THE SIGNS OF THE FALSE SPIRIT

The Signs of the False Spirit vs. 13-15

 

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live." "And 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."

The Character of These Signs. They are Essen­tially Religious

vs. 13, 15

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And 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."

The word for wonders is the word "signs" and these are referred to as great signs. These signs are not mere wonders, but great works with meaning. It is therefore in point to look for the meaning.

The Sign of Fire From Heaven vs. 13

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,"

 

This looks very much as though the second beast is attempting to convey to men the idea that the first beast is actually the Messiah, and the fire is one aspect of his glorious appearance, namely, judgment (Mal. 3:2; 4:1).

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:"
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

The Sign of Life in the Image vs. 15

"And 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."

 

The word "life" is the word pneuma or spirit. This does not necessarily mean that the image was made alive. But it may mean that an evil spirit was caused to dwell in the image and speak through it. This would startle the people. Here again there seems to be an attempt to counterfeit another aspect of the Messiah, namely, that of giving life (John 7:28; 6:40).

"Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not."

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

 

The Deceptiveness of the Signs. They are Lying Wonders vs. 13-14

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."

 

• These are great miracles in quality. The word great of verse 13 is used in the sense of quality.
• These are real miracles in nature. They are not necessarily false because they are performed by the false prophet. As a matter of fact, they are performed by one who has above natural power.
• These are lying miracles in purpose. They are intended to lead the observer to a false conclusion. Cf. 2 Thess. 2:9 ff. The false conclusion is that these miracles come from God.

The Purpose of the Signs: To Develop a Reli­gious Fervor

• Deception of the populace in general was necessary. All those whose allegiance was with Antichrist were deceived. 14
• Descent into idolatrous forms of worship. This is definitely a step in the direction of pantheism and naturalism. 14
• Definite worship of the beast through the adoration and worship of his image. 15

The Persecution for not Obeying the Signs vs. 15b

"......and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

This implies clearly an organized movement for the purpose of conserving the benefits of the signs. It is evident that the beast intends to center all earthly allegiance upon himself and that the religious factor is the means to the end.

It must not be forgotten that during the first 3 1/2 years the beast-was content to be ridden by the scarlet woman of Ch. 17. In the midst of the week, the beast throws her off and establishes himself in the temple and demands worship. It is during the last 3 1/2 years that this religious organization of the second beast comes prominently into view.