most visible symbol of Christianity today,
weather one wishes to accept it or not. But the doctrines of the
Roman Catholic Church are not the doctrines of Biblical Protestant
Christianity. The Roman Pontiff is frankly seen by many in
Christendom as a symbol of compromise, idolatry and corruption. One
cannot ignore the fact that the Roman Papacy has turned its eye
towards Jerusalem in these times and is very much involved in the
peace process and the final status talks of Jerusalem.
Nevertheless,
whatever your views may be, the predilection of those Christians who
identify the Roman Church with this second beast is that it is
corrupt and idolatrous. It seems clear that even in these times
Catholicism is still very potent force on the world stage, this
being the case, it would also seem quite logical that it should be
identified in the prophetic literature. It also seems clear that
attempting to identify this entity would be an important task to
ensure correct identification is made.
The main
problem with the Roman Catholic Interpretation is that the Second
Beast has two horns symbolizing two separate entities that rule one
beast. Also, at this point I would like to make one thing clear.
When the Scripture refers to a beast especially in Revelation and in
Daniel, it refers to a far-reaching Empire. With the last beast, it
refers to a global Empire. However, it also refers to a system of
Government. That is, a system of governance which is inherently
different that the rest. It is, if you will, a different order. What
I mean is this; the Romans governed differently than the Greeks and
the Babylonians. The Roman form of government was different than
that the Assyrians.
This is the
same case today, Americans govern differently than the Chinese, just
as the North Korean form of government differs from the Germans. The
inherent differences are systemic in nature and the resulting
prosperity or poverty, freedom or repression's are the result
largely from the systemic differences of governmental structures.
The last days system is decidedly different that the rest. Today we
constantly hear talk ad-nauseam of a New World Order or Novos Order
Seclorum, as it written on the back side of our one dollar bill.
This order is far different than anything the world has ever seen
before.
The
introduction of high technology in our world, environmental
problems, increasing populations and the increasingly global nature
of trade has forced a global system of governance upon the
inhabitants of the Earth with only a scant few truly recognizing the
implications of the global governing system which is already here.
Many believers are looking for a government of the entire planet
which will look and feel like a government. This, in most respects,
will probably not be the case.
The system
that is now upon us is very different from any we have ever seen
before, the differences are, as mentioned before systemic in nature.
Power, real power that is, is not exercised in nominal legislatures
for who people vote. While these often have the trappings of power,
they often simply echo the wishes of well off campaign contributors
in the West, and those who can pay substantial open bribes in other
countries. Increasingly, these individuals, trans-national entities
and multinational corporations are able to greatly influence
political decision making on a global scale in various countries.
The elite of
our planet have also learned the value of "infoganda" (Information
which is presented in a way which looks like news and information
but is extremely clever and effective propaganda) They know that
individuals who refuse to tote the corporate line can be "managed"
out of office. Greed and corruption are the two most prominent
foundations of the New World Order, while the infogandists (news
media)speak of "freedom and democracy”, they have cleverly
juxtaposed these terms with greed and corruption. Interdependency is
now the buzz-word used for justifying continued globalization.
This is
the end time system which we are watching arise. The false prophet,
is an entity I will discuss shortly, it is also the most important
spiritual enemy of the church in this end time system. Ironically,
it is very possible the apostate 'church' is a key part of this
second beast. Many also believe American Church-ianity will be the
catalyst for its formation. Only its strange doctrines coupled with
its enormous financial might can conceivably corrupt the rest of the
worlds Christians.
The false
prophet is certainly a very important figure and must be identified.
However, given the other scenarios above which I have briefly
summarized, I believe another interpretation may be more plausible.
In fact, I believe in falls right in line with the prophecies of
Daniel and Revelation. The Book of Daniel (Dan 8:1-27) describes a
two horned beast which grows to be very great and strong. This ram
had two horns and is identified as the Kings of Media and Persia.
Media and
Persia make up the modern day nations of Iran and Iraq. These two
nations are today identified not only with
regionally powerful militaries, but are also very much identified
with religious fervor of a decidedly unchristian variety. That
fervor is known today as Islam, it is the religion to a very large
segment of the Earth's population. This religious system accepts the
teachings of a single prophet, Mohammed. This prophet is responsible
for fostering another semi-biblical system of belief which has in
many instances throughout history, been at odds with Christianity.
It is very
much at odds today with the state of Israel. Its reach is also
growing in Asia and in Africa. It is the prophet Mohammed, whose
followers today seek to gain control of Jerusalem. It is Islam,
which is attempting to gain more influence and control within the
structures of the emerging New World Order. In fact, recent
information out of the middle east seems to indicate that many
Islamic nations have formed an alliance to hinder efforts by the
western nations in various parts of the world and assert their own
policy goals, when those policies coincide with one another. The
rest of Daniel Chapter eight seems to speak about the end time beast
system and its leader, commonly referred to as the anti-christ. This
Man will arise from the Old Greek Empire "in the latter time of
their kingdom".
"And in the
latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the
full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences
shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not of his own
power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and
practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people." (Dan
8:23-34)
This system
is probably the end time system and the Antichrist who rules it.
However, though Daniel does not specifically say the false prophet
is in existence in the latter time (see Dan 8:23) John makes
reference to a(n) (apparently) similar two horned system, although
this time, it is religious in nature, as are Islamic states today.
It says that he will have power to perform miracles in the last days
(Rev 13:14), and will deceive those who dwell on the Earth.
I believe
that Islam in its present form, is very much in keeping with the
symbology of the apocalyptic literature. With the growth of radical
Islamic states, the increasing intractability of the middle east
peace process, the rise of a violent under-class in Islamic states
who use their religious fervor to justify violent actions against
any an all who do not agree with them, is a very ominous sign to
western civilization in general and Christianity in particular. This
is very much in keeping with the symbols of the apocalyptic
literature.
Unfortunately, Islam is not often described as being in prophesy, at
least not according to many of the more popular prophecy teachers
and Christian celebrities. While it is invariably mentioned in terms
of the peace process and of course the very real threat of
terrorism, a coherent study of the scriptures, specifically relating
to these prophetic utterances, in my opinion, is lacking. Islam is
divided into two main sects the Sunni's and the Shi'ite's these
sects go back to the time of Mohammed's death. These two sects are
very much active today.
Another fact,
which is often not emphasized enough, is that it is the false
prophet, not the other ten-horned beast, which causes all to receive
the mark of the beast. Therefore this false prophet also appears to
have influence on a global scale.
I caution the
reader here that this interpretation may not be technically correct.
Others have pointed out to the Anglo-American Axis as a possible
contender for this nefarious position. Others believe that apostate
Catholicism and apostate Protestantism are the two horns of the
Beast. Others point to the Roman Papacy. These all have merit.
Indeed, the fact that most of these entities are still very, very
influential in both an economic and a military sense, they are most
difficult to ignore. Nevertheless, The religious nature of this
beast is not readily apparent in the Anglo-American axis, other than
the false nature of the "Christianity" these two nations often
profess.
In any event,
deception will be the norm in these times. Therefore, it is wise to
remember that many deceivers have gone out into the world. They will
tell you that all is well. The Church is fine. Everyone will
eventually be all right. No one will really be deceived, certainly
not you. Jesus won't return in your lifetime, God's word is not to
be trusted, at least not literally. Better to trust in false
shepherds who desire you to tithe, of course only in their churches,
or T.V. preachers who desire you purchase a "Jesus trinket."
The ten kings
will rule the planet under the auspices of The coming World Ruler
known as Anti-Christ. On September 11, 1990, George Bush Sr.,
announced the New World Order. Eleven years Later, to the day, the
World Trade Center was bombed and destroyed. Since then we have seen
a war and increasing assaults on the US Constitution via
anti-terrorist legislation. One can see, if one looks closely, a
shift in Global power and Global economic growth patterns. These
changes are meant to bring about the necessary chaos and uncertainty
to allow new systems of governance to come into being. Terrorism is
not the enemy of the emerging Global Government, it is a tool to
assist in the coming enslavement of mankind.
The New Atlantis
Atlantis is a
code word for the ancient world before the flood. Weather or not an
actual city or nation named Atlantis really existed is a point of
debate. However, here we will deal with the powerful myth of
Atlantis and its satanic and occult underpinnings. This is important
as what President Bush (Jr. And Sr), President Clinton, President
Reagan, President Ford and President Carter all worked for
tirelessly for was the resurrection of this ancient society, with
its Satanic underpinnings. Many will take exception to this as many
believe that 'Bush the younger' is a Christian.
I will not
argue with you. Nevertheless, he is in cahoots with Devil
worshippers and Satanists and assists them in their plans to build
this Atlantis, also known as the New World Order. This plan is
assisted by Freemasons, members of the Skull and Bones; a
Satanic/Germanic Order whose members funded Hitler, to which both
Bush's belong. This agenda is helped along with leaders of New Age
religions and others who assist on various levels, in and out of
Government. It also is assisted by denominational-501(c)3
'Christianity'.
This Atlantis
will be built in our lifetimes, indeed it is largely already here,
but its full power is not yet seen and felt in the world. Ten kings,
according to occult tradition, ruled in Atlantis and the bible
predicts that the last days end times system will have ten kings
that rule over the planet. Remember, Jesus Said
“But as the days of
Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be”(Mat:24:37).
Many prophecy students, especial of the older generation, have
consistently stated that this will be the EU and that the ten kings
will be ten nations of the the EU.
I
respectfully disagree, this teaching while possessing some excellent
perspective is limited in its viewpoint. Specifically, this is a
teaching that stems from the idea that the mark of the beast (See
Rev Chapters 13
and
14) will not be given to all the people of the Earth, but only to
those who are inside what is commonly referred to a revived Roman
Empire. How do they get around the clear teaching of scripture?
Easy.
They simply
say that the revived roman empire, refers to the empires as it
refers these 'Beasts' that have oppressed Israel. It seems clear
that this coming beast will make every attempt to destroy Israel in
the last days, as Israel is a sure sign of God's constancy to his
promises. Despite Israel's apostasy and
rejection of her Messiah, God did re-gather them just like he
promised. God will deal with them, just like he promised. They will
undergo a severe trial, and many will be saved, just like he
promised.
This is a
good argument and cannot be ignored, however, the bible makes it
very clear who will be forced to take the mark or lose their lives
in rejecting it, in this revived 'Atlantis,' better known and
referred to as the Anti-Christ's kingdom. It says it in plain words,
so plain even a child could understand it... and only a theologian
could explain it away.
·
Rev:13:3: And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death;
and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after
the beast
·
Re:13:7: And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and
to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and
tongues, and nations.
·
Re:13:16-17: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and
poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in
their foreheads. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had
the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Consistently, these verses of scripture make it plain that this will
be a global entity and will exercise power globally. No one will be
excluded, not America, not Iraq, not Canada, not Botswana. ALL will
be part of his dominion. Keep in mind that the scripture indicates
the possibility that there is a time when these kings receive no
power but are still considered kings.
They
give up their power to the beast and then reign one hour with the
beast. It is almost as though the bible were describing a shadow
Government that exists before it is given full dominion over the
earth. That they have no kingdom, yet are able to sell out their
sovereignty to the the beast government at the same same time. It is
unwise to read to much into the verse
(Rev 17 12-13), yet some sort of covert governance seems to be
indicated here. It is often thought that the 'as yet' here simply
refers to viewing things from John's perspective. As these Kings had
not taken power yet.
This is
certainly a valid argument. Vantage point is important here as it
seems clear that much of this should be looked at from Johns point
of View (1st century AD). Yet the way the verse reads and
the the fact that this is an Angelic interpretation of an earlier
vision leads on to surmise that perhaps this description may be more
telling than the simple obvious truth that it was not existent in
Johns day.
In any event,
they will willingly give their power, once they come on the scene,
to the Beast. But what must be remembered here is that Babylon rides
this beast for a time until the ten kings tire of her, get rid of
her by burning her with fire. So we see that they these ten kings
and Babylon are not in an exactly harmonious relationship and more
importantly, they are not the same entity.
It is a
relationship of Dominance and submission. Despite the general idea
that this new world order is a harmonious political entity in which
that Anti-Christ wields complete and absolute power, it appears here
that there is political tension and treachery in this New World
Order and that while the antichrist is a formidable and exceedingly
powerful individual, his power does seem to be dependent on the
goodwill of other players, namely, the ten kings who agree to give
their power over to him.
This
destruction of Babylon may be part of the 'price' for their
continued alliance to this dictator. Remember, even that ancient
Caesars had to observe the 'forms of legality' with the Senate, and
while power was absolute, those emperors who consistently angered
the Senate, did not last long. This is probably the way the
Antichrist will rule; he will have absolute power as long he
observes certain formalities and does keeps his end of any
'bargains' he must make.
In other
words his rule will have very small but important limitations on it.
How do I know this? Because while he will have power to overcome the
saints but he will not get all of them, because there will be saints
alive when Jesus Comes. His (Antichrist's) firm desire will be to
get rid of all who do not take the Mark and he will largely succeed.
But some will survive, thus his power will not be absolute.
Nevertheless, there will never have been a more powerful human in
history. It must be noted here that he derives his power from the
Devil with the assistance of the ten kings.
How will the
deceptions of the False Prophet gain so much support? This is not a
difficult question to a truly born again believer. I will categorize
each main reason:
Misdirection
The Devil is
a master at this. The American government as well has perfected this
deceptive technique to an art form. Misdirection is essentially
getting someone to look in one direction or at one thing while the
important activity is transpiring elsewhere. Many times a crisis is
deliberately created to detract from more important and quiet
developments elsewhere. This is done regularly in politics,
economics, war and when criminal activities of those who are in
power are ready to become exposed.
Complacency
This is
another important facet of deception. When people get comfortable
and smug, they are opening up a far more dangerous door to deceit
than misdirection. They simply stop caring about what is going on
around them. They become more obsessed with creature comforts than
with their fellow men, more caught up in fads and trends than in the
real world around them. Such people are the most difficult to reach
because they believe that as long as they have the swollen bank
accounts, SUV's, good jobs and big screen TV's, all is well and
these rewards of mammon are 'blessings from God'. One can remember
the admonition of the scriptures about the deceitfulness of riches.
...And the cares of
this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other
things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (Mar
4:19)
Ignorance
Ignorance is
another key method of deceit used by those who are in power against
the masses of people. Ignorant people are easily manipulated,
deceived and herded into any intellectual corral that the powers
that be will lead them. When people refuse to avail themselves of
the resources needed to educate and enlighten themselves they will,
without exception, eventually be subservient to those those who
have. This is true in every aspect of life.
It was no
coincidence that in the old south Slaves were intentionally kept
from learning how to read and those whites who tried to teach them
were persecuted and often prosecuted by those in power. The same is
true today. The ability to obtain and intelligently cogitate on the
events in the world around us is something that the Devil works very
hard to prevent.
Conclusion
The system
that is now arising and many global leaders extol, aid and abet this
New World Order. They pass laws and make treaties that empower this
Beast and are working for and in alliance with the Antichrist
system, weather they know it or not. I believe firmly that there are
ten 'kings' who rule from behind the scenes right now but have not
been given open, public and the wide ranging political power they
will receive for 42 months as the scope of their power transcends
national boundaries and such a revelation would create havoc.
Therefore,
they will create the havoc that will cause the world to accept their
solutions to the problems they themselves created for the very
purpose of imposing these solutions. Once these ten kings are
revealed, you will know exactly what time it is! More can be found
on the ten kings and the antichrist kingdom and possible
fulfillments on the article entitled
Who is the Antichrist. Found on this site.
It tells you who I believe many fulfill the parameters of the Ten
Kings and why.
See Revelation
Chapters 17 and 18; Revelation Chapter 13 and 14, Daniel Chapter 7
and 11.
Links
Who IS The Antichrist?
A look at this issue from a strictly biblical
perspective. This article also explores the ten kings and its
relations to the Antichrist system.
Ten Kings That Burn America -
Stewart Best does an excellent job Here at explaining that which
American Christians don't want to hear.
Various Apocalyptic Links -
Secular site with links from every possible viewpoint!
Revelation Links - Good, but at times a
little sterile, offers a somewhat different perspective
Other Links -A
good place to understand fundamental prophetic views, though at
times, it is a little wild.
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