Study Series 16 Lesson 4: This study covers chapters 13 through 20 on one of the major subjects in the Revelation – the Beast (and the Mark). While the Preterist understands why the misguided view to the future causes the confusion for our futurist brothers and sisters, I propose that the focus of many Preterists to look at Nero as the Beast as the “only answer,” has hindered the Preterist world from allowing the overarching focal point of Revelation (judgment of Old Covenant Israel) to point very compellingly to a Jewish Beast(s) (Land and Sea). This is a highly recommended study to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).
In addition to the major study on the Beast(s) of Revelation, we also delve into Sub Studies on:
Antichrist: A short, yet precise and powerful, sub study to dispel the hype and myths of the modern pundits for some future world leader, as well as to show that this term is not some single entity synonymous with “The Beast” of Revelation, nor “The Man of Sin” of 2 Thessalonians.
Man of Sin/Lawlessness: The reason I, and others, do not subscribe to the Neronian theory of the Man of Sin is because of the explicit Jewish character with which Paul describes the Man of Sin in 2 Thessalonians. Paul stated the Man of Sin would set himself up in the temple as if he was God. Nero never set foot in Judea, much less in Jerusalem’s temple, nor was his image ever set up in the temple. So, we need another candidate who might have set himself up in the temple as if he was God.
It is also worth mentioning that Paul identifies the Man of Sin as a single individual, in contrast with the apostle John who referred to “many antichrists” (1 John 2:18-27; 4:3-5; and 2 John 7). Furthermore, John describes these “antichrists” as having formerly been a part of the church, before “they went out from us.” They were “deceivers” and “false apostles.” The Man of Sin cannot be the same as these “antichrists” since there is no indication that the Man of Sin was ever a part of the Church.
Paul, in 2 Thess. 2, provides over a dozen different characteristics by which to identify the Man of Sin, several of which clearly paint him as a Jewish figure in close connection with the temple or priesthood:
- He would “sit in the temple of God”
- Break the Law completely
- Oppose everyone else
- Exalt himself above God and the Law
- Delude his followers with false signs and wonders
- Engage in utter wickedness
- End up being slain
- Brought to an end by the breath of Christ’s mouth at the Parousia
Full “Study Series” PDF (Available upon request if not hyperlinked. Please email me)
Listen to the weekly Bible study audio:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6