Foundations of the Study
Before we advance in the prophecies, we need to understand three basic concepts that govern the entire final conflict:
1. Worship
In the Bible, worship is more than a service; it isobedience. We worship the one we choose to obey. It is the surrender of the will to the supreme authority.
2. Seal of God
A legal seal contains:Name, Title and Territory. In the law of God, only the 4th commandment (Sabbath) identifies the Lawgiver:Lord (Name), Creator (Title), Heaven and Earth (Territory).
3. Mark of the Beast
It is not a physical object or chip, but asign of authorityrival. It is the acceptance of a human law in direct opposition to God's law (the Sabbath), by convenience or imposition.
The Logic of the Conflict
Understanding the Language of Revelation 14
Wine of Wrath "Unmixed"
It symbolizes the final judgment of Godwithout mercy. Throughout history, the wrath of God was always mixed with grace; in the seven plagues, it will be poured out pure upon those who chose conscious rebellion.
The Cup of Wrath
It represents the full measure of iniquity. When the beast system imposes the Sunday Decree, the cup overflows, indicating that divine patience has reached its limit with that system.
"They Have No Rest"
The biblical rest (Sabbath) is peace with God. The one who rejects God's rest to accept the mark of the beast loses divine protection during the plagues, living in constant physical and mental torment, without the peace that only Christ gives.
Sign on the "Forehead" or "Hand"
Aforeheadrepresents intellectual conviction (belief), the voluntary acceptance. Thehandrepresents external conformity by political force or fear of economic sanctions (not being able to buy or sell) or by imposition of civil laws.
Main Concepts
Third Angel
2. Lake of fire (eternal death)
2) Identified by various characteristics pointed out by the Bible
Mark of papal authority
Fourth commandment
Faith of Jesus Christ
Patience of the saints
Main Points to Focus On
Double Punishment
The worshipers of the beast will receive two punishments: the seven plagues of God and burning in the lake of fire, resulting in eternal death.
Identity of the Beast
The beast is identified as the papacy - a religious power that exercised worldwide authority and persecuted the faithful.
Mark of Authority
The Catholic Church itself declares that the change from sabbath to Sunday is its mark of authority over the Bible.
Seal of God
The sabbath of the fourth commandment is the sign or seal of God applied upon His faithful people.
The Seal and the Law
The seal of God is intrinsically linked to His law. Without law, there is no sin, and without the seal (Sabbath), the law does not identify its authority.
"I had not known sin, but by the law." - Romans 7:7
Conscience and Judgment
God is just. The final judgment takes into account the knowledge received. The mark is not automatic, but the fruit of a conscious choice against the revealed truth.
Christ: Center of the Conflict
He is not only the Savior, but theLawgiverwho gave the law and theJudgewho will defend it, serving as our perfect model of obedience.
Biblical Reference Texts
Message of the Third Angel
Revelation 14:9-11
Summary: Warning against worshiping the beast and receiving its mark.
Seven Last Plagues
Revelation 15:1
Summary: The seven last plagues.
Read verseRevelation 16:17
Summary: The seventh bowl is poured out; “It is done!”.
Read verseRevelation 16:19
Summary: Great Babylon is remembered before God.
Read verseRevelation 16:21
Summary: Hail with stones of about 34 kg.
Read verseFinal Judgment
Hebrews 9:27
Summary: It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
Read verse2 Corinthians 5:10
Summary: We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
Read verseRevelation 20:11-15
Summary: The great white throne; books opened; lake of fire.
Read passageFinal Destruction of the Wicked
Malachi 4:1
Summary: The day comes, burning like a furnace against the proud and wicked.
Read verseMalachi 4:3
Summary: The wicked shall be ashes under the soles of your feet.
Read verseObadiah 1:16
Summary: As ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually... they shall be as though they had not been.
Read verseAuthority and Persecution
Revelation 13:4
Summary: "Who is like unto the beast?" — worship and admiration.
Read verseRevelation 13:7
Summary: It was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.
Read verseSign of the Lord
Ezekiel 20:12
Summary: The sabbath as a sign between God and His people.
Read verseEzekiel 20:20
Summary: Hallow my sabbaths; they shall be a sign between me and you.
Read verseFaith, Strength and Protection
Revelation 14:12
Summary: Patience of the saints — they keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Read verseRevelation 9:3
Summary: There was given to them power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
Read verseRevelation 9:4
Summary: They should not hurt those who have the seal of God.
Read verseRomans 1:16
Summary: The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Read verseRomans 1:17
Summary: The just shall live by faith.
Read versePhilippians 4:13
Summary: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Read verseRevelation 2:10
Summary: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Read verse# Study 4 — Message of the Third Angel
- Study Objective
- Understand the beast, its mark and how to avoid it
- Judgment and Faithfulness
- Warnings and Punishments
- Revelation 14:9-12; 15:1; 16:17, 19, 21
- Two punishments for the worshipers of the beast
- Seven last plagues
- Hailstones of ~34 kg
- Patience of the saints: commandments of God and faith of Jesus (Rev 14:12)
- Read: Rev 14 | Rev 16
- Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15
- Resurrection and appearance for final judgment
- Books opened; lake of fire
- Read: Heb 9:27 | 2Co 5:10 | Rev 20
- Malachi 4:1, 3; Obadiah 1:16
- Final destruction of the wicked
- Read: Mal 4 | Ob 1:16
- Identity of the Beast
- Revelation 13:4, 7
- Religious and political authority
- Persecution of the faithful to the Bible
- Mark: change from sabbath to Sunday
- Read: Rev 13
- Seal of God and Obedience
- Ezekiel 20:12, 20 — Sabbath as the seal of God
- Read: Eze 20
- Revelation 14:12; 9:3-4 — Protection and faithfulness of those who keep the commandments
- Read: Rev 14:12 | Rev 9
- Romans 1:16-17; Philippians 4:13 — Strength to obey comes from Christ
- Read: Rom 1:16-17 | Phil 4:13
- Revelation 2:10 — Promise to the faithful
- Read: Rev 2:10
- Appeal
- Commitment to Christ and obedience to the commandments
- Hook for the Next Study
- How to keep the sabbath biblically
Who is the Beast?
The Mark of the Beast vs. The Seal of God
Mark of the Beast
DOMINGO
• Human institution
• Change of God's law
• Mark of papal authority
• Worship of Satan who wants to "ascend on high"
• Rebellion against the Creator
Seal of God
SÁBADO
• Divine institution
• Memorial of Creation
• Sign of the true God
• Worship of the Creator
• Obedience to the commandments
🛡️ The Central Question: WORSHIP
The final conflict will be aboutQUEMwe worship andCOMOwe worship.
The sabbath is the test of loyalty - do we worship the Creator or the creature?
Do we obey the commandments of God or the traditions of men?
Study Development
The Terrible Threat
The third angel delivered the most terrible threat ever presented to men. The wrath of God will be poured out in the seven last plagues, the most terrible judgments ever seen.
The Final Crisis and Persecution
The persecution intensifies after the enactment of theSunday Decreeworldwide. This is the time of anguish before the closing of the door of grace, where the faithfulness of each person will be tested before the plagues.
The Seven Plagues
Specifically in the seventh plague, stones of one talent (34 kg) will fall from heaven upon the worshipers of the beast, causing great suffering.
The Final Judgment
The worshipers of the beast will be resurrected to receive the sentence of death from Christ Himself in the final judgment, being cast into the lake of fire.
Identifying the Beast
The beast is worshiped (a religious leader), has authority over nations and persecutes the faithful. The medieval papacy perfectly corresponds to this description.
The Mark of Authority
The Catholic Church itself declares that Sunday is its mark of authority, proving that it is above the Bible in the transfer of observance.
The Seal of God
The observance of the sabbath according to the fourth commandment is the sign or seal of God applied upon His faithful people.
"Sunday is our mark of authority... The Church (of Rome) is above the Bible; and this transfer of the observance from Saturday to Sunday is the proof of that fact."
— The Catholic Record of London, Ontario, Sept. 1, 1923
The one who, after knowing the will of God through the sabbath commandment, insists on keeping the Sunday established by the pope, is walking toward receiving the mark of the beast and the punishments announced by the third angel.
The keepers of the sabbath commandment, on the other hand, will be recognized as the people of God and protected by Him. It is possible to obey the commandments of God, including the sabbath, by believing in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Helper.
Final Appeal
Will you cling to Christ to keep His holy Sabbath and remain steadfast in obedience to the commandments of God, regardless of what may happen?
Those who are faithful to the end will receive eternal life.
Spiritual Preparation
Daily Bible Study
Dedicate daily time to the study of the Scriptures to strengthen your faith and better understand the will of God. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Constant Prayer
Maintain an active life of prayer, seeking strength and wisdom from God to remain faithful. "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Fellowship with the Faithful
Seek fellowship with other Christians who also keep the commandments of God, strengthening one another in the faith. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:25)
Witness of Love
Live a life that reflects the love of Christ, being a light to others and sharing the truth with humility and love.
Resources for Further Study
📚 Complementary Texts
- • Daniel 7:25 - Change of times and laws
- • Exodus 20:8-11 - The sabbath commandment
- • Isaiah 58:13-14 - Blessings of the sabbath
- • Mark 2:27-28 - The sabbath was made for man
🔍 Reflection Questions
- • How can I prepare for the final times?
- • Am I willing to obey God above men?
- • How can I strengthen my faith daily?
- • What changes do I need to make in my life?
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
With Christ, we can overcome all temptations and remain faithful to the end, keeping His commandments and receiving eternal life.
Main Concepts
Third Angel
2. Lake of fire (eternal death)
2) Identified by various characteristics pointed out by the Bible
Mark of papal authority
Fourth commandment
Faith of Jesus Christ
Patience of the saints
Main Points to Focus On
Double Punishment
The worshipers of the beast will receive two punishments: the seven plagues of God and burning in the lake of fire, resulting in eternal death.
Identity of the Beast
The beast is identified as the papacy - a religious power that exercised worldwide authority and persecuted the faithful.
Mark of Authority
The Catholic Church itself declares that the change from sabbath to Sunday is its mark of authority over the Bible.
Seal of God
The sabbath of the fourth commandment is the sign or seal of God applied upon His faithful people.
The Seal and the Law
The seal of God is intrinsically linked to His law. Without law, there is no sin, and without the seal (Sabbath), the law does not identify its authority.
"I had not known sin, but by the law." - Romans 7:7
Conscience and Judgment
God is just. The final judgment takes into account the knowledge received. The mark is not automatic, but the fruit of a conscious choice against the revealed truth.
Christ: Center of the Conflict
He is not only the Savior, but theLawgiverwho gave the law and theJudgewho will defend it, serving as our perfect model of obedience.
Biblical Reference Texts
Message of the Third Angel
Revelation 14:9-11
Summary: Warning against worshiping the beast and receiving its mark.
Seven Last Plagues
Revelation 15:1
Summary: The seven last plagues.
Read verseRevelation 16:17
Summary: The seventh bowl is poured out; “It is done!”.
Read verseRevelation 16:19
Summary: Great Babylon is remembered before God.
Read verseRevelation 16:21
Summary: Hail with stones of about 34 kg.
Read verseFinal Judgment
Hebrews 9:27
Summary: It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
Read verse2 Corinthians 5:10
Summary: We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
Read verseRevelation 20:11-15
Summary: The great white throne; books opened; lake of fire.
Read passageFinal Destruction of the Wicked
Malachi 4:1
Summary: The day comes, burning like a furnace against the proud and wicked.
Read verseMalachi 4:3
Summary: The wicked shall be ashes under the soles of your feet.
Read verseObadiah 1:16
Summary: As ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually... they shall be as though they had not been.
Read verseAuthority and Persecution
Revelation 13:4
Summary: "Who is like unto the beast?" — worship and admiration.
Read verseRevelation 13:7
Summary: It was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.
Read verseSign of the Lord
Ezekiel 20:12
Summary: The sabbath as a sign between God and His people.
Read verseEzekiel 20:20
Summary: Hallow my sabbaths; they shall be a sign between me and you.
Read verseFaith, Strength and Protection
Revelation 14:12
Summary: Patience of the saints — they keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Read verseRevelation 9:3
Summary: There was given to them power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
Read verseRevelation 9:4
Summary: They should not hurt those who have the seal of God.
Read verseRomans 1:16
Summary: The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Read verseRomans 1:17
Summary: The just shall live by faith.
Read versePhilippians 4:13
Summary: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Read verseRevelation 2:10
Summary: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Read verse# Study 4 — Message of the Third Angel
- Study Objective
- Understand the beast, its mark and how to avoid it
- Judgment and Faithfulness
- Warnings and Punishments
- Revelation 14:9-12; 15:1; 16:17, 19, 21
- Two punishments for the worshipers of the beast
- Seven last plagues
- Hailstones of ~34 kg
- Patience of the saints: commandments of God and faith of Jesus (Rev 14:12)
- Read: Rev 14 | Rev 16
- Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15
- Resurrection and appearance for final judgment
- Books opened; lake of fire
- Read: Heb 9:27 | 2Co 5:10 | Rev 20
- Malachi 4:1, 3; Obadiah 1:16
- Final destruction of the wicked
- Read: Mal 4 | Ob 1:16
- Identity of the Beast
- Revelation 13:4, 7
- Religious and political authority
- Persecution of the faithful to the Bible
- Mark: change from sabbath to Sunday
- Read: Rev 13
- Seal of God and Obedience
- Ezekiel 20:12, 20 — Sabbath as the seal of God
- Read: Eze 20
- Revelation 14:12; 9:3-4 — Protection and faithfulness of those who keep the commandments
- Read: Rev 14:12 | Rev 9
- Romans 1:16-17; Philippians 4:13 — Strength to obey comes from Christ
- Read: Rom 1:16-17 | Phil 4:13
- Revelation 2:10 — Promise to the faithful
- Read: Rev 2:10
- Appeal
- Commitment to Christ and obedience to the commandments
- Hook for the Next Study
- How to keep the sabbath biblically
Who is the Beast?
Prophetic Identification of the Beast
Daniel 7 - The Prophetic Vision
Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea
Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Earth
Revelation 17 - The Woman and the Beast
Revelation 13 - The Image of the Beast
Sunday Decree
Revelation 18 - The Fall
🔍 The Connecting Thread: The Prophecy of the Kings
The Bible provides a precise timeline to confirm the identity of the Beast after the restoration of its political power in 1929 (Lateran Treaty):
"And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come... And the beast... is the eighth, and is of the seveneighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."-Revelation 17:10-11
- •The 5 that have fallen:Pius XI, Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I.
- •The 6th ("one is"):John Paul II (central figure of this confirmation).
- •The 8th (which comes from the 7):The restored and personified system of the beast.
⚠️ The Supernatural Deception
The prophecy says that the eighth"ascends out of the bottomless pit"(Rev. 17:8). This indicates that its final manifestation will be accompanied by the direct power of Satan (the dragon), performing wonders and lying signs to deceive the world (2 Thessalonians 2:9). It will be such a strong supernatural simulation that only those who know the Word of God will not be deceived.
John Paul II is the point of convergence: he is the king who binds the prophetic succession to the mathematical calculation of his identity.
🔢 The Number of the Beast - 666
"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six." - Revelation 13:18
Calculation of the Papal Name:
* Title: John Paul Pope Second (in Latin: IOANNES PAVLUS PAPA SECVNDO).
* Using Roman numerology (I=1, V=5, L=50, C=100, D=500).
This is not a personal attack on individuals, but the prophetic identification of a religious system that placed itself in the place of Christ, changed His law and persecuted His people.
Of all the popes, counting from 1929 (when the deadly wound was healed), John Paul II is the only one whose name adds up to 666.
The Mark of the Beast vs. The Seal of God
Mark of the Beast
DOMINGO
• Human institution
• Change of God's law
• Mark of papal authority
• Worship of Satan who wants to "ascend on high"
• Rebellion against the Creator
Seal of God
SÁBADO
• Divine institution
• Memorial of Creation
• Sign of the true God
• Worship of the Creator
• Obedience to the commandments
🛡️ The Central Question: WORSHIP
The final conflict will be aboutQUEMwe worship andCOMOwe worship.
The sabbath is the test of loyalty - do we worship the Creator or the creature?
Do we obey the commandments of God or the traditions of men?
Study Development
The Terrible Threat
The third angel delivered the most terrible threat ever presented to men. The wrath of God will be poured out in the seven last plagues, the most terrible judgments ever seen.
The Final Crisis and Persecution
The persecution intensifies after the enactment of theSunday Decreeworldwide. This is the time of anguish before the closing of the door of grace, where the faithfulness of each person will be tested before the plagues.
The Seven Plagues
Specifically in the seventh plague, stones of one talent (34 kg) will fall from heaven upon the worshipers of the beast, causing great suffering.
The Final Judgment
The worshipers of the beast will be resurrected to receive the sentence of death from Christ Himself in the final judgment, being cast into the lake of fire.
Identifying the Beast
The beast is worshiped (a religious leader), has authority over nations and persecutes the faithful. The medieval papacy perfectly corresponds to this description.
The Mark of Authority
The Catholic Church itself declares that Sunday is its mark of authority, proving that it is above the Bible in the transfer of observance.
The Seal of God
The observance of the sabbath according to the fourth commandment is the sign or seal of God applied upon His faithful people.
"Sunday is our mark of authority... The Church (of Rome) is above the Bible; and this transfer of the observance from Saturday to Sunday is the proof of that fact."
— The Catholic Record of London, Ontario, Sept. 1, 1923
The one who, after knowing the will of God through the sabbath commandment, insists on keeping the Sunday established by the pope, is walking toward receiving the mark of the beast and the punishments announced by the third angel.
The keepers of the sabbath commandment, on the other hand, will be recognized as the people of God and protected by Him. It is possible to obey the commandments of God, including the sabbath, by believing in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Helper.
Final Appeal
Will you cling to Christ to keep His holy Sabbath and remain steadfast in obedience to the commandments of God, regardless of what may happen?
Those who are faithful to the end will receive eternal life.
Spiritual Preparation
Daily Bible Study
Dedicate daily time to the study of the Scriptures to strengthen your faith and better understand the will of God. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Constant Prayer
Maintain an active life of prayer, seeking strength and wisdom from God to remain faithful. "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Fellowship with the Faithful
Seek fellowship with other Christians who also keep the commandments of God, strengthening one another in the faith. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:25)
Witness of Love
Live a life that reflects the love of Christ, being a light to others and sharing the truth with humility and love.
Resources for Further Study
📚 Complementary Texts
- • Daniel 7:25 - Change of times and laws
- • Exodus 20:8-11 - The sabbath commandment
- • Isaiah 58:13-14 - Blessings of the sabbath
- • Mark 2:27-28 - The sabbath was made for man
🔍 Reflection Questions
- • How can I prepare for the final times?
- • Am I willing to obey God above men?
- • How can I strengthen my faith daily?
- • What changes do I need to make in my life?
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
With Christ, we can overcome all temptations and remain faithful to the end, keeping His commandments and receiving eternal life.
Prophetic Identification of the Beast
Daniel 7 - The Prophetic Vision
Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea
Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Earth
Revelation 17 - The Woman and the Beast
Revelation 13 - The Image of the Beast
Sunday Decree
Revelation 18 - The Fall
🔍 The Connecting Thread: The Prophecy of the Kings
The Bible provides a precise timeline to confirm the identity of the Beast after the restoration of its political power in 1929 (Lateran Treaty):
"And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come... And the beast... is the eighth, and is of the seveneighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."-Revelation 17:10-11
⚠️ The Supernatural Deception
The prophecy says that the eighth"ascends out of the bottomless pit"(Rev. 17:8). This indicates that its final manifestation will be accompanied by the direct power of Satan (the dragon), performing wonders and lying signs to deceive the world (2 Thessalonians 2:9). It will be such a strong supernatural simulation that only those who know the Word of God will not be deceived.
John Paul II is the point of convergence: he is the king who binds the prophetic succession to the mathematical calculation of his identity.
🔢 The Number of the Beast - 666
"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six." - Revelation 13:18
Calculation of the Papal Name:
* Title: John Paul Pope Second (in Latin: IOANNES PAVLUS PAPA SECVNDO).
* Using Roman numerology (I=1, V=5, L=50, C=100, D=500).
This is not a personal attack on individuals, but the prophetic identification of a religious system that placed itself in the place of Christ, changed His law and persecuted His people.
Of all the popes, counting from 1929 (when the deadly wound was healed), John Paul II is the only one whose name adds up to 666.