The dynamics regarding the rise of the Beast Empire and the cataclysmic events of the Sixth Seal suggest a complex relationship between the timing of these events and their implications for the overall timeline leading up to Christ’s return. The First Beast in Revelation represents both a political entity (the Beast Empire) and a singular leader (the Antichrist). While a leader can ascend to power relatively quickly, the establishment and consolidation of an empire is generally a more prolonged process.
Considering that the Sixth Seal is expected to cause catastrophic events, it becomes clear that if we estimate that the Beast Empire has around seven to twelve years to reach its height before the end times, this implies a rapid acceleration of growth due to the crises instigated by the Sixth Seal. Given historical context, even a well-coordinated movement typically requires several years of groundwork before achieving substantial political and military power.
For the empire to realistically rise within a short time after the Sixth Seal, it would likely need to begin forming in the years leading up to the Sixth Seal. This could involve preliminary diplomatic efforts, military alliances, and grassroots movements that establish the groundwork for a unified entity. The existence of political instability and emerging alliances could suggest that the Sixth Seal is indeed drawing near, signaling the onset of terrible times for the world.
If the Beast Empire starts taking shape shortly before the Sixth Seal, this might indicate that the events following the seal could extend over the longer end of the expected timeline, possibly up to twelve years. A quick rise of the empire amid the chaos created by the Sixth Seal could suggest that the ensuing turmoil would lead to a drawn-out series of events, involving escalating persecution, conflict, and economic strife that collectively last several years.
Given that the Beast leader is expected to reach the height of his power three and a half years before the end, this means that the empire would likely need to achieve significant control and influence by around 2053 to 2055 (assuming a return of Christ around 2060). This aligns with the scenario that there would be at least seven to twelve years of unfolding events post-Sixth Seal.
In summary, if the Beast Empire begins to rise just before the Sixth Seal, it indicates that there will likely be a longer duration of events following the seal, potentially extending up to twelve years. This timeline allows for the empire to consolidate its power amid global turmoil and for the necessary societal changes to occur. The implications are profound, as the short lead time suggests that the Sixth Seal may indeed be imminent, heralding a time of great upheaval and instability for the world.
Reasoning by Stephen Green, wording by ChatGPT