Revelation 13:4

4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

A. Notice first that worship is offered to two things. They (sea of humanity) are worshiping the dragon (Satan) and they are worshiping the beast.

B. The beast gets its power from Satan, so to worship the beast is to worship the power behind the beast.

C. This beast is recognized for its power. Who could resist?

D. I believe this question was being discussed in church assemblies. Rome is persecuting the church. We are weak and not able to stand. What good will it do for another one, ten, or 100 to die in this persecution? Are we able to resist the power of the government?

E. Some first century Christians developed a doctrine called - Mental Reservation. It went like this: We cannot fight against Rome. We will all be killed if we resist. Here is what we can do. In our minds, we know that Jesus is our only Lord. But we can pinch some incense and say, “Caesar is Lord.” Because, this is not what we really believe. It is just an outward act with no real meaning. In other words, we can lie, if we know in our heart of hearts that we really don’t mean it.

F. This is an ancient version of “Situation Ethics.” There are some religious groups that still teach that mental reservation to preserve life is acceptable.