Title: Understanding “Beasts” of Revelation 13: A Prophetic View of the “End of Days”
Author: Larry E. Ford
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B0784DRY2S
Pages: 298
Genre: Non-fiction/Religious
Reviewed by: Dan MacIntosh
Pacific Book Review
End times prophesy is an endlessly fascinating subject, whether you’re particularly religious or not. It has inspired many to predict when the world will end, which has left these failed prognosticators with egg on their faces. It was even the basis for a fictional book series, Left Behind, which was turned into a 2014 film starring Nicolas Cage.
Larry E. Ford’s Understanding “Beasts” of Revelation 13 does a good job in attempting to make sense of prophecies found in Revelation, the last book of the Bible. Ford uses this book, particularly its 13th chapter, as well as many other scriptural references to build his case and explore this complicated subject. He also utilizes outside sources, including historical documentation, to help readers get a better grasp on how these predictions might play out.
The two ‘beasts’ Ford writes about are the beast from the sea and the beast from the earth. This beast from the sea is Satan, whereas the beast from the earth will likely be a human doing Satan’s work. Ford writes: “Finally, the beast from the sea will be joined by another beast. This beast from the earth with two horns like a lamb and a voice like a dragon (more properly translated serpent) will not replace the leopard-like Beast; he will assist him – apparently as the leader of his religious cult. He is to be imbued with great miraculous power, too.” Ford goes on to warn us that this earthly beast will be no “average “Joe.” Rather, he “will be a human Christ-figure the likes of which this world has seldom, if ever seen in its history. This will be the masquerade of masquerades!”
Much prophetic writing refers to this earthly beast as the antichrist, one that will force earth inhabitants to pledge their loyalty to him by taking the mark of the beast, with which they won’t be able to buy or sell. Ford doesn’t get into this whole side of the story much, though, but instead focuses more of his attention on attempting to figure out which nations will play roles in these end time scenarios.
In addition to pinpointing potential world players, Ford finds many faults with the Roman Catholic Church, and believes it will play a pivotal role in End Times prophesy. In addition to authoring books, Ford is also pastor of The Seventh Day Christian Assembly. He writes: “It is no secret that the Roman Catholic Church was the driving force that changed Sabbath worship from the seventh day of the week to the first day of the week.” Ford refers to Martin Luther, who he says decried “the abuse of Papal power by which they claimed to have the authority and power to go contrary to the Ten Commandments and dispense with one of the Ten Commandments in order to create a “Sabbath” called the Lord’s Day on the first day of the week.” The Roman Catholic Church is, for many, the only legitimate Christian church. But because of its changes to Sabbath worship, and other abuses, Ford begs to differ with many of these Catholics.
What’s best about Understanding “Beasts” of Revelation 13, is the way Ford attempts to look at these prophecies from many different angles. He doesn’t write with an authoritative tone, but more as a fellow explorer just trying to find the truth. He has a lot of experience studying these trails, and just wants to help fellow travelers, if you will. If you’ve never delved into Bible prophesy, Ford’s book might just be a fine starting point. And if you read it, you’ll likely never read about current events in the newspaper the same way again.
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