If the first beast of Revelation chapter 13 is rising, the second beast isn't far behind.

The Apostle John saw two beasts rising. The first beast had 10 horns and rose out of the sea. It is commonly believed this beast is the coming Antichrist who will rise out of a revived Roman Empire and 10-nation alliance. And, a 10-nation alliance in a revived Roman Empire appears to be what we are witnessing today in the new, super European Union.

The second beast had two horns and rose from the earth. This second beast is referred to as the false prophet. He will be a powerful religious figure who will direct worship toward the first beast, and cause people to take a mark on their right hand or forehead in order to buy or sell.

As I've said before, a beast in Bible prophecy is both a king and his kingdom that rises over Israel. This being the case, the false prophet will need a kingdom of some kind to enforce his global religious and economic control. And, it's my opinion his kingdom will be the United Nations -- which in turn I believe is the Babylon of Revelation chapters 17 and 18.

Who will this powerful religious leader be? I don't know. It could be someone like prince Hassan Bin Talal -- the brother of the late King Hussein I of Jordan. Hassan, who is also a Islamic religious leader,  is not only a strong advocate of creating a hybrid, interfaith religion made up of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, he happens to also be the international president of the Club of Rome. 

The Club of Rome is where Secular Humanist and New Agers meet for the purpose of creating their world government. Not only are its members very active in the UN, they also include many of the world's top political, economic and religious leaders -- including Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy representative. 

However, prince Hassan is just one guess as to who the coming false prophet could be. There are other examples of religions and state working together other than the Club of Rome. For example, the Catholic Church and the Vatican. In fact, it's being reported the Vatican -- the political arm of the Catholic Church --  is considering full membership in the UN (Read about it here).

Why is the Catholic Church considering this move? I suspect it's because of the Club of Rome's growing influence in the UN. The Catholic Church may feel threatened and believe Christianity needs a place at the UN's table to counter the ever growing influence of the New Agers and Humanists. 

However, the Vatican having a seat in the UN could also set the stage for another candidate to become the false prophet -- the next Pope.

No, I don't know who the false prophet will be.

But, I believe his way is being prepared.