The Beast Out of the Earth - the False Prophet

A number of commentators have pointed out the comparison between the Holy Trinity and an unholy trinity that will rise up in the future. The Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—is the only appropriate object of worship. However, Satan desires to rob God of worship. The future unholy trinity will consist of three beasts—the beast from the Abyss (Revelation 11:7), the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:1), and the beast from the earth (Revelation 13:11). We can identify these three beasts as Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet (compare Revelation 16:13; 20:10). Just as the Holy Spirit directs attention to Jesus Christ (John 16:12-14), so the False Prophet will direct attention to the Antichrist.
Revelation 13:11-18 describes the beast from the earth. Revelation 19:20 identifies him as the False Prophet. Jesus warned that many false messiahs and false prophets would dot the pages of human history (Matthew 24:23-25). In the days leading up to Christ’s return the ultimate Antichrist and False Prophet will take center stage. Together, under Satan’s lead, they will dominate the political scene, enforce idolatrous worship, and persecute the true followers of Jesus Christ. Only the return of Jesus Christ will make it possible to overcome their devious power. While the Antichrist will be primarily a political and military dictator, the False Prophet will lead the religious charge in those dire days. From the prediction of the activities of this “beast” we’re reminded that worship rightly belongs to the Lamb who is Lord. While we’re prone to worship that which is less, we must reserve worship for God alone.