The book of Revelation is the pulling back of the curtain so that we can see what the future of God's people will be. This revelation is our glorious hope as we look to Jesus in these days of tribulation and know for sure he is coming back to take us home.

As this vision progresses we see images that are more horrifying, but their actions are even worse than their looks. In chapter 13 we are introduced to two beasts, one coming from eh sea and the other from the land. Along with the dragon we see them represent a counterfeit trinity. They try to establish themselves as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but they are not the reality we need to know. The first beast will be a charismatic communicator and will fool people into believing they are a saviour. The second beast will be the agent of propaganda that shows signs and wonders to prove the first beast.

But John warns us to be on our guard so that we are not taken in by their lies. There is only one Saviour and it is the true Holy Spirit who convinces us of our need of Jesus. In two places in Revelation 13 John gives us words of wisdom on how to identify the falsehood of this world, for it is the ruling structures of the world that will try to draw us away from Christ and so lose out on true salvation.

But don't let it! Look only to Jesus for salvation and know eternal security and rest in him.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Get your copy of the ESV Scripture Journal (Revelation) wherever you get your Christian books to help your own study in this series.

A video of this podcast is available at https://youtu.be/IkUswiZGYFg.