Revelation - Part 4 - Lecture 6

Index to Revelation Lectures
Kay Arthur

Click Here for other "Futuristic" Resources on Revelation
Click here for Kay Arthur's Older Lecture Series on Daniel

The Devil's Beauty & Beast
Rev Pt 3: Lecture 6:

Kay Arthur

Click following for literal
chapter by chapter chart summary
Revelation 4-10
Revelation 11-16
Revelation 17-19
Revelation 20-22

Satan has a ''beauty and a beast'' but it is not a fairy tale but it is truth that you need to know and in so knowing the things that are to come you then make the choice to LIVE ACCORDINGLY because Rev 1:3 says that the BLESSING is not only to those who read and hear this prophecy but to those who HEED this prophecy. Satan's beauty is real but it is DECEPTIVE, a HARLOT, an ABOMINATION OF ALL THE ABOMINATIONS, a BEAST who desires to rule even as Satan desires to rule in your life.

Rev 17:1 And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I shall show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, (Rev 17:15 explains the waters as '' peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.'') 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality. (This HARLOT has affected the entire earth. The kings of the earth have prostituted themselves for pleasure and for what she would give to them.) 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit (John is in the Spirit: Rev 1:10-20 he sees Jesus, Rev 4:1-2 John was told "come up" into heaven and sees the things which are shortly going to come to pass Rev 1:19+) into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns .

Rev 12:3 And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. --not a stephanos which was given as a victor's crown but diadema which was a symbol of royal dignity or kings. (diadema = "the blue band marked with white with which Persian kings used to bind on the turban or tiara; the kingly ornament for the head" - Thayer)

The DRAGON is the Devil, Satan who deceives the whole world in Rev 12:9+. The Seven heads with Seven crowns suggest that these are KINGDOMS or Kings. The Woman in Rev 17 is sitting on a beast.

Rev 13:1 And he stood on the sand of the seashore. and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names.

What is the connection? Ruling over these kingdoms and this beast is the Dragon, the ultimate power. The woman is fornicating with a kingdom that has Satan behind it. This woman is full of blasphemous names as is the beast.

Rev 17:4 And the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, 5 and upon her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (she is the one who has given birth to all the harlotry and all the abominations of the earth.) 6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered greatly. (This WOMAN is intoxicated because she has drunk the blood of the martyrs, the witnesses of Jesus Christ. In other words she is the one that has participated in a lot of their persecution and in their martyrdom.) 7 And the angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I shall tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. (Rev 17 and Rev 18 will tell us the mystery and the relationship between the woman and the beast.)

Rev 17:8 The Beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth will wonder, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they see the Beast, that he was and is not and will come.

(Then John tells us the mystery of the beast first and then of the woman.)

Rev 17:9 "Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, (historical interpreters would say this is refers to the 7 hills of Rome which was opposed to God and was a "harlot". Many go on and falsely interpret this verse as a reference to the Roman Catholic Church because they have their headquarters in Rome. But they fail to interpret accurately because they take these phrases out of their normal context.) (Ed: In addition the Greek word in Rev 17:9 is ''oros'' = mountain, not ''bounos'', which would be the Greek word for ''hill'' as in the "Seven hills of Rome"!) 10 and they are seven kings; (Dan 2 shows us that Scripture sometimes uses ''mountains'' to refer to kingdoms…see Da 2:34, 35, cp Jer 51:25 referring to Babylon, and also Isa 2:2 "chief of mountains" = chief of kingdoms) five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while.

All of these kingdoms had fallen at the time John wrote Revelation.

ONE IS

Rome was in power at the time John wrote and is the 4^th metal in Daniel 2 BEFORE the BEAST has 10 horns when the statute is simply IRON, not iron mixed with clay

ONE HAS NOT YET COME

We know that there are only 4 kingdoms before the Stone becomes a Mountain and sets up the Kingdom of God (Dan 2) so we know that this has to be Rome again but this time Rome in a different form. This time it is Rome in the 10 Horn stage (so-called ''Revived Roman Empire''). Then John goes on to describe the Beast…

Rev 17:11 And the beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction.

So Rome comes into power in a REVIVED state and remains for a little while. The BEAST is part of those 7 but he is killed but is resurrected and when he does, this one who ''was and is not'' becomes an EIGHTH who is one of the SEVEN and who will go to destruction. Who is this BEAST? The ANTICHRIST, the individual that comes out of the 7 HEADS that rises to power and who conquers 3 of the 10 HORNS and who eventually rules over the others as puppet kings who have given him their power and who reign with the ANTICHRIST for the last 3 ½ years.

In Rev 17:10 ''he must remain a little while''…HOW LONG IS A ''LITTLE WHILE"?

We saw that the 3^rd segment of Rev begins in Chap 4 where John is IN THE SPIRIT and is caught up and is shown the things that must take place after the churches in Rev 2 & 3. When the first seal is broken in Rev 6, and one goes forth conquering and to conquer, Kay believes that you have the 7^th HEAD, ROME, which has now come and which is to remain a little while. In this group of these 7 heads what you also have is 10 horns. Remember this beast has 7 heads and 10 horns with 10 diadems. Last week we saw in Daniel 7 that we have 4^th Beast, then the 10 HORNS (Da 7:24) and then out of the 10 HORNS comes the LITTLE HORN, who subdues 3 of those 10 HORNS (Da 7:7,8, Da 7:20) and becomes larger than the rest. Kay believes this process is happening from the FIRST SEAL onward, so that at that time you already have a REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE and 10 HORNS, but they are not ruling over the whole earth yet. Then in the midst of all this you have a LITTLE HORN, the one that is conquering (present tense in Rev 6:2 = habitually conquers which signifies an ambitious man who wants to rule) and to conquer (he eventually wants to rule over all). So you see the LITTLE HORN (the Antichrist) coming forth at the FIRST SEAL (Rev 6:1-2-note). During this time, up to the time of the 6^th TRUMPET, you have the 2^nd WOE upon the earth.

After the 6^th Trumpet and just as the 7^th is about to sound, you have Revelation 11 and the two witnesses in Rev 11:3-12 who are in conflict with the people of the earth. In Rev 12:1-17 the conflict is between the devil and the woman, the devil's enemy since Genesis 3:15 where God said that He would put enmity between Satan, the Serpent, and the Woman, ISRAEL, who was to bring forth a male child who would rule all the nations of the earth with a rod of iron (not yet happened) (Rev 12:5). The one ''WHO IS'' is Rome that is reigning at the time of the writing of the book of Revelation. Then ROME is REVIVED in the last of the last days, in the days of the 10 Toes (Da 2:42-44), in the days of the 10 Horns (Da 7:7, Da 7:20, 24) and it comes back to power and it only remains a LITTLE WHILE, from the FIRST SEAL up to the 7^th TRUMPET. So this is REVIVED 4^th BEAST, but something happens at the 7^th Trumpet. That's when the BEAST himself, the one that was, that is not and is to come rules. He is one of the 7 but he is an 8^th who was and is not and he is the one who is going to destruction when Jesus Christ returns to earth & casts him into the Lake of Fire (Rev 19).

Rev 17:8 "The beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction…."

Rev 13:1 …And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, (out of the nations of the world) having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, (this implying that these 10 people were not just people who had conquered but people who were ruling) and on his heads were blasphemous names. (i.e., these 7 heads were kingdoms that were opposed to God…they were blasphemous) 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard (Greece), and his feet were like those of a bear (Medo-Persia), and his mouth like the mouth of a lion (Babylon). (So the BEAST is a composite of what these kingdoms were.) And the dragon (Rev 12:9 ''the devil'') gave him his power and his throne and great authority. (So this is the DEVIL'S BEAUTY & THE DEVIL'S BEAST) 3 And I saw one of his heads (he has 7 heads) as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. (This latter phrase shows us that one of the 7 heads was put to death--a fatal wound--but it was healed. (Compare Rev 5:6 where John sees "a Lamb standing, as if slain." This is the same phrase used to refer to one of the 7 heads.)

Some people have said that the Beast which ''was, is not and is to come'' points to the Revived Roman Empire because Rome ''was, was not and would come'' and thus this does not refer to a literal fatal wound to a single individual.

If this referred to a empire that "revived" it is difficult to imagine that this would amaze the world to any degree. On the other hand the world would be amazed if they saw a leader that was among other leaders in this confederation of 10 nations of 10 kings and he had come up from among the 10, rising to power at the FIRST SEAL, going out conquering and to conquer (Rev 6:2), his conquest including subjugation of 3 of the 10 beasts. Then he receives a fatal wound (Rev 13:3, Rev 13:12, Rev 13:14) but is raised from the dead and the whole world is amazed (cp Rev 11:7, Rev 13:3). They will say that is what supposedly happened to Jesus Christ but ''we don't believe that''. And when the second beast, the false prophet, says to make an image to the beast they acquiesce (Rev 13:14). And the false prophet commands all to bow down and worship the image of the beast and to be given a mark on their right hand or forehead (Rev 13:16). Those who dwell on the earth see this beast as being in the position of the ''Christ'' and as a ruler who can make everything right in the world (cp Rev 13:4). And so those who dwell on the earth bow down and worship the beast.

Kay believes that the preceding scenario will transpire beginning at the 7^th Trumpet proceeding into the bowl judgments. Until the seventh trumpet you are dealing with kingdoms and world powers and then all rather quickly out of these world powers comes one individual, the ANTICHRIST (opposed to and instead of Christ), whose ambition is to rule the earth and to rule over Israel…just like the true Christ, Who is prophesied to rule over Israel and the whole earth.

Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; 4 and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”

In the First Seal they saw him coming out conquering and to conquer…only to be killed and raised from the dead so that the whole world says ''who is able to wage war with him?' (Rev 13:4 - see his triumph over the two witnesses below) And it may be that his first act after being raised from the dead is the killing of the 2 witnesses in Revelation 11

Rev 11:3+ “And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."… Rev 11:7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them.

So Kay feels that at the same time the first seal is broken and the little horn comes into power, a covenant is made with Israel by the Revived Roman Empire, the 7^th Head that has come and is remaining a little while (Da 9:27+). Kay believes that at this point they might allow the LITTLE HORN be the one that makes that 7 year covenant Israel at the same time there is a rebuilt TEMPLE (See Rebuilt Temple). At the same time you have 2 witnesses that are doing all sorts of ''terrible'' things to those who are trying to kill them and don't like their witness (Rev 11:4-6). At the end of 3 ½ years ''…when they have finished their testimony, the beast (who was, is not and is to come) that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them.'' (Rev 11:7+)

And the whole world says ''Who is like the beast and who is able to wage war against him?''

Rev 17:8 “The beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth will wonder, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. (cp Rev 13:3 and Rev 11:7).

Rev 17:12 “And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, (i.e., they don't have their own empire) but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.13 “These have one purpose and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

So when they come to make war against the Lamb, He overcomes them and you have the Stone crushing the statute on its 10 toes, overcoming the Little Horn and the other 10 Horns and the saints set up the Kingdom.

Rev 17:15 And he said to me, “The waters which you saw where the harlot (DEVIL'S BEAUTY) sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.16 “And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire.

So the DEVIL'S BEAUTY, this Woman, is sitting on the DEVIL'S BEAST, which has the ANTICHRIST in it. But eventually these 10 horns and this beast will turn around and hate the woman and destroy the woman and burn her with fire. Many have said that this WOMAN in Rev 17 is an ECCLESIASTICAL BABYLON or a religious system. If you study all the way through the Scriptures, you don't see any place where it is called a religious system. You just know that it is a system that is OPPOSED TO GOD.

Rev 17:17 “For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, (God desires to destroy BABYLON) and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled.18 “And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”

This does not refer to the kings of the 10 horns but the kings of the earth…so THE WOMAN IS A CITY! Let the Scripture speak for itself and don't interpret what is not there.

REVELATION 12

The sign of the Dragon &

The SIGN of the Woman, Israel

The Woman, Israel, gives birth to a Male Son, Jesus, Who was caught up to the throne of God. Why does he sit there? He is waiting until all of the enemies are put under His footstool. Jesus is then going to reign and give the kingdom to His Father.

Rev 12:6+ the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

Kay believes that the Woman, Israel, flees into the wilderness at the 7^th Trumpet.

Rev 12:9+ And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (So the DEMONS are now on the earth along with the DEVIL).10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now (When? When the devil is thrown down.) the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, (Why? because the accuser has been thrown down.) for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night….13 And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.14 And the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.

THE SCENARIO

First Seal - Little Horn going forth conquering and to conquer for 3 ½ years, is killed and goes to the abyss. Satan is cast out of heaven and goes to the abyss and raises (God allows this) and empowers the beast who takes over and is no longer part of this 7^th head that was to come and remain a little while.

Now the beast is the sole ruler and is acclaimed as ''God''. This is the last 3 ½ years of Daniel's Seventieth Week. In 2 Thessalonian 2:4+ he walks into the rebuilt Jewish TEMPLE and breaks his covenant that he had made at the beginning of the first seal and says they can no longer offer sacrifices in the Temple (cp Jesus' warning Mt 24:15+, Mt 24:21+). He declares himself to be God and at that time we begin the last 3 ½ years (42 months, 1260 days, "time, times, half a time") as he persecutes the Woman (Rev 12:6, 14+), Israel and the Jews in Israel (there are other Jews living all around the world). He persecutes the Woman in Israel and she flees into the wilderness where God protects her for time, times and half a time. Satan and the beast are enraged and go out to make war against the saints and against her offspring. When he goes out to wage war then he overcomes the whole world and makes all people receive a mark and worship the image of the beast. If they refuse, he puts them to death (Rev 13:15+).

Rev 13:5 And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him.6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven.7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

It is not a fairytale but a true story. It's not a beauty and a beast with a lovely ending, but it is the devil's beauty and she is nothing but what the Bible would call a whore or harlot who has sold her soul for the wealth and the praise and the domination of men. It's the devil's beauty and it's the devil's beast but the devil's beast only has a short time because He Who is coming will come. On His thigh is written Lord of lords and King of kings and He will come and smite the earth with a sharp sword that comes out of His mouth. That will be the end of the beast and the false prophet and they will be cast into the Lake of fire and there they will be tormented forever and ever. And Jesus Christ will reign.

There's a wonderful end to that story and it's not a fairytale.

Who's side are you on?