The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Book of Revelation Question

Using the book of Revelation ONLY and setting aside our presuppositions as partial preterists, historicists or futurists, can it be determined which of the two beasts in Revelation is the one to be "numbered"?

"According to Revelation verses ... and ... it can be determined that it is the ...... beast that is the numbered one."

How is it possible to understand the book of Revelation without the Old Testament since a good portion of that book is based upon the Old Testament?

Secondly, if one's presuppositions are self-induced, then one would be remiss if such presuppositions aren't discarded altogether. However, if one's presuppositions are actually scriptural truth, then one would be remiss... frankly stupid to set them aside.

In regard to both of these suggestions; 1) isolating Revelation (or any part of Scripture) from the whole, and/or 2) disregarding all that Scripture teaches, aka: 'truth' with the intent to gaining a better understanding of one part of Scripture, one would be violating a fundamental principle of hermeneutics (biblical interpretation), which the Bible itself teaches. This basic principle is commonly and historically known as "The Analogy of Faith"; comparing Scripture with Scripture, without which coming to know the truth of Scripture is virtually an exercise in futility.

In fact, this month's "Article of the Month" deals with the subject of the New Testament's use of the Old Testament.

I would assume that you were unable to answer the question using Revelation only or you would likely have done so.

Using our entire OT/NT only can you determine whether it is the first or second beast of Revelation that is the numbered one?

Thank you.