Is giving life to the image of the beast impossible with modern technology?
Giving life to the image of the beast is not seen as impossible with modern technology. The text notes this does not stretch beyond present technology and cites reports of Japanese researchers developing a living-cell computer, combining electricity, electronics, and biological cells, suggesting such an image could be animated.
Les explains that the miracle of giving life to the image should not automatically be attributed to God, because Satan has tremendous miracle-working power, especially during the tribulation. The false prophet, a second powerful world leader, will direct earth's inhabitants to make an image of the Antichrist, just as Nebuchadnezzar centralized worship through a great image. The false prophet will amalgamate the world's religions around this image. Les then points to verse 15, where the false prophet has power to give life to the image, and says this is not beyond present technology. He mentions an article about Japanese researchers frantically working on a living-cell computer, fed by electricity and electronics but also containing biological cells.