And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain. And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beastThis phrase indicates a global phenomenon where the inhabitants of the earth, symbolizing humanity at large, will give allegiance to the beast. The "beast" is often interpreted as a representation of a powerful, anti-Christian entity or system, possibly a political or religious leader, as described earlier in Revelation 13. This worship signifies a deep-seated allegiance and submission, contrasting with the worship due to God alone. The phrase suggests a time of great deception and apostasy, aligning with prophecies in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 about a "man of lawlessness" who exalts himself. all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world
This part emphasizes the concept of divine election and predestination, suggesting that God, in His omniscience, has a predetermined plan for salvation. The "foundation of the world" indicates that God's plan and knowledge transcend time, aligning with Ephesians 1:4, which speaks of believers being chosen before the world's creation. This phrase reassures believers of their secure place in God's eternal plan, contrasting with those who follow the beast. in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb
The "Book of Life" is a metaphorical record of those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb. The Lamb imagery connects to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where a lamb was offered for atonement, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice (John 1:29). This book is mentioned in other parts of Revelation (e.g., 20:12, 21:27), symbolizing the assurance of salvation and eternal life for believers. who was slain
This phrase refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death provides redemption for humanity. The term "slain" highlights the violent nature of His death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 53:7. It underscores the centrality of the cross in Christian theology, where Jesus' death and resurrection are pivotal for salvation, as echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. This sacrificial act is the basis for the believer's inclusion in the Book of Life. Persons / Places / Events 1. The BeastA symbolic representation of a powerful, blasphemous entity or system that opposes God and demands worship from the inhabitants of the earth. 2. The Earth DwellersRefers to those who live on the earth and are not aligned with God, often depicted as those who follow worldly systems and reject divine truth. 3. The LambSymbolic of Jesus Christ, who is described as the sacrificial Lamb, emphasizing His role in redemption and His ultimate victory over evil. 4. The Book of LifeA heavenly record that contains the names of those who belong to God, signifying eternal life and salvation. 5. The Foundation of the WorldA phrase indicating God's eternal plan and foreknowledge, highlighting the divine sovereignty in the salvation process. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareRecognize that there is an ongoing spiritual battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil. Believers must be vigilant and discerning. The Assurance of SalvationTake comfort in knowing that those whose names are written in the Book of Life are secure in their salvation, a decision made by God from the foundation of the world. The Call to Worship the True GodUnderstand the importance of worshiping God alone, resisting the temptation to follow worldly systems that demand allegiance. The Sovereignty of GodTrust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He has foreseen and orchestrated the course of history, including the redemption of His people. The Role of the LambEmbrace the sacrificial love of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, as the foundation of our faith and the means of our salvation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the identity of the beast help us discern the spiritual challenges we face today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is directed solely towards God and not towards worldly systems or idols? 3. How does the concept of the Book of Life provide assurance and hope for believers in their daily walk with Christ? 4. What practical steps can we take to remain vigilant in the spiritual warfare described in Revelation 13:8? 5. How does the imagery of the Lamb who was slain deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus and its implications for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7Provides a prophetic vision of beasts representing kingdoms, which parallels the imagery in Revelation and underscores the theme of earthly powers opposing God. John 1:29Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, connecting the sacrificial imagery to His role in taking away the sins of the world. Philippians 4:3Mentions the Book of Life, reinforcing the concept of a divine record of those who are saved. 1 Peter 1:19-20Speaks of Christ as the Lamb chosen before the foundation of the world, aligning with the eternal plan of redemption. | Christ Sacrificed in Eternity | D. Thomas | Revelation 13:8 | | Safety in Times of Worldly Oppression | R. Green | Revelation 13:1-10 | | Admiration of the Beast | F. D. Maurice, M. A. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | His Deadly Wound was Healed | Thomas Fuller, D. D. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Domain of Antichrist | D. Thomas, D. D. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Domain of Antichrist | D. Thomas | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its Wisdom | S. Conway, B. A. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its Wisdom | S. Conway | Revelation 13:1-18 | | Christ Sacrificed in Eternity | D. Thomas, D. D. | Revelation 13:7-8 | | Eternal Atonement | R. D. Hitchcock, D. D. | Revelation 13:7-8 | | The Lamb Slain | American National Preacher | Revelation 13:7-8 | | The Place of the Cross in the World | G. Matheson, D. D. | Revelation 13:7-8 | | War with the Saints | W. Burkitt, M. A. | Revelation 13:7-8 |
People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Beast, Belonging, Book, Bow, Creation, Death, Dwell, Dwelling, Foundation, Founding, Homage, Inhabitants, Killed, Lamb, Names, Offered, Recorded, Sacrifice, Scroll, Slain, Worship, Worshipping, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:8 2315 Christ, as Lamb
2525 Christ, cross of
2530 Christ, death of
4065 orderliness
8748 false religion
9122 eternity, and God
9414 heaven, community of redeemed
9420 book of life Revelation 13:1-8 4125 Satan, agents of
4609 beast, the Revelation 13:1-10 2565 Christ, second coming Revelation 13:1-18 9115 antichrist, the Revelation 13:5-10 8707 apostasy, personal Library He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy. …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of GloryLetter xxxvii (Circa A. D. 1131) to Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto.
To Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto. [57] He asks his assistance in maintaining the Pontificate of Innocent against the schism of Peter Leonis. 1. We look for scent in flowers and for savour in fruits; and so, most dearly beloved brother, attracted by the scent of your name which is as perfume poured forth, I long to know you also in the fruit of your work. For it is not I alone, but even God Himself, who has need of no man, yet who, at this crisis, needs your co-operation, if you do not act falsely …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
[Sidenote: Honorius III (1216-27) and the Crusade.] The bull of summons to the Lateran Council of 1215 mentions as the two great desires of the Pope's heart the recovery of the Holy Land and the reformation of the Church Universal; and it is made clear that the various measures of reform to be placed before the General Council are intended to bring Christian princes and peoples, both clergy and laity, into the frame of mind for sending aid to Palestine. Moreover, at the Council it was agreed that …
D. J. Medley—The Church and the Empire The Third
refers to Exodus. The promise is, "I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it" (ii. 17). It is in this third Epistle, which refers to the wilderness period and Balaam's counsel, that we have a special reference to the manna, the wilderness sustenance, of which Exodus contains the record. "Bread from Heaven" and "Angels' food" (Ps. lxxviii. 24,25) are set over against the lusts of the …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
But whilst the King has not that most blessed light, yet there are some things in which he can discriminate; and here are seven comparisons in which his unaided wisdom can discern which is the better:-- 1. A good name is better than precious ointment. 2. The day of death " " " the day of birth. 3. The house of mourning " " " the house of feasting. 4. Borrow " " " laughter. 5. The rebuke of the wise " " " the song of fools. …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Fifth vision "On Earth"
E5, xiv. 6-20. The Six Angels and the Son of Man. The next vision which follows "on earth," follows closely on the last, and is preliminary to the pouring out of the seven Vials. No angel has been seen or heard since the seventh angel sounded the seventh trumpet in xi. 15. This shows us that the passage xii. 1-- 8 is parenthetical, and constitutes one series or episode. This fifth vision on earth consists of the appearance of six angels consecutively, each having his separate mission, and all but …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The First vision "On Earth"
E^1, chap. vi. 1-- 8. The Six Seals, and the sealing of the 144,000 From the whole of the first Vision "in Heaven" (H^1, vi. 1-vii. 8) for the putting forth of power "on Earth" in the completion of the redemption of the purchased inheritance. The price has been paid in the shedding of the precious blood of the Lamb; and now, the necessary power is to be exercised so as to secure all its wondrous results, in wresting the inheritance from the hand of the enemy by ejecting the present usurper, and …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Links Revelation 13:8 NIVRevelation 13:8 NLTRevelation 13:8 ESVRevelation 13:8 NASBRevelation 13:8 KJV
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