13 "It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in the sight of all..."
At this point in the prophecy, the beast of the land, (which draws its power from the beast of the sea), has drawn the attention of the whole world and is exhibiting supernatural powers and holding the world in thrall, with the exception of the followers of Christ who know this is a false prophet.
Bibleref.com references the prophet Elijah with regard to this verse, who called down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice in 1 Kings 18:36–39. This happens after Elijah pleads with God in verse 36 to show Himself to be the true God, so that the people of Israel will regain their faith.
This is another example of how everything that this false Christ does is a counterfeit of the miracles of God and Christ described in the Bible. Christopher Benson's commentary on biblehub.com points out that this is greatly elaborated on by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, where he talks about the "man of lawlessness" who will deceive most of humanity into believing his powers are holy and from God.
Verses 9-12 of 2nd Thessalonians 3 read,"The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
These verses make clear that it is God Himself who is operating to alter the discernment of those folks who rejected belief in Christ and the Salvation that we are offered when we make Him Lord of our lives and allow Him to save us by repenting of our sins and following His teachings.
A Prayer for Salvation from Christ:
Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer.
A more detailed step by step process:
https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-Jesus-Into-Your-Life
