Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

The Dragon’s Voice Heard Again

Notwithstanding the lamblike appearance of this power, what will ultimately happen? BR-ASI9 194.1

“And he spake as a dragon.” Revelation 13:11. BR-ASI9 194.2

Note.—The voice of the dragon is the voice of intolerance and persecution. It is repugnant to the American mind to think that religious persecution might mar the fair record of the nation founded on liberty to all. But all through the history of the country, from its very founding, far-seeing statesmen have recognized that the tendency to enforce religious dogmas by civil law is all too common with mankind, and is liable to break out in active persecution in unexpected places unless specifically guarded against. BR-ASI9 194.3

How much power will this beast exercise? BR-ASI9 194.4

“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Revelation 13:12. BR-ASI9 194.5

Note.—The “first beast before him”—papal Rome (see preceding reading)—exercised the power of persecuting all who differed with it in religious matters. BR-ASI9 194.6

What means will be employed to lead the people back into false worship? BR-ASI9 194.7

“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.” Revelation 13:14, first part. BR-ASI9 194.8

What will this power propose that the people shall do? BR-ASI9 194.9

“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, latter part. BR-ASI9 194.10

Note.—The beast “which had the wound by a sword, and did live,” is the Papacy. That was a church dominating the civil power, a union of church and state, enforcing its religious dogmas by the civil power, by confiscation, imprisonment, and death. An image to this beast would be another ecclesiastical organization clothed with civil power—another union of church and state—to enforce religion by law. BR-ASI9 194.11