Two Beasts of the Same Tale

What is going on with this increasingly disturbed world?
Are you prepared to encounter the greatest deception of all time?

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Black and white, dark and light – but are things always that clear-cut? In our present world, we have shades of gray and phases of dusk.  Even man's symbol for yin and yang is interesting in that there is a white dot in the midst of the black, and a black dot in the midst of the white.  In this fallen world, there is no pure darkness or evil; nor is there any pure light or good.  This duality was inbred within the tree's fruit that Adam and Eve chose to eat.  That forbidden fruit destined mankind to abide in a world where the pure good and light they knew was no longer available to them.  They were expelled from the garden where the Tree of Life is found, and will not be able to regain access to it until the restoration occurs.  The singularity of light and good is found only in God – as emanating from the Tree of Life:

1 John 1:5
(5) … God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

The world mankind now inhabits is in a constant state of warring between the factions of good and evil, yet at times they seem intertwined.  Adam and Eve chose the knowledge of good and evil.  God acknowledged their choice, and is allowing mankind to become intimately acquainted with the wretched stew of good and evil that they desired to know. Mankind must now sort it all out.  We are now in the end days when the pinnacle of the enemy's agenda will bring both factions to the arena, and we are positioned to be in the midst of the sparks that will fly.  It will be very dangerous times!

So – where is our hope? For those who have come to Y'shua, there is always hope:

Titus 2:12-15
(12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
(13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(15) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

We should note that this hope is based on more than a simple belief.  It is established on living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.  THEN, we have hope in the One who redeems us!  It is critical to commit our lives to Him and walk in the Holy Spirit. In order to do that, we must consistently divert our eyes from the wickedness of the world going on around us, and keep our eyes firmly focused on HIM.  As Believers, it is needful to be aware of the things that are happening around us and mindful of those things yet to come, but we must not dwell on them or allow them to discourage us in our walk.  He knows how all of this will come about and has plans to protect His faithful remnant.  The enemy wants us to be overcome with fear and confusion.  It is essential in these end days that the true Believer dispel that fear, and allow his trust in Elohim to empower his life.

Short of following the type of protocol found in Titus 2:12-15 and other similar passages, we can't offer much hope.  So - if you know those who are not believing in and living for Y'shua, please help them see the necessity to do so quickly, as time is running out to make the right choices.

The premise of our book, Two Trees, Two Kingdoms, Two Kings is that the impurity of the so-called “good” of this world is very inadequate (even abominable) to Elohim when contrasted to the perfect holiness of the Tree of Life.  Therefore, the “good” faction of this world can never provide the means to ascend, as it claims.  It can never help mankind attain “Christ consciousness” as it professes.  Yet, it will always insist that it can bring us through enlightenment and ascension if we trust in it.  This enlightenment process requires global harmony, and some alterations to the worldview must be implemented before it can proceed.  The necessary “paradigm shift” is being worked out now, and we can witness it simply by turning on our news broadcasts.  The books of Daniel and Revelation are coming alive in the here and now if we will tune into what is REALLY happening behind the scenes.

In this post, we explore the duality of our world, and how it all plays out in our day. Without trying to unravel all the intricacies of how Daniel's Old Testament prophecies integrate with John's New Testament Revelation, we will provide some springboards for further study. The reality of the dual rivalry of the tree of knowledge runs through both Daniel and Revelation.  The chaotic struggle for dominance by good or evil is the nature of the tree itself, and is playing out in our world.  The roots of this duality run very deep indeed, and the agenda to bring about the plans they have projected is very devious.  We can't afford to be naive.  We have to understand the enemy and his techniques in order to keep him from getting an advantage of us:

1 Peter 5:8
(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Matthew 10:16
(16) Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
2 Corinthians 2:11
(11) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The masses are being herded like lambs to the slaughter!  Unless we wake up, we could be in serious trouble.  This article will try to expose Satan's devices so we can stand tall in these days.  Conversely, if we continue to exist with eyes wide shut, we may quickly find ourselves in the midst of the trap that is being laid.

We can't look at things superficially and expect to see the complete picture.  We have to delve into the deepest recesses and find the common denominators, and work our way up through the adversary's plans.  Elohim's enemy is very real, and has quite an agenda.  A necessary component in the advancement of the enemy's plans is the rampant advancement in technology.  There are multiple aspects, and we will cover them intermittently as we proceed.

The media is an integral part.  So-called “news” provides stilted opinions, embellishing in some ways while omitting critical input in others.  They leave us frazzled and disjointed - clamoring for solutions.  Is this intentional?  We believe it is - that the enemy has done a masterful job of manipulating the media to facilitate his planned Hegelian Dialectic – creating a problem to prompt a reaction that will require a rescue response.

We have just experienced a “pandemic” (painted as being catastrophic).  Now the masses are glued to their televisions, computer screens, and I-phones while we grieve the horrific abuse of force by police – a single act of brutality that has unleashed extensive racial unrest. As a result, we watch helplessly as our cities go up in flames, and rogue factions overtake them.  Dialogue ensues regarding removal of our police forces completely, which could leave many people defenseless, and promote wide-spread crime and vigilante tactics. The plight of John Doe is portrayed as being hopeless as the prospect of facing loss of businesses and livelihoods, threats of economic collapse, oppression, looming massive hunger, fears of biological warfare, and increased potential for nuclear attack hover on the horizon.  For some this type of reality is already setting in.  People are expendable in this transition to the brave new world.

Where do we turn?  These accumulating problems require a rescue.  Right?  But maybe that's the plan; and that rescue which is touted as our saving grace just might be the trap.

We aren't going to put on our tin hats and start laying out all the evidence that the pandemic and the police abuse was planned, but neither are we going to deny that such evidence exists.  At the very least, the enemy is using it to fulfill their plans.  The stay at home orders have caused the beginning of many economic and famine conditions that will further emerge, and it all plays right into their hands.

When a hero waltzes in and begins to bring resolution to our hopelessness, how will we view him?  He is so charismatic, so masterful and wise!  What if he becomes so prideful that he eventually demands worship?  Will we adore him as divine and fall at his feet?

If we are offered fruit that looks “good” as a means of rescue, should we eat of it?  As Adam and Eve would tell you, fruit can LOOK “good”, yet be “corrupt” and deadly.

We are to sharpen our skills to discern astutely between true fruit and the counterfeit version:

Matthew 7:15-20
(15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
(16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
(17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
(18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
(19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
(20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

This passage implies that false prophets produce this corrupt version of fruit.  Verse 18 calls it evil fruit, but if it didn't LOOK good, there would be no need to discern it from the true good fruit.  It too will look good!  It may be no accident that Revelation 19:20 calls the second beast of Revelation 13 “the False Prophet”.  Indeed, the fruit he bears will be counterfeit – a corrupt fruit that will offer up hellfire for the diner.  (You can literally jump from the frying pan into the fire!)  Just as the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil brought death, this same fruit will be offered up to mankind yet again as the solution to his problems.

All such false prophets will claim divinity and appear to be very good.  It is important to remember though that even Y’shua would not accept the adjective “good” relative to Himself when he was here.

Matthew 19:17
(17) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Continuing in the premise of our Two Trees book, our Father’s Heavenly Tree of Life is singular in nature.  Conversely, the tree of knowledge of good and evil is dualistic.  Since man chose to eat of it, he must now live in a fallen world which is enmeshed in and ruled by a system of duality of good AND evil.  It is a kingdom divided against its self, and is destined to desolation and failure.

Luke 11:17
(17) … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

While we abide in this fallen realm, we are strongly influenced by the spirit of this world:

Ephesians 2:2
(2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

As Believers though, we are given the Holy Spirit to help us discern.

1 Corinthians 2:12
(12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Failure to understand that the world's version of good is far different than that of Elohim causes many to succumb to the wiles of the enemy.  We simply CANNOT afford to be ignorant of his devices in this day and age.  The “good” and “evil” of this fallen realm are the two arms of the spirit of this world.  The “good” is the right arm - the Luciferian (light bearer) aspect; and the “evil” is the left arm - the Satanic (adversary).  Though they are opposites, they key off of one another to reach a common goal.

When things become so demented and twisted by the left “evil” arm of the spirit of this world that the people of Earth are crying out for everything to be righted, the right “good” arm of the spirit of this world will emerge as the savior for mankind.  There will be such contrast, that mankind will gratefully jump right on the bandwagon.  (Note that this may already be happening to a degree.)

Elohim’s holiness is a standard all its own. Emanating from this holiness is His Truth.  Those who emerge from the right arm of the world’s system will be very convincing, and will have a form of godliness, though their truth and Elohim's Truth will not properly align.  Unless people realize the difference, they will be deceived by the miraculous feats they exhibit.

Matthew 24:24
(24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

(Note that the words “it were” are italicized because they were added in our English KJV. The truth comes out when we read it without those added words:  “If possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”  Short of our prudence through the Holy Spirit, it WILL BE possible, and many Believers may end up being deceived.)

Is the “good” of this world to be preferred to the “evil” of this world?  As a temporary measure, it will be the obvious preference to restore some semblance of a predictable and comfortable normalcy we crave.  It may even provide an extension to the time we have to reach the lost.  However, it will ultimately be even more dangerous to us as Believers, due to its seductive nature.  Nobody would take tainted candy from a red man with horns, but they are much more likely to take it from someone who seems to have the appearance and nature of divine light.  Though the “god” of this world and the associated “spirit” thereof will try to imitate Elohim’s Heavenly good, their best efforts will ultimately end in dismal failure and destruction.  Unfortunately, they will take much of humanity down with them.

Is the false prophet (the second beast of Revelation 13:13-18) an “evil” character?  The text never portrays him as being blatantly evil.  Revelation 19:20 just indicates that he is a “false” prophet – not an evil one.  Anyone who professes holiness but does not align to Elohim's principles is “false”.  The False Prophet of Revelation will want to draw the entire world together to live in accordance with standards that he sees as being “good”; and actually (from the average worldly perspective), they may seem to be “very good”.  Many will fall prey to his counterfeit godliness at this time and inadvertently step away from the fullness of the Father's Truth.  Because this character and his ways will not appear to be evil, and people have been conditioned to accept a supernatural (yet worldly) solution as being God's good, they will be deceived.  It will be a fatal error of judgment.

In order to bring about the unity of the world’s kingdom, the False Prophet will work with the first beast of Revelation 13:1-12.  It is this first beast character who is typically seen as being evil.  However, it will actually be this False Prophet (the second beast) who will eventually institute the Image of the first Beast and will insist on the infamous Mark.  As a side note at this juncture, we would STRONGLY advise declining any injections in the future.  Some studies suggest that DNA alterations and the intrusion of mind-altering computer technology is being prepared for the delivery system of the injections on our doorstep!

We need to bear in mind that what will play out in Revelation will employ many of the same characteristics that we are seeing in our world at this very moment.  We cannot afford to put that which appears to be good on a pedestal and assume that it is Elohim’s good.  If we are to attain to the status of Bride and be able to circumnavigate the world of the future, we must develop the discernment to put it all into its proper perspective.

Without trying to put names to beasts, we should realize that “heads” of the beasts might be kingdoms (nations), and the “horns” (sometimes said to have crowns) may be the leaders of these nations.  Watch the groupings of nations.  One such grouping that is now limited to 7 is about to expand to 10.

As we try to discern who these nations and leaders might be, we might keep in mind the two arms of the spirit of this world, and that neither side will be perfect in its representation of that arm.  There must be a slight cross-over from time to time.  The left arm that brings about the problem will be linked with chaos, and the right arm will be linked with bringing order out of the chaos and restoring structure and harmony.  Our investigation shows how there may even be a means of restoring financial stability that may soon be revealed.

These groupings of nations might have started out as one arm, but may have become mixed over time, as leaders of these nations change over time.  This mixing has caused severe disruptions globally.  It makes very interesting reading and viewing as one tries to see what is really going on behind the scenes.

When we study the enemy's hierarchy, we see that the two dualing factions of good and evil serve the same master, the spirit of the fallen world.  This spirit will see that the ideology of a global network is established.  It uses both arms to bring that network about. These two factions are represented in our Bibles by two dragons, two beasts, two kingdoms, and multiple applications within each rank.

As we try to correlate the events of our day with the Biblical prophecies, we should realize that the symbolism of the Biblical text allows for many layerings and parallels.  For instance, the two beasts of Revelation 13 may be extended portrayals of beasts from our Old Testament pages.  Leviathan is the dragon figure of the sea, and Behemoth is the countertype dragon of the land.  Likewise, the first beast of Revelation 13:1-10 comes from the sea, and the second beast of Revelation 13:11-18 is from the land.

We will not pretend to have all of the answers, or do all of your homework for you, but we will throw out a few ideas to start your wheels turning.

The western nations are across the sea from the promised land, and a leader from there would have to cross the sea to get to the promised land.  The beast from the land might emerge directly from the land mass where the promised land exists.

Chapter 11 of the book of Daniel documents the warring factions of a King of the North and a King of the South.  Many say the fulfillment of this prophecy is complete, but it seems to have further fulfillment (yet another application) for our day and age.

The historical pages of our Bible document the warring between the kingdoms of the North and the South.  The kingdom of the North was the northern ten tribes of Jacob (aka House of Israel or Ephraim).  The kingdom of the South was the southern two tribes of Jacob (aka House of Judah).

The northern ten tribes were dispersed and a major aspect of this grouping crossed over to the west – across the “sea”.  The southern two tribes remained in the “land”.

The first beast of Revelation 13 has ten horns, and the second beast has two horns.

The ten horns of the dragon of Revelation 12:3, and the beast of 3:1, 17:3, and 17:7, is reminiscent of the ten-horned beast of Daniel 7:7-24.

We'll conclude with these few references, and see where it leads you.  The main idea is to awaken your insight into the powers that be that are in charge of the events in our world today.  Only when we are aware of their tactics can we hope to escape their traps.

Be blessed as you work with these thoughts!
Bill and Karen Bishop