Who or what is the beast from the sea? (Revelation 13:1-2)

This article discusses Revelation 13:1-2. A beast comes out of the sea. The dragon gives it its power and throne and great authority. This beast is the Antichrist. It is his mark people will be forced to accept in the end-time persecution. This article provide a preliminary identification of the sea beast. The third article in this series identifies it more specifically.