Unholy Trinity

Revelation 13:11-15 Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from Heaven to earth in full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
 
IN chapters 12 & 13, we have seen God give permission to Satan, defined as a dragon, to rule on earth. As the Father raised up a Son, Satan has raised up a “son” opposing Christ - an antichrist. Then Satan forms a third force of this unholy trinity. This new beast acts as a false prophet, causing the world to worship the antichrist. This third beast is false in appearance and words. He had two horns like a lamb, disguised as the Lamb of God. False teaching and idolatrous worship has infected mankind.
   This unholy demon mirrored the two witnesses’ power as he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from Heaven to earth in full view of men. The devil is the dragon. The antichrist is the first beast. The false prophet is the second beast. This is an unholy trinity to deceive the world regarding the Holy Trinity.
   Remember, all is done under the sovereign Lord’s permission and purpose. Many Bible passages tell us God permits evil as a means of judgment on a world eager to worship the devil. Idolatry has always been a great insult to the Living God. It is the reason he exiled Judah into Babylon. Countless statues throughout the ages, some even within churches today, are worshiped as if they are alive or represent spirits empowered to help mankind. Some people believe manmade stone and wooden statues can hear, speak and influence their lives!
   Beginning with the first century Jewish rulers, countless government and church leaders under Satan’s power have attempted to literally kill the church’s mission. But faithful witnesses have put their lives into Jesus’ firm salvation.
   But thankfully, humility, sacrifice and devotion have caused many Spirit-inspired leaders to keep the church pure. Stay true to God, and thank him the holy Trinity protects you from the devil’s unholy threesome.
 
Prayer: Lord God, we do not fully understand this great persecution over your church and the world. We yield our minds and hearts to you, thanking you for your eternal life power against this false trinity of evil. Amen.