The False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast Explained

Devotional

Day 1: Discernment Against Counterfeits: Beware of False Prophets

Throughout history and especially in the last days, false prophets will arise, appearing gentle and spiritual like lambs but speaking with the deception and destruction of the dragon, Satan. These false prophets will mimic the appearance and even the works of Christ, seeking to lead people away from the truth of the gospel. Jesus Himself warned that such deceivers would come, not only in the end times but even now, and that their words and actions would be subtle, persuasive, and dangerous. As followers of Christ, it is essential to be spiritually discerning, to test every teaching and spirit against the Word of God, and to remain vigilant so that we are not led astray by those who appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt. [44:29]

Matthew 7:15 (CSB)
“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.”

Reflection: When you hear a spiritual leader or teacher—whether in person, online, or on TV—do you open your Bible and test what they say against Scripture, or do you take their words at face value? How can you make it a habit this week to check every teaching by the Word of God?

Day 2: God’s Sovereignty Over All: The True Source of Authority

No matter how much power or authority the Antichrist or the false prophet may seem to wield, their authority is only permitted by God, who remains sovereign over all creation. The schemes of Satan and his agents are ultimately limited and cannot surpass the boundaries set by the Almighty. Even in times of great tribulation, when evil appears to triumph, God’s people can rest in the assurance that the Lord is in control, and His purposes will prevail. This truth calls us to worship the one true God, to trust in His ultimate authority, and to refuse to give our allegiance to any counterfeit power. [48:03]

Revelation 13:11-12 (CSB)
"Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel overwhelmed by forces beyond your control? How can you remind yourself today that God is sovereign and that no power on earth or in heaven can overrule His authority?

Day 3: The Danger of Deceptive Signs and Wonders

The false prophet will perform great signs and wonders, even calling down fire from heaven, in order to deceive many and draw them away from Christ. These counterfeit miracles are designed to mimic the works of God and to give credibility to lies, but they are empty imitations that cannot bring true life or salvation. Jesus warned that even the elect could be led astray if not for God’s protection. The people of God must not be swayed by displays of power or supernatural events alone, but must anchor their faith in the truth of God’s Word and the character of Christ. [50:46]

Matthew 24:24 (CSB)
"For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."

Reflection: Have you ever been tempted to believe something just because it seemed miraculous or impressive? What steps can you take to ensure your faith is grounded in Christ and His Word, rather than in outward signs?

Day 4: Faithfulness in the Face of Persecution

During the great tribulation, those who refuse to worship the Antichrist and do not accept his mark will face severe persecution, even death. Yet, the testimony of Scripture and the example of persecuted believers around the world remind us that faithfulness to Christ is worth any cost. The call to endure, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to remain loyal to Jesus is not just for a future time but for every believer today. We are encouraged to pray for the persecuted church, to be courageous in our own witness, and to share the gospel so that others may be rescued from deception and judgment. [01:00:14]

Revelation 20:4 (CSB)
"Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."

Reflection: Who is one person you can pray for or encourage today who is facing opposition for their faith? How might God be calling you to stand firm and share the hope of Christ, even when it is costly?

Day 5: The Only Way of Rescue: Repentance and Faith in Christ

No matter how great the deception or how severe the coming judgment, there is hope and rescue for all who turn to Jesus in repentance and faith. Salvation is not earned by works or religious effort but is a gift received by admitting our sin, confessing and repenting, and believing in the death and resurrection of Christ. This invitation is open to all, and today is the day of salvation. Those who trust in Christ are delivered from the wrath to come and are given eternal life with Him. The urgency of this message compels us not only to respond personally but also to share the good news with others who are lost and in need of rescue. [01:07:36]

Romans 3:23 (CSB)
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Reflection: Have you personally admitted your need for Jesus, confessed your sin, and trusted in His finished work for your salvation? If so, who is one person you can share this message of hope with this week? If not, what is holding you back from turning to Him today?

Sermon Summary

Revelation 13:11-18 reveals a sobering portrait of the end times, focusing on the rise of the false prophet—one who appears gentle like a lamb but speaks with the voice of the dragon, Satan. This figure, together with the Antichrist and Satan, forms an “unholy trinity,” counterfeiting the true Trinity and seeking to deceive the world. The false prophet’s power is not his own; it is permitted by God, who remains sovereign over all things, even in the darkest moments of human history. The false prophet’s mission is to direct worship away from the true God and toward the Antichrist, using counterfeit miracles and signs to mimic the works of Christ and the prophets, and to establish a one-world religion that ultimately serves Satan.

This passage is not just a prophecy for a distant future; it is a call to spiritual discernment today. Jesus warned that false prophets would come in sheep’s clothing, and we are reminded that deception is not always obvious. The false prophet’s ability to perform signs, even calling down fire from heaven, echoes the miracles of Moses and Elijah, but these wonders are meant to lead people astray. The ultimate test is not the spectacle, but the message: does it align with the Word of God? Believers are urged to be vigilant, to test every teaching against Scripture, and to hold fast to the truth.

The mark of the beast, 666, symbolizes the completeness of sinful incompleteness—a trinity of imperfection that can never rival the perfection of God. Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist during the tribulation will face severe persecution, even death. Yet, for those who belong to Christ, there is assurance: God rescues His people, and the call remains to share the gospel with urgency, so that others may escape the coming judgment.

Salvation is available to all who will admit their need, confess their sin, repent, and trust in Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy of worship. The invitation is open: turn from deception and death, and receive the gift of eternal life in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Counterfeits Demand Discernment The false prophet comes “like a lamb” but speaks “like a dragon,” illustrating how evil often disguises itself in the appearance of good. True spiritual discernment requires more than recognizing outward appearances; it demands a deep familiarity with God’s Word so that we can test every message and messenger. In a world filled with persuasive voices, only those rooted in Scripture will avoid being led astray by spiritual counterfeits. [44:29]
2. God’s Sovereignty Amidst Evil Even as the false prophet and Antichrist exercise great authority and perform signs, their power is permitted, not autonomous. God remains sovereign, setting boundaries on evil and ensuring that His ultimate purposes prevail. This truth anchors believers in hope, reminding us that no matter how chaotic or dark the world becomes, God’s authority is unchallenged and His victory is certain. [48:03]
3. The Danger of Deceptive Miracles The false prophet’s signs and wonders, including calling down fire from heaven, are designed to mimic God’s works and deceive the masses. Miraculous experiences are not proof of divine truth; they must be weighed against the character and message of Christ. The enemy’s greatest tool is not always persecution, but seduction—drawing hearts away from God through impressive but empty displays. [52:14]
4. The Cost of Faithfulness in a Hostile World Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist and reject the mark of the beast will face severe persecution, even martyrdom. Faithfulness to Christ may require standing alone and suffering for the truth, but God honors those who endure. The courage to remain loyal to Jesus, even when it costs everything, is a testimony to the surpassing worth of knowing Him. [59:18]
5. The Urgency of the Gospel Knowing the reality of coming judgment and the deception that will sweep the world, believers are compelled to share the gospel with urgency and compassion. We cannot save anyone ourselves, but we are called to proclaim the good news so that others might escape spiritual death and find life in Christ. Our love for others is measured by our willingness to warn them and point them to the only Savior. [61:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:25] - Reading Revelation 13:11-18
[37:06] - Praising God’s Sovereignty
[39:09] - Praying for the Persecuted Church
[40:28] - Introduction to the False Prophet
[41:16] - The Origins and Nature of the False Prophet
[42:21] - The False Prophet as Spiritual Leader
[43:19] - Counterfeiting Christ: The Lamb Imagery
[44:29] - The Call for Spiritual Discernment
[46:42] - The False Prophet’s Deceptive Message
[47:28] - The False Prophet’s Authority and Actions
[49:37] - Counterfeit Miracles and Signs
[52:14] - Fire from Heaven: Mimicking God’s Power
[55:17] - The Image of the Beast and Temple Desecration
[58:14] - The Limits of Satan’s Power
[59:18] - Persecution and the Cost of Faithfulness
[62:48] - The Mark of the Beast: 666
[64:50] - The Meaning of 666 and God’s Perfection
[66:44] - The Invitation to Salvation
[70:44] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[76:28] - Congregational Encouragement
[80:40] - Announcements and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 13:11-18 (ESV) — 11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Observation Questions

According to Revelation 13:11, what are the two main characteristics of the false prophet’s appearance and speech? How does this contrast help us understand his role?
What kinds of miracles or signs does the false prophet perform, and what is their purpose according to verses 13-14?
What is the consequence for those who refuse to worship the image of the beast, as described in verse 15?
In the sermon, what does the “mark of the beast” (666) represent, and how is it described as a counterfeit? [[01:05:54]]

Interpretation Questions

The false prophet comes “like a lamb” but speaks “like a dragon.” What does this teach about the nature of spiritual deception, and why might it be difficult to recognize? [[44:29]]
The sermon emphasizes that the false prophet’s power is “permitted” by God. How does this truth about God’s sovereignty affect the way believers should respond to evil and chaos in the world? [[48:03]]
The false prophet’s miracles are described as counterfeits meant to deceive. Why is it important to test spiritual experiences and teachings against Scripture rather than relying on outward signs? [[52:14]]
The cost of faithfulness is highlighted by the persecution of those who refuse the mark. What does this reveal about the value God places on loyalty to Christ, even in the face of suffering? [[59:18]]

Application Questions

The sermon warns that deception is not always obvious and that false prophets can appear “like a lamb.” Are there teachings, influencers, or trends today that seem good on the surface but may not align with God’s Word? How do you discern the difference? [[44:29]]
The pastor urged everyone to have their own Bible open and to test what is taught. How often do you personally check what you hear—whether in church, online, or in books—against Scripture? What practical steps can you take to grow in this habit? [[46:17]]
The false prophet’s miracles were impressive but deceptive. Have you ever been drawn to something because it seemed powerful or exciting, only to realize later it wasn’t from God? How can you guard your heart against being led astray by “spiritual counterfeits”? [[52:14]]
The sermon described the mark of the beast as a “trinity of imperfection” and a counterfeit of God’s perfection. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to settle for “good enough” instead of God’s best? What would it look like to pursue God’s standard of holiness this week? [[01:05:54]]
Faithfulness to Christ may require standing alone or facing hardship. Can you think of a time when following Jesus cost you something? How did God meet you in that moment, and what did you learn? [[59:18]]
The urgency of sharing the gospel was emphasized, knowing the reality of coming judgment. Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? What is one step you can take this week to share your faith with them? [[01:01:46]]
The invitation to salvation is open to all who will admit their need, confess, repent, and trust in Christ. If you have already done this, how can you encourage someone else to take that step? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from responding to Jesus’ invitation today? [[01:06:44]]

Sermon Clips

But we note this, as we noted last week, that the Antichrist is the king of the counterfeit of being Jesus. And so the false prophet is going to be that as well, because when it says coming like a lamb, that is being the counterfeit of Jesus. How do we know that? Because earlier in the book of Revelation, what did it describe? It described Jesus as the Lamb of God. Revelation chapter 5. As well as other parts of Scripture as well. So, once again, this is kind of a mimicking, if you will, of Jesus. Because they're trying to turn people away from hearing about Jesus. So they're mimicking Him. They're being a counterfeit of Him. So, Jesus being the ultimate Lamb of God. This one being here a lamb with two horns. So, once again, the counterfeit of Jesus. Speaks like Satan, the dragon. [00:43:19] (52 seconds) #CounterfeitChrist

Folks, we have got to be spiritually discerning. We have got to listen closely when we hear a quote-unquote authority figure share something about Jesus. Now, if you don't have your own copy of God's Word, because lots of times I'm not nearly as disciplined enough to get it out there on the screen for you. So, if you're not reading this, are you going to really be able to test me? Are you really going to be able to hold me accountable? No, you're not. Because you don't have this commitment. You do not have the full 66 books of the Bible committed to memory. I don't care how smart you are. You do not have the full 66 books of the Bible committed to memory. [00:44:38] (43 seconds) #SpiritualDiscernment

If you're not paying attention, if you're not opening this, then how do you know that I am not a false prophet? I'm not a false prophet in sheep's clothing. How do you know that some of those folks you pull up on the internet aren't false prophets in sheep's clothing? Because I could give you some names. I'll choose not to do that right now. Some of those are very popular, and some of those you might listen to quite a bit. I strongly, strongly encourage you to make sure you have your Bible when you pull up anybody on the internet, when you pull up any podcast, when you pull up anybody on the television, and they begin to quote-unquote share the Word of God. Get the Word out, open the Word, and listen to what they're saying. [00:45:35] (47 seconds) #VerifyWithTheWord

``But to remind you, the Antichrist is permitted, he is given this authority. Who has the ultimate authority? God the Father. Not Satan, not the Antichrist, not the false prophet. God is sovereign over all. Church, never ever forget that. [00:47:51] (22 seconds) #GodIsSovereign

But church once again. You are rescued from this. You are raptured out of here. This should give us great encouragement. But it also should give us a swift kick in the rear end. To be out sharing the gospel with people today. Because if you truly love people. Do you want them to experience this? No. you are truly a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you want them to experience this? No. Now can you save them? Absolutely not. None of us can. But we have a mission. The great commission. Go and make disciples. Go and share the good news of the gospel. [01:01:27] (51 seconds) #GreatCommissionMission

But I want to share with you. Something that Danny Akin. In his commentary. Describes. Via. Gregory Bill. In his commentary on it. He says. Six is the number of man. Man was created. On the sixth day. He is to work. Six days. In contrast. The number of perfection. Is seven. And the superlative of seven. Is seven. Seven. Seven. The beast is the greatest man. But he is still just that. A man. He is a six. He is not a seven. He along with Satan. And the false prophet. Is a six. Six. Six. A trinity. Of imperfection. Not now. But in the future. Now. Or ever. Will they be a seven. Seven. Seven. He is the best. That man. Can. Produce. But he is still. Just that. A. Man. He is the quote. The completeness. Of sinful. Incompleteness. The ultimate. In coming. Up. Short. He's good enough. To deceive. Many. But he is. Nowhere. Close. To good enough. To displace. Jesus. Christ. Close. Quote. Gregory. Bill. [01:04:47] (82 seconds) #ImperfectionTrinity

The number. Of. The beast. Six. Six. Six. That number. Is going to be very important. During the great tribulation. Obviously. But it doesn't come close. To seven. Seven. Seven. To the almighty king. God. The father. God. The son. God. The holy spirit. Church. He is the one. We worship. He is the one. But if you don't know him. You are headed. For the direction. Of worshiping. And following. After. The antichrist. The false prophet. And ultimately. Satan. Matter of fact. You're following. After Satan. Right now. You're just not going to admit that. If you don't know Jesus. [01:06:09] (46 seconds) #SevenIsPerfection

But do I have good news. For you today. You can be rescued. From all of that. You don't have to head. For this destination. You can be saved. Of your sins. Today. Just like the. That number. On this board. Up here. Well how. How can you be saved. You've got to admit. You need Jesus. You've got to admit. You're a sinner. As we were talking about. The foundations class. This morning. In order to know Jesus. You've got to say. I am a sinner. I am a part of that word. All. A L L. Really small word. Right. But a huge meaning. All of us have. Fallen short. Of the glory. Of God. Romans 3.23. So we've got to admit. We're sinners. Then we've got to confess. With our mouths. That we are sinners. Publicly say. That we're a sinner. Then we need to repent. Of that sin. Acknowledging. We're a sinner. But turning from our sin. And turning from Satan. And turning to Jesus. In faith. Believing that he's. The son of God. Believing that he came. And lived the perfect life. He went to the cross. And died on the cross. For our sins. He died. And was placed. In the tomb. But the third day. God raised him. From the dead. First Corinthians 15. Verses 3 and 4. We've got to believe. Who Jesus is. And what Jesus did. Genuinely. Believe that. [01:06:56] (78 seconds) #ChooseJesusSave

Then we must receive. The gift of forgiveness. That we're reminded. In foundations class. This morning. We can't earn that. We can't work hard enough. For that. You can't attend church. Enough for that. We cannot save ourselves. We're saved. By the work. Of Jesus. By having faith. In him. So we believe in him. And then we call on his name. Please. Jesus. Save me. Today. So you can be rescued. Right now. If you'll do. Exactly. What I just said. You don't have to pray. A certain prayer. You just pray. What the Lord. Puts in your heart. You need to admit. You're a sinner. Though. Obviously. Confess that sin. And repent of that sin. And acknowledge. Who God is. And you can be rescued. From all of this stuff. During the tribulation. Because you're going to be raptured. Out of here. [01:08:14] (59 seconds) #AdmitRepentBelieve

Or if you want to continue. To play the game. And hope you're going to be okay. In the end. That game. Is not going to be kind. To you. You're not going to win. You're going to ultimately lose. Not just your physical. Life. But your spiritual. Life. For all of eternity. You'll be separated. From God. In the place. That Jesus. Reminds us. There's weeping. And gnashing. Of teeth. There's no annihilation. In hell. You don't. Get annihilated. There. You suffer. You're tormented. Forever. And ever. But that does not. Have to be you. Jesus. Wants you. To come. To him. Just like. We were speaking. A little bit earlier. Softly. And tenderly. Jesus. Wants you. To come. Today. Right now. [01:09:15] (67 seconds) #FaithNotWorks

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