The Daily Word of Righteousness

Spiritual Forces of the Last Days, #18

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. (Revelation 13:14)

No doubt the soulish believers, operating in the Satan-inspired supernatural realm they have accepted as being of the Lord Jesus, will be able to conceive of something that will portray the ideal of democracy and capitalism. One is reminded of the image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar—an image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar felt would consolidate his power and deify his person.

The Statue of Liberty, coming from France, a land of revolution, represents the values of the American Constitution. A few years ago the Statue of Liberty was honored in a ceremony that was idolatrous.

Chinese students, when attempting to gain some aspects of personal freedom, made a replica of the Statue of Liberty that they referred to as the "goddess of liberty."

The concept of "liberty" refers to political freedom. Political freedom is desirable, but the Christian redemption often flourishes more readily under oppression than it does under political freedom.

The slavery that is to be feared is spiritual slavery. Men are slaves to the lusts of demons until they are set free by the Lord Jesus. The freedom of spirit that Jesus brings can be enjoyed under a democratic government or a totalitarian regime. The citizens of the Western governments have much political freedom but they are in the chains of slavery to Satan and his demons.

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. (Revelation 13:15)

It remains to be seen whether the image will be a physical statue or some other representation of democracy and capitalism. In any event, Christians working miracles will make this form of government and economics "live." Furthermore, the Christians may murder those who refuse to go along with their scheme for world peace.

It may be difficult for us to believe that some Christians would murder others, but such has occurred on numerous occasions in Church history.

One must remember that under the reign of Antichrist, soulish Christians will be working together with libertarian government to provide a peaceful world in which every person will have sufficient food, clothing, shelter, and health care. "Renegade" Christians and Jews who refuse to participate in the new world order will be tolerated at first, then scorned, then perceived as enemies of mankind.

There is a movement today among Christians to organize civil government according to Mosaic Law. This would include the institution of capital punishment for a number of crimes that today would not warrant the death penalty.

When the Pharisees had the Lord murdered, and when Saul of Tarsus was imprisoning Christians, they were doing so according to the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses commands very harsh punishments for anyone found worshiping a false God.

To be continued.