What Jesus Said

  • Beyond the Conspiracy Theories: A Serious Look at the Two Beasts.

    Beyond the Conspiracy Theories: A Serious Look at the Two Beasts.

    Revelation Chapter 13.

    The book of Revelation is filled with vivid imagery and symbolic language that has captivated readers for centuries. In chapter 13, the apostle John is given a vision that reveals the nature of the church’s enemies in a new and striking way. He sees not one, but two beasts, each representing a different aspect of tyranny and opposition to God. While their exact identities have been debated for ages—with some interpreting them as pagan Rome and papal Rome—the core message remains a powerful and timeless warning about the nature of evil in the world.
    This chapter is a deep dive into the methods and character of these adversaries, showing us how their power is exercised, how they deceive, and ultimately, how their influence is limited. Let’s explore the key takeaways from this profound vision.

    The First Beast: A Hybrid of Fierce Power.

    John’s vision begins with a monstrous creature rising from the sea. This beast is a frightening composite of power and ferocity, with the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion. This imagery echoes Daniel’s vision of the four great empires, suggesting that this beast embodies the combined might, swiftness, and strength of the world’s most formidable world powers. Its seven heads and ten horns with crowns symbolize its extensive power and the kings who serve it.
    What truly defines this beast is the “name of blasphemy” on its heads. This signifies its direct and intentional rebellion against the glory of God. Its power doesn’t come from a divine source but is given directly by the dragon—a symbol for the devil. This beast is an instrument of Satan, used to promote idolatry and oppose everything that is holy.
    A fascinating element of this vision is the beast’s “mortal wound” that is miraculously healed. This suggests a powerful blow against its authority, only for it to be restored with renewed vigour. Some interpret this as the end of one form of pagan worship, which is then replaced by another form, equally serving the devil’s purpose. As a result, the world is in awe, captivated by this seemingly invincible power, and willingly worships both the beast and the dragon.
    This beast uses its power to speak “great things, and blasphemies.” Its verbal attacks are levelled against God, His heavenly dwelling place, and all who live in heaven. While its words cannot harm the divine, its actions on Earth are destructive. It is given permission to make war on the saints and to overcome them, establishing a universal dominion over humanity. However, a crucial limitation is revealed: the beast’s power is only over those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. While it may conquer the bodies of believers, it can never conquer their souls.
    This section ends with a powerful call to attention, urging believers to exercise both patience and faith. Patience is needed to endure the coming trials and suffering, while faith is essential to trust in the ultimate deliverance that God will bring. The promise is clear: those who take others captive will themselves be taken captive, and those who kill with the sword will be slain by the sword. God has a timeline for His judgment, and His justice will prevail.

    The Second Beast: Deception Disguised as Piety.

    Following the first beast, John sees another creature, this time rising from the earth. This beast presents a different kind of threat. It has two horns like a lamb, a deceptive appearance of innocence and meekness, but its speech betrays it, for it speaks like a dragon. This second beast represents a cunning impostor, a force that operates not through overt secular power but through a deceptive facade of religion.
    This beast’s purpose is to promote the worship of the first beast, using every tool at its disposal to draw people away from the true God. Its power is not its own; it uses all the authority of the first beast to achieve its ends. It operates through three main methods:

    1. Lying Wonders: This beast performs great signs and miracles, even making fire come down from heaven. These are not true miracles but “lying wonders” designed to deceive the unwary and validate its false authority. This reliance on pretended miracles is a hallmark of this deceptive power.
    2. Persecution and Death: The second beast uses its authority to command that those who do not worship the image of the first beast be slain. This shows that beneath its seemingly gentle exterior is a cruel and ruthless nature, willing to use deadly force against those who refuse to conform.
    3. Economic Control: The beast creates a system where no one can “buy or sell” unless they have a “mark” on their right hand or forehead. This mark signifies their complete allegiance to the beast, either through public profession or active support. This prophecy has been interpreted as a system of social and economic exclusion, where those who are faithful to God are denied basic civil rights and privileges.
      The chapter concludes with a profound call to wisdom regarding the number of the beast: 666. The text states it is “the number of a man.” While its exact meaning has been the subject of much speculation and debate, it serves as a symbolic marker for those who are wise enough to understand the true nature of this unholy alliance. It reminds us that while the enemy’s reign may seem overwhelming, it is not a mystery to God. He has numbered the days of His enemies, and their reign will ultimately come to an end.

    Conclusion.

    Revelation 13 is a sobering warning about the deceptive and tyrannical nature of spiritual evil in the world. It reveals two beasts that represent the dual threat of corrupt secular power and deceptive religious authority. Their ultimate goal is to draw humanity away from God and into a system of idolatry and rebellion. However, the chapter also offers a message of profound hope and encouragement. The power of these beasts is limited in both time and scope. For those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, victory is assured, not by force, but through patient endurance and unwavering faith. The call to “endurance and faith” is a timeless reminder that in the face of immense worldly pressure, our ultimate allegiance and trust must rest in the Lamb who was slain.

    Further Reading:

    The Book of Revelation Chapter 13.

    • Beale, G. K. (1999). The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Eerdmans. This is a highly respected, in-depth academic commentary on the book of Revelation.
    • Osborne, Grant R. (2002). Revelation. Baker Academic. This commentary is a balanced and comprehensive resource for understanding the historical and theological context of Revelation.
    • Mounce, Robert H. (1997). The Book of Revelation. Eerdmans. This commentary provides a clear and accessible exposition of the book’s themes and symbols.

  • A Deep Dive into Christian Faith? From Emunah to Pistis.

    A Deep Dive into Christian Faith? From Emunah to Pistis.

    A Working Definition.

    Christian faith is not mere agreement that God exists. Scripture presents faith as confident trust in God’s character, actions, and promises, embraced now before all is visible. Hebrews 11:1 frames it as “assurance of things hoped for” and “conviction of things not seen”—not a blind leap, but a settled confidence grounded in God’s reliability.

    The Hebrew Core: Emunah as Steadfast Fidelity.

    In the Hebrew Bible, the idea behind faith begins with the root ’aman: to support, to make firm, to steady. From this comes emunah: steadfastness, fidelity, reliability. Exodus 17:12 uses it concretely when Moses’ hands are “steady” until sunset. Closely related is ’emet—truth as that which is stable and dependable. In this worldview, truth and faithfulness belong together. To call God “true” is to confess His unwavering fidelity; to have “faith” is to rest your weight on His proven steadiness.

    Abraham and the Pattern of Trust.

    Genesis 15:6 is the fountainhead: Abraham “believed” the Lord, and it was counted to him as righteousness. In Hebrew, the verb is from ’aman: Abraham regarded God’s promise as firm and entrusted himself to it. This is not abstract assent to ideas; it is relational reliance on the Faithful One. The prophets carry this forward. Habakkuk 2:4 declares that the righteous live by their emunah—their steadfast loyalty to God amid upheaval—mirroring God’s own faithfulness.

    From Hebrew to Greek: Why Pistis Matters.

    When the Scriptures were translated into Greek, emunah became pistis. Far from shrinking the concept, first-century pistis was a robust relational word used for trust, fidelity, and covenant loyalty—between rulers and citizens, generals and soldiers, husbands, and wives. In other words, pistis meant not just belief about someone, but faithfulness to someone. This is why the New Testament’s language of faith naturally carries the tones of allegiance, loyalty, and obedient trust.

    A Crucial Translation Turn: Habakkuk 2:4 in the LXX.

    The Greek Septuagint renders Habakkuk 2:4 in a way that accents God’s own faithfulness: “the righteous shall live by my faith[fulness].” The Hebrew stresses human steadfastness: the Greek emphasizes divine fidelity. The New Testament receives both lines: life comes from God’s covenant faithfulness and is embraced by our responsive trust. Paul will cite Habakkuk to proclaim that God’s righteousness is revealed “from faith to faith,” centering salvation on divine grace received through faith.

    Hebrews 11:1 Without the Fog.

    Hebrews uses two weighty terms. Hypostasis speaks of real substance or foundation; elenchos names proof or evidence. Faith treats God’s as-yet-unseen promises as present reality because His character and track record are the evidence. Faith is therefore not anti-evidence; it is sight by a truer light—the light of God’s Word and works—before final verification arrives.

    Jesus and Faith: Small Seed, Great Object.

    Jesus teaches that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. The emphasis falls not on the volume of our believing but on the trustworthiness of its object. Even small, real trust in the living God proves mighty because He is. In the Fourth Gospel, the accent intensifies: John avoids the noun “faith” and relentlessly uses the verb “believe,” portraying faith as an active, ongoing abiding in Christ—receiving, depending, obeying.

    Paul and the Gift That Isn’t a Work.

    Paul’s “justification by faith” is not an alternate system of human achievement. Faith is the antithesis of works-righteousness precisely because it is receptive trust in God’s saving action in Christ. By grace you are saved through faith—God’s initiative, not our performance. Faith looks outward to the crucified and risen Lord, receiving the righteousness God gives.

    “Faith in Christ” or “Faithfulness of Christ”?

    Paul’s phrase pistis Christou can mean “faith in Christ” or “faithfulness of Christ.” Theologically, both truths shine in the New Testament. Our salvation rests on Christ’s perfect covenant faithfulness—His obedient life unto death—and it is received by our faith in Him. Many translations choose one side for readability; the canon affirms the whole: Christ’s fidelity secures it; our trust receives it.

    James and Paul: Root and Fruit, Not Rivals.

    James insists that “faith without works is dead.” He is not contradicting Paul; he is exposing counterfeits. Paul denies that works can earn justification; James denies that a lifeless profession is saving. The root that justifies necessarily yields fruit. Where Christ truly dwells by faith, a new way of life appears—repentance, love, generosity, endurance, obedience. Works are not the price of salvation; they are its proof.

    Guardrails Against Counterfeits.

    Two distortions recur. One treats faith as a force that obligates God—believe hard enough and God must act. The other reduces faith to vague positivity that avoids repentance and obedience. Scripture rejects both. True faith submits to God’s wisdom, trusts His timing, and walks in His ways. Its centre is Christ Himself—not outcomes we prefer, experiences we crave, or reputations we build.

    What Faith Receives.

    Through faith we receive reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, adoption into His family, the indwelling Spirit, access with confidence, strength to endure, the ongoing renewal of our lives, and the promise of resurrection. These are not accessories; they are the relational riches of belonging to Christ. “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith,” because it unites us to the Overcomer.

    Growing a Steady Faith.

    Because faith is relational, it deepens as we know God. He grows our trust by His means of grace: hearing and meditating on Scripture, prayerful dependence, life with Christ’s people, and practiced obedience. Trials become laboratories where God proves faithful and teaches us to lean on Him. Walking by faith does not deny pain; it refuses to enthrone it.

    A Simple Summary.

    Christian faith is steadfast, active trust in the faithful God—grounded in His character, confirmed by His deeds, focused on Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and expressed in loyal obedience. It begins with God’s gracious initiative, receives salvation as a gift, and bears the fruit of a transformed life. It is not a leap into the dark but a step onto the solid ground God has already laid.

    An Invitation.

    If faith is confidence in God’s promises, the fitting response is to take Him at His word today: turn from self-reliance, receive the grace of Jesus, and walk in the obedience that faith produces. We do not deny what is seen; we deny it the final word. God’s faithfulness is the foundation—and He is worthy of our trust.

    If you’ve read this far—whether you’re curious, cautious, or already convinced—take Hebrews 11:1 personally: faith is “assurance” and “conviction” because its object is faithful. If you don’t yet believe, start where you are: ask Jesus to make Himself known, open the Scriptures, and take one honest step of trust today—He meets people in motion. And if you do believe, lift your eyes again from what is seen to what is promised; keep walking by faith, not by sight, and let love be the fruit. The God who cannot lie will not fail you.

    📚 Further Reading.

    1. Morgan, Teresa. Roman Faith and Christian Faith: Pistis and Fides in the Early Roman Empire and Early Churches. Cambridge University Press, 2015.
    2. Doggett, Frank. Faith and Loyalty: The Politics of Pístis in the Early Christian and Roman Contexts. Oxford University Press, 2018.
    3. Schreiner, Thomas R. Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification. Crossway, 2015.
    4. Kerr, Anthony N. The Temple of Christ: The Temple Theme in the Gospel of John. Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2008 — see especially the chapter on belief/trust in John’s Gospel.
    5. Wright, N. T. Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Fortress Press, 2013 — especially volumes 1 & 2 for detailed discussion of pistis Christou and faith in Pauline theology.
    6. These titles are offered for further exploration. They represent a mix of academic and accessible resources — no download files required; you can locate them via libraries, bookshops, or preview sites.

  • Title: A Study of John 6

    Title: A Study of John 6

    Introduction

    In our ongoing exploration of the New Testament, we turn our attention to the profound teachings of Jesus in John 6. This chapter is rich in theological insights and practical applications for our daily walk with Christ. In this blog post, we will delve into the core theme of John 6, which is “Jesus as the Bread of Life.” We will explore the essential biblical passage, the main teaching point, and the key elements that support this theme.

    The Core Theme: Jesus as the Bread of Life.

    The core theme of John 6 is encapsulated in the phrase “Jesus as the Bread of Life.” This theme is introduced in the context of the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus multiplies five barley loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd. This miracle sets the stage for Jesus’ profound teaching on the true bread from heaven.

    Key Elements and Theological Arguments.

    1. The Essential Biblical Passage: The chapter begins with the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus then uses this miracle to teach about the true bread from heaven. He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). This passage sets the stage for the entire chapter, highlighting the importance of Jesus as the sustainer of spiritual life.
    2. The Main Teaching Point: The main teaching point of John 6 is the call to believe in Jesus as the source of eternal life. Jesus emphasizes that the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness was a temporary provision, but He is the true bread from heaven that gives eternal life. He says, “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33).
    3. Supporting Scripture Verses: Jesus further explains the significance of His teaching by saying, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). This statement underscores the necessity of a deep, personal relationship with Jesus for spiritual sustenance and eternal life.
    4. Personal Stories and Analogies: Jesus uses the analogy of eating and drinking to illustrate the intimate and sustaining relationship He offers. Just as physical