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SDA Truths

Two Powers Described as Beasts

Revelation 13 describes two powers using beast imagery. One is fierce and openly rejects God’s authority. The other looks gentle, like a lamb, but ends up speaking and acting in ways that betray that gentle appearance. Adventist pioneers connected this second picture to what happens whenever religious freedom gets traded away for power, even by people who look harmless.

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Frequently asked questions

Does this refer to a specific country or group today?

Historically, Adventists have connected these symbols to specific movements and powers, but the underlying warning applies anywhere religious liberty is threatened, not to any one group at any one moment.

Bible references

  • Revelation 13:1-2Show verse

    1Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names.

    2The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

    Read it on Bible Gateway
  • Revelation 13:11Show verse

    11I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.

    Read it on Bible Gateway

World English Bible (public domain)