Throughout history, the United States has been a leader among nations, shaping global affairs through its political, economic, and military power. But leadership is not inherently righteous; it can be used to uplift or to oppress. In recent years, many have noted the rise of authoritarian tendencies within the country, especially as political movements embrace nationalism, religious fundamentalism, and corporatist control—hallmarks of fascism.
Revelation 17:16-18 speaks of a beast and ten horns that turn against the harlot, ultimately fulfilling God’s purpose. These verses hold a striking resemblance to the dynamics we see unfolding today, particularly as movements like Project 2025 seek to consolidate power in a way that many fear would dismantle democracy itself.
The Beast and Its Alliance: A System That Devours Itself
“The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.” (Revelation 17:16)
In biblical prophecy, the “beast” represents a system of worldly power, often linked to empire, authoritarianism, and corruption. The prostitute, often identified as a corrupting influence, is ultimately destroyed by the very system that once empowered her.
If we apply this imagery to modern times, we can see the parallel in how extreme political movements rise. Fascism often claims to defend a nation’s heritage, faith, and morality, but in reality, it consumes the very freedoms and structures that sustain it. In America, movements aligned with Christian nationalism and corporatist power claim to be restoring the country’s “greatness,” but their policies erode democratic foundations and individual liberties.
Programs like Project 2025 envision a future where federal institutions are reshaped to enforce a singular ideological rule. While marketed as a revival of faith and national identity, such projects ultimately empower a government that serves the ambitions of the powerful rather than the people. This mirrors the biblical imagery of the beast, which consolidates authority only to devour its own.
The Ten Horns: Leaders Who Give Power to the Beast
“For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.” (Revelation 17:17)
The ten horns represent rulers or leaders who willingly give their authority to the beast. They do not resist its rise but instead welcome it, seeing it as a means to fulfill their own ambitions. In America today, we see a similar phenomenon: politicians, corporate leaders, and media figures who align themselves with authoritarian policies because they see it as beneficial to their own power.
History shows that authoritarianism often succeeds not simply because of one strongman leader, but because of an alliance of enablers—those who see an opportunity and seize it, regardless of the long-term consequences. The same pattern plays out in the U.S. today, where many in positions of influence have abandoned principles of democracy in favor of power consolidation.
God’s Sovereignty in the Rise and Fall of Nations
Revelation makes it clear that all of this happens not by accident but as part of a greater divine plan. It is a warning and a reminder: those who empower the beast do so under the illusion that they are in control, but ultimately, they are fulfilling God’s purposes. History is full of nations that rose to power through tyranny, only to be consumed by their own corruption.
For those who recognize the signs, this is a moment to be vigilant. Fascism does not simply arrive overnight—it grows through complacency, through alliances of convenience, and through the slow erosion of resistance. Whether one sees the events of today as a fulfillment of prophecy or simply as a historical pattern repeating itself, the call remains the same: to stand for truth, justice, and the principles that preserve human dignity.
Conclusion: A Warning and a Choice
The rise of fascism, whether in America or elsewhere, follows a predictable path—one that eerily mirrors the biblical description of the beast and its ten horns. But prophecy is not just about predicting doom; it is about understanding the patterns of history and choosing how to respond.
Revelation 17 reminds us that God allows such events to unfold for His purpose, but that does not absolve individuals from responsibility. Those who recognize the dangers must speak, act, and resist. The question for our time is not just whether the beast will rise, but whether we will stand firm in the face of it.
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