The Antichrist or Beast Out of the Sea Part 8

The Rise to Power and Some Identity of the Antichrist or Beast Out of the Sea from Revelation 13 and 17

From Revelation 17 the 7 heads are seven mountains on which the woman Mystery Babylon sits. The seven heads are also said to be in Revelation 17 7 kings with the beast being the 7th king and seven kings have already risen and fallen. Probably the 6 other kings are the rulers of six world empires that were near to and exercised significant influence over Israel. These would be the four parts of the body of the image of Daniel 2 or the 4 beasts of Daniel 7 which are Babylon under Nebudchadnezzar, Persia, Greece including under Alexander the Great and Rome. Each of these empires exercised significant political, econonomic, social and under the mother-child religion and other idolatry originally from Babel religious influence over Israel. The other two nations and kings that are probably represented and that were significant world empires with substantial influence over Israel were Assyria and Egypt. Together this makes 6 kingdoms or kings. Also Revelation 17 says that 5 kings have fallen, one is and one is yet to come. In the Apostle John's day 5 of these world empires and their kings had fallen: namely Babylon, Persia, Greece, Egypt and Assyria, one was namely Rome which was still ruling in the Apostle John's day when he wrote Revelation and one was yet to come which would be the kingdom of the Beast. The mother goddess and boy child god in the respective kings or kingdoms world empires that had influence over Israel and the Jews are the following: Babylon mother goddess Ishtar boy child Tammuz, Persia mother goddess Mithra boy child Zoroaster, Greece mother goddess Aphrodite boy child god Pan Rome mother goddess Venus boy child Cupid Egypt mother goddess Isis boy child Osiris and Assyria mother goddess Mylitta or Melitta boy child Ninus (after whom Ninevah was named). This is also consistant with world history with the Roman Catholic Church and their popes only getting established with the combination of church and state starting with the emperor Constantine just after 300 AD. This continues to the present time and will likely be the seventh head and king under the beast or Antichrist in the Great Triubulation or 70th week of Daniel. Probably the beast who is the 7th king will have similiarity to the other 7 kings including its religious nature with the mother child cult including over Israel. For the last days this could be the mother child cult in the Roman Catholic Church with its unscriptural and excessive attention to the Virigin Mary and the baby Jesus. One of the nicknames of Rome, Italy is "The City on Seven Hills" and this is probably part of the identity of the AntiChrist or Beast out of the Sea. That is that he is the head of the Roman Catholic Church or Pope or Pontiff during the Great Tribulation or 70th week of Daniel. Another possible connection is that the head of the Roman Catholic Church is also called the Pontiff which means "bridge builder" and at least on the back of the 5 Euro bank note and possibly on other Euro denominations there is a bridge which could mean that the last days pope will have power over Europe. After the Roman emperor Constantine in the early 300s, much of the church in the former Roman Empire merged with the worldly power of the Roman emperor or Caesar to form the position of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church which we call the Pope. Their power continued long after the imperial form of the Roman Empire fell in 476AD and even continues today through the Popes' and the Vatican's leadership of the approximately 1 billion Roman Catholics of the world. Also a common name for the Roman Catholic Pope to this day is the Vicar of Christ or Vicarius Christi where Vicar or Vicarius is short for "substitute of" or "in place of" or "against" giving with the word Christ literally in place of Christ, substitute of Christ or against Christ. The real darkness of this term when the Latin term Vicar or Vicarius is replaced by its identical Greek prefix which is "anti" giving "Antichrist" as the Greek equivalent of the Latin term Vicar of Christ or Vicarius Christi for the pope and menaing exactly the same thing. This is an excellent indication that the Roman Catholic Pope ruling the Roman Catholic Church during the Tribulation will be the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea or Man of Sin. They have further but more limited influence on people of other branches of Christianity and other religions and political leaders of other nations that the Vatican often has diplomatic relations with. In Daniel 7:23-24 the scripture says this beast with these ten horns shall devour the whole earth which will probably be especially the case for the second half of the 7 year 70th week of Daniel.

Need for More Efficient Leadership and Vision of the European Union as Possible Opportunity for Beast out of the Sea or Antichrist from Revelation 13

A beast rising out of the sea signifies a beast rising out of the nations and multitudes of people as distinct from the Jewish people. In Daniel 7 verses 2 and 3 it is mentioned that four beasts arose from the Great Sea which is the Mediterranean Sea. These four beasts include the last beast which is the Roman Empire including its last days form with the ten horns. This could indicate that the beast out of the Sea in Revelation 13 will also come from the Mediterranean or be situated on the Mediterranean. This would also make Rome a good candidate for the center of the government of the Antichrist since it is situated on the Mediterranean.This will probably be from Europe especially since there are many indications that the Beast out of the sea or Antichrist will come from Rome which is part of Europe. The consolidation of authority through much of Europe under the present European Union could make it easier for the Beast out of the Sea to rise in political power. There could be further consolidation of power or an easier means to accomplish this if current plans for a Constitution of Europe are achieved by the end of this June(2004) as planned. The adding of 10 nations mostly from Eastern Europe to the European Union on May 1, 2004 considerably increased the reach of the European Union. Different European and other politicians or political observers have noted that the European Parliament, European Commission and other European bureaucracies are already getting quite sluggish, divisive and inefficient with all the different interests, agendas and philosophies of the different member countries and this will only be amplified by the recent major EU expansion into Eastern Europe and elsewhere. Some of these politicians or observers have remarked that it will be now even more neccessary or critical that the European Union gain a fresh and streamlined vision and leadership and method of operating in order not to come to a complete standstill as far as its ability to pass or enforce legislation or other responsibilities. Into this leadership void the Antichrist could and would be quite willing to soon step in. It should also be noted that much of the current European Union as well as its philosophy of uniting Europe is very similiar to the original Roman Empire which especially from the image of Daniel in Daniel chapter 2 the European Union and through it the entire world are a modern day version. This also extends to some of the new additions to the European Union with some of them also being part of the land of the former Roman Empire.

Possible Meaning of Blasphemy of the Beast or Antichrist Over the Ten Horns from Revelation 13

I don't know what it means that on his(the Beast's or Antichrist's heads) there is the name of blasphemy but, it could refer to one of the titles or beliefs of power in the Pope, Pontiff or leader of the Roman Catholic Church that has an effect or influence on people especially Roman Catholics over all the world or over the ten princes over the whole Earth in the last days or Great Tribulation or 70th Week of Daniel. This is the name that the Pope has inscribed is rumoured that he wears at least when he is coronated with the tiara or the triple crown into the office of a Pope or Pontiff. This inscription is "Vicarius Filii Dei". This is Latin for "Substitute of the Son of God". Pope Paul VI was the last pope to to coronated with a tiara or triple crown in 1963. Although no popes have worn tiaras during their papacy since then at their induction or other times there is nothing stopping the next pope after Pope Benedict or even Pope Benedict if he changes his mind to wear a tiara. Pope Paul VI in 1975 wrote a paper or Apostolic Constitution entitled Romano Pontifici Eligendo which I think means Election of Roman Pontiffs in which he stated that future popes are free to wear the tiara when they are inducted or other times except liturgies according to the online information source Wikipedia. Although perhaps the idea that previous popes had the inscription Vicarius Filii Dei on their tiaras as advocated especially by Seventh Day Adventists hasn't been well substantiated it would certainly be consistant with the office, character and background of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea to use this title on a tiara if he uses the office of pope in some of his claims to power in the tribulation which I think is still very possible. I have also learned that at least one time when the expression vicarius filii dei was used was in connection with the Donation of Constantine when it was used to refer to the Apostle Peter which the Roman Catholic Church considers not very scripturally or historically accurately as the first pope or leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Anyway this also leads to a connection with the Antichrist since another name for his according to the prophecies of Saint Malachy is Peter the Roman. The Antichrist or last pope will probably have some characteristics associated with Saint Peter from a Roman Catholic perspective. This title vicarius filii dei is certainly blasphemy and is nowhere approved of by God directly or in His Word - the Holy Bible and there is much in the Bible that would speak out against this. It is blasphemy because it is a man claiming to be God or to be Jesus Christ who is God. This blasphemy could also relate to the description of the "Man of Sin" or "Son of Perdition" in 2 Thessalonians 2 as he as God showing himself that he is God. This could involve the Antichrist who is the Man of Sin showing himself that he is God by the titles he uses for himself or compels or persuades others to use of him such as possibly "Vicarius Filii Dei" or substitute of the Son of God by the pope in the 70th week of Daniel or the Great Tribulation.

The Beast out of the sea being like a leopard could mean he could move very quickly as Alexander the Great who is referred to as the leopard in Daniel 7 in the beasts representing the different world empires. His feet were like the feet of a bear could mean he will be quite vicious like a bear could be with its claws and with the bear referring also to Daniel 7 to Persia as one of the world empires. The Antichrist's or the Beast out of the Sea's mouth like the mouth of a lion could mean he will have a very loud or intimidating voice or manner of speaking like a roar of a lion and refers to Babylon also in Daniel 7 as one of the world empires. However other applications of these animals that are relevant to these world empires in Bible days and true or western and increasingly world civilization are the leopard referring to Greece as referring to Greek philosophy. The bear as referring to Persia as pluralism or multiculturalism which was certainly true of Persia in Bible times not just to the Jews but to other religions. To the Jews this Persian tolerance allowed the Persian kings to authorize and support the Jews to rebuild their Temple and city walls in Jerusalem. The Antichrist could still allow religious tolerance in the second half of the tribulation as long as he was treated as the supreme god much as was the case in the former Roman empire. The lion speaking of Babylon could speak of their idolatry and astrology. All these characteristics could be used and characterize the rule of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea. The dragon is Satan the devil who is also called the prince of this world and the god of this world. This is the power seat and authority Satan the dragon will give the Beast out of the Sea. The world or those who have not trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour will then worship the dragon or Satan and the Beast out of the Sea or the Antichrist or the Man of Sin. This is described in Revelation 13:1-4 as follows:

Scripture Reference to the Rise of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea from Revelation 13

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? who is able to make war with him? Revelation 13:1-4

Possible Reference to Papal Tiara to be Worn to by the Antichrist in the Tribulation Especially the Second Half of the Tribulation from Daniel 7

From the immediately preceding scripture it is clear that there are ten horns on the beast which are symbols or power and will be associated with the ten kings that will reign with him in the second half of the tribulation. However it is also implied this will be part of the power of the beast or Antichrist himself. From Daniel 7 we are taught that the little horn that is another name for the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea will subjugate three of these horns to himself and his own power. These three horns will be some of the ten horns that are each adorned with a crown in Revelation 13. I think this could be a reference to the resumption of the use of the tiara or triregnum which traditionally consisted of three crowns. The scripture in Daniel 7 also says this little horn that subdues the three horns has a mouth that speaks great things or great things against the most High later in the chapter. I think there could be a blasphemous title inscribed on the tiara on its three crowns perhaps vicarius filii dei which means substitute of the son of God or of the Lord Jesus Christ. This would certainly be great words against the most High and a name of blasphemy as in Revelation 13. This would also be consistant with the number of the name of the beast being six hundred sixty six or 666. In this case the three crowns would represent the three regions the Antichrist or Little Horn or Beast out of the Sea will rule directly probably Western Europe, Eastern Europe including Russia and English North America. The scripture reference of the Little Horn, Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea usurping power from 3 of the ten kings and their crowns and seizing those crowns for himself and his power from Daniel 7 is as follows:

Scripture Reference from Daniel 7 of the Little Horn, Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea Taking Power and Crowns of Three of the Ten Horns or Kings and Possible Connection to Resumption of Papal Tiara

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time (3 1/2 years). Daniel 7:7-8, 24-25

The Reign of the Beast out of the Sea or the AntiChrist

According to 2 Thessalonians 2 the Antichrist will claim to be God and do everything he can to show that he is God. This will be a major part of his blasphemy. He may also use the title Vicarius Filii Dei or substitute of the Son of God in his false claim of God's authority. Those in heaven that the Antichrist or Beast blasphemes will include all true or born again believers in Jesus Christ in this present Church age that will all be taken to Heaven at the rapture. It will also include the holy angels and some of the Old Testament saints spoken of in Matthew 27:50-53. For further insight into what some of the blasphemy against God, His temple or they that dwell in Heaven by the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea might be see some of the blasphemies that Lucifer who was originally a good archangel that led a rebellion of angels against God used in his rebellion and blasphemies and fall in Isaiah 14:12-14. Lucifer then came to be the one we better know as Satan or the devil. The Antichrist will also have power over all the earth and for a time will have power or victory or seem to have it over believers in God and Jesus Christ (the saints) and will kill many of them. Those who aren't or don't place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and God and stand for and with Him against the Antichrist will worship the Beast out of the Sea or his image or take the Mark of the Beast. A description of the reign of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea in the 3 1/2 year second half of the great tribulation is found in Revelation 13 as follows:

Scripture Reference in Revelation 13 of the Reign of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13:5-10

Spiritual Nature and Consequences of the Mark of the Beast or the Number of His Name From Revelation 13

Again I will repeat as it will be very important in the Great Tribulation which I hope none of the readers will experience by your avoiding this by placing your whole- hearted faith and yielding your life before the rapture and start of the Great Tribulation in/to the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour that He died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead to give you new, eternal and abundant and God's life. However those who don't now trust in Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour or during the tribulation will most likely worship the Beast and his image and receive the Mark of the Beast in their forehead or right hand. To receive the mark of the beast or the number of his name or worhsip him or his image by anyone in the tribulation is extremely serious in that God considers this as the last step in forsaking Him and His Son Jesus Christ and instead siding with the devil or dragon and the Antichrist or Beast as in Revelation 14:9-12. This not worshipping the Beast or his image or taking the mark of the beast in their forehead or in their right hand will be the main reason those who become the saints will be fiercely persecuted as well as their firm and open faith in God and Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour of the world and in His Word - the Holy Bible. Those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast will be rewarded by being allowed to live and reign with Christ on Earth for a thousand years after He sets up His Kingdom. Revelation 20:4

Economic and Political Nature and Consequences of the Mark of the Beast or the Number of His Name

All people without respect to economic class, part of the earth, religious background or other factors will be compelled to receive the mark of the beast in their right hand or forehead. A strong motivating factor to receive the mark of the beast at that time(the 3 and a half year second half of the Great Tribulation or 70th week of Daniel) is that they won't be able to buy or sell food, things for shelter, clothes or any other product or service without receiving the mark of the beast (unless they can do it in more wilderness or frontier areas more away from the Antichrist's control and surveillance.)

What will likely be the technology for the Mark of the Beast? RFID technology or Radio Frequency Identification Technology. There were good introductory articles about this technology from a secular viewpoint in one of the August 2003 issues of Time magazine and an issue a couple months later of Scientific American. There are also often articles about this technology from a Christian perspective in Bible prophecy magazines or newsletters identifying it as the technology that will be used for the Mark of the Beast. The RFID technology basic components are a microchip, that is about the size of an ant's head, attached to a miniature transmitter. The basic application for this technology is to replace the Universal Product Codes or Bar codes on supermarket or food items and other products. It also will be used by the US military for shipping goods and probably interfaced with paper in the new Euro bills of the European Union. Many of these groups say they want to have their applications in place by 2005. This RFID technology could also place the microchip and antenaes under the skin of the forehead or right hand in human beings to track them or control them in the reign of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea in his reign especially in the 3 1/2 year second half of the Great Tribulation or 70th week of Daniel.

A Probable or Possible Identity of the Number of the Beast

In Revelation 13 the Bible says this Mark of the Beast and the related name or number of his name will all be of the man that will be the beast and that those with wisdom could be able to identify this number(and name). As I have suggested before with some reasons although I can't prove it, I think the name of the beast could be "Vicarius Filii Dei" or Substitute of the Son of God. A main reason I say this in addition to the fact that this is clearly a name of blasphemy for any man to have and use is that I read a most compelling article in the December 1999 issue of the Gospel Catholic from the Conversion Center from North Carolina, USA of born again Christians that were formerly Roman Catholic priests, monks and nuns that some of the letters in the Latin title "Vicarius Filii Dei" have Roman numeral equivalents. As a means of refreshing for the reader in Roman numerals i=1, v or u=5, x=10, l=50, c=100, d=500, m=1000 etc. Using these Roman numeral equivalents and the word Vicarius we get v=5 + i=1 + c=100 +i=1 + u=5 which gives a total of 112 and for the second word filii we get i=1 + l=50 +i=1 + i=1 which gives a total of 53 for the Roman numeral equivalents for the second word filii of Vicarius Filii Dei. This leaves the third word Dei. In this word we have d=500 + i=1 which gives 501 for the Roman numeral equivalents of this word. Altogether the Roman numeral equivalents for the title or name Vicarius Filii Dei then are 112+53+501=666!!! I don't think this is just coincidence. I know there are many alternate ideas about explanations of the number 666, even some other good alternate ideas of numbers of a man as the Bible says. However I know few or other alternate numbers of a man that comes out to 666 that are based on a name of blasphemy especially with someone in a position that has persectued Bible believing Christians and could do so in the future like the Popes with their title Vicarius Filii Dei which means Substitute of the Son of God. However I will acknowledge some Popes have been kinder to Bible believing Christians and the Bible than others. I would view Pope John Paul 2 fairly favourably is this way but am very apprehensive not for myself but for those who will be left behind on Earth after the rapture concerning the Pope(s) that will immediately follow Pope John Paul 2. The reference to the Mark of the Beast in Revelation 13 is as follows:

Scripture Reference of the Mark of the Beast in Revelation 13

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 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 13:16-18

Some Other Current or Imminent Technology that Could be Used by the Antichrist to Exert Control in His Worldwide Dictatorship

The RFID technology, although it is more directly related to the description of the Mark of the Beast mentioned in Revelation 13, is likely not the only technology that will be used by the Antichrist in his worldwide dictatorship in the tribulation especially the second half of the tribulation. I just heard on the news that as of this writing on March 29, 2006 this is the 10th anniversary of the Palm Pilot mobile communication device or PDA I think Personal Digital Assistant. These and similiar devices by other companies are merging with state of the art miniturized computer technology to provide mobile computers and internet access. This of course would also be useful to the Antichrist or his security forces that could on the field access databases or web sites that could be used to access information about people or places where these security guards are stationed. Although I doubt there would be enough computer power available in these mobile devices at this time if microchips and computer circuits continue to be miniturized and become more powerful and efficient, probably fairly soon technology such as that on Google Earth, which lets the user now with a Microsoft Windows 2000 or more recent computer, download their software that allows the user to supply an address I think anywhere in the world and immediately get the live detailed view from space of that immediate neighbourhood in which buildings and cars and perhaps even humans can be spotted. If in the near future this technology could be available in mobile form in a device such as an enhanced Palm Pilot this would be very desirable for security guards of a worldwide dictator such as the Antichrist and his forces in order to conduct surveillance of believers in Jesus Christ or others the Antichrist and his security forces know or suspect are resisting taking the mark of the beast or worshipping him or his image by watching their suspected hiding place from a remote location and then creeping up to while watching on their mobile devices. I can't say for sure this technology will develop soon and that it will be used by the Antichrist and his forces against his opponents but I think both these points are quite likely and are good reasons to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ now that even though he knows much more about you died for your sins on the cross and rose from the dead to give you new and eternal life if you acknowledge you can't do anything to save yourself or earn eternal life and that Jesus did everthing for you and offers eternal life and a home in heaven for you and his grace and the opportunity for you to reign with him as a free gift by faith in him. The increasing information the world ruler or Antichrist has at his disposal will instead be used against people left on earth to try to destroy them or you but Jesus offers deliverance including now by avoiding the tribulation with the rapture or catching up of believers in Jesus before the tribulation.

Destiny and Doom of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea from Revelation 19, 20

The last ungodly act or act of rebellion against God and Jesus Christ of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea will be to gather all the kings of the Earth and their armies against the Lord Jesus Christ and believers coming from Heaven to rescue Earthly Jerusalem. The true Church of born again believers in Jesus Christ will comprise a significant part of His armies from Heaven but our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will do most of the fighting against the kings of the Earth and their armies through the sword that comes out of Jesus' mouth which is the Word of God the Holy Bible or other things Jesus might say. A significant reason for God's judgment on the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea is because He deceived and caused the condemnation of people of all nations and languages and tribes or kindreds who worshipped his image or received the mark of the beast. The Bible here states that he was cast alive at the Lord Jesus Christ's Second Coming in power and great glory to the lake of fire that burns with brimstone a form of sulfur or sulfur compound. This lake of fire won't be merely a place of judgment or torture mentally or emotionally but also a physical place where there will be physical suffering. In Revelation 20 the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea is mentioned still suffering or being tormented in the Lake of Fire after the end of the 1000 year Messianic Age or Millenial Kingdom and that this suffering will continue for ever. The scripture references for the destiny and doom of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea from Revelation 19 and 20 are as follows:

Scripture References from Revelation 19 and 20 of the Destiny and Doom of the Antichrist or Beast out of the Sea

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse(the Lord Jesus Christ), and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Revelation 19:19-21.

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. ... And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:7,10.

December 2013 World Trade Organization Agreement for World Trade on Agriculture and Development

In December 2013 the world Trade Organization accomplished something it hadn't since its founding in 1995. It achieved a worldwide trade agreement. Because it has failed to so for a long time many countries have sought and achieved bilateral trade agreements between different pairs or small groups of countries to increase free trade to some extent in the absence of a worldwide free trade agreement. The name of the free trade agreement the World Trade Organization (WTO) had been seeking for a long time but without success is called the Doha Round. Although the latest agreement is not and falls significantly short of the Doha Round it is still significant. One European Union when commenting on this new deal said it achieved about 25% of the sought Doha Round. The new agreement in Bali, Indonesia focuses on Agriculture, Cotton and Development. Some of the features of this deal seek less tariffs by the first world on agriculture and other goods that are main products of the least developed countries in the world so they will be more competitive in the markets of the developed world. The least developed countries are also allowed to use or continue to use subsidies on their products do they can maintain production of agriculture and similiar products for their domestic markets. Under this agreement there were also be more standardization on selling and transporting products worldwide including from the least developed countries which would include cutting through red tape that could leave products in port facilities or warehouses in least developed countries much longer than necessary and that could reduce the usefulness of the products before they reach the consumer or could annoy consumers or retailers that might expect the product sooner. The overall estimated increased value to the global economy is approximately 1 trillion dollars. Although this agreement did not involve all countries of the world, it involved 159 of them including most of the major economies. These are the nations that are so far part of the WTO. According to the WTO itself this deal is supposed to lead to an effort in the next 12 months to try to reach an agreement on the other 75% or so of the goals for free trade in the Doha Round. I am personally not sure of all what that will involve but it will probably involve a lot more about manufactured goods. In this achieved agreement there was also some more worldwide protection of intellectual property such as copyrights and patents.

From a biblical Christian viewpoint this deal, especially if it is fully implemented, will bring the world closer to a global economy and to some extent global government. Although some people including in the business world are in denial of it a closer global economy and government will become increasingly irresistable to some ambitious and powerful people of the world to consolidate power and lead more explicitly the increasingly global economy and government. These people probably already have contact and dealings with the men who will become the antichrist and false prophet mentioned in Revelation 13 and further chapters of Revelation and some other chapters of the Bible. If the WTO and the world communitely are successful in the next 12 months or the near future in agreeing to more of the Doha round and a world free trade agreement the world will be more ready and probably sooner to see the ascent to rule over the world of the antichrist the beast of the sea and the false prophet the beast of the land and the beginning of the 7 year tribulation period when Satan the devil will rule the world through these men and people associated with them and God will pour out his wrath on those who have neglected or rejected the good news of free salvation available to all people through receiving His Son Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour. Although the antichrist will probably come on the scene promising more solutions about development and world peace and prosperity the most unique identifying feature the bible mentions for his coming to power is that he will achieve a Middle East peace that will allow the Jews or the nation Israel to build their third temple and re-start their temple worship on the temple mount in Jerusalem. Since progress is also taking place in this area by groups such as the Temple Institute, I would encourage the reader to as soon as possible admit you are a sinner according to God in His Word the Holy Bible and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that He died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead to give us new life so you can have eternal life and a relationship with God and also be assured of being taken to heaven at the rapture or catching up of the church and then coming back with Jesus to reign on earth with him and not being left on earth during earth's darkest hour in the tribulation or 70th week of Daniel.

For comments, questions, advice or more information contact Doug at dougforheavens33@gmail.com Contact Spirit and Truth Ministries

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