⁷ The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand^(A) and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever,^(B) saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time.^[a](C) When the power of the holy people^(D) has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.^(E)”

¹¹ It set itself up to be as great as the commander^(A) of the army of the Lord;^(B) it took away the daily sacrifice^(C) from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down.^(D)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,^(A) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,^(B) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

² Do not conform^(A) to the pattern of this world,^(B) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(C) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(D)—his good, pleasing^(E) and perfect will.

The Beast out of the Sea

13 The dragon^[a] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea.^(A) It had ten horns and seven heads,^(B) with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.^(C)

The Beast out of the Earth

¹¹ Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth.^(A) It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.^(B)