The words of Jesus are in red text.

Part 2 of 3 How the Beast May Enter Into Power Note: The following content (in this section) is based upon logical speculation. Note: It is possible for the Beast to be “behind the curtains” and not presently in the public eye. It is also possible the Beast is someone who is presently a nation’s leader; was a nation’s leader; or one who is in the public eye but has not stepped forward seeking global power. The purpose of this section is to explore what may occur that will facilitate the Beast’s entrance into power and control. The World Is Being Prepared for the Beast’s Authority and Worship “Authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him.” Revelation 13:7-8 “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” Revelation 13:4 The authority (influence, power and control) of the Beast will be global and unprecedented. But worse, both Satan and the Beast will be worshiped. Therefore, to gain authority over every tribe, tongue, and nation—it is likely the present power of national leaders will succumb to the Beast—for they will either willingly join him, or he will attack and overcome them via war. Nations Who Willingly Join the Beast Here are some rational truths to consider regarding a nation’s transfer of control and power. • National leaders do not like to give up their power and control. • Inhabitants of nations do not like foreign entities ruling over them. • When life is “good” and a nation’s populace is satisfied: o There is no need for the existing power infrastructures to step aside. o The nation will collectively fight against any attempt to relinquish control to a foreign entity. • When life is “bad” and a nation’s populace is dissatisfied: o The existing power infrastructures are weakened. o The nation’s populace will seek a solution—even if it requires control by a foreign entity. A worldwide problem will likely occur that will cause the earth’s inhabitants to experience severe hardships, weaken existing power infrastructures, and cause people to seek new leadership. The root cause this worldwide problem could be a global economic collapse—facilitated by our unprecedented global debt, wars, and catastrophic events (Matthew 24:6-8). If a global economic meltdown occurs, the Beast may position himself to the masses as a savior: the only one who can fix what is wrong, and return stability and peace to all who inhabit the earth. He must be initially viewed by the masses from a positive perspective to gain trust. He will likely define what is wrong and who is to blame. In addition, he may “package” his messaging within absolute statements and grandiose promises—all of which are not true, and he will not fulfill. But the masses—those who are headed to the eternal lake of fire—will believe, follow and worship him as he initiates decrees. Nations Defeated by War History is filled with examples of how nations succumbed to a foreign military—followed by the replacement of the existing government infrastructure. For example, consider the changes that occurred within Germany and Japan after they were defeated by the militaries of allied countries. It is also prudent to consider that a global economic meltdown may not fully affect all nations equally. It is possible some will maintain varying degrees of prosperity—especially those nations and countries that are not completely dependent upon others for economic trade. As such, those who are prosperous are less likely to give up their power and control unless they are defeated by war. “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity.” Daniel 8:23-25 Existing Influential Factors The occurrence of populace revolts and military actions may be magnified by existing influential factors: 1 . Economically Interdependent Nations 2 . Unsustainable Debt 3 . International Collaboration Economically Interdependent Nations Globalization is a term used to describe the growth of economic interdependence that has occurred since the end of World War II. Prior to this time most countries were independent, self-supporting and less likely to feel the effects of failing countries. However, since WWII, countries have become economically dependent (interdependent) upon one another as they increasingly traded goods and services. Products and services created in one country are consumed in another country, and vice versa. Today, if one country experiences any form of an economic slowdown, other countries “feel” the consequences of their pain. For example, the consequences of a war in an oil producing nation is quickly reflected by increased gasoline prices across the globe. Unsustainable Debt Debt is like cancer. If allowed to grow it can kill the organism it resides within. As such, to not allow debt to sap the life out of the Hebrew’s economy and keep it strong, God directed the Jews to cancel all debts amongst one another every seven years (Deuteronomy 15:1-6). However, most nations have amassed unsustainable debt over the past years. What’s more, many countries are not only unable to pay down their debt, they are finding it difficult to even pay the interest on their debt. For example, as of January 1, 2024, America’s national debt exceeded 34 trillion dollars, and continues to grow. America’s interest payments on its debt consumes a significant percentage of income from taxes and other sources. Plus, America’s national debt exceeds its gross domestic product (GDP—or the total financial amount of all finished goods and services made within a period of time). America’s present GDP is estimated to be just under 28 trillion dollars. ( Source ) To make America’s present financial situation more relatable, consider your financial situation if your total annual after tax income is $50,000 per year, and your total debt is $60,000 (at a conservative 5% interest rate—or $3,000 per year, or $250 per month). Remember, your monthly income is used to pay for your mortgage/rent, food, shelter, car, gasoline, insurance, medical, entertainment, and all of those “other” unplanned expenses. Whatever remains is available for payment against debt (which is growing because of interest). For many persons (including countries), the amount of “whatever remains” is insufficient to reduce debt…so the total debt increases over time. Debt has been used to subsidize economic growth. Governments (including America) have been using a strategy of borrowing money to stimulate economic activity within their country. This scenario may be compared to owning and driving a car. The injection of money within an economy equates to what occurs when we purchase gasoline for our vehicle. As we drive our vehicle it consumes the gasoline, and additional gasoline must be purchased to continue—otherwise the vehicle will stop functioning. Likewise, commerce is stimulated within an economy when money (gasoline) is injected. However, like an automobile, the economy will consume the money and will require more to keep going. To gain a greater understanding of our perilous condition, as of February, 2024, America’s national debt equates to more than $100,000 for every man, woman and child. ( Source ) However, in addition to America’s national debt, America’s household (or personal) debt reached 17.5 trillion dollars at the end of 2023, and is also continuing to climb. ( Source ) Each country’s national debt must be reduced…but it has been impossible because more debt is incurred to sustain national economies. Meanwhile, the global debt has become larger—and will continue to do so. In truth…global debt will not be reduced, it is out of control, and is likely to cause a global economic collapse—like a line of dominos. If this scenario occurs, it will: • Cause the inhabitants of nations to rebel against their leaders and turn to anyone who has an idea in how to return things to “normal.” • Provide an opportunity for the Beast to step forward and declare he has a solution to the problem. International Collaboration There are two international collaborative groups that may play a role in the beast’s rise to power: the United Nations (UN), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Formed after WWII, the UN is comprised of 193 countries. The purpose of the UN is to prevent future world wars, and to replace the ineffective League of Nations that was formed at the end of WWI (which had a similar objective to maintain world peace). In 2015 the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ( Source ). The commendable goal is to improve the quality of life worldwide by achieving 17 separate objectives: such as improving access to food, clean water, healthcare, education, and energy; reducing gender inequalities; and provide refugee and disaster relief. However, as darkness becomes more prevalent during the last days, these worthy goals will likely transition their focus upon 2 of the objectives: refugee and disaster relief. There is some speculation that the Beast may leverage the UN to gain global power. And it is possible for the Beast to gain acceptance by promoting the UN agenda. However, given the charter, history, and numerous recent scathing criticisms, the UN may be considered a “paper tiger,” or one who appears to be in charge, but is completely powerless. And the reason is understandable, this is because the UN: • Is basically a formal place for countries to come together to discuss issues and raise formal complaints against countries that are attacking them or other countries. • Does not have its own military, and does not attack countries engaging in war. • Has a peacekeeping force. o The primary function is to facilitate post-war peace agreements. o Member countries are asked to contribute personnel for each operation. As such, whether or not the UN is leveraged by the Beast in some way does not seem viable. One could be certain UN member countries will raise their objections and announce formal decrees against the Beast’s military actions and conquests. But it is likely the Beast will not seek UN control nor UN permission as he attacks other countries. Besides, consider the number of wars, conflicts, and skirmishes that exist today and determine if the UN is effective. ( Source ) NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) NATO is an alliance of more than 30 countries ( Source ). Formed in 1949, NATO’s purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of member countries by political and military means. If one NATO member is attacked—it is perceived as an attack against all NATO members—and the militaries of all NATO members will collectively respond to defeat the attacking country. NATO countries support one another by strengthening their defense capabilities, participate in military training exercises, and share intelligence. In effect, NATO is comprised of a collective military that declares to all non- member countries, ”Don’t mess with us.” Because of NATO’s dominant global military strength, it may represent an obstacle that stands in the way of Satan’s objectives, or may represent a means to escalate global war. • If Satan perceives NATO as an obstacle, there are two potential scenarios—Satan may seek to: o Undermine and weaken member participation via conflict, disagreements, strife, and wars between NATO members. o Gain control over NATO. • Attacking a NATO country can quickly escalate global war. As such, Satan may seek collaboration between non-NATO countries to attack one or more NATO countries. Because of the NATO agreement, many NATO countries will join the battle against the attacking non-NATO countries—resulting in global war. It is important to remember Satan’s desire is to create global confusion, chaos, destruction and death. However, he will likely not take an initial military position and aggression—because he must receive acceptance by nations. As he gains power and control, Satan may employ all of the above NATO strategies simultaneously via his minions.   Deceptional Influence The disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age. The first response by Jesus was, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:4 Satan’s skill is in the use of deceptional lies to misdirect from the truth, infiltrate the mind with lies, and drive behavior that results in sin. As such, Satan’s skill of deception will be magnified exponentially during the last days—for this is why Jesus warned us to not be deceived—which requires knowledge of the truth. Satan will masterfully deceive and influence the nations by: • Converting truths into lies, and lies into truths. • Demonstrating signs and wonders as a means of authentication. • Manipulate the masses via a variety of techniques. Truths Will Become Lies, Lies Will Become Truths God is the source of truth, and His word is absolute. Satan is the source of lies, and his words seeks to undermine and redefine God’s truth. As we enter into the last days—as the Beast steps onto the global stage and into power—God’s truths will become lies, and lies will become truths. It is important to understand that God nor Satan forces people to do things against their will. God designed us with a free will—including the angels. Those who seek after truth, and those who seek after lies, do so because of the desires in their heart, and their free will to fulfill those desires. However, unlike the past, God will allow Satan to fully use his persuasive lying skills during the last days. “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Fables are defined as a fictitious narrative or statement. Today, we have seen a multitude of fictitious narratives (such as conspiracy theories) that have influenced the perceptions of many. Fictitious narratives are absolute lies—have been propagated by various persons and media sources—and has resulted in a great division between those who believe the lies, and those who recognize the lies. This trend will worsen as those who have itching ears (those who prefer lies over truth) will actively seek sources that reinforce the fictitious narratives. Once a person believes a lie…it is very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to change their mind…even when they are provided with factual evidence of the lie. They will form “mental protective walls” and will “close the eyes and ears” to anything that does not support their delusions. These are those who will reject Jesus; will willingly believe the beast’s lies; will follow and worship the Beast; and their souls will die a second death in the eternal lake of fire. Signs and Wonders Throughout time God has us ed various signs and wonders to overcome our skeptical nature. Akin to a “Certificate of Authenticity,” signs and wonders may be defined as miraculous manifestations of supernatural activity that are intended to (1) provide tangible evidence that confirms spiritual authority, (2) truth of what was spoken, and (3) magnify belief in whom is glorified. For each sign and wonder demonstrated by God, Jesus and the disciples pointed to the glory of God and to believe in Him. Jesus described our weaknesses and need for tangible proofs—which explains why God has demonstrated miracles—and why Satan will be given power to perform signs and wonders during the last days. • “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.” Matthew 16:4 • “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” John 4:48 However, during the last days Jesus warned, “False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24 To reinforce and magnify the influence of the Beast, God will allow Satan and his minions to perform deceptional signs and wonders that will cause the masses to believe in the Beast. “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs , and l ying wonders , and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Imagine for a moment you are witnessing a person declaring all of the wonderful attributes of the Beast and why he should be followed. This person then demonstrates non-human power by making fire come down from heaven to the earth for all to see. What sort of influence do you think this type of event will have upon the masses? Will the spoken lies be perceived as “truth” because of the miraculous event? Well…the Bible declares this will occur by the False Prophet. “Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs , so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men . And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast , telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.” Revelation 13:11-14 Important truth: If someone demonstrates a sign and wonder—identify whom they are glorifying. If their messaging points to (and does not deviate from) salvation by the grace of God, and glorifies Jesus Christ as Lord—the miracle they performed is driven by the Holy Spirit. If the messaging contains any content that points to the glorification of the Beast—the miracle they performed is driven by satanic power. Remember…discernment is based upon whom is glorified!   Manipulation of the Masses Note: The following content (in this section) is based upon logical speculation. The gain power, the Beast must first coalesce a cult following who will comply with and execute his mandates. Here are some relevant aspects of cults: 1 . Persons are influenced to willingly join a cult. 2 . A cult leader will control cult members through various techniques. It is important to understand and perceive the following regarding the Beast: everything he will say and do is based upon a lie. Although he may initially say words and display behavior that represent varying degrees of truth (to gain favor and acceptance), they will be “performed” as a façade—with the underlying purpose of executing his Satan-inspired objectives. Satan understands the human mindset, our weaknesses, our desires, and our fears—but most important—he knows how to implement control over persons, countries and nations. Throughout time Satan has been constrained in his earthly prison—until the last days—when the Holy Spirit (who restrains) will grant him unrestricted access to (and manifestation of) his full darkened potential via the Beast. “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Satan and his minions are dependent upon willing humans to fulfill their desires to create confusion, chaos, destruction, and death upon earth. This is why we can look back throughout time at murderous leaders—including today—and see a continual and repetitive pattern of unimaginable darkness that reflects Satan’s malignant mind. For more information, Google “Murderous leaders in history.” Although the past is littered with the consequences of Satan’s influence upon earth, and the present does not look any better, the future will be much worse. The influential power of Satan has been restricted, but will be released during the last days. By evaluating past megalomaniacs (who were driven by Satan and his minions to deceive and destroy), we may gain insight into the methods the Beast may use to manipulate and control the masses to gain power and control. It is estimated the reign of Adolf Hitler influenced countless deaths in the multitude of millions—including military and civilian fatalities, deaths from disease and famine, and the murder of more than 6 million innocent Jews. Therefore, it is safe to conclude Hitler was used by Satan as a means to cause death and destruction, and may be considered as a foreshadow of the Beast. The manipulative tools used by Hitler to gain power and control over the German populace included: • Indoctrination • Creation of a Cult • Fear • Scapegoats • War   Indoctrination may be defined as a process of repetitive learning (via messaging communicated by various means) that cause people to accept a lie as being true. Referred to as propaganda, indoctrination occurs via the dissemination of misleading information (additional supportive lies) that reinforce a “core” lie. Hitler indoctrinated the German people via propaganda. Joseph Goebbels, the chief propagandist for Hitler, declared the following truths for those who seek to indoctrinate the masses with lies: • “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.” • “Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” The creation of a cult occurs when persons accept the cult leader’s lie as truth. A cultist will not criticize nor question, will actively reject sources of truth, will blindly follow and comply with the cult mandates, and worships the cult leader. Because of the broad expanse of the Beast’s control, he will need to set up a hierarchical organization of cult followers who have an absolute and unwavering allegiance to him. For example, he will need a close inner circle, an outer circle, and field-based cult leaders. The inner circle will be comprised of a small number of persons who will execute management, control, communications, and other functions for the Beast. As the Beast’s cult organization grows, he will need an “outer circle.” This group will have the purpose of facilitating compliance of the Beast’s mandates with field cult leaders. Field cult leaders are those who are geographically dispersed, and will drive compliance through various tactics. If a cult member does not comply with the Beast’s mandates, or does anything that has a negative impact upon the Beast, they will receive swift public punishment for their wrongdoings (to reinforce fear and terror amongst cult members). Those who comply, those who propagate the lie, those who cause others to join the cult, and those who punish persons for non-compliance—will be rewarded, and will likely move up within the cult. Hitler’s hierarchical cult organization was the Nazi party—who faithfully executed Hitler’s commands to expand his power and control. Fear is a very strong psychological weapon and behavioral motivator that drives cult compliance. For example, those who did not accept Nazi rule were subject to brutal punishment in concentration camps. But to add to this darkness and control, the Nazi’s formed a secret police called the Gestapo (field cult members), who encouraged people to identify anyone who did not comply with Nazi mandates. Those who did not comply were harshly punished. The perception of punishment by non- compliance creates varying degrees of paranoia, avoidance, and submission. Scapegoats may be defined as persons (or an entity) who is untruthfully blamed (for the negative consequences) that were caused by someone or something else. Leaders enter into power by declaring something is wrong and they can fix it. These leaders may create lying scenarios that blame someone for the reason why the problem exists. This is how Hitler positioned the Jews—as the ones who were responsible for Germany’s woes—which was an absolute deceptional lie! In addition, sociopathic and narcissistic leaders will find scapegoats to blame for the consequences of their own actions—because they will not take responsibility for their failures. Here are two links for additional information: Link 1 Link 2 War —Satan’s forte is causing war between people, and spiritual battles within the heavenlies. Hitler was a willing pawn of Satan who drove more than 50 nations to declare war on Nazi Germany—a war that can trace its beginning to a lie. For all wars, conflicts, arguments, and sin…began as a lie. Satan—driven by a deceptional lie within his demented mind—caused war within Heaven. “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9 When the disciples asked what will occur during the last days, Jesus warned, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom.” Matthew 24:6-7 During the final days of the Great Tribulation Satan will coalesce nations to war against Israel. “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:13-14 However, Satan’s ultimate delusional objective in joining nations against Israel—which has not changed since he lost in his first attempt in Heaven—is to seek retribution by defeating Jesus. “He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.” Daniel 8:25 “And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19:19-20 Note the Beast and the were cast into the lake of fire. However, God has a future plan for Satan. After Satan’s defeat he will be bound for 1,000 years during the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ…and then released for a short time to deceive and “stir up” war again. Thereafter he will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15). “He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” Revelation 20:2-3 “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.” Revelation 20:7-8 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities.’” Isaiah 14:12-17 Looking back in time…everything Hitler declared to the German people was a lie. The only thing he did was cause global death and destruction—which was Satan’s objective, and will be his objective during the last days via the Beast. If we look back in time and consider all of the death and destruction that occurred during WWII, what will occur in the future will be exponentially worse because Satan’s influence via the Beast will be unrestricted. In summary, Satan (via the Beast) may follow a similar “path” as Hitler as he rises into power. He will likely use propaganda (deceptive lies) to indoctrinate the masses, and to form his cult following—who will worship him and execute his mandates. He may then use fear and terror to expand his control. At some time during this period he will convince the enemies of Israel to back off and allow Jews to have unrestricted access to the Temple Mount so that they can (1) rebuild the Temple, and (2) resume sacrifices and offerings. Thereafter is when he will break his covenant, stand in the Temple declaring he is God, and will declare the scapegoats who are responsible for the problems that exist: Jews and Christians. This is when he will take firm control over nations (and their militaries) to instigate and expand global war. This concludes part 2 (of 3 parts). Part 3 describes Satan’s unrighteous indignation and God’s wrath, messaging that will attack Christians, Christian response to the Beast, and the Beast’s final demise. Click on this button to read Part 3.