End-Time Arrogance and the
The Beast, the Ten Horns, and Seven Heads
Who or what is the Beast of Revelation? What are the “ten horns” of this
mysterious creature, and what are its “seven heads”? There has been much misunderstanding of this
end- time
signal prophecy! Here we take a NEW LOOK
at this amazing and
dumfounding prophecy soon to be unveiled and to
rise up before our very eyes!
William
F. Dankenbring
Thursday, November 18,
The rock ‘n roll gala event was
upstaged by the weather. It rained and
poured all day long with a steady, bone-chilling precipitation, thoroughly
soaking the estimated 30,000 people present, including former presidents George
Bush, Sr., and Jimmy Carter, and the re-elected President George Bush.
The Clinton Library dismisses the
impeachment process which poisoned his presidency, as a mere Republican
vendetta. The section of the museum/library
devoted to the story of the impeachment, which could not be denied, was
emblazoned with the hugh words:
“ACQUITTED.” However, only two
presidents in the
On this same day, on Fox News
Channel, former Mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, was interviewed by Neil
Cavuto. In discussing president Clinton,
the mayor said that Clinton, who is a highly gifted individual, should become
the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, to replace Kofi Annan in the
year 2006 – just a little over one year from now!
At the ceremony, Hillary Clinton,
Senator from
Is the stage being set for a most
amazing future for the former president of the
The Beasts of Daniel 7
To understand what Biblical prophecy
foretells for the future of our planet, and the next few years ahead of us, we
need to go back to the intriguing prophecies of the book of Daniel. Daniel lived in the seventh century before
Christ, during the time of the Babylonian Empire (607-539 B.C.).
In the book of Daniel we read about
a strange dream the prophet of God had in the first year of Belshazzar, king of
Daniel describes it thus: “The first was like a lion and had eagle’s
wings. Then, as I watched, its wings
were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two
feet like a human being; and a human mind was given to it. Another beast appeared, a second one, that
looked like a bear. . . After this, as I watched, another appeared, like a
leopard. The beast had four wings of a
bird on its back and four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the visions by night a
fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth and was devouring,
and breaking in pieces, and stamping what was left with its feet. It was different from the beasts that
preceded it, and it had ten horns. I
was considering the horns, when another one appeared, a little one coming up
among them; to make room for it, three of the earlier horns were plucked up by
the roots. There were eyes like human
eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly” (Dan.7:3-8, NRSV).
In other articles, I have identified
these four beasts prophetically as four end-time world kingdoms to arise. Many have thought these four beasts were the
Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman Empires in ancient history. However, notice! An angel told Daniel specifically, “As for
these four beasts, four kings [or kingdoms] shall arise out of the earth” (v.17). “But,” he continues, “the holy ones of the
Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever – forever
and ever” (v.18).
Since these four beasts were to
arise in the future, then they could NOT include the Babyonian Empire
which was then already in existence! Notice,
too, that the kingdom of the LORD would replace these kingdoms – indicating
that they exist just prior to the coming of the Messiah! This is not a prophecy for olden days and
ancient empires. It is a prophecy for
the dynamic, pulsating PRESENT TIME!
The Four Beasts
Daniel wanted to know specifically
about this strange fourth beast “which was different from all the rest,
exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which
devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet; and
concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and concerning the other
horn, which came up . . . the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke
arrogantly, and that seemed greater than the others.” He goes on, “As I looked, this horn made war
with the holy ones, and was prevailing over them, until the Ancient One came;
then judgment was given for the holy ones of the Most High, and the time
arrived when the holy ones gained possession of the kingdom” (Dan.7:19-22).
What are these four beasts? In my article “Daniel 7 and the New World
Order,” I explain that these are four latter-day kingdoms in the earth that
rise up. The “lion” kingdom refers to
the great power of the Anglo-Saxon countries,
The kingdom of the “bear” refers to
The “leopard” in this prophecy, in
my opinion, refers to
But what about the fourth
beast? It follows the other three. It is the FINAL beast power in existence
before the coming of the “Ancient One” – the Messiah Himself – and it is a
kingdom composed of ten horns. A “horn”
in prophecy is a kingdom or war-making power, so this beast is a kingdom
composed of ten leading military powers united together – a composite “beast,”
as it were!
Revelation 13
The identity of this beast is
explained more fully in the Bible itself, the New Testament book of Revelation
– the final book of the Bible – a book containing amazing and mysterious
prophecies for the “end of days” leading up to the coming of the Messiah!
The apostle John writes, in chapter
13 (13 is the number of “rebellion”) about a great end-time BEAST which will
rise up and rebel against God. Notice
his amazing words.
“And I saw a beast rising out
of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads; and on his horns were ten diadems (crowns), and
on its heads were blasphe- mous
names. And the beast that I saw was like
a leopard, it’s feet were like a
bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And the dragon [Satan the devil – see Rev.12:9] gave it his
power and his throne and great authority” (Rev.13:1-3,
NRSV).
Notice that this final “beast”
kingdom will have ten horns – just like the fourth “beast” of Daniel 7! Notice, too, that it has “seven heads.” And that it appears like a lion (Daniel’s
first beast), a bear (Daniel’s second beast), and a leopard (Daniel’s third
beast). In other words, this beast is composed of all three of Daniel’s beasts
– it incorporates them into its own bestial nature and authority! Since Daniel’s third beast, the leopard, had
four heads, then all together this composite beast would possess those four
heads, plus the head of the lion, the head of the bear, and its own head – or seven
heads combined!
What is this strange beast yet to rise up?
Prophetic Error Compounded
The offshoots of the Worldwide Church of God all seem to speak with one voice and erroneously believe that the Beast of Revelation will rise up in Europe and will be formed by ten nations of Europe. This common fallacy is also believed by many evangelical Christians. It was Herbert W. Armstrong who latched onto this theory, in the 1950’s, and propounded it with fervor and enthusiasm until he died in 1986.
The many churches and groups that came out of the wreckage of the Worldwide Church of God, after his death, all agree that this scenario is correct – they seemingly cannot get past the errors and contretemps of their original leader and his mistakes and false conclusions.
However, one good look at Europe today reveals that it is not a mighty military power of itself; nor is it comprised of “ten horns” or possess “seven heads”!
It should be obvious that Europe will not and cannot fulfill this prophecy of a Beast or World ruling Kingdom composed of “ten kings” or kingdoms. Europe cannot be the fourth “Beast” of Daniel or the Beast of Revelation 13. They both have “ten horns,” representing ten kingdoms. A quick tally reveals that the European Union today already has 25 nations in its membership, and Turkey, a Muslim nation, is knocking at the doors. And even so, Europe is nowhere near a great military power, as the fourth Beast of Daniel’s prophecy and the Beast of Revelation are so clearly depicted to be! Europe doesn’t hold a candle to either the United States, or Russia, today, in military power.
So then – what could be this final “beast” which is “DIFFERENT” from all the other beasts that preceded it? How is it to be “different”?
Expanding the Security Council
In September 2004, the French media group known as Agence France
Presse, declared, “Germany, Brazil, Japan, India Pledge Joint Backing
For UN Bids.”
The
French press report went on to explain how these four nations’ leaders
(Germany, Brazil, Japan, and India) have concluded a pact supporting each
other’s bid for inclusion in the soon to be reformed UN Security Council.
Remember, the permanent members of the Security Council never face re-election once they have been admitted to the select group. Once they are installed, they have power collectively to administer the “security” of the world, which is why they are called the “Security Council.”
Soon
after the four nations of Germany, Japan, India and Brazil made their agreement
to work together to become members of the Security Council, another nation
threw in its bid to be the fifth such added member. The nation of Egypt stepped up to the plate and announced to the UN General
Assembly that it, too, wants a piece of the action. Egypt stated that it is “eminently qualified
to assume permanent responsibilities” as the l0th member of the soon to
be expanded Security Council!
The
BBC news reported that “Brazil, Germany, Japan and India have launched a joint
bid for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. ‘The Security Council must
reflect the realities of the international community in the 21st
Century,’ their joint statement said.
The four states pledged to back each other’s case and said similar
status should be given to an African nation” (news.bb.co.uk, 9/22/2004). The group call themselves the G4 and not only
argue for their own collective claim, but also for a permanent seat for an
African country. They argue that their
size and status mean that they deserve the permanent seats.
Supporters
of India’s membership point out that it is the world’s largest democracy where
1.2 billion people live. Brazil’s
backers say that they can make a strong case for that nation to represent South
America. There is currently no seat for
any Latin American country.
The
joint statement also said Africa must also have a permanent seat on the
Council. A consensus seems to be
emerging that Africa has to have a seat. African leaders are currently
discussing which of their states should be put forward. Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa are leading
contenders, and Tanzania is putting itself forward. The lack of an Islamic state on the Council
will probably have to be addressed.
Currently, the US supports Japan, and Britain and France support the
case made by the G4 for themselves and an African country.
The
Security Council was formed after World War II and the United States, Britain,
Soviet Union, China and France – the winners of that war – gave themselves
permanent seats with a veto. The
Council’s membership has been enlarged from 11 to 15 but the permanent members
have not changed. Many countries feel
the structure is unbalanced.
A New Look at the United
Nations
For years I have been predicting that the final world body or government which will rule the earth will be a revamped, revised, strengthened UNITED NATIONS!
Let’s take a look at the United Nations. It is a truly global governing body, and it is rapidly moving towards a revamped leadership of TEN permanent nations in its governing body, the Security Council! This TEN Nation Group will control virtually every aspect of life on planet Earth! A revamped “Security Council” of the United Nations, with TEN permanent members, would surely constitute a TEN HORNED BEAST!
Ever
since the founding of the United Nations, in 1945, at the end of World War II,
there have been 5 “permanent members” of
the UN Security Council, which is to bring worldwide security, and intervene
when necessary to preserve the “peace” of the world. These are the United States, France, Great
Britain, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) and China.
However,
in 1997, the present Security Council agreed to add another five members to the
favored permanent member list.
Very
few teachers of Bible prophecy today even noticed that in September, 2004, 5
nations practically demanded they be included in an already approved expansion
of the present Security Council of the UN.
With 5 new members added to this body, there would be a total permanent
membership of the UN Security Council of 10 members!
Notice again what Scripture foretells for the last days: “And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, having TEN HORNS and seven heads” (Rev.13:1, NRSV). A “horn” represents a war-making power. This is a single “beast” but it is comprised of “ten horns” or military powers which are used to corral the nations and “gore” the nations, and keep them under control – to put out conflagrations and civil wars and prevent nations from attacking other nations, worldwide.
But what are the “seven heads” of this end-time New World Order?
I believe that the “seven heads” of the “beast” are the seven primary nations that govern world finance and the global economy. There are seven nations which lead and dominate the world financially. These nations are the famous “Group of Seven” – that is, the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Italy. Although Russia has been invited to attend their meetings, as a diplomatic courtesy, in the interests of world peace, remember that Russia is an economic basket case, and it really NOT one of the “Group of Seven.”
I submit, therefore, that those who look to Europe for the arising of the
final “beast” of Revelation, are looking in the wrong place! And while they are still waiting for the
Beast to arise, it will arise suddenly elsewhere – in the form of the revamped
UNITED NATIONS, with its Secretary-General, Security Council, and General
Assembly of nations!
Forging the Beast
Could
the “beast” of Revelation be the United Nations revamped? It is happening before our very eyes, as I
write this. A high-level panel has called for sweeping reform of the United
Nations in the wake of bitter divisions over the U.S.-led war in Iraq, and
proposals have been made to not only expand the Security Council (to lessen the
control by any one nation, such as the United States), but to also give the
powerful international body clear guidelines for authorizing preventative
military attacks.
The
long-awaited report was commissioned by Secretary-General Kofi Annan after the
diplomatic battle over Iraq in 2003. The
report states that the dangers now confronting the world cannot be dealt with
by any single nation acting alone – not even a “superpower” such as the United
States.
The
95-page report lays out “a new vision for collective action to tackle
threats to global security and to make the Security Council more ‘proreactive’”
(Newsmax.com, Dec.2, 2004).
Members
of the panel were divided over expanding the 15-nation Security Council, which
is now dominated by the post-World War II powers. This issue has challenged the world body’s 191
members for more than a decade. The
panel has presented two options: One is
to add six new permanent members (which could become five instead); the other
is to create a new tier of eight semi-permanent members, two each from Asia,
Africa, Europe and the Americas.
The
panel members agree that only the present five permanent members should retain
“veto power” over any proposed actions of the revamped Security Council.
South
Africa and Nigeria are candidates for one African seat, and Egypt is pushing
for a seat, insisting that one Arab nation must be permanently represented on
the Security Council.
Volatile
issues are facing the world body today which are militating for increased power
and expansion of the authority of the United Nations. Foremost among these issues is the power to
fight wars and “preserve world peace,” but also there is the need to fight
against world poverty, terrorism, environmental destruction, organized crime,
and weapons of mass destruction.
Revelation 13
John goes on to tell us more about this final “beast” or
world empire which will arise in the “last days.” He wrote, “One of its heads seemed to have
received a death blow, but its mortal wound had been healed. In amazement the whole earth followed the
beast. They worshipped the dragon, for
he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying,
‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’” (Rev.13:3-4).
Biblical prophecy is often dual and has more than one
fulfillment. The “beast” is both the
kingdom itself, and also refers to the bestial “leader” or supreme commander of
the beast entity. Therefore, this
“deadly wound,” here described, would also have a double fulfillment. A “head” refers to one of the seven nations
governing the beast. For one of its
heads to suffer a mortal wound but then to be healed, could refer to the nation
of Germany, which suffered total defeat and dismemberment after World War II. But Germany’s economic miracle, with the help
of the United States, revived that nation, and its dismemberment was itself
“healed” when East and West Germany were reunited after the fall of the Berlin
Wall! There could also be a more
“personal” fulfillment of this mortal wound, as something which happens to the
final chief “head.”
The prophecy continues:
“The beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and
it was allowed to exercise authority for forty two months. It opened its mouth
to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that
is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it
was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. It was given authority over every tribe and
people and language and nation, and all the inhabitants of the earth will worship
it, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world
in the book of life of the Lamb that was slaughtered” (Rev.13:5-8).
This prophecy is speaking of the Beast power itself, and
also of its mercurial, charismatic, arrogant leader or final world president –
or Secretary-General of the United Nations!
This person will be arrogant. He will boast against God.
We read of this individual also in II Thessalonians,
chapter 2. The apostle Paul wrote, “As
to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him,
we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed .
. . Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the
REBELLION comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined
for destruction. He opposes and exalts
himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his
seat in the Temple of God, declaring himself to be God” (II
Thess.2:1-4).
This proud and arrogant individual will claim that HE is
the long-awaited, promised ‘Messiah’!
And Satan the devil will back him up in this deception. Paul went on,
“The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses
all power, signs, and lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for
those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be
saved. For this reason God sends them a
powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, so that all who have
not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned”
(II Thess.2:9-12).
Daniel also described the character of this individual
who is coming soon. He wrote, “When the
transgressions have reached their full measure, a king of bold countenance
shall arise, skilled in intrigue. He
shall grow strong in power, shall cause fearful destruction, and shall succeed
in what he does. He shall destroy the
powerful and the people of the holy ones [true saints of God]. By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper
under his hand, and in his own mind he shall be great. Without warning he shall destroy many and
shall even rise up against the Prince of princes [the true Messiah!]. But he shall be broken, and not by human
hands” (Dan.8:23-25).
Daniel 11 also speaks of this great “seducer.” Daniel declares, “Forces sent by him shall
occupy and profane the temple and fortress.
They shall abolish the regular burnt offering and set up the abomination
that makes desolate. He shall seduce
with intrigue those who violate the covenant [God’s commandments]; but the
people who are loyal to their God shall stand firm and take action. The wise among the people shall give
understanding to many” (Dan.11:31-33).
Daniel picks up the theme of this man’s character, “The
king shall act as he pleases. He shall
exalt himself and consider himself greater than any god, and shall speak
horrendous things against the God of gods.
He shall prosper until the period of wrath is completed, for what is
determined shall be done. He shall pay
no respect to the gods of his ancestors, or to the one beloved by women
[Tammuz, the world’s imitation Christ]; he shall pay no respect to any other
god, for he shall consider himself greater than all” (Dan.11:36-37).
This man of intrigue and mystery will be cunning, crafty,
wise, and Ezekiel even says he will be “wiser than Daniel” in his political
machinations and Machiavelli instincts.
Ezekiel declares, “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because your heart is proud and you
have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the
seas,’ yet you are but a mortal, and no god, though you compare your mind
with the mind of a god. You are indeed
wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you; by your wisdom and
understanding you have amassed wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and
silver into your treasuries. . .” (Ezek.28:2-4, NRSV).
This prince will be an Israelite – that is, from the
end-time tribes of Israel. Ezekiel
declares, “As for you, vile, wicked prince of Israel, you whose day has come, the
time of final punishment, thus says the Lord GOD: Remove the turban, take off the crown; things
shall not remain as they are. Exalt that
which is low, abase that which is high.
A ruin, a ruin, a ruin – I will make it!
(Such has never occurred.) Until
he comes whose right it is [the Messiah!]; to him I will give it [rulership of
the earth!]” (Ezekiel 21:25-27).
The term “vile” here, or “profane” in the King James
Version, in the Hebrew language, is chalal, and means “pierced,
especially to death,” “fig. polluted, kill, profane, slain, (deadly)
wounded.” See Strong’s Exhaustive
Concordance. Says Gesenius
Hebrew-English Lexicon, the word means “pierced through, hence mortally
wounded,” as well as “profane.”
In other words, this person will suffer a “mortal wound,”
and will be a “profane” individual.
Remember,
the “beast” of Revelation will also have personally suffered a “mortal wound,”
which will have been “healed” (Rev.13:3).
What kind of “wound” would this be?
Who could this person be?
The Future Secretary-General
Kofi Annan is the seventh head of the United Nations, since its founding. As the Secretary-General of the UN, he has been telling the world’s leaders that the UN has arrived at a “fork in the road” and that radical change is needed if the world body is to fulfill its promise.
Kofi Annan is presently under a great cloud of suspicion of being involved in the greatest scandal to hit the UN – the “Oil-for-Food” program for Iraq, whereby it was to sell oil for money to help its impoverished citizens. For years Saddam Hussein ripped off the people of Iraq, collecting billions of dollars for his own person uses, weapons programs, and bribed many European countries to go along with the pretense. The UN was thoroughly involved as it administered the program.
Calls for Annan to step down as UN chief are escalating and gaining momentum in Washington, D.C. Annan’s son Kojo has had an ongoing relationship with a Swiss company, Cotecna, which provided services to the UN’s Oil-for-Food program which is under investigation for an embezzlement that could run as high as $23 billion, according to U.S. investigators. Cotecna, it is claimed, certified the purchase of substandard medicines and foodstuffs at full market prices; the difference – adding up to some $23 billion – was pocketed by various Iraqi and UN officials. Kojo Annan worked for the company at the time the UN contract was awarded. He has claimed he severed ties with the company in 1999, shortly after the contract was awarded, but it was revealed that he was still on their payroll as late as February 2004. He received about $150,000 since he “officially” left the company in 1999.
Senator Norm Coleman, Minnesota, leading one of five U.S. congressional investigations into the Oil for Food scandal, wrote in the Wall Street Journal that Kofi Annan should step down and resign from his office, because “the most extensive fraud in the history of the UN occurred on his watch.” The UN program began in 1996 to help Iraqis cope with UN sanctions imposed after Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait. It allowed Saddam’s regime to sell unlimited quantities of oil to provide most of the proceeds to buy food, medicine and humanitarian goods. Coleman’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations uncovered evidence that Saddam’s government raised more than $21.3 billion in illegal revenue by subverting UN sanctions and the Oil-for-Food program.
Not surprisingly, the nations most involved in the Oil-for-Food scandal – France, Germany, Russia and China – are accusing the United States media and American politicians of exaggerating the scandal and are backing Kofi Annan.
Regardless of what happens, Kofi Annan’s term of office expires in December, 2006, at which time – if not sooner – he will be replaced.
Kofi Annan is the “seventh” head of the United Nations, since it began in 1945. The next Secretary-General will be the EIGHTH. Does this have any significance, prophetically?
Why would the eighth head of the UN be significant?
Let’s notice an incredible prophecy in Revelation, chapter 17. Here again the “BEAST” is described.
“So he [an angel of God] carried me away in the spirit into a
wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet BEAST that
was full of blasphemous names, and it had SEVEN HEADS and
TEN HORNS” (Rev.17:3).
This is the same beast mentioned in chapter 13! Notice that it is ridden by a “woman” – a harlot (verses 1-2). A “harlot” is a symbol in the Bible of a great false Church. It deceives all nations (compare Isaiah 47).
This “harlot” represents the great false religion that dominates the western world – a Great Religious Movement which dominates the Western World. Could this be the incredible reconciliation now going on between Roman Catholicism and the Protestant churches? It is called, “Babylon the great, mother of whores and of earth’s abominations” (v.5). She is “drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of the witnesses of Jesus” (v.6).
This final Beast will be greatly influenced by Roman Catholicism and the Vatican! Recently the United Nations voted to give the Vatican full membership and voting privileges in the world organization. The influence of the Vatican is increasing by leaps and bounds. This church has shed the blood of true saints of God since its inception when it persecuted and martyred all those who disagreed with its theology and teaching. Millions were put to death during the Middle Ages and the Inquisition.
The Roman Catholic Church used the Inquisition during the Middle Ages to kill over 70 million innocent victims, whom it viewed as heretics and disbelievers – those who did not bow in worship and obedience to the Pope. Fox’s Book of Martyrs documents the atrocities perpetrated by the Vatican and its agents during this horrific period of world history.
Strangely, the “daughters” of this great whore are now returning to her fold, as evangelical leaders in Christianity are moving their flocks steadily towards a modern rapprochement with the Roman Catholic Church – the “second Beast” of Revelation 13:11-18 – the “beast” that has “two horns like a lamb” – that appears like a Christian body – but “spake like a dragon” – teaches and rules like Satan the devil (compare Rev.13:11 with Rev.12:9).
Evidence of this growing trend is everywhere. Famed evangelist Billy Graham told CNN host Larry King that he is now “at home in the Catholic Church.” He also praised the Pope as “the moral voice of the 20th century.” Televangelist Jack Van Impe now says that he has discovered the “spiritual riches” that are found only in Roman Catholicism and the Papacy. Van Impe says about the New Catholic Catechism, “I believe in this book,” and he declares, “The Catholic doctrines are right on.” Gushing with praise for the Pope, he exclaims, “Pope John Paul has given me real direction in my life,” and the Pope is “a giant of the faith.”
Prophecy teacher Hal Lindsey has joined the parade. He and Paul Crouch, founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network, agreed in one conversation that “the Pope is a man of faith,” and Lindsey said that in his work he “brought in the prophecies of Mary at Fatima.”
Pentecostals also are joining up with Catholics. At the New Orleans superdome, tens of thousands of Pentecostals and other charismatics spoke in “tongues” and cheered and roared their approval as the keynote Catholic speaker, priest Tom Forrest, head of the Vatican’s tongues-speaking department, addressed the throng, shouting out, “We are a team!” The crowd responded with roaring cheers and enthusiasm.
Virtually, the whole list of top-ranked evangelical, charismatic, and main-line Protestant denominations has gone over to the Pope – including such men as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Bakker, Ralph Reed, Chuck Colson, and even James Dobson of “Focus on the Family.” They all appear to endorse Roman Catholicism more and more, to one degree or another, as the years go by.
Truly, as the apostle Paul warned, “Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day [the day of Christ’s return] will not come unless the REBELLION comes first and the lawless one is revealed” (II Thess.2:3, NRSV). Or, as the Amplified Parallel Bible has it: “Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the APOSTASY comes first [unless the predicted GREAT FALLING AWAY of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition)” (same verse).
Now let’s continue the passage in Revelation 17. John was greatly amazed at this vision, but the angel tells him, “Why are you so amazed? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will be amazed when they seed the beast, because it was, and is not, and is to come” (Rev.17:7-8).
This final beast of seven heads and ten horns is a WORLD GOVERNMENT! It is a RESURRECTED BEAST of an ancient World Empire! It is a composite of all the beasts which went before it. It was once in great power, but then lost its power, but will be given great worldwide power in the near future.
John continues,
“As for the BEAST that was and is not, it is an EIGHTH, but it belongs to
the seven, and it goes to destruction.”
As I said before, Kofi Annan is the seventh head of the United Nations. The next head will be the EIGHTH! It belongs to the seven – it also will be “Secretary-General.”
The next “World Government” will be the “eighth” in another sense. Historically, we had the Roman Empire, which set the pattern for the “beasts” that followed it. It could be considered as the first “head.” But down through history, there were seven resurrections of the Roman Empire, ending with the one yet to come.
Kofi Annan is the seventh person to head up the United Nations. The “seven heads,” as we have also seen, can refer to the seven members of the “Group of Seven” nations that rule the world economically.
In a historical sense, however, the seven “heads” can also refer to seven historical revivals of this “Beast system” down through history.
In this scenario, the ancient Roman Empire fits the description of the fourth beast of Daniel 7. It was a vast empire and had the characteristics the “lion” – it included ancient Judea, the Celts of Europe (members of the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel), who were the “lion”, as well as elements of the “bear” and “leopard” (Central and Eastern Europeans).
Rome itself fell in 476 A.D., and from it, down through history, there were prophesied to be seven successive ‘heads’ – or seven revivals of the “Roman Empire.” These were as follows:
Head
Date
Kingdom
1st head 554 A.D. Emperor Justinian of Rome 2nd head 800 A.D. Charlemagne of the Franks 3rd head 961 A.D. Otto the Great of Germany 4th head 1519 A.D. Charles V of Austria 5th head 1804 A.D. Napoleon Bonaparte of France 6th head 1929-45 A.D. Mussolini/Hitler of Italy and Germany 7th head 2006-12 A.D. ? United Nations NWO
In A.D. 554, Emperor Justinian cobbled together what was called “the Imperial Restoration of the Roman Empire.” This was the first revival, or first “head” to spring out of the ancient Roman Empire, successively.
Another, second revival, or “head,” was accomplished by the Frankish king Charlemagne, on Christmas Day, the year 800 A.D., when he was crown as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Leo III. He was the son of Pepin the Short, who founded the Carolingian dynasty. Pepin became king in 751 A.D. and Pope Steven II gave his approval when he anointed Pepin and his sons in 754. Charlemagne created a vast empire in the west including much of the old Roman Empire. “He was the first Germanic ruler to assume the title of emperor, and the ‘empire’ he revived lasted in one form or another for a thousand years” (“Charlemagne,” Worldbook Encyclopedia, vol.3, p.291). Did you notice? The Worldbook plainly says that his kingdom was a “revival” of the Roman Empire!
The third revival or “head” was the German King Otto I, the Great. Otto “was the first king to become Holy Roman Emperor. . . In 941 he crossed the Alps and declared himself the king of Italy . . . In 961, Otto crossed the Alps to put down an uprising in Rome. For this service, Pope John XII crowned him emperor of what was later known as the Holy Roman Empire” (“Otto I, the Great,” Worldbook, vol.14, page 666-667).
The fourth revival or “head” was the Hapsburg dynasty. Rudolf Hapsburg became the first member of the Hapsburg family to be elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1273. From 1438 until 1806, when Napoleon conquered Germany and the Hapsburgs, and their Holy Roman Empire, most of the emperors were Hapsburgs. Charles the Great, of the Hapsburg dynasty, was also known as Charles V (1500-1558) and ruled over more countries than any other European monarch. He became King Charles I of Spain in 1516, and was made Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1519.
The fifth head of the revived Roman Empire was none other than Napoleon Bonaparte of France, who ended the Hapsburg dynasty. Napoleon conquered all continental Europe. He triumphed in Italy, invaded Egypt, conquered Austria, and in May, 1804, the French senate voted him the title of Emperor. “The coronation ceremonies took place at Notre Dame cathedral on December 2. As the pope prepared to crown him, Napoleon snatched the crown from the pontiff’s hands and placed it on his own head, to show that he had personally won the right to wear it” (“Napoleon,” Worldbook, vol.14, page 14).
Interestingly, from the Imperial Restoration of the Roman Empire, in 554 A.D., till the fall of Napoleon, in 1814 A.D., lies a period of 1,260 years exactly. The “beast” was prophesied to rule for a period of “42 months” (Rev.13:5), speaking “blasphemies,” and this certainly occurred during the Middle Ages, throughout the time when the Roman Catholic Church sat astride all these revivals of the Roman Empire! 42 months, in prophecy is a term of 42 30-day months, or 1260 days. In Bible prophecy, a “day” often equals a literal “year” in being fulfilled (see Num.14:34; Ezek.4:4-6). Thus the Beast throughout the Middle Ages reigned from 554 to 1814 – a period of 1260 consecutive years, before its reign was terminated by the British conquest of Napoleon Bonaparte and the French “head” of the Beast! “So closed a government that dated from Agustus Caesar” (West, p.337).
The sixth revival of the “Holy Roman Empire” was attempted by the Fascist dictator of Italy, Benito Mussolini (1883-1945). Mussolini founded Fascism and ruled as dictator of Italy for almost 21 years. He attempted to build Italy into a great empire and took the title Il Duce (“the leader”). He signed a concordat with the Vatican in 1929, giving the Pope temporal powers in Vatican City. Mussolini urged the people of Italy to rebuild the glories of ancient Rome. He invaded and conquered Ethiopia in 1935-36. His reign ended, however, with the Allied victory over Italy in 1945. Associated with him in his “New World Order” was Adolf Hitler, of Nazi Germany. Both of them died in 1945.
The seventh and final resurrection, revival, or “head” of the Roman Empire is “yet to come.” And when it does come, it will “continue a short space” (Rev.17:10). This final resurrection will apparently last only seven years – the final seven years before the coming of the Messiah to bring it to its final debacle. This revival will rule with “ten horns” and will be the final resurrection of this ancient world-ruling system of government which in one sense dates back to ancient Nimrod, who founded the first world government this side of the Flood, in ancient Babylonia.
This final revival is also called “the eighth” (Rev.17:11) but “belongs to the seven.” How will this system be different, so that it is called “the eighth”? Unlike the previous empires, which were all nations grown to great power, this final resurrection will be a system of nations, where the “ten kings” or “kingdoms” GIVE (willingly) THEIR POWER AND AUTHORITY to one man – the “Beast.” He will not be ruler over a particular country, but will be different, in that he will be the Head of the entire group of countries – that is, the United Nations – the New World Government! That will be the “eighth” system but the “seventh” head of the revived “Roman Empire”!
Who will the ruler of this final system or “beast” be?
Whoever he is, he will be accompanied by a great “FALSE PROPHET” – a worldwide religious leader, the head of worldwide apostate church. It is a spiritual “beast” – the New World Religion (Revelation 13:11-15). This future “Pope” will create an “image” of the beast – a false religion – in which the beast will be worshiped as the “Messiah,” or “God” Himself! He will “cause those who will not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Rev.13:15). He will compel the whole world to receive the “mark of the beast” or they won’t be able to buy or sell (v.16-17). Write for our article, “What is the Mark of the Beast?”
This beast and false prophet “beast” will work in tandem, ruling over the New World Order (Rev.16:13). At the end of their reign, the both of them will be cast into the lake of fire, by Jesus Christ, at His coming! (Rev.19:20-21).
Who could this “beast” be?
If Kofi Annan is forced from office, who will be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations? Could it be Bill Clinton?
As the nations of the world continue to look toward the United Nations as a necessary, more credible world government, so that no single nation can dominate, they will need a gifted and charismatic leader. William Jefferson Clinton might just the “ticket” – he could bring in just the sort of charisma, leadership, and influence that the world body craves and needs at this junction in its evolution.
World headlines reveal that the UN is presently undergoing a radical change – a dramatic transformation – from a notorious debating society to a fully functioning and powerful world (global) government. The next leader of the world body, of necessity, must possess the inherent leadership skills, political charm, and personal charisma of a proven world leader – it must be someone whom all the world will accept – one whom the world adores like no other – one who appears capable of reuniting the various factions around the world who seem to be at one another’s throat.
Who could this world figure be?
Will former President William Jefferson Clinton be “tapped” by the hidden powers behind the scenes to become the next Secretary-General of the UN? If he is indeed being groomed to play this role, then the re-election of George Bush as President of the United States makes more sense. The war in Iraq continues to grow more difficult and protracted. It threatens to explode and spread throughout the Middle East, becoming a greater problem on the world scene.
If John Kerry had been elected, the world’s nations might not like two members of the Democractic Party in office, one as President of the USA, and one the Secretary-General of the UN. But the world might rejoice to have a strong, liberal, left-wing democrat as Secretary-General, in order to off-set the power of President Bush and the United States. The world knows that Clinton and Bush are political rivals, and that Clinton is very “pro” UN. To have Clinton at the helm of the UN to counterbalance President Bush might be just what the world political king-makers want first on their “Christmas list.”
This scenario would allow Clinton to occupy the role of a worthy antagonist to stand up to an increasingly isolated American president and to counter the American attempt at world hegemony, in effect neutralizing American power, and harnessing it to the use and benefit of the United Nations “New World Order.” Especially if Hillary Clinton later becomes President of the United States, the “partners in power” could bring the power of the United States “to heel,” and under the sway of the UN and its leader!
Bill Clinton recently underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery. During that process, the heart is stopped from beating for a moment, at which time the patient could be considered as “dead.” He is then “revived.” Could this be the “mortal wound” referred to in Revelation 13?
But Bill Clinton also suffered another kind of “mortal wound” – for a politician. He was impeached by the United States Congress, and House of Representatives, for having lied to the Congress and American people about his sexual affair with the White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. Impeachment is a serious matter. There have only been two presidents impeached in the history of the United States. Normally, such a scandalous and criminal prosecution would render a politician as totally unfit for any further consideration for public office.
Yet, despite the scandals of his term in office, and his suffering the ignominy of impeachment, William Clinton remains among America’s most popular and highly respected politicians. And his star has risen even higher in the eyes of the world, because of his charismatic personality, his involvement in fighting AIDS around the world, and his brilliant political gifts.
Thursday evening, November 18, the ex-mayor of New York, Ed Koch, clearly, plainly, and enthusiastically, suggested that William Jefferson Clinton should become the NEXT Secretary-General of the United Nations! He also said he supports Hillary Clinton to become the next President of the United States, in 2008.
Clinton’s name has been bandied about for months and hints have surfaced on news programs, suggesting him as the next Secretary-General. He is a very capable individual, much loved around the world, especially in Africa, India, and Europe. At times it seems as if his name is mentioned as a “trial balloon,” to test the winds, to see if the right time has come yet to make his dream come true.
In February 2003, WorldNet Daily ran an article suggesting he could be the next UN Chief! Clinton’s widespread and incredible popularity around the world means his nomination would be a cinch, if he was supported by the United States and George Bush. Such a scenario is very likely. Bush was at the inauguration of the Clinton Presidential Library, together with his father and Jimmy Carter, all former presidents, speaking at the occasion.
Clinton, being an American, belongs to the seven – i.e. his nation the United States is one of the “Group of Seven” that dominates and rules the world economically.
Will William Jefferson Clinton be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations?
Will the next UN chief be the much-awaited “Beast” of Revelation – the one prophesied to come – the “Antichrist”? For greater insight into this “Man of Mystery and Intrigue,” write for our article, “Who Is the Beast of Revelation?”
The prophet Daniel wrote that at the time of the end, “There shall be a time of anguish such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence” (Dan.12:1, NRSV). “Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase” (verse 4). The Amplified Parallel Bible says: “[Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and knowledge [of God’s purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great” (ibid.).
This “time of the end” Moffatt translates as “the crisis at the end” and “the crisis at the close” (verses 4 and 9).
We are certainly living in a time of world-wide crisis!
Kofi Annan’s term of office is up in 2006. That is seven years before 2012. The year 2012 is a “Jubilee” year, counting from the time the land of Canaan was divided up and parceled out to the twelve tribes of Israel (see my article, “Will the Messiah Return in a Jubilee Year?”). According to Biblical chronology, this very year – 2004 – is the 6000th year since the date when Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden (see my article, “God’s 6,000 Year Plan – Are We Nearing the End of the World?”). We are definitely living in the “time of the end” – the “crisis at the close.”
Think deeply about it. “The wise will understand” (Daniel 12:10).
The prophet Daniel spoke of “seven years” – a final week of years leading up to the coming of the Messiah from heaven. In his 9th chapter, he gives a 70 weeks prophecy, the last week of which is separated from the other weeks, and which is to “finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness” (Dan.9:24).
We read that during the end of this period of time, “the troops of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary [Jerusalem and the Temple of God]. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war [from that time forward]. Desolations are decreed. He [the “prince” or world leader – i.e. Secretary-General] shall make a strong covenant [treaty, agreement] with many for ONE WEEK [seven years!], and for half of the week he shall make sacrifice and offering cease [to be offered in the new Temple]; and in their place shall be an abomination that desolates, until the decreed end is poured out upon the desolator [he meets his end]” (Dan.9:26-27).
2012 is a “Jubilee year” in Biblical chronology. Jubilee years, counted from the time Israel settled in the Promised Land under Joshua, were to occur every fifty years. Using that same count, 2012 A.D. is the next “Jubilee year” – the “year of liberty” and “release” (see Lev.25).
The year 2012 is also the termination point of the Mayan Calendar, when according to Mayan mythology and teaching, a new “World Age” and new cycle – a new “beginning” – is to occur.
Since the year 2004 A.D. is exactly 6,000 years since the very date when Adam and Eve were thrust out of the Garden of Eden, and since God’s “week” of seven days represents the 7,000 year Plan of God on earth, including the 1,000 year millennial reign of the Messiah (Rev.20:1-4) – therefore we are now at the END of man’s 6,000 years, and from this point forward we can expect the fulfillment of ALL of these END TIME PROPHECIES!
The End-Game
What will the “Beast” – the next Secretary-General of the UN – do?
Notice what God foretells in Revelation 17:12 – “And the
TEN HORNS that you saw are TEN KINGS who have not yet received a kingdom, but
they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, TOGETHER WITH THE
BEAST. These are UNITED in yielding
their power and authority to the beast; they will make war on the
Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of
kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
This world body, led by the ten permanent nations of the
Security Council, will yield to the leadership of the Secretary-General, the
“Beast,” and will fight against Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, when He comes
in the clouds of heaven to take His kingdom and to reign!
They will fight against Him – and they will perish in the
war that follows!
John says, “Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed which no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’” (Rev.19:11-16).
John continues, “Then I saw the BEAST and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against the rider on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed in its presence the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with sulphur. And the rest were killed by the sword of the rider on the horse, the sword that came from his mouth; and all the birds were gorged with their flesh” (Rev.19:19-21).
This great final battle will be fought outside the city of Jerusalem. The nations, led by the beast, will come up to the Kidron Valley, on the east side of the city. The Kidron Valley is also known as the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Says Peloubet’s Bible Dictionary, “Jehoshaphat, Valley of (valley of the judgment of Jehovah), a valley mentioned by Joel only . . . The scene of ‘Jehovah’s judgment’ has been localized, and the name has come down to us attached to that deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, through which at one time the Kedron [Kidron] forced its stream. . . . Both Moslems and Jews believe that the last judgment is to take place there. The steep sides of the ravine, wherever a level strip affords an opportunity, are crowded – in places almost paved – by the sepulchers of the Moslems, or the simpler slabs of the Jewish tombs, alike awaiting the assembly of the last judgment” (p.295).
The prophet Joel tells us, “Come quickly, all you nations all around, gather yourselves there. Bring down your warriors, O LORD. Let the nations rouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat. For there will I sit to judge all the neighboring nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:11-14).
Zechariah tells us, “This shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh shall rot while they are still on their feet; their eyes shall rot in their sockets, and their tongues shall rot in their mouths. On that day a great panic from the LORD shall fall on them, so that each will seize the hand of a neighbor, and the hand of the one shall be raised against the hand of the other; even Judah will fight at Jerusalem” (Zech.14:12-14).
Says John in the book of Revelation, of this same final war, “So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and he threw it into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and the blood flowed from the wine press, as high as a horse’s bridle, for a distance of about two hundred miles” (Rev.14:19-20).
The blood of the slain rebels will flow for 200 miles, horse-neck deep, as millions perhaps perish in this final conflagration upon the world’s final battlefield. The beast and false prophet will be hurled into the flames of Gehenna, just to the south of Jerusalem. And the Beast with ten horns and seven heads will come to its end.
Will you be a part of the “beast” system? Will you worship it and partake of its “mark” of identity? Or will you remain among God’s faithful witnesses, and true servants, and refuse to join up in the Beast’s “New World Order”? Will you keep yourself pure and separate from the contamination and moral filth that will pass for “religion” in these last days?
John says, “Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth – to every nation and tribe and language and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.’ Then another angel, a second, followed, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She had made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ Then another angel, a third, followed them, crying with a loud voice, ‘Those who worship the beast and its image, and receive a mark on their foreheads or on their hands, they will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and they will be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever” (Rev.14:6-11).
God challenges His own chosen elect, however, to endure to the end – to remain faithful and overcome these things. John encourages us, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus” (Rev.14:12). What about you? Will you be among them? Will you be among the saints who will take possession of the kingdoms of the earth, and exercise all dominion, under Christ and the Father, in the “Olam Haba” – the “World to Come”?
Will you be among those standing victorious before the Lamb?