Identifying the Image of the Beast in Prophecy

The image of the beast is a living, speaking, and acting likeness of the papacy that is formed when apostate Protestantism in the United States unites with the civil government to enforce religious dogmasLDE 228.2+2.

Identifying the Image of the Beast

The image is a symbol of another religious body clothed with civil power similar to that of the Roman Church during its reign4SP 277.2+1. It is created through a union of church and state within a nation that originally maintained their separation, specifically the United StatesMEDM September 19, 1906, page 98.6+2.

• The Original Beast: The first beast represents the papacy—an ecclesiastical body that used secular power to punish dissentersLDE 228.1+1.

• The Likeness: The "image" is not a lifeless statue but a living reproduction of the papal character and principlesARSH June 14, 1892, page 369.4+1.

• The Role of Protestantism: It represents "evangelical" or apostate Protestantism which has departed from the gospel and seeks the aid of the civil power to enforce its institutions, particularly the false sabbathLDE 228.2+2.

Relationship to the False Prophet

The image to the beast is also identified as "the false prophet" mentioned in the book of RevelationEVRR556+2. This entity claims to be a spokesperson for God while leading people into apostasy through deceptive miracles and signs Revelation 19:20EVRR556+1.

• The false prophet works in the sight of the beast to deceive humanity into making the image Revelation 13:141888 700.2+1.

• Both the image and the false prophet are involved in enforcing the mark of the beast Revelation 19:20EVRR556+1.

The Formation and Work of the Image

The formation of this image occurs when the churches of the land influence the state to enforce their decrees, effectively making Protestant America a likeness of the Roman hierarchy4SP 277.2+1.

• The Test: The image of the beast will be formed before the close of probation and will serve as the great test of loyalty for God's people2SM 80.4.

• The Enforcement: Once the image is endowed with life, it speaks as a dragon and decrees that those who refuse to worship it should be killed or restricted from buying and selling Revelation 13:15-171888 700.2+2.

• The Sabbath Issue: The primary conflict involves the exaltation of the first day of the week, or the "Pope's Sabbath," over the seventh-day Sabbath of the LordBroadside3 April 7, 1847, par. 5+2.

The Final Conflict

The worship of the beast and his image represents the final struggle upon the earth before the coming of ChristSITI September 2, 1886, page 536.6+1. Those who gain the victory over the image will stand on the sea of glass, while those who yield to its requirements will experience the seven last plagues Revelation 15:2SITI September 2, 1886, page 536.6+2. 🕊️