K141. The mystery of Godliness and the mystery of lawlessness

There are similarities and differences in both mysteries. I believe that:
1. the mark of godliness in a believer is the law of God in his heart (Heb 8:10), but
2. the mark of the beast in a fallen believer is the lawlessness of Satan
Hence, the mark of the beast will remove the law of God in a believer before it can become the mark of the beast in him:
Rev 12:17 KJV  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 14:11-12 KJV  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.  (12)  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Hence, the reverse of godliness is lawlessness. It is because godliness has the law of God; but lawlessness does not have the law of God. I believe that we are ready to talk about the mystery of godliness (1Ti 3:16) and the mystery of lawlessness (2Th 2:7) now.

A. What is the Bible mystery about numbers?
Talking about the mystery of lawlessness will lead us to study the meaning and typology of the numbers in the Bible too.
I must say that I am not against the teaching of the mystery in numerology. I love Bible mystery but I love the revelation or the interpretation of the mystery even more, not because it is dramatic or mysterious, but because it reveals the truth. We should always love the truth even if it is the 'boring' truth, plain truth, or simple truth. I am now thinking of two types of mysteries which false prophets or prosperity preachers have used to deceive the people of the churches:
1. Verse number as seed faith?
Will we prosper if we sow an 'Isaiah 54 :17 seed' with an amount of $54.17 according to the command, prayer, teaching, or instruction of a certain modern preachers or prosperity preachers? No, the truth is: There is no such seed, no such amount, and no such number when the Lord said it through the mouth of Isaiah. Verse numbers were written and added by men for easy referencing very much later. Verse numbers in the Bible have no significant meaning in the doctrine of Jesus Christ too. However, verse number has clearly become a mercantile tool, theory, or system which some modern preachers or false prophets would use to deceive the foolish or illiterate believers (including the 'poor' and miserable widows) into parting with their hard earned money in a mysterious and pseudo-biblical faith manner. The tactics of the false prophets today are similar to that of the Pharisees who oppressed and deceived the widows in the past. The difference is that the Pharisees had to deceive many more widows to give them the same amounts that are being given to false prophets today. The similarity is that many 'rich widows and widowers' (who gave) thought that they have given to God or to the church under grace, under the covenant, or under the will of God. Giving with the intention or the 'seed' to prosper under a Bible verse number (like 54.17), a biblical favourite number (like 555), or a gorgeous Bible architecture (like a church building) is nothing more than the practice of many Gentiles who believe in prosperity through their auspicious number (like 888 or 999) or golden idols.  
2. Verse number as protection?
Can we become more protected if we memorize, meditate, or confess Psalm 91:1 or Psalm 91:11 on September 11? No, besides the truth that the Bible referencing is not part of God's words, it is not even a Bible doctrine or theology for God to protect us when we memorize the number. Our trust in God's protection is not based on just a certain Bible verse or a few Bible verses. Jesus told us that the correct basis on how we live by the words of God is not by a few Bible verses; it is by every word of God, including His commandment:
Mat 4:4 KJV  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Interestingly, the devil quoted Psalm 91:11 to Jesus too when the devil wanted Jesus to just meditate, think, and confess only Psalm 91:11
Mat 4:6 KJV  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Psa 91 :11-12 KJV  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  (12)  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

B. What is the Bible mystery about sin or lawlessness?
The meaning and the study of sin is a mystery too. No one can really tell where did sin come from? It is still a mystery in the word of God to many. The Bible calls it the mystery of lawlessness. It is a hidden mystery to men until the time is due for it to be revealed. However, Satan will use the mysteries of God words to blind the people from knowing and admitting their sins and distract them from pursuing God or godliness. In fact, the mystery about sins and godliness has already been revealed to us, but to the blind, it will still remain as mystery to them:
1. The mystery of godliness in Christ: - 1Ti 3:16 KJV  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Eph 3:3-6 KJV  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  (4)  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  (5)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  (6)  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel ..
2. The mystery of lawlessness in the lawless one - 2Th 2:3-11 LITV  Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that Day will not come unless first comes the falling away, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition .. (6)  And now you know the thing holding back, for him to be revealed in his time.  (7)  For the mystery of lawlessness already is working, only he is holding back now, until it comes out of the midst.  (8)  And then "the Lawless One" will be revealed, "whom" "the Lord" "will consume" "by the spirit of His mouth," ..

C. What is the mystery of the titles and names
If Jesus Christ is the Word who came in the flesh, then the lawless one is very likely the beast who came or who will come in the flesh. There are stunning 'similarities' (differences) between the mystery of godliness in Christ and the mystery of lawlessness in the beast.

1. Both mysteries have been revealed to the Apostles (Eph 3:5, 2Th 2:6-7) and will be revealed to everyone in the end time.

2. Both have the titles which all men will see
Joh 19:19-22 KJV  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  (20)  This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.  (21)  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.  (22)  Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
a. The title and name of Jesus was put on the cross, but
b. The title and name of the beast will be splashed on the computers, hand phones, and wall screens across all the cities, cinemas, churches, and countries too. This was impossible 2000 years ago or even after the invention of the computers; but it is now possible with the internet. Unknown to some ignorant believers, many churches have already used the cinemas and commercial networks to show live telecast preaching of their favourite 'superstar' pastors from the pulpits. When John wrote about the crucifixion and the titles of Jesus in John 19, he wrote from what he knew and what he saw. It was history. However, when he wrote about the beast in the Revelation and how the people will respond to the titles and the names of the beast, it was a prophecy.
Rev 13:16-17 KJV  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Many believers and even the non-believers think that the beast will force his mark onto the foreheads or hands of the people. However, please think, Will God judge the people because they are forced to receive his mark? No, God is fair. God did not judge Adam because he was forced to take the fruit too. God judged him because he took it on his own accord when he listened to the serpent. When he listened to the serpent instead of listening to God's command, he loosed the glory of God. Similarly, God will not judge us because we are forced to take the mark of the beast too; God will judge us if we take the mark of the beast or listen to the beast instead of listening to Him and His commandments. When we listen to the beast, we will become lawless and fall like Adam again. Hence, the beast is not likely a dictator; but a deceiver or a tempter like the serpent. He is sent by the dragon to tempt mainly the believers. He is not a tyrant, a mad politician, or an IT pervert ; but a preacher or a false prophet. Hence, the mark of the beast is not just a micro chip or a number which is given to us; it is what the beast will put on our minds or into our lives, that blasphemes and rebels against God. It is not the micro chip; it is what is behind the micro chip. It is not what is seen; it is what is unseen!

3. Both have the great titles and names
Jesus has the titles of king and God. Initially the Jews thought of the title of the king as a mockery, until it was put on the cross and they were shocked to find out that it was more than the title of a king. Some Bible scholars believe that, when the titles were written in Hebrew, the initial alphabet of each letter formed the Hebrew name of 'God' or YHVH (יהוה). The Pharisees demanded that it should be changed. But Pilate said, "What's written is written". In another words, it was quite a hassle to change it once it was written and displayed to everyone.
However, the beast has the titles and names of men (666).
Rev 13:18 KJV  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
I believe that, when the beast adopted or changed his names, nobody paid attention to it. But when he starts to rise, take power, or become more lawless, many pastors are shocked to find out that they have been fooled by the beast who has the title and names of a man. But it could be too late. Many churches could have become so badly divided that most pastors have no choice but to continue the 'lawless' propaganda to keep the churches under control.

4. Both have a 'spiritual' father
Jesus has God the Father, but the beast has Satan as the father:
Rev 13:1-12 KJV  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.  (2)  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority .. (11) And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.  (12)  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
We notice that there were TWO beasts in Rev 13 - the first beast with ten horns and the second beast with two horns. I believe that
1. the first beast is a 'lawless' SPIRIT (Rev 13:1-2) -  it could also be a collective and figurative 'WORD' which summarizes the characteristics of many rising kingdoms, kings, and men who are lawless, rebellious, boastful, manipulative, influential, anointed, and deceitful.
2. the second beast is a 'lawless' MAN (Rev 13:11) - it could be the lawless 'WORD' or the spirit which will finally come in the flesh with great titles, names, and numbers of a man. Hence, he will be visible to all men when he starts to rise up and he will gain the most impact and respect from men who will rebel against God under his title and name. Like Jesus, he may have a dramatic eventful childhood life which already spells his destiny. However, he begins to indulge in the full 'ministry of lawlessness and pseudo repentance' only when he is an adult, and he 'speaks to kill'.
Rev 13:15-18 KJV  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.  (16)  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  (18)  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Do you notice that the Bible uses 'he' instead of 'it' to describe him? Hence, the Bible shows clearly that the beast who tries to give his mark desperately to the believers is not a thing or a monster, not a computer, not a company or a corporation; but a man. Unknown to many ignorant believers, he is a 'killer' of God's life in the believers; not the 'killer' of God's life in the sinners (because the sinners do not have God's life or God's Spirit, and the beast knows that the sinners will all join him in the lake of fire regardless of whether they receive his mark or not).
Now question: Why did the Bible tell us that the beast could speak life into the image, and then they BOTH speak in Rev 13:15. Hitler could never do that and king Nero did not do it too. How could it be possible? Honestly I could never understand how it was possible many years ago before the projection screens were used in many churches. However, it still took me quite a while to understand it many years after the churches had started to use the projection screens, until one day I saw a pastor suddenly turned back to face the image of himself on the projection screen, spoke to himself before the congregation, and shouted, "Preach it,  Pastor ! Preach it, Pastor !" Oops, I almost fell off from my chair while the rest of the congregation still laughed and enjoyed his silly jokes. But I knew immediately how the beast and his image BOTH speak and cause many to 'die' in Rev 13:15, irregardless of whether the people will worship or do not worship his image. However, his image is still a mystery to me as the Bible said that it "had the wound by a sword, and did live". Was it referring to his past, or his another identity in occultism before he came to know Christianity, or his another identity before he switched to become more evil? I do not know.
Many who want to deny and dispute would still ask, "How about Rev 13:13? If he is the beast, he must call fire to come down in the sight of everyone too. We should get to the bottom of it .."
Rev 13:13  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men ..
I will tell them, If you want to get to the bottom of it, then let us get to the bottom of it. If the beast must call down fire from heaven, then King Nero could never be the beast because he could never call down fire from heaven. He could only put fire on the heads of the persecuted Christians and made them into torches to illuminate his palace. Probably Hitler could almost do it when he ordered his airplanes to rain down the missiles and bombs. But I think false prophets could do it better in the sight of men with their videos, prayers, and IT experts. I have seen preachers praying and preaching about curses (or double curses) on those who disagree with their 'ministries' and 'miracles'. I have even seen videos repeatedly showing fires and curses coming down on Jesus in a dramatic 'Horriwood' style in the sight of men! They may portray the picture proudly and successfully as a highly attractive, exciting, imaginative, and creative art to everyone; but it is a false, dramatic, and perverted presentation of His death. We know that Jesus was crucified on the cross; not burned on the cross. If He was a picture of blood sacrifice or burnt offering to God, it was once and for all. But He is now a picture of an empty tomb or empty cross. It is not necessary to show the 'bloody and gory' picture again. However, many lawless people love to see the Lord being 'burned' or 'mutilated' dramatically again and again. While some believers might think that everyone would appreciate, honor, and watch it with tears, sorrows, and crying, I think Satan would only laugh at our ignorance and enjoy each reenacting of the Lord's death in details. If you tell me that Hitler is the beast, I will tell you that Hitler could only be a little 'puppy' compared to the real beast who can mutilate men's bodies and take away their souls.
Heb 6:4-6  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  (5)  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  (6)  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
What does the words "fall away" above means? It means that once they were God's chosen ones; but now they are the fallen ones.
Today our eyes and minds are bombarded by many videos and pictures that can be easily accessible from the media. They can now become the main source of our encouragement or abomination; they can be the truth or deception too. We can judge for ourselves. Just for reference (on how images or videos can be used to capture or create the great miracles and wonders at the sight of men), see also: http://citizen.co.za/786990/video-prophet-bushiri-walks-on-air/ and https://youtu.be/s7uXnOr1isE
Jesus said,  "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (Joh 7:24). It means that we do not always judge by what we see; but by what the Lord said. Hence, I believe that Jesus wants us to judge; however, when we judge, we must judge wisely and righteously with His words, not foolishly, blindly, or deceitfully with our lies or twisted words. Sometimes, we may need to judge boldly without any fear of men to save our loved ones from the trap of the serpent, the dragon, the beast, or the 'frogs' (Rev 16:13) too.

5. Both have the power to work miracles
Of course, the power of the beast is lying power; not God's power.
2Th 2:9-11 KJV  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  (10)  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  (11)  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Many will still ask, "Why do you think that the beasts are 'anointed'?" I will tell them, They are the 'kings'; but they are not the political kings that we know in the world. They are considered kings because they are 'anointed' and they have great influence on many people and nations. John considered himself as the 'king and priest' too (Rev 1:6, 5:10). Hence, the beast and the kings in Rev 13 could be the anointed 'kings and priests' who reign on the earth, but they are actually the false prophets. They may vehemently argue that they preach Jesus only; but they preach a different 'Jesus'. They may show that they are the anointed; but they are actually the false christs who preach, bless, heal, prosper, and reign under the spirit of the beast. They 'speak to kill'.
Rev 5:10 KJV  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Many will still ask, "How about the horns or the crowns on the heads of the beasts? What are they?" I will tell them, This has been explained by the angel (Rev 17:12): The 7 heads of the beast depicts the 7 kingdoms with 10 kings. The crowns on the horns will show that the horns are the kings. By contrast, the dragon which also has 7 heads and 10 horns had the crown on its heads instead of on its horns  (Rev 12:3). I believe that the dragon might rule or control 10 kingdoms with 7 kings instead. If you ask me, "Who are the dragon's 7 kings, and who are the beast's 10 kings?", I do not have the answer but I can answer and say that the dragon controls the kings and the kingdoms of the world, but the beast controls the 'kings' and the 'priests' of the fallen churches. And, hence, the two horns on the head of the second beast could mean the rise of two 'kings' from two 'kingdoms' or two fallen churches too. I immediately remember the Lord's prophecy of the abomination of desolation in Mat 24:15. The desolation was mentioned in Dan 11:31-32 and Dan 12:11. Many Bible scholars believe that it was the prophecy about the desolation which will come after the battle between two political kings or kingdoms: one from the North, and the other from the South. But I believe that it is the desolation which will come after the battle between two 'spiritual kings', two competition, two revolutions, two gospels, or two abominations in the fallen churches: one is from the north, and the other is in the south.

6. Both have the crowns
Jesus had a crown with many thorns, but the beast had many horns with a crown on each horn. Jesus did not sin, and therefore, he kept all the laws and commandments of God, but the beast would not only speak blasphemies against God, it would think of blasphemies and lawlessness against God too. Its ten horns and ten crowns will rise from its heads where blasphemies are 'written'. They are clearly the display, glory, tools, kings, and kingdoms of its blasphemies against God and God's commandments.
Joh 19:4-5 KJV  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.  (5)  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
Rev 13:1-2 KJV  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.  (2)  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Hence, the believers, and the followers of Jesus Christ, who keep God's commandments will keep the Ten Commandments (Rev 12:17); but the beast(s) who have the ten horns and ten crowns will keep speaking and thinking of great things, blasphemies, lawlessness, or freedom from His law. He will blaspheme against God, against His name, and against His tabernacle (which is the body of Christ comprising His people, His watchmen, and His prophets):
Rev 13:5-8 KJV  And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.  (6)  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.  (7)  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  (8)  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Many will worship him, admire him, or join him, but those who do so are not saved.

7. Both shocked the world with their titles and names
Joh 19:2-5 KJV  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,  (3)  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. ..  (5)  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
When Jesus was given the title of the King of the Jews by the Jews mockingly, no one was shocked. But when His title and name was put on the cross, it shocked all the Jews who knew the scripture. They realised that it was the sacred name of God. Similarly, when the beast received his title proudly in the church, no one suspected anything. But, when his title and name is splashed across the world, it will shock all the Christians who know the Bible. They will realise that it is not the title of God; but the title of the beast. They will count it and realise that it comprises the number of a man which forms the number 'man man man' or '666'. Six is understood as the number of man because man was created on the sixth day. However, unlike the title and name of Jesus which was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, the title and name of the beast that John saw was in English. Obviously John could never write it or spell it, but he could certainly count it by the number of the alphabets as: xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx. And he was probably told by the angel to indicate it and reveal it that both the number and the meaning of the names were from the names of the men too.
Rev 13:18 KJV  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
(However, many argue that what John saw or counted was 600+60+6; not 666. Well, if that is the case, is it ok to just keep it as a mystery since no one can tell how John counted it? We do not know if John counted it with the help of an angel or with an ancient 'computer', or by using the Hebrew numerics, Greek numerics, Latin numerics, Roman numerics, or Arabic numerics, but we certainly know that he would want all of us to count it, and it should not be very difficult to count and know the name of the beast in our modern day's language or numerics even without any complicated computer system or hidden codes).
The Jews who called or gave Jesus the title wanted to change it when they realized their mistake after studying and understanding the alphabets of the name based on what they knew in their own language at that time, but it was too late. Pilate refused to do it because changing it would confirm it even more. Similarly, the beast or his church would like to change his title too, but it was too late. Changing it will create even more suspicion.
Some Bible scholars may dispute and say that we should never compute the number of the beast based on our reasoning, our assumption, or our modern day's language. I will tell them, If the Bible scholars can believe and assume that the title of Jesus on the cross written in the Hebrew comprised alphabets of 'God' or YHVH (יהוה), why can't we believe and assume that the title of the beast in today's language can comprise the number of the beast too.
1. The name of YHVH was a 'reasonable assumption' and interpretation  based on the Hebrew language without any Bible reference;
2. but the name of the beast was a 'reasonable assumption' and counting based on our today's language with Bible reference to Rev 13:18
Hence, if you ask me, "Can we accept reasonable assumption in Christianity?", I will say, Yes, I am open to it. However, if you say that you cannot accept any reasonable assumption or counting based on Rev 13:18, it is alright to me, but you should not accept any assumption, 'Holy Comm' fantasy, typology, number, or prophecy given without clear scriptural references too. Do not believe the beast who can give you more fantasy, number, or typology than what the scripture can show about himself. The beast might try to give us a different set of numeric or typology to confuse us and hide his name or identity again.

8. Both were struck by the armies but Jesus will win the final battle
a. Jesus was struck by the soldiers who blasphemed Him. They could be the armies from the beast who blasphemed God too.
Luk 22:64-71 KJV  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?  (65)  And many other things blasphemously spake they against him ..
b. The beast was smitten by the armies of Christ
Rev 19:14-20 KJV And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. .. (19)  And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

9. Both have kings and priests
Jesus has kings and priests, but the beast has kings and false prophets. But the 'kings' are described in the Bible as the spiritual kings, not the political kings.
Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev 17:9-13  And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.  (10)  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.  (11)  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.  (12)  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.  (13)  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
The kings and priests of Jesus Christ have the mind of Christ, but the kings and priests of the beast have the mind of the beast. The angel said that the ten horns in the first beasts were the kings and kingdoms. I think that they might not be the real kings; they were the false prophets or religious leaders who possessed the mind of the beast. If that was true, the beasts which rose up with the two horns in Rev 13:11 could be the beast in the 'flesh' who will rise with the two 'kings' too. He could rise after the two 'kings' too. Do we remember that Jesus and Daniel showed us that the abomination of desolation came from the battle (or intense competition between two 'kings': one from the North and another from the South (Mat 24:15, Dan 11:31, Dan 12:11). Many Bible scholars wrote about it and showed us how this happened dramatically between two great kings or two great empires, however, no one can be pretty certain about who were the kings or which were the two empires. I think the Bible scholars should not rule out the possibility that it can also happen anywhere, now or in the future, and the two kings may not be the real kings. It could be a battle between two fallen kings or fallen religious leaders like the kings of Judah and Israel, or a battle between someone who is a pseudo king and someone who has only the name of the king. They might have so much intense fight or competition to win or to rise above one another that they brought the abomination of desolation to themselves or they became the (two) abominations themselves. This reminds me of the (two) abominations created by king Jeroboam from the north when he fought with king Rehoboam in the south:
1Ki 12:26-30 KJV  And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:  (27)  If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.  (28)  Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  (29)  And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.  (30)  And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
From the Bible account above, we notice that the majority of the kings and the Israelites were religious, rebellious, superficial, and foolish, even though they had received the words and the Ten Commandments of God. Their focus was still on the flesh, and their aim was on the number of the people, the prosperity, the fame, or on the sight, sound, and power that they could get from a bigger crowd. It is sad to know that many pastors and believers today are still thinking and reasoning like the Israelites even though they have known the doctrine and commandments of Jesus Christ. I am open to TV shows, stage shows, fashion shows, talk shows, game shows, comedy shows, or magic shows to get bigger crowd to the churches; however, there must be a limit in the way we use them to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. For example, we do not do the strip shows, 'money' shows, 'get-rich' shows, or sensual shows in the churches. We should never use any kind of shows which appeal to the greedy self, sinful lust, lawless flesh, or boastful spirit, to attract more people.
Jud 1:16-23 KJV  These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.  (17)  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;  (18)  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.  (19)  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit .. .. (22)  And of some have compassion, making a difference:  (23)  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

10. Both were not recognized by men
Both are not keen to reveal their true identity for different purposes.
a. Jesus did not go around to boast about His Christ identity. When He was living on earth, He was not recognized as the Christ by many people, even His disciples. Only Peter could see Him as the Christ:
Mat 16:16-17  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mar 9:2-9  And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them ..  (9) And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
b. The beast would not show his true identity too. He would keep promoting his 'godly' image before all men while still keeping his own lawless conscience secretly and deceiving many people to think that he was anointed or he was from God.
Rev 13:13-17  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,  (14)  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.  .. (16)  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Today it is easy for everyone to make an image of him on his books, his websites, his TV broadcast, his CDs and DVDs, in his merchandise, souvenirs, T-shirts, and key chains, .. or on the posters of our buildings, offices, and homes, or on the wallpapers of all our handphones too.
Hence, the beast hates the law of God which reveals his true nature or his lawless conscience. The law of God will also remind him of his evil, his lying conscience, and his condemnation
Rom 2:15-16  Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)  (16)  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
1Ti 1:5-7  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  (6)  From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;  (7)  Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
1Ti 4:1-2  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  (2)  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
What is a seared conscience? It is a conscience which should know the conscience of sin but the person deliberately covered his conscience with his own lawless lies or deception. Hence, it is also a conscience which will slowly cause him to twist more and more words, doctrine, laws, or commandments of God to make himself feeling more and more comfy before God. To do it more convincingly to himself and the believers, he will stretch God's protection (of blood, grace, faith, Jesus' name, or whatever ..) to the extreme. However, his conscience is still evil in God sight not only because he has a wicked conscience; but because he has a godless, lawless, or rebellious conscience in God's eyes. Normally he could never repent (again) after he has known the words of God and deliberately seared his conscience with his lawless lies or deception.
Heb 6:4-6  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  (5)  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  (6)  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

::