Revelation 13:6

6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.

A. These evil governments will blaspheme God. They will slander the good name of God. They will ridicule His tabernacle. They will speak against Christians.

B. NOTE: The tabernacle, in the Old Testament, contained the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. This represented to Israel, the presence of God. The blasphemy against the tabernacle is blasphemy that scoffs at the presence of God. As many were being persecuted, they would be asked, “Where is your God now?”

C. The last phrase in this verse has caused some dispute. Here is my view. Christians are in God’s Kingdom, the church. (12:12) Faithful Christians are in “heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6) We are now in “heavenly places in Christ.” We are in the sanctuary and protection of our God. Yes, we are still on earth in the fleshly sense. But, we have moved our citizenship to heaven.

D. This beast does everything possible to destroy religion, worship of God and God’s people. The beast seeks to control the people’s soul and body.