666 in the Last Days
666 in the last days
As we bring this study to a close, I want you to see 666 as representing an end-time union of world powers.
The message of 666 reveals that the persecuting power of the Dragon transitioned to Papal Rome and continued its work of tyranny. However, we now can see that this same oppression will rise up in America. Regarding this succession,
Ellen White notated the following:
"The Christian exiles who first fled to America, sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance, and they determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty. These principles are the secret of our power and prosperity as a nation. Millions from other lands have sought our shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth But the stern tracings of the prophetic pencil reveal a change in this peaceful scene. The beast with lamb-like horns speaks with the voice of a dragon, and “exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him.” The spirit of persecution manifested by paganism and the papacy is again to be revealed. Prophecy declares that this power will say “to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.” [Revelation 13:14.] The image is made to the first or leopard-like beast, which is the one brought to view in the third angel's message. By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar power. The formation of this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be found an image of the papacy. When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people. Almost every century furnishes examples of what bigotry and malice can do under a plea of serving God by protecting the rights of Church and State. Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience." 4SP p. 277
According to Ellen White's commentary on Revelation 13, there will be a marriage between church and state (woman and man) and persecution will be revived. However, this oppression will not be constrained to the United States. Prophecy reveals that "he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads." Revelation 13:16
The End-time Union
As the United States pushes the Papal agenda in the final days, we must see that America will be at the heart of a union. Who will this union consist of, and how might it be formed?
One of Ellen White's most quoted statements is relevant to this study. She says: "The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience." GC88 p. 588
Understanding that these three powers represent the three 6's of Babylon, we can see a union at the end of the world. While we are not certain of every specifics of this union, Ellen White confirms this union will consist of Protestants and Catholics. These groups, however, have no power outside of their governments, therefore we understand that the civil identity of the Protestants is the United States of America, and the civil identity of the Catholic Church is currently the Vatican. But what about spiritualism? Can we assign a civil power to this entity? In looking at the Dragon's original territory, one might say that the Roman Empire was its civil identity. The problem with this idea is that the Roman Empire no longer exists, so it cannot be used as spiritualism's civil identity. That being said, the closest civil power we have to the Roman Empire today, would be the European Union.
Europe, the Vatican, and the United States of America
I believe the three civically assigned territories of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet are the continent of Europe, and the countries of the Vatican, and the United States. If we know a little history, we know that this is not the first time these three nations worked together.
As we bring this study to a close, I want you to see 666 as representing an end-time union of world powers. The message of 666 reveals that the persecuting power of the Dragon transitioned to Papal Rome and continued its work of tyranny. However, we now can see that this same oppression will rise up in America. Regarding this succession, Ellen White notated the following:
"The Christian exiles who first fled to America, sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance, and they determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty. These principles are the secret of our power and prosperity as a nation. Millions from other lands have sought our shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth But the stern tracings of the prophetic pencil reveal a change in this peaceful scene. The beast with lamb-like horns speaks with the voice of a dragon, and “exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him.” The spirit of persecution manifested by paganism and the papacy is again to be revealed. Prophecy declares that this power will say “to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.” [Revelation 13:14.] The image is made to the first or leopard-like beast, which is the one brought to view in the third angel's message. By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar power. The formation of this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be found an image of the papacy. When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people. Almost every century furnishes examples of what bigotry and malice can do under a plea of serving God by protecting the rights of Church and State. Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience." 4SP p. 277
According to Ellen White's commentary on Revelation 13, there will be a marriage between church and state (woman and man) and persecution will be revived. However, this oppression will not be constrained to the United States. Prophecy reveals that "he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads." Revelation 13:16
The End-time Union
As the United States pushes the Papal agenda in the final days, we must see that America will be at the heart of a union. Who will this union consist of, and how might it be formed?
One of Ellen White's most quoted statements is relevant to this study. She says: "The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience." GC88 p. 588
Understanding that these three powers represent the three 6's of Babylon, we can see a union at the end of the world. While we are not certain of every specifics of this union, Ellen White confirms this union will consist of Protestants and Catholics. These groups, however, have no power outside of their governments, therefore we understand that the civil identity of the Protestants is the United States of America, and the civil identity of the Catholic Church is currently the Vatican. But what about spiritualism? Can we assign a civil power to this entity? In looking at the Dragon's original territory, one might say that the Roman Empire was its civil identity. The problem with this idea is that the Roman Empire no longer exists, so it cannot be used as spiritualism's civil identity. That being said, the closest civil power we have to the Roman Empire today, would be the European Union.
Europe, the Vatican, and the United States of America
I believe the three civically assigned territories of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet are the continent of Europe, and the countries of the Vatican, and the United States. If we know a little history, we know that this is not the first time these three nations worked together
As we bring this study to a close, I want you to see 666 as representing an end-time union of world powers. The message of 666 reveals that the persecuting power of the Dragon transitioned to Papal Rome and continued its work of tyranny. However, we now can see that this same oppression will rise up in America. Regarding this succession, Ellen White notated the following:
"The Christian exiles who first fled to America, sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance, and they determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty. These principles are the secret of our power and prosperity as a nation. Millions from other lands have sought our shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth But the stern tracings of the prophetic pencil reveal a change in this peaceful scene. The beast with lamb-like horns speaks with the voice of a dragon, and “exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him.” The spirit of persecution manifested by paganism and the papacy is again to be revealed. Prophecy declares that this power will say “to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.” [Revelation 13:14.] The image is made to the first or leopard-like beast, which is the one brought to view in the third angel's message. By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar power. The formation of this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be found an image of the papacy. When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people. Almost every century furnishes examples of what bigotry and malice can do under a plea of serving God by protecting the rights of Church and State. Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience." 4SP p. 277
According to Ellen White's commentary on Revelation 13, there will be a marriage between church and state (woman and man) and persecution will be revived. However, this oppression will not be constrained to the United States. Prophecy reveals that "he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads." Revelation 13:16
The End-time Union
As the United States pushes the Papal agenda in the final days, we must see that America will be at the heart of a union. Who will this union consist of, and how might it be formed?
One of Ellen White's most quoted statements is relevant to this study. She says: "The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience." GC88 p. 588
Understanding that these three powers represent the three 6's of Babylon, we can see a union at the end of the world. While we are not certain of every specifics of this union, Ellen White confirms this union will consist of Protestants and Catholics. These groups, however, have no power outside of their governments, therefore we understand that the civil identity of the Protestants is the United States of America, and the civil identity of the Catholic Church is currently the Vatican. But what about spiritualism? Can we assign a civil power to this entity? In looking at the Dragon's original territory, one might say that the Roman Empire was its civil identity. The problem with this idea is that the Roman Empire no longer exists, so it cannot be used as spiritualism's civil identity. That being said, the closest civil power we have to the Roman Empire today, would be the European Union.
Europe, the Vatican, and the United States of America
I believe the three civically assigned territories of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet are the continent of Europe, and the countries of the Vatican, and the United States. If we know a little history, we know that this is not the first time these three nations worked together.
History reveals the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet each had a hand in bringing down the powerful USSR in 1991. What has happened in the past is often an indicator of what may happen in the future.
At the end of time
In the last days, the United States will push for a Sunday law. This law most likely will not be called the Sunday law, but this law will result in penalties for those who are not part of a religious mandate of this country. Understanding the three-fold union, I believe this world order will be monetarily funded by Europe, religiously based upon Papal principles, and militarily backed by the United States. Thus, the Dragon speaks, the Beast is revived, and the False Prophets enforces.
Not everyone will be convinced of this union and this is where spiritualism comes into play.
"As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world..." Ms 139, 1903
As false Protestantism, and Catholicism, bring their countries under one fold, non-Christian nations will be convinced by a parade of heathen power. This is likely where the Ten Kings are joined to the Beast of the apocalypse. Once this union is made, God's people will be persecuted.
"Satan unites with Protestants and Papists, acting in consort with them as the god of this world, dictating to men as if they were the subjects of his kingdom, to be handled and governed and controlled as he pleases. If men will not agree to trample under foot the commandments of God, the spirit of the dragon is revealed. They are imprisoned, brought before councils, and fined. “He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” “He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Thus Satan usurps the prerogatives of Jehovah. The man of sin sits in the seat of God, proclaiming himself to be God, and acting above God." Mar p. 191
As we can see what's coming upon this earth, our only hope is in Jesus. Although prophecy has a large focus on end-time events, we also must remember that our focus must be on Jesus. With Jesus as our Savior, we become subjects of the kingdom of heaven and have no need to worry about the kingdoms of this world. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
History reveals the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet each had a hand in bringing down the powerful USSR in 1991. What has happened in the past is often an indicator of what may happen in the future.
At the end of time
In the last days, the United States will push for a Sunday law. This law most likely will not be called the Sunday law, but this law will result in penalties for those who are not part of a religious mandate of this country. Understanding the three-fold union, I believe this world order will be monetarily funded by Europe, religiously based upon Papal principles, and militarily backed by the United States. Thus, the Dragon speaks, the Beast is revived, and the False Prophets enforces.
Not everyone will be convinced of this union and this is where spiritualism comes into play.
"As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world..." Ms 139, 1903
As false Protestantism, and Catholicism, bring their countries under one fold, non-Christian nations will be convinced by a parade of heathen power. This is likely where the Ten Kings are joined to the Beast of the apocalypse. Once this union is made, God's people will be persecuted.
"Satan unites with Protestants and Papists, acting in consort with them as the god of this world, dictating to men as if they were the subjects of his kingdom, to be handled and governed and controlled as he pleases. If men will not agree to trample under foot the commandments of God, the spirit of the dragon is revealed. They are imprisoned, brought before councils, and fined. “He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” “He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Thus Satan usurps the prerogatives of Jehovah. The man of sin sits in the seat of God, proclaiming himself to be God, and acting above God." Mar p. 191
As we can see what's coming upon this earth, our only hope is in Jesus. Although prophecy has a large focus on end-time events, we also must remember that our focus must be on Jesus. With Jesus as our Savior, we become subjects of the kingdom of heaven and have no need to worry about the kingdoms of this world. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
History reveals the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet each had a hand in bringing down the powerful USSR in 1991. What has happened in the past is often an indicator of what may happen in the future.
At the end of time
In the last days, the United States will push for a Sunday law. This law most likely will not be called the Sunday law, but this law will result in penalties for those who are not part of a religious mandate of this country. Understanding the three-fold union, I believe this world order will be monetarily funded by Europe, religiously based upon Papal principles, and militarily backed by the United States. Thus, the Dragon speaks, the Beast is revived, and the False Prophets enforces.
Not everyone will be convinced of this union and this is where spiritualism comes into play.
"As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world..." Ms 139, 1903
As false Protestantism, and Catholicism, bring their countries under one fold, non-Christian nations will be convinced by a parade of heathen power. This is likely where the Ten Kings are joined to the Beast of the apocalypse. Once this union is made, God's people will be persecuted.
"Satan unites with Protestants and Papists, acting in consort with them as the god of this world, dictating to men as if they were the subjects of his kingdom, to be handled and governed and controlled as he pleases. If men will not agree to trample under foot the commandments of God, the spirit of the dragon is revealed. They are imprisoned, brought before councils, and fined. “He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” “He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Thus Satan usurps the prerogatives of Jehovah. The man of sin sits in the seat of God, proclaiming himself to be God, and acting above God." Mar p. 191
As we can see what's coming upon this earth, our only hope is in Jesus. Although prophecy has a large focus on end-time events, we also must remember that our focus must be on Jesus. With Jesus as our Savior, we become subjects of the kingdom of heaven and have no need to worry about the kingdoms of this world. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
