In Revelation, 'beast' does not refer to an animal but to a governmental power.
Les Feldick emphasizes that the word 'beast' in Revelation symbolizes a government, not a ferocious creature. The first beast represents the revived Roman Empire headed by the Antichrist, while the second beast represents a religious government centered in a person. These are symbolic expressions of political and religious systems.
Revelation 13:1 — This verse introduces the first beast coming out of the sea, which Les explains as a symbol of a governmental power arising from humanity.
In Revelation 13, John describes a beast rising out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, and a second beast coming up out of the earth. The Bible states that the dragon (Satan) gives the first beast his power, throne, and authority (Revelation 13:2). The second beast has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon, and it exercises the authority of the first beast (Revelation 13:11-12).
Les Feldick teaches that in Revelation, the word 'beast' is symbolic language for a governmental power, not a literal animal. He stresses that the beast in Revelation 13 is the same as the beast in Daniel, representing the Roman Empire and its revival. The first beast comes out of the sea, symbolizing the masses of humanity, and is headed by the Antichrist. The second beast comes out of the earth, representing a religious government centered in a person, possibly Jewish, and is a satanic religious system. Les explains that these beasts are political and religious powers, not creatures.
No. Les Feldick clarifies that the 'beast' is not a ferocious-looking animal or a dragon, but a governmental power. The symbolic language of beasts in Daniel and Revelation points to empires and governments.
The first beast represents the revived Roman Empire, headed by the Antichrist. It comes out of the sea, symbolizing the sea of humanity. This beast is political in nature and receives its power from Satan.
The second beast represents a religious government, centered in a person. It comes out of the earth, possibly indicating a Jewish connection, but not necessarily. It has horns like a lamb, signifying a religious leader, yet speaks like a dragon, indicating satanic power. This is a religious system that exercises authority on behalf of the first beast.
The term 'beast' is used because the government will operate in a bestial manner, showing no concern for human rights. It is a symbolic way to describe the ruthless nature of the end-times world system.
Beast as Governmental Power
Les Feldick explains that the beast imagery in Revelation and Daniel refers to political powers, not literal animals.
First Beast as Roman Empire
Les identifies the beast as the revival of the Roman Empire, called a beast because of its bestial treatment of humanity.
Beast Not a Creature
Les dismisses artistic depictions of beasts, emphasizing that Scripture's symbolic language reduces to a literal government.
Definition of Beast
Les clearly states that 'beast' in Revelation always refers to a governmental power, not a ferocious animal or dragon.
Second Beast as Religious Government
Les explains that the second beast is a religious government, possibly Jewish, led by a religious leader with satanic power.
Antichrist as Beast
Les says the Antichrist is identified as the beast, ruling the final world system, and the sea symbolizes humanity.
Beast Same as Daniel
Les connects the beast in Revelation to the same beast in Daniel, emphasizing it is the Roman Empire.
Beast Headed by Man of Sin
Les describes the beast coming from the sea of humanity, an empire headed by the man of sin, with Satan giving power.
Revelation 13:1: And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
This verse introduces the first beast, which Les interprets as a political government arising from humanity.
Revelation 13:2: And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
This shows the beast's characteristics and that Satan delegates his power to it.
Revelation 13:11: And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
This introduces the second beast, which Les interprets as a religious government with satanic power.
No, Les Feldick teaches that 'beast' symbolizes a governmental power, not a literal animal. The symbolic language of Revelation points to political and religious systems.
The first beast represents the revived Roman Empire, a political government headed by the Antichrist. It comes out of the sea, symbolizing the masses of humanity.
The second beast represents a religious government, centered in a person. It has horns like a lamb (religious) but speaks like a dragon (satanic). It exercises authority on behalf of the first beast.
Watch the Teaching: Daniel's Dream, the Antichrist & the Mark of the Beast