We never think we can reform the world. We are called to do good wherever we can, immediately around us. We think back to the many, many Dr Barnardos and George Mullers and people who spectacularly have done good, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and others historically, and we see at times of awakening and revival, Christians doing good to those around. But to think we can reform the world, and renew all of society and transform worldly countries and worldly people, is to misunderstand the great battle between Satan and Christ and the church, and a doomed world which grows steadily worse until the last day. But whatever age or whatever land we live in, Christ upholds his people and gives them strength for the time.
The passage mentions miracles. Nobody has as many miracles as the Church of Rome. It is awash with miracles. It seems benevolent and to be desired, but it is lethal because it buries grace, and salvation by faith, atonement and conversion. These things are hidden and millions of people are utterly misled. This second beast stands for false religion in all its forms, everything that is taught in the world, whether it’s Marxism or human philosophy.