“And ... they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’” (4). John saw “a beast” rising from the sea with horns, crowns, and blasphemous names; the dragon (Satan) had given it power, position (a throne), and great authority (2). John saw another “beast” encouraging people to follow the first creature who was miraculously healed, and together they opposed God (6), made war on the saints (7), and deceived humanity (11-18).

In a chaotic world, leaders with great authority, power, and miraculous signs seem like the answer. But our King, “the Lamb who was slain”, won salvation through His loving sacrifice, so that our names could be in His book of Life (8).