So far, as we've seen in part 1-3, the imminent final showdown between Christ and Satan, divides mankind into two classes of people on the basis of who they worship. Those who do not worship God in truth and spirit and follow the traditions of men, instead of God's commandments, worship him in vain (John 4:24, Matt 15:9)and will eventually receive the mark of the beast. On the other hand, those who are Christlike in character and keep the commandments of God- especially the Sabbath, that commemorates him as Creator, and therefore worthy of worship, receives the Seal of God. (Ex. 20:8 & 11, Ezek.20:12 &20, Rev 14:7 & 12)

God uses beast to symbolize kingdoms, empires, nations or countries. This is unsurprising, as many countries today, uses animals (beast) as nicknames or symbols of their football teams. For example, we have the super 'Eagles' of Nigeria, indomitable 'Lions' of Cameron, 'Elephant' of Côte de voire and the 3 'Lions' of England amongst many others.

To aid our understanding, a summary of prophetic symbols and their meaning will be necessary.
1. Beast: Kingdoms, empires, nations or countries. - Dan 7: 17, 23.
2. Horns: Kings, rulers, presidents. - Dan 8:20, 7:24, Rev 17:12
3. Sea, waters or rivers: People, multitudes, nations and tongues. -Rev 17:15
4. Earth: opposite of sea. Virgin land, sparsely populated area.
5. Winds: Strife, war or commotion. - Jer. 49:36-37, Rev 7:1-2
6. Woman: Church. - 2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:22-23.
7. Babylon: False religion, apostasy and confusion. - Rev 17:4-5. Gen 11:9
8. Day: Literal year, 360 days of the Jewish calender. - Ezek 4:6, Number 14:34.
9. Fornication & Adultery: Idolatry, spiritual harlotry, following other gods.
10. Dragon: Satan, Devil. - Rev 12:9

* Thé above assumes this meaning when use within the context of Bible prophecy, especially in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

The Beast Identified (Daniel 7 & Rev 13]

In Daniel 7:1-2, the prophet said, " I saw in my vision by night, and behold the four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea, and four great beast came up from the sea, diverse one from another" From our prophetic symbols, we know this means that four great and different worldwide kingdoms or empires (beasts) arose out of the war (striving) among nations. This vision is a repeat of Daniel 2, where he saw four great kingdoms represented by a huge image - with head of gold (Babylon), arms and chest of silver (Medo-Persia), thigh of bronze (Greece), legs of iron (Rome) and feet made up of partly iron and partly clay (divided nations of Europe). However, Daniel 7 contains greater details to enable us identified the little horn or Antichrist.

Our interest like Daniel, is on the fourth " dreadful and terrible and exceedingly strong beast" and especially the little horn that uprooted three horns as it came up. It is a general historical knowledge, that the Roman empire was the fourth world empire, but what about the little horn?

The following characteristics and activities of this little horn as contained in Daniel 7 and Rev 13, establishes his identity beyond any iota of doubt.

1. The little horn came from or out of the Roman empire.
The fall of the Roman empire saw the rise of the papacy as a dominant force in the world politics and religion
2. He shall be different (diverse) from the rest (Dan 7:24)
The papacy (Roman Catholic Church) is a fusion of political and religious powers. The Vatican sends/receives ambassadors to/from various countries of the world, unlike any religious or political power.
3. It uprooted "pluck up" three horns as it rose to prominence (Dan 7:
The Heruli, Vandals and Ostrogoths (3 kingdoms) that opposed papal supremacy were literarily uprooted and completely destroyed.
4. He shall speak "great words (blasphemous) against the most high. (Dan 7:20 & 25, Rev 13:5)
Catholic priest assumes the right and power to forgive sins, the sole prerogative of God. Recall that Jesus was accuse of blasphemy for d same reason. Matt 9:2-3.
5. It shall "think to change times and law" Daniel 7:25
The second commandments which forbids the making of, and bowing down to images, is omitted from Catholic catechism, and the tenth, which forbids coveting is divided into two. in addition, members are instructed to keep Sunday instead of Saturday as the Sabbath
6. It shall persecute "made war or wear out" God's children. Dan 7: 21 & 25)
Thousands of 'heretics' (Christians who refuse to submit to papal teachings and authorities were killed during the dark ages of papal supremacy. From John Huss to Jerome who were burnt at stake and countless others, thrown to the lions in amphitheater, the little horn made war with the saints of God. Pope John Paul II, on march 12, 2000, apologised for the "use of violence in the service of truth" attributing it to the ignorance of the time. - BBC News, 12th March, 2000.
7. He shall reign for 3 1/2 years or 42 months or 1260 years. Daniel 7:25, Rev 13:5.
For 1,260 (AD 538-1798)a period referred to as the dark ages in church history, the papacy reign supreme in Europe. (American Catholic Quarterly Review, Volume 36, page 193-194, 1911, The Victories of Rome & the Temporal Monarchy of the Church, 5th edition, by Kenelm Digby Best, 1905)
8. He shall suffer a deadly wound (powers cut short) Rev 13:3.
The papal reign suffered a deadly wound (brought to an end) when Pope Pius VI was taken prisoner by General Berthier on Feb. 20, 1798, under the instruction of Napoleon Bonaparte. (Wikipedia - Pope Pius VI)
9. But shall be healed and enjoy worldwide adulation and support. Rev 13:3

The papacy under Pope Francis is once again growing in stature and influence in global politics and religion. From president Barrack Obama, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, to France François Holland's to mention a few, the world is wondering after the beast.

Let me state here that the purpose of this writeup is neither to castigate religious institutions nor persons. Rather, it is motivated by a solemn sense of responsibility, love and urgency. I have in the Church of Rome and other apostate churches, love ones, friends and colleagues, who are sincerely worshipping God according to the limit of their knowledge and light. He accepts their worship so far and even calls them "My people". However, out of love he warns and ask them to "come out of her" so as not to partake in her certain destruction.

We're living on the threshold of eternity. A storm of persecution is soon to burst upon the children of God, in the final battle between Christ and Satan. Now is the time to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is able to save to the uttermost all who call upon him. Let us lift up our eyes heavenward, for our "redemption draws nigh"

Jesus is coming again!

Nice effort. Very good...
but is it in public knowledge that there is a conflict of opinion out there about the number?
That the controversy is about whether the ''mark of the beast'' is number 666 or number 616?

The truth is, the devil has done at good job of selling us a red herring and as usual uses the backdoor to slip something in
- Infomaz, a lot of people will be surprised what the REAL ''mark of the beast'' will boil down to
and that is really has nothing to do with a number per se, receiving marks, stamping stuff on foreheads etcetera

It must be said that, yes, the ''end is truly near, and that we dear people need to be watchful and careful in all we do''
as the ''Seal of God'' and the ''Mark of the beast'', as we all SHOULD know, are BOTH, NOT physical seals or marks
They BOTH, have to do with ''what you think with the head'' and ''what you do with the hand''


^{Seal of the President of Nigeria}

Seals are about authenticity, validation etcetera
Authenticity is about genuineness, prove it's not fake etcetera
Validation means something is right something is done right, some one is doing/has done something right
Unlike like the Naija President's seal above which is a physical seal, 'the 'Seal of God'' and the ''Mark of the beast'' is a spiritual one
- ''what you think with the head'' and ''what you do with the hand'' spiritually

MARK this - sorry for the ''MARK'' pun, it wasnt intentional,
Now, MARK this, ''Seal of God'' and the ''Mark of the beast'' will be important and be a deciding factor when the terrible time comes
The ''Seal of God'' or the ''Mark of the beast'' separates the sheep from the goats

Trust me, for anyone around at that time, fight or flight WOULDN'T BE an option.
As for anyone around at that time, such one, will have to make or be forced to make a stand, by choosing life or death.

That coming terrible time will be more like Daniel in the Lion's Den or a Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego déjà vu
(i.e. it will boil down to: comply and self-preserve OR do not comply and be killed)

Excerpt from: https://www.nairaland.com/2489697/please-beware-drink-pictures/1#36520446

@ Mutteylaff, I'm pleasantly surprised at your clear understanding of this important topic, because a lot of people have been and are being deceived by the devil and his agents.

Like you rightly said, the 'SEAL' of God and the 'MARK' of the BEAST are not physical but SPIRITUAL!

Remember, Samuel impressed by the physique of Eliab - Jesse's son thought to anoint him king, but was gently rebuked by God who reminded him that "The Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" in addition, the Bible is clear that the number of the beast is 666 (Six hundred, three score and six). Rev 13:18.