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Who Is the Beast from the Sea? Rome, the Antichrist, or Systemic Evil?

Grow In Faith

Grow In Faith
Who Is the Beast from the Sea? Rome, the Antichrist, or Systemic Evil?
Jan 26, 2026 Season 14 Episode 42
Christ Church IL

In this "Revelation" devotional, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff tackles a deep and multi-layered question: Who is the beast from the sea described in Revelation 13?

Pastor Mike explains that a sound interpretation must start with understanding what the first readers would have heard. For them, the beast was almost certainly the oppressive, persecuting Roman Empire—the all-consuming political power of John's day. But the meaning doesn't stop there. Throughout history, there have been subsequent "Romes": political and systemic forces that rise, misuse power, and oppose God's people.

In this exploration, Pastor Mike outlines his hermeneutic for Revelation: the beast is a prototype of systemic evil, a symbol of any antichrist power, and a call for the church to be prepared for patient endurance. The ultimate assurance remains the same: the Lamb, Jesus Christ, has already won the victory, and evil—though real and formidable—is no match for His sovereign power.

Join us for a clarifying look at this vivid symbol and be encouraged to stand firm, knowing who holds the future.

Don't Miss the Rest of the Series:
Watch the full "Revelation" Devotional series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDrtLuCNhew7-vYFAjG0kGaDHsWMdEtot

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More Revelation Series Resources: https://christchurchil.org/revelation