Making an Image to the Beast

In lesson 1b we studied great king Nebuchadnezzar and his remarkable dream. Eventually, he gave his heart to the God of Heaven.

In this lesson we will study Daniel chapter 3, and learn how king Nebuchadnezzar made a great image to be worshipped under pain of death, and how God miraculously delivered His people. Most importantly, we will learn how this story relates to us, and the amazing events about to take place on our earth.

A GREAT GOLDEN IMAGE

1. In Daniel 2 we read about the great statue in Nebuchad- nezzar's dream, foretelling 4 great kingdoms in succession of one another. What did the head of gold represent?

Daniel 2:38

2. What was to occur to the head of gold, according to the prophecy?

Daniel 2:39

Note: His kingdom was to be succeeded by a less glorious one.

3. In Daniel 3:1 we read how king Nebuchadnezzar had a great statue made, similar to the one in his dream. What was this idol made of?

Daniel 3:1

4. What do you think was the message he was trying to get across?

Your Answer:________________________________________

Note: Nebuchadnezzar was seemingly saying, "My kingdom of gold shall not be succeeded by 3 others; it shall continue forever." Even though he had been impressed with the God of Daniel, he was yet an unconverted man, a worshipper of idols.

5. When all the governors (heads of government) were assembled for the dedication of the image, what did the king command?

Daniel 3:4,5

6. What was the penalty for failing to obey?

Daniel 3:6

7. Did the majority of the people comply?

verse 7

THE THREE WORTHIES

8. What did God's faithful children do?

Daniel 3:8-12

9. When threatened with punishment, what was their answer?

Daniel 3:13-18

10. Did the faithful few perish, in these extreme circumstances?

Daniel 3:19-25

11. What does this tell us about God and how we can relate to Him, if we were placed in similar circumstances?

Deuteronomy 7:9

I Corinthians 10:13

Matthew 28:20

Psalm 91

12. Did this experience cause king Nebuchadnezzar to love and obey God?

Daniel 3:26-29

Note: Although he gained a respect and honoured the true God, he nonetheless was not won over to God's methods. Notice the awful attitude in verse 29, even in promoting the true God! This clearly shows us that obedience from fear is not true obedience. Only those won over by God's ways can be called His followers.

ANOTHER BEAST

In Revelation 13, we read about "the beast" and its terrible mark. But who will enforce the mark?

13. In Daniel 7:3 we read that the 4 great beasts arose out of the sea. What does water represent in prophecy?

Revelation 17:15

Isaiah 17:12,13

Note: These 4 great empires did, indeed, arise out of already vastly populated areas.

14. What does the first part of Revelation 13:3 tell us would happen to the beast?

15. When was the papal head of the beast of Revelation 13 wounded?

Answer: In 1798, when the Pope was temporarily overthrown by the French, under General Berthier. (Lesson 22)

16. What did the prophet see coming up at this time?

Revelation 13:11

Note: The prophet here sees the emergence of a new nation, sometime around 1798.

17. What was unique to this beast regarding where it arose from?

Revelation 13:11a

Note: This nation did not, as all the other beasts, arise from the waters, but from the earth. Therefore it had to come up in a sparsely-populated region.

18. What is the character of this new power?

Revelation 13:11

Note: We know that a lamb is a symbol of Jesus. Therefore this beast must have some characteristics of Christ. Also notice that the horns have no crowns. This nation will have neither a Pope nor a king, and it will have the principles of Jesus, the Lamb.

19. How did Jesus feel about church and state matters?

Matthew 22:21

20. How powerful will this beast become?

verse 12a

Note: This beast becomes a formidable, if not supreme, world power.

Taking the historical facts into consideration, we see that only one power in history meets these five prophetic specifi- cations, namely, the United States of America!

This nation was not established by military conquest like the kingdoms of Europe, but grew quietly like a plant in the sparsely populated New World. It became a nation in the latter half of the 18th century, as the Papal power was waning. No nation in history has dedicated itself more openly to the principles of civil and religious liberty. It is a republic, not a monarchy. It has made enormous gains in population, material wealth and military strength, especially during the past century, until today it is the richest and most powerful nation on earth!

Every lover of freedom will wish that the prophecy ended here, for the rest is bitterly disappointing. A radical and alarming change of character is predicted to take place in this favoured nation, which began with such rich promise and noble ideals.

THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST

21. What startling change is predicted in the lamb-like character of this beast?

Revelation 13:11b

Note: Here are two opposites pictured in glaring contrast. "Lamb-like" characteristics change dramatically to "Dragon-like" characteristics! The lamb, once again, we know to be a symbol of Christ. But the Dragon is a symbol of Satan! According to this prophecy, there will be in America a fateful tug-o'-war between these two superhuman powers, and for one brief, final hour, the Devil will appear to triumph!

History will yet witness on American soil the emergence of a State-supported religious tyranny as ruthless as the Spanish inquisition of the middle ages, or the iron-fisted despotism of imperial Rome!

22. To whom will this second beast make an image?

Revelation 13:14

Note: An image is a copy. The first beast supported false worship by the arm of the state and persecuted and killed those who refused to comply.

This second beast will do the same. We see omens today of such things in the uniting of church and government leaders to enforce religious morality to stem the tide of evil in our decaying society. Their motives are very good but forced worship is always evil.

The second beast will utilize boycott and finally death threats to force people in line, Revelation 13:15-17. THE IMAGE IS UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE WITH FORCED WORSHIP. Remember, God does not force our worship or obedience; this is the very reason He has allowed all this suffering. God values nothing more than the freedom of the universe, and He always gives us the freedom of choice.

23. What two tragic things does this second beast cause people to do?

Revelation 13:12,16

Note: America will lead out in forcing people to receive the mark of the beast. Our magnificent country will soon repudiate religious freedom and will force people into false worship.

CONCLUSION

"And behold, I am with you, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20

Knowing that God is worthy of total and complete trust, do you choose to follow where he may lead?

My response to Christ is:______________________________