The rise and fall of the electronics age is a significant subject of Biblical prophecy, as it relates to the last days in which we live. The surgence of electronics upon the world scene in these last days is obvious. Starting with the discovery of electricity in the 18th century, it has grown and expanded exponentially in the last century. The end of the electronics age is not the least bit expected, though. In fact, the thought of it is unfathomable.
The electronics age is undeniably a significant facet of the day we live in. But it is not recognized by most Bible prophecy interpreters Very few understand what the prophecy is actually predicting. Perhaps that is because it so obscured by apocalyptic imagery. First century descriptions are very difficult to reconcile with our modern vernacular. So, the question becomes: Do we really see it in Revelation?
Absolutely! The electronics age is the second beast described in the last half of Revelation 13 (vv 11-18; aka, the false prophet, Rev 16:19; 19:20). The vision starts with a beast coming up out of the earth with two horns, seeming like a lamb, but speaking like a dragon. It ends with the enigmatic number, 666. For me, this is one of the most intriguing visions in Revelation, packed with real-world relevance for today. It is pinpoint accurate. Once again, history interprets prophecy, squashing speculation and conjecture.
With the discovery of electricity there was a steady procession of inventions. The two horns on the beast represent positive and negative current. Why does it come out of the ground? Because electricity does not work without the electrical current returning to a ground rod. Why the lamb and the dragon? Electrical inventions all seem so innocent, practical, and helpful at the start. But with the development of electronics the innocent lamb became a false prophet, speaking like a dragon. The beast and false prophet imagery does not depict a man, such as the Antichrist, or his accomplice, but rather the dominance and deception of electronics in the last days.
How does electronics live up to the designation, false prophet? Prophets purport to dispense truth, wisdom and guidance. But a false prophet is deceiving, misleading, and destructive, all the while pretending to be a lamb. It promises life and truth, but delivers deception, bondage, and slavery. Stop and realize how much our world – our morals, our activities, our loyalties, our beliefs – are shaped by the electronic images on television and computer screens.
What about the number, 666? It is not a number engraved on the forehead of wicked unbelievers during a factitious seven-year Tribulation period. When history unveiled the number 666 it became the key to identifying the beast, the false prophet. “Solve a riddle: Put your heads together and figure out the meaning of the number of the beast. It’s a human number: 666” (Rev 13:18, MSG). The barcode, invented in 1974, uses the number six to signify the beginning, midpoint and ending of the scan. Barcodes, UPC labels, QR codes, smart cards, and other forms of electronic codes have controlled commerce for the last fifty years. You cannot transact business without electronics – buy, sell, inventory, shipping, delivery, cash register – nothing.
But there’s more. The electronics age will come to an end. Termino! Kaput! Revelation predicts that the false prophet (remember, that is the electronics age, not a person) will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 19:19-21), some time concurrent with Christ’s victory at the Battle of Armageddon. Similarly, Peter prophesied that the elements in the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the works of mankind will be laid bare (II Pet 3:10). This is speaking of the satellite-dependent electronics technology that is the very lifeblood of mankind in these last hours before the Day of the Lord. Just think of it, Christ's Millennial kingdom, free of all electronics.
And
there you have it, a very abbreviated version of chapter 3 in my book, Right
At The Door. The false prophet of Revelation 13 is the electronics age
of the end times, one of many compelling signs and warnings that the end is
very near.
