26. What does Christ say about our duty to the state?
“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” Matt. 22:21.
Note.—The Sabbath belongs to God. Its observance, therefore, should be rendered only to Him.
27. What special miracle is finally to be performed to deceive men, and fasten them in deception?
“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” Rev. 13:13.
Note.—In the time of Elijah, in the controversy over Baal-worship, this was the test as to who was the true God,—the God that answered by fire. 1 Kings 18:24. Now, as a counterfeit test, fire will be made to come down from heaven to confirm men in an idolatrous and false worship.
28. To what length will this effort to enforce the worship of the image of the beast be carried?
“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause [decree] that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Verse 15.
29. What deliverance will God finally bring to His people in this controversy?
“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Rev. 15:2.