The Antichrist

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is unveiled, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is honored, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, declaring of himself that he is God.  Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?  And now you know what is restraining, that he may be unveiled in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He is now restraining, until it is raised from out of the midst.  And then the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:3-12

 

In this late hour there should be some preaching about the Rapture, the Antichrist, the Tribulation (“time of Jacob’s trouble” Jer. 30:7), the Two Witnesses, the False Prophet, as well as the Great White Throne Judgment, where whoever has not repented and believed into Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all of eternity!  These are very serious times, these are very serious issues.

 

“And the devil, who led them astray, was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away. And there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God. And books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, out of the things which were written in the books.  And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one, according to their works.  And Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death.  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.”  Revelation 20:10-15

 

A generation ago, back into the late 1990’s there was still preaching going on about prophetic events that would take place in the future.  The Bible is certain and while we will never be able to figure out all of the details, there certainly are enough details to fill multiple sermons on such subjects.  Of course, would not the ‘things to come’ be a predecessor for answering the people why (they need to repent and believe the Gospel), as well as a stern warning for Believers to be carrying out the Great Commission until the Rapture happens?!

 

“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were since the beginning of creation.  For of this they are willfully ignorant: that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.  But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same Word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  But, beloved, do not be unaware of this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is longsuffering toward us, not purposing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with intense burning; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, of what sort ought you to be in holy behavior and godliness, looking for and earnestly hastening unto the coming of the Day of God, through which the heavens will be dissolved, being set on fire, and the elements will melt with intense burning?  Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and without blemish; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unstable twist, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware also that you not be led away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”  2nd Peter 3

 

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and instruct all the nations, immersing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”  Matthew 28:18-20

 

Our job as Believers is not to try and guess who the Antichrist may or may not be.  Though I would say that if someone seems to fit the bill, based about characteristics of the Antichrist that the Bible clearly states, one should at least point out that in this late hour, someone who is seemingly matching the qualifications could possibly be it, as no one is paying attention!  So even if the Antichrist was beginning to rise in power in our day and age, there is very, very few who would be paying attention, once again fulfilling prophecy!

 

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unyielding, slanderers, without self-control, savage, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.”  2nd Timothy 3:1-5

 

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.  So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors.  Truly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away.  But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, but My Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and did not realize until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  Then two will be in the field: one is taken and the other is left.  Two will be grinding at the mill: one is taken and the other is left.  Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord comes.”  Matthew 24:32-42

 

Our world is a mess, violence fills our streets, drug abuse is rampant, the world economics are a house of cards, situated by the elite banksters, just waiting to come crashing down.  There are wars and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6).  The church is in shambles, the false doctrines and false christianity being preached has no end.  The Churches that are holding out and being faithful to Christ are becoming less and less, as more and more Churches topple to the apostasy.

 

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.  And many will follow their destructive ways, through whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.  By covetousness they will exploit you with well-turned words; whose judgment of old is not idle, and their destruction does not slumber.  For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those intending to live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the lustful behavior of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, his righteous soul was tormented from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds); then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust for the day of judgment, to be punished, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of defilement and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.  Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.  But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who consider it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, delighting in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; accursed children.  They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.  These are wells without water, clouds being driven by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through wantonness, the ones who have actually escaped from those living in error.  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.  For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the full true knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the end is worse for them than the beginning.  For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.  But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to his own vomit, and, a sow, having been washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”  2nd Peter 2

 

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing; and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked; I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  Revelation 3:14-22

 

The world is ripe for deception, in this article a study of characteristics of the Antichrist are going to be looked at, some will have possible theories provided, others are more certain.  No one is going to know everything before the time happens, but those who are truly Saved will be Raptured out of here before the start of the Tribulation and the Antichrist being unveiled.

 

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,”…  1st Thessalonians 5:9

 

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.  For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shouted command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together at the same time with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.”  1st Thessalonians 4:14-18

 

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door having been opened in Heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after these things.”  Revelation 4:1 

 

First, understand that the Antichrist will not be unveiled until after the Rapture, so while some might suspect a person or a person might fit the bill, the proof of that will not be given until AFTER the Rapture happens, not before.  So it is NOT possibly to say with certainty exactly who the ‘man of sin’ is. 

 

There has been a lot of suspects throughout the years.  There were those who suspected Bill Gates, Prince William, President Obama, President Clinton and many Popes.  Personally when I was younger I found some of the information to be interesting, but never bought into any of those people being the Antichrist.  Oddly, the only person who I have ever pondered about, due to fitting much of the characteristics listed in the Bible, is also extraordinarily rare to have anyone list him as a suspect.  Nonetheless, the Bible is quite clearly that the Antichrist doesn’t come on the scene before the Rapture.

 

“And then the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:8

 

There are a lot of misconceptions about the Antichrist, while not expecting to provide all of the answers here, perhaps a bit of insight into what the Bible teaches.  I’ve looked around online at some of the resources out there, even looking at KJV only lists of Bible verses about the Antichrist and find that all of them fall short.  This is not to say that there is not accurate information here and there, but a quick google search reveals the ignorance of the times.  A lot of what is written is extra biblical or simply pure garbage, often mixed with occultic works.  I don’t recommend believing much of what is seen, but rather use the Bible as the sole authority and see if those things are so (Ac. 17:11).

 

Antichrist is a Literal Person, an Individual, not Simply Possessed by Satan

 

First of all the Antichrist is a -literal- person who will rise to the scene.  The Bible quite clearly prophecies this.

 

“Will you still think to say before him who slays you, I am God? But you are a man, and not a god, in the hand of him who slays you.”  Ezekiel 28:9

 

“He magnified himself even to the Prince of the host. And the regular sacrifice was taken away by him, and the foundation of His sanctuary was cast down.”  Daniel 8:11

 

“And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the grain offering to cease. And on a corner will be abominations that cause horror, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured out on the desolate.”  Daniel 9:27

 

“And forces will stand for him, and they will profane the sanctuary fortress. And they shall remove the regular sacrifice, and they will place there the abomination that causes horror.”  Daniel 11:31

 

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee into the mountains.  Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.  And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!  And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.  For then there will be great affliction, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be kept safe alive; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.  Then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ; or, There; do not believe it.  For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.  Behold, I have told you beforehand.  Therefore if they say to you, Behold, He is in the desert, do not go out; or, Behold, He is in the inner rooms, do not believe it.  For as the lightning comes out of the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.  And immediately after the affliction of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”  Matthew 24:15-29

 

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is unveiled, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is honored, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, declaring of himself that he is God.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4

 

“And the devil, who led them astray, was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”  Revelation 20:10

 

Clearly the Antichrist is a person who achieves actual things.  This notion that there simply a spirit of antichrist and that there will never be a real Antichrist is not biblical.  In Revelation 20:10 you can clearly see that both the beast (Antichrist) and the False Prophet are in the Lake of Fire, but Satan is not yet in the Lake of Fire, not for a thousand years after (Rev. 20:7)

 

Antichrist is Called both the Little Horn and the Beast

 

“I was contemplating the horns. And behold, another little horn came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.”  Daniel 7:8

 

“And out of one of them came a little horn which became very great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the beautiful land.”  Daniel 8:9

 

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads names of blasphemy.  And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.  And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled at the beast.  So they did homage to the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?  And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in Heaven.  And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.  And all who dwell on the earth will do homage to him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  If anyone has an ear, let him hear.”  Revelation 13:1-9

 

The Antichrist is called the ‘little horn’ in the book of Daniel and the beast in the book of Revelation.  Both are speaking of the same person.

 

The Source of the Antichrist’s Power is Satan

 

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,”… 2nd Thessalonians 2:9

 

“So they did homage to the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”  Revelation 13:4

 

Who knows what signs and lying wonders will take place regarding the Antichrist, but the power behind whatever the signs might be is the workings of Satan.

 

The Antichrist will have a Fierce Countenance and Understand Sinister Schemes

 

“And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have come to the full, a king shall stand forth, having fierce countenance and understanding sinister schemes.”  Daniel 8:23

 

fierce, a.

1. Vehement; violent, furious; rushing; impetuous; as a fierce wind.

2. Savage; ravenous, easily enraged; as a fierce lion.

3. Vehement in rage; eager for mischief; as, a fierce tyrant; a monster fierce for blood.

4. Violent; outrageous; not to be restrained.

5. Passionate; angry; furious.

6. Wild; staring; ferocious; as, a fierce countenance.

7. Very eager; ardent; vehement; as, a man fierce for his party.

countenance, n.

1. The face; the visage, particularly as denoting the emotions; as, a man of goodly countenance.

2. Manifestation of regard; favor; good will; kindness; as to give one’s countenance to graft.

3. Show; resemblance; appearance. (Obs.)

Webster’s University Dictionary Unabridged, 1942

 

What exactly consists of a fierce countenance?  When I consider a fierce countenance, I would believe that it would be a man who you would not mess with.  Would the fierce countenance always be at hand or would it just come out during moments of anger? 

 

From my perspective and my thoughts regarding understanding sinister schemes, is someone who would understand what goes on behind the scenes of the world, around the world.  Just as Henry Ford tried to stop World War 1, because he understood what was going on behind the scenes, verses the public perception, so too, I would ponder whether or not this man, the Antichrist, would understand the new world order, the deep state, the ‘powers that be’ (Eph. 6:12).

 

…”also of the ten horns that were on its head, and the other which came up, and before whom three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth speaking great things, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.”  Daniel 7:20

 

I suppose that the appearance greater than his fellows will be something that will make sense at the time.  If a group of world leaders were in a room together, would the Antichrist be someone who is distinguished as greater than those with him through looks, intelligence, character or something else?

 

The Antichrist’s Rise to Power

 

“And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled at the beast.  So they did homage to the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”  Revelation 13:3-4

 

There is some sort of supernatural miracle that occurs with the Antichrist.  This is a deception of Satan, one of the signs and lying wonders.  Does this set the stage for the Antichrist to declare himself as God?

 

One of the definitions of mortal is the following:

 

Deadly; destructive to life; causing death, or certain to cause death; as, a mortal would; mortal poison.

 

Webster’s University Dictionary Unabridged, 1942

 

What seems to be indicated here is the Antichrist should be dead, but the wound is healed.  The whole world would not marvel at the beast if the there wasn’t a clear miracle here.  This is one of the things regarding the Antichrist’s rise to power.  Whether or not it is an assassination, accident, what the mortal (deadly) wound is, the Bible does not say. 

 

“And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the grain offering to cease. And on a corner will be abominations that cause horror, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured out on the desolate.”  Daniel 9:27

 

The Antichrist will have a peace pact with Israel.  Clearly the Bible indicates that the peace deal is for 7 years.  This is primary why Bill Clinton (aside from being President of the United States in the year 2000) was considered a suspect by many, because there was a treaty signed with Israel. 

 

Perhaps the peace deal will be a two state solution (Da. 11:39)?

 

Yet, for all of those who decide they can live like the devil today and turn around at the last minute when they see the ‘proof’ of things, through a peace treaty with Israel…take heed!

 

“Then the kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five foolish.  Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all nodded and fell asleep.  And at midnight there was a cry: Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!  Then all those virgins arose and prepared their lamps.  And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.  But the wise answered, saying, No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.  Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us!  But he answered and said, Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.  Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man comes.”  Matthew 25:1-13

 

Many were saying that we had entered the Tribulation during that time period.  Well 2007 has come and gone.  I’ve even known a woman who was a candidate for the House of Representatives who stated that we were in the Tribulation, this back in 2008, be not deceived!  The Oslo Accords were signed in secret BEFORE being made public.

 

Let me ask you, when this ultimate deal is made, is it not confirmed, done in meetings, agreed upon, before the paper is signed?  Who signs to purchase a home, unless the decision has already been made?  A signature, even a public signing, is something that is agreed upon -prior- to the ink being placed on the paper.  Do not suppose that you have time to run and ‘get oil’ once you hear of it, for the Rapture might very well have already taken place.  Do not mess with your eternal destination and postpone what you already know you should do, that is to repent and believe the Gospel, to believe into Jesus Christ, in order to be Saved.  If you are counting on being last minute and thinking that you can continue in your sin…take heed!

 

“And he said to me, Do not seal the Words of the Prophecy of this Book, for the time is at hand.  He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.  And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to what his work shall be.”  Revelation 22:10-12

 

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour you do not expect.  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made administrator over his household, to give them food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.  Truly, I say to you that he will appoint him as administrator over all his possessions.  But if that wicked servant says in his heart, My master delays his coming,  and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not expecting him and in an hour he does not know, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Matthew 24:44-51

 

So, in essence, perhaps this is the most telling of all of the characteristics of the Antichrist rising to power, his relationship with Israel.  While the Bible doesn’t say that the Antichrist is Jewish, certainly it would seem to be more believable.  Is it possible that the religious Jews and the leaders of Israel would be deceived that the false Messiah, the Antichrist, is a Gentile? 

 

This doesn’t seem plausible, yet if the Bible is nearly silent or silent on the race of the Antichrist, then certainly it can’t be said that it isn’t possible.  I also consider how anti-Semitic people are around the globe.  The United States, particularly the republican party is certainly pro-Israel, yet the same can not be said with the Middle East, Europe, etc., where anti-Semitism has been on the rise for quite some time. 

 

So I question how a Jewish man could rise to the power of the Antichrist, when he would automatically be hated and called part of a conspiracy by much of the world.  I also question how Israel could accept this person as their Messiah, if his heritage was not of Jewish decent. 

 

While this topic is just covering the facts here and also a few theories, in regards to Bible prophecy, I can not help but to mention President Trump.  The evidence I have seen and have printed out is overwhelming that he is the first Jewish President of the United States.  Yet he is not known as a Jew to most of the world.

 

In Israel, many prominent rabbis believe that he is of the house of David and of Jewish lineage.  Their thoughts are that the Messiah is simply a political leader who restores Israel to their rightful place.  Should it not be stated that President Trump is trying to make the ultimate peace deal with Israel?  Should it not be of interest that President Trump is Jewish, yet the world does not know that?  With the exception of Israel, the only country that it truly would matter, because the Tribulation (“time of Jacob’s trouble” Jer. 30:7) is focused around the restoration of Israel, though the whole world is under God’s wrath. 

 

With Jerusalem recognized as the rightful Capital of Israel, with Trump station, now Trump Heights (a new housing division) and a coin featuring Donald Trump from the Temple Mount, the groundwork is obvious laid for a possible large deception.  I can not help but to note how President Trump could appease both Israel and the world.  While this chapter is not about President Trump, this section must include a least a reference, due to the Jewish reception of him and the references being made by the rabbis that he might be their Messiah.

 

The other thing that should be mentioned is to tell readers to read Psalms 83.  Now does such a scenario where Israel’s neighbors attack happen before or after the beginning of the Tribulation?  Both would be possible, but with recent news of Israel preparing to attack Iran, etc., that issue should be considered as well.  How much better and easier to get a peace deal than after a major war, if it is brief!

 

All of this will happen in God’s timing, not man’s.  There has been others who have wanted lasting peace for Israel and numerous peace proposals and even peace treaties that did not last.  One thing for certain, as God is in control of the timing of all of these events, is that it will never happen until He allows it to happen.  It will not happen until the fullness of the Gentiles is completed (Ro. 11:25).  Perhaps this is why there are so many recent problems with forming a government in Israel???

 

“I was contemplating the horns. And behold, another little horn came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.”  Daniel 7:8

 

“And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings; they shall rise, and another shall rise after them. And he shall be different from the first, and he shall abase three kings.”  Daniel 7:24

 

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads names of blasphemy.”  Revelation 13:1

 

“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.”  Revelation 17:12

 

The Antichrist is going to overthrow other kings.  When the European Union (EU) was being formed, there were a lot of people who speculated that this was the revived Roman Empire.  Originally the EU had ten nations involved in it and they even had currency with a woman riding the beast (Rev. 17:3).  I heard these things when I was younger and found them interesting, but when the EU had an 11th nation join them, suddenly it did not seem as interesting.  Now the EU has 28 nations that have joined. 

 

What is not well known is the fact that the world is broken into ten different regions.  From what I have heard, originally the United Nations (UN) were going to call it ten different kingdoms, but then changed the name to regions instead.  While this can not be verified, it would fit with biblical prophecy.  For instance in the United States we are part of the North American Region (Canada, United States and Mexico). 

 

The Antichrist is going to rule over the revived Roman Empire, which is prophesized in the Bible. 

 

“And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron. Inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters all things, and like iron that crushes all these, it will break in pieces and crush.  And whereas you saw the feet and the toes, partly of potters’ clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided. But there shall be in it the strength of iron, just as you saw the iron mixed with miry clay.  And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly broken.  And as you saw the iron mixed with the miry clay, they shall become mixed with the seed of men. But they shall not cleave to one another, even as iron does not fellowship with clay.  And in the days of these kings, the God of Heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. And the kingdom shall not be left to other people. It shall break in pieces and bring all these kingdoms to an end, and it shall stand forever.”  Daniel 2:40-44

 

“In the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main points.  Daniel spoke and said, In my vision by night I was looking. And, behold, the four winds of the heavens were stirring up the Great Sea.  And four great beasts came up from the sea, different from one another.  The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked off. And it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.  And, behold, another beast, a second, like a bear. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. And they said this to it, Rise up, devour much flesh.  After this I was looking, and, behold, another like a leopard, and it had four wings of a bird on its back. And also the beast had four heads. And dominion was given to it.  And after this I was looking in the night visions. And, behold, the fourth beast was frightening and terrifying, and very strong! And it had great iron teeth. It devoured, and broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet. And it was different from all the beasts before it; and it had ten horns.  I was contemplating the horns. And behold, another little horn came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.  I watched until the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days sat, whose robe was white as snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was like flames of fire, its wheels like burning fire.  A stream of fire went out and came out from before Him. A thousand thousands served Him, and a vast innumerable number stood before Him. The judgment was set and the books were opened.  Then I was watching because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke. I was watching until the beast was killed, and his body was destroyed and given to the burning flame.  As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away. Yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.  I saw in the night visions. And behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of the heavens. And He came to the Ancient of Days. And they brought Him near before Him.  And dominion was given to Him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.  I, Daniel, was distressed in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.  And I came near one of those who stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made me know the interpretation of the things.  These great beasts which are four, are four kings which shall rise up out of the earth.  But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.  Then I wanted to know the truth of the fourth beast, which was different from all of the others, very frightening, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze; which devoured and broke in pieces, and trampled what was left with its feet, also of the ten horns that were on its head, and the other which came up, and before whom three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth speaking great things, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.  I was watching, and the same horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them, until the Ancient of Days came. And judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.  And he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall trample it down and break it in pieces.  And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings; they shall rise, and another shall rise after them. And he shall be different from the first, and he shall abase three kings.  And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall continually harass the saints of the Most High. And he shall intend to change times and law. And they shall be given into his hand for a period of a time and times and one half time.  But the court shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy until the end.  And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heavens shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.  Thus far is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts terrified me much, and my countenance changed in me. But I kept the matter in my heart.”  Daniel 7

 

So there are these theories that are commonly held, or I guess they are not commonly held nowadays and no one is really talking about them.  But one of the theories or assumptions is that the Antichrist just simply starts off ruling over all of the world and there is no other ‘kings’ contesting him.  Well quite clearly the Antichrist destroys three of these kings.

 

Put in another way, the rise of the Antichrist is not going to be without other nations contesting him, or else why would there be war or rumors of war.  Who has to fight a battle when you can win without a shot fired?  Already the world is on edge with battles of words, yet so far it hasn’t turned into an actual war.  This has been going on for quite a few years, take our relationship with Russia, it hasn’t been good for quite some time.

 

The point here is, the Antichrist’s rise to power will include a miracle of his deadly wound being healed, a peace treaty involving Israel, as well as the overthrow of other kings.  The exact timing of these events in relation to the Rapture is not made known.  Most people assume that the starting gun is the peace deal with Israel, but could there be a short space of time after the Rapture until then???  Also remember, would not that deal be made behind closed doors before it was publicly known?  Personally, if you have heard the Gospel and believed it, but refuse to repent, I would advise you to reconsider your stance, while you still can.

 

“For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  2nd Corinthians 6:2

 

Other Prophecies Regarding the Antichrist

 

“Know, therefore, and understand that from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem, to Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks and sixty two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in times of distress.  And after sixty two weeks, Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself. And the people of a coming ruler shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end shall be with a flood, and desolations are determined, and there shall be war until the end.  And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the grain offering to cease. And on a corner will be abominations that cause horror, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured out on the desolate.”  Daniel 9:25-27

 

“Now brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be quickly disturbed in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the Day of Christ has come.  Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is unveiled, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is honored, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, declaring of himself that he is God.  Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?  And now you know what is restraining, that he may be unveiled in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He is now restraining, until it is raised from out of the midst.  And then the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12

 

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have risen up, by which we know that it is the last hour.”  1st John 2:18

 

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads names of blasphemy.  And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.  And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled at the beast.  So they did homage to the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?  And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in Heaven.  And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.  And all who dwell on the earth will do homage to him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  If anyone has an ear, let him hear.  He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.  Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.  And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to do homage to the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.  And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven onto the earth in the sight of men.  And he leads astray those who dwell on the earth by means of those signs which he was granted to do in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.  And it was given to him to give spirit to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not do homage to the image of the beast to be killed.  And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, so that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.”  Revelation 13

 

Timeframe of the Rule of the Antichrist

 

“And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the grain offering to cease. And on a corner will be abominations that cause horror, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured out on the desolate.”  Daniel 9:27

 

“And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.”  Revelation 13:5

 

“And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was on the waters of the river, when he held up his right and his left hand to the heavens and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and a half. And when they have made an end of scattering the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.  And I heard, but I did not understand. And I said, O my lord, what shall be the end of these things?  And He said, Go your way, Daniel! For the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.  Many shall be purified and made white and tested, but the wicked shall do wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.  And from the time the regular sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that causes horror is set up, there shall be one thousand, two hundred and ninety days.  Blessed is he who waits and comes to the thousand, three hundred and thirty five days.  But you, go on to the end, for you shall rest and stand for your inheritance at the end of the days.”  Daniel 12:7-13

 

The assumption, and it may very well be, is that the Antichrist will have full power and rule the world for 7 full years.  The Tribulation will last 7 years, though there are an interesting few extra days that are mentioned in Daniel that could have to do with Matthew 24:29???  However, during the last 3 1/2 years, total power seems to be had by the Antichrist.  Could it be that the Antichrist will not have -total- power until the middle of the week (7 years)?

 

Then the abomination of desolation is setup.  This seems to correspond with these verses:

 

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee into the mountains.”  Matthew 24:15-16

 

“Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”  Revelation 12:6

 

“And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.”  Revelation 13:5

 

There is much about the Antichrist and the Tribulation that simply can not be known.  Literally it will make sense when it happens and one can only ponder some of these things, but can not ascertain as to exactly what will take place or what could possibly fulfill such prophecies. 

 

“But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”  Daniel 12:4

 

“And He said, Go your way, Daniel! For the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.”  Daniel 12:9

 

Essentially the Antichrist will tread the Holy Land for 42 months or 3 1/2 years, this being the second half of the Tribulation.

 

“But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.”  Revelation 11:2

 

The Antichrist will Rule the Entire World and the Economy

 

“And he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall trample it down and break it in pieces.”  Daniel 7:23

 

“And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.”  Revelation 13:7

 

“And he leads astray those who dwell on the earth by means of those signs which he was granted to do in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.  And it was given to him to give spirit to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not do homage to the image of the beast to be killed.  And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, so that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.”  Revelation 13:14-18

 

Will the Antichrist rule over the entire world immediately for 7 years or for 3 1/2 years???  Nonetheless, the Antichrist will have risen to power, even though full power might not be there until the second half, he will still be in control.  After all, if three kings are abased, there will be some sort of war, whether it involves the military or sheer threat of force. 

 

You often hear the terms one world currency or one world government.  Yet the Bible is clear that there will still be nations, though the Antichrist will rule over all of them.

 

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.  And all the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats.”  Matthew 25:31-32

 

The Antichrist will have total control over the world economy. 

 

“And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, so that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”  Revelation 13:16-17

 

For years there have been talk of a one world currency and people have been looking to such.  A single worldwide currency might very well fit into the prophecy from Revelation.  Clearly the Antichrist has total control over all financial aspects of the world economy.  Whether you live in Peru, the United States, China or the Democratic Republic of Congo, you can be assured that no one will be allowed to buy or sell without the mark of the beast.

 

In order to be able to have such a system in place, there must also be a system of control over the world economy.  Perhaps to the folly of the masses (if there is even masses who believe such a thing anymore), the idea of a single currency for all nations may not be reality.  With the arrival of bitcoins and other digital currency, there are some speculating that this will be the a one world currency.  Perhaps, as cash in hand could still seemingly buy things on the black market around the world.

 

However, in the times we live there is a financial bubble around the world that is of extraordinary quantity.  Recently someone stated the following in a financial article:

 

“The U.S. economy is a house of cards, built on quicksand, with a tsunami on the way.” – Doug Casey, InternationalMan.com

 

This isn’t just the United States, but the same problems are seen throughout the entire world.  Anywhere where there is some wealth, there is also a bubble, in most cases of proportions larger than ever seen before…and the investing into this ‘great’ economy just doesn’t stop.  The stage appears to be set to allow for a controlled currency to come into play across the world.  When the economy pops, and that will be when the global financial elite want it to, then it seems highly probable that the US dollar will lose it’s reserve currency status.

 

Hidden behind the scenes, yet also in the public domain, there has been Special Drawing Rights (SDR) units for years.  Essentially it is a one world currency, but instead of being a single currency, it uses a basket of currencies around the world to replace a single nation from holding the reserve currency of the world. 

 

Take into consideration also that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been openly discussing a global reset.  The amount of debt around the world held by corporations, governments and individuals is so much that it is NOT possible for it to all be paid back.  The solution could simply be that all of the debt is forgiven and perhaps the reserve currency is changed, switching into a new type of currency, though one might very well still use their currencies of their respective nations. 

 

This scenario or similar ones certainly seem ripe to the possibly that the man of the hour, the Antichrist, might be the one who would seemingly provide the solution to the world’s financial woes.  After all, allowing a disastrous circumstances of a worldwide depression to begin, people would be scrambling towards a leader who would stop the issue immediately, so that they might once again continue on with normalcy in their lives.  Such a leader would certainly be hailed as a hero, as people seem to prefer, both in the government and in their personal lives, to kick the can down the road.  Imagine no consequences for such a spectacle as the amount of debt that our world has found ourselves in.  Where we should be wholeheartedly following Jesus Christ, serving our Creator, we instead have largely found ourselves serving materialism and the consequences of not being content, nor forcing our governments to be content, is going to come home to roost one day.

 

I remember years ago pondering the technology behind such things.  Just how would that work, what could be the technology that would allow such things to actual become reality?  I wondered how the mark of the beast could work or the worship of the image of the beast.  While I certainly don’t expect to have all of the answers, nor should anyone and I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone where wrong at their guesses.  One thing I do know is that things have changed.

 

I recall that there was a group who was manufacturing rugged basic laptop computers for Africa, in the price range of about $100, a long time ago.  Back then there were still many areas of the world that were ‘in the dark’ with the latest technology.  However, I can tell you first hand, after traveling through numerous countries in Central America, that a credit card can now be used just about anywhere.

 

Even a small hole in the wall shop in a foreign country in Central America is likely to allow the use of a credit card.  What I never would have guessed is that smartphones would have come out.  Essentially now, there is a computer in the hands of over 42% of adults in the entire world, over 81% of Americans and it is growing at an exponential rate.  Just a few years ago, only 35% of Americans had a smart phone, now 96% at least have a cell phone.

 

This technology could easily allow authentication of a mark of the beast scenario.  A lot of people, both in Europe and in major cities in the United States, use their phone as their wallet.  One thing that must be remembered is the resistance of the people of the United States.

 

While I was living in Panama, I was shocked to see that both at banks and regular grocery stores, the workers would login to their computers or cash registers using their thumb print, it was quite common.  The United States originally had a healthy resistance of technology, due to the work of fundamental preachers across the United States who had warned that in the future there would be the mark of the beast.  Plus with movies like Left Behind, there was a culture of resistance in this country.  That culture of resistance is quickly disappearing as the use of such technology slowly erodes away the warnings that were placed with generations of Americans.

 

Across most of the world, there are many Roman Catholics who are not taught such things by the Catholic church.  Most of Central America, South America and Europe are Catholic.  Much of Africa is either still dark or Muslim, same as much of the Middle East.  Even in Israel, they do not believe the New Testament, so despite the fact of their being some warnings in the Old Testament, they are largely ignorant of such a coming time, thus providing proof of them accepting the false messiah.  America was always the part of the world who heard about such things, the resistance should have been expected. 

 

As the apostasy is in full bloom, it is not surprising that Americans no longer have much resistance and though there is still talk of such things, largely their discussions are not based on the Bible, but more of seeking proof for the Bible.  They don’t believe, but find it interesting. 

 

Why speculate what the mark of the beast might be?  There are invisible tattoos, there are very small microchips, though the Bible clearly states that it will be ON the right hand or forehead.  That is enough said.  Technology clearly exists in the world today that would allow for such a system to be QUICKLY put into place.  I would not be surprised if such things were ready to be rolled out upon the world at a frightening pace. 

 

Please do note, the Bible never says that the mark of the beast will be fully going for the entire 7 years of the Tribulation.  Perhaps it is just a smaller time period towards the end of that time???  So do not listen to the naysayers who will likely tell people not to worry about a new currency (like the SDR unit), as there is no mark of the beast associated with it.  One can be assured that whatever type of currency is used there will be a mark of the beast EVENTUALLY, for the Bible says so.

 

A special note about the mark of the beast.

 

Please note that it is impossible to take the mark of the beast and go to Heaven.  Salvation is NOT possible for those who take the mark of the beast (or worship the image of the beast).  There MUST be a choice made to either serve God or to serve the Antichrist.  For those who were Left Behind, they will ultimately be forced to make such decisions, if they survive long enough during the (“time of Jacob’s trouble” Jer. 30:7).

 

“And a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone does homage to the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His anger. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone before the holy angels and before the Lamb.”  Revelation 14:9-10

 

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them; and I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of God, who had not done homage to the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”  Revelation 20:4

 

Antichrist Rules by Miracles & Deception

 

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:9-10

 

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.  And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to do homage to the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.  And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven onto the earth in the sight of men.  And he leads astray those who dwell on the earth by means of those signs which he was granted to do in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.  And it was given to him to give spirit to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not do homage to the image of the beast to be killed.”  Revelation 13:11-15

 

Who knows what all of the signs and lying wonders will be?  What is known, is that these things will be done through satanic power.

 

“Then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ; or, There; do not believe it.  For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.  Behold, I have told you beforehand.  Therefore if they say to you, Behold, He is in the desert, do not go out; or, Behold, He is in the inner rooms, do not believe it.  For as the lightning comes out of the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”  Matthew 24:23-28

 

Take Jesus’s words regarding such signs and wonders.  Those signs and wonders are to lead astray.  Jesus has warned beforehand, take it seriously. 

 

If all of these signs and wonders where evil, would people not automatically declare that this was indeed the Antichrist.  Well, Jesus clearly states that if possible, even the elect (Israel) would be lead astray.  So likely and logically many of these signs and wonders will be things that would make people consider that the Antichrist, who is doing them, might in fact be the Messiah (or the Christ).  Jesus CLEARLY warns not to believe it. 

 

There is no being led astray if someone (rightfully at that time) assumes that these signs and wonders are satanic…they will be!  At that point and at that time, for anyone who might read this, please just be faithful to Jesus Christ.  For those who have truly become born-again at that time, just hold on, until you can’t hold on anymore, than you will be at Home with the Lord.  Not much else can be said.  The deceiver, the Antichrist, will present a very good argument towards himself with these signs and wonders…DO NOT BELIEVE IT!

 

Homage to the Image of the Beast

 

“And it was given to him to give spirit to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not do homage to the image of the beast to be killed.”  Revelation 13:5

 

The same warnings about not taking the mark of the beast apply to not doing homage to the image of the beast.  Do not be deceived, reread that section.

 

I’ve often wondered exactly how this would work.  However, with smartphones everywhere, now I can imagine a possibility for somehow that technology being used to ensure that the Antichrist has compliance from all citizens.  This is serious stuff!

 

What the image of the beast will be, I do not know.  However, the Bible says that this image will both speak AND cause as many as would not do homage to the image of the beast to be killed!  Will it report you to the authorities for not doing homage to it?  Is that how one will be killed??? 

 

The simple fact that the image of the beast speaks is beyond marveling.  For in the past God had spoken of such idols that mankind has made in the following ways:

 

“Every man is stupid in his knowledge; every refiner is dried up by the graven image; for his molten image is a lie, and no breath is in them.”  Jeremiah 10:14

 

“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.  They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; noses they have, but they do not smell; they have hands, but they do not handle; feet they have, but they do not walk; nor do they utter through their throat.  Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.”  Psalms 115:4-8

 

I’ve heard of holographic images that some people have stated will be used to deceive people during the Tribulation, sort of like a Project Blue Beam scenario (don’t google it if you are living during that time…dangerous to do so), essentially a government plot to deceive the masses, something of the order that might be used to explain away the Rapture with a fake alien invasion or other worldly ‘aliens’, yet done with deception of high technology.  Yet the Bible says here that the image of the beast speaks.

 

Simply put, this is likely just another lying wonder that is satanic in nature and allowed to happen.  What will the image of the beast be?  If the Bible isn’t more specific than that, how can I be?  I’ve thought about such things before and think of some of the technology that we have, like robots, but a robot just wouldn’t make sense.

 

Already there are robots who talk (speak) through computer programming.  Such a thing wouldn’t really be that out of the ordinary for most people in this day and age, so I assume it is probably something much more than that.  Whatever it is, certainly the ‘breath’ that is given to it (allowing it to speak) will be supernatural.

 

“And all who dwell on the earth will do homage to him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”  Revelation 13:8

 

God has known those who would choose to follow Him, through His Son Jesus Christ.  Yes, plan on being killed for not worshipping the beast, however, for those who have truly repented and believed into Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, whose names are written in the Book of Life, note that Jesus will certainly be waiting to receive you. 

 

The Antichrist is a Blasphemer and a Murderer

 

“So they did homage to the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?  And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in Heaven.  And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.”  Revelation 13:4-7

 

“You are of the devil as your father, and the lusts of your father you purpose to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.”  John 8:44

 

Jesus said:

 

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against It.”  Matthew 16:18

 

Also from 2nd Thessalonians:

 

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He is now restraining, until it is raised from out of the midst.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:7

 

So the Antichrist will declare himself to be God. 

 

…”who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is honored, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, declaring of himself that he is God.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:4

 

One who declares to be God is as blasphemous as it can get.  Yet the Antichrist will be doing so for 3 1/2 years, speaking great things and blaspheming!  Also the Antichrist will be given power to rule all of the world, but also to overcome the saints. 

 

So for those who hear of such things after the Tribulation has already begun, please understand that the Antichrist is going to be allowed to make all of the Saints martyrs.  For the Bible also speaks of these martyrs:

 

“And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the Word of God and because of the testimony which they held.  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?  And a white robe was given to each one of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who were about to be killed as they were, was filled up.”  Revelation 6:9-11

 

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one was able to number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!  And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and did homage to God, saying: Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.  Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?  And I said to him, Sir, you know. So he said to me, These are the ones coming out of great affliction, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.  They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not fall on them, nor any burning heat;  for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:9-17

 

So undoubtedly a great multitude, which no one is able to number, will become martyrs during this time.  If we consider history and consider what the Roman Catholic church did by killing millions upon millions of professing Christians throughout The Inquisition, yet the Church survived.  Under the Antichrist, power is given unto him to overcome the Saints. 

 

So why?  How can this be?  How can it be that God would allow such a thing to take place? 

 

Do you not know the Word of God?  Have you not heard?  Have you not been taught?  Where are the preachers who are warning about these things?  Why aren’t those who call themselves God’s people watching and ready?

 

When the Rapture happens, the Tribulation begins, the Antichrist rises to power, quite possibly continuing to rise to power.  The second the Rapture happens, the Church age is over (Rev. 4:1).

 

At that moment, is the darkest moment in all of history.  There is not a single man, woman or child on the entire planet who truly knows God, who truly is Saved.  Every pastor who is still there, every Bible professing individual, every person who says they are saved, every single person around on the WHOLE planet are not Saved, at that very moment.  There is not a single time throughout history that a man (or woman) has not had an ongoing true relationship with their Creator…not one, not from Adam until the point that the Rapture happens.

 

However, the Church age does not go on forever, the Rapture ends it.  For Christ in no uncertain words proclaimed the following:

 

“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.  And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to what his work shall be.”  Revelation 22:11-12

 

Harsh stuff, yes it is.  For the apostasy, the deception of the false churches throughout the world has been very great.  Yet God was not far from anyone, had they truly sought to seek Him.

 

“And you shall seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

 

The invitation was there and still is.  I would imagine that those who are judged and will believe the ‘strong delusion’ will not have that chance.  Those who do homage to the image of the beast or take the mark of the beast (which may go hand in hand) will certainly not have that chance.  Yet, if you are seeking God with all your heart, He will be found by you. 

 

During the Tribulation, things are not as simple now.  There is no choice, but to become a martyr.  There is no choice but to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, even unto death.

 

“I was watching, and the same horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them,”… Daniel 7:21

 

“For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.”  Psalms 48:14

 

So, this being written for those who were Left Behind, just how did the doctrine of Salvation minus repentance go for you?  Just how well was the blasphemous concerts in the supposed houses of God (churches) go for society?  How well were those preachers, who are still on this earth, that said that God accepted gay marriage and other absolute clearly unbiblical stances?!

 

This was always serious business because God has always been Holy and He still is!

 

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also become holy in all conduct, because it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.”  1st Peter 1:13-16

 

Well now what?  The same thing as should have been preached before, repent and believe into Jesus Christ, who died for your sins on the Cross and be Saved!

 

…” testifying both to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Acts 20:21

 

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but gave Himself over to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”  1st Peter 2:21-25

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  The one believing into Him is not judged; but the one not believing is judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  John 3:16-18

 

“But what does it say? The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the Word of Faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, Everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame.  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich toward all who call upon Him.  For everyone, whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Romans 10:8-13

 

Call on the name of the Lord and be Saved!  Are you going to continue to listen to what others (who were also Left Behind) are saying still?!  Do not put your trust in man, put your trust in God.  For to those who are reading this during the Tribulation, trust God, just trust Him.

 

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Acts 2:21

 

“And it shall be, that whoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall escape. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as Jehovah has said, and among the survivors whom Jehovah shall call.”  Joel 2:32 

 

For those who are reading this beforehand, you better get busy doing the same or you will be Left Behind, this is serious business, this is no joke.

 

“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  And we heard this voice which came from Heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.  And so we also have a more sure Word of prophecy, which you do well to heed as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that not any of the prophecies of Scripture came into being from personal exposition, for prophecy was not formerly brought forth by man’s choice, but holy men of God spoke as they were propelled along by the Holy Spirit.”  2nd Peter 1:16-21

 

The Antichrist is a Destroyer

 

“And he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall trample it down and break it in pieces.”  Daniel 7:23

 

“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power. And he shall destroy extraordinarily, and he shall prosper, and work, and destroy the mighty and the holy people.”  Daniel 8:24

 

This is the revived Roman Empire that has already been mentioned.  Once again the power of the Antichrist is NOT his own power, but the workings of Satan.  As mentioned earlier, there is a reason that Israel will flee, for the Antichrist will not just destroy, he will destroy extraordinarily!

 

Exactly what takes place and how it plays out is not known.  Yet God’s Word will be true on this, just as it has been with ever other prophecy that has been fulfilled.

 

“For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?  Let it not be! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: That You may be found just in Your words, and may win the case when You are judged.  But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who lays on wrath? (I speak as a man.)  Let it not be! Otherwise, how will God judge the world?  For if in my lie, the truth of God has abounded to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?  And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil that good may come? Their condemnation is just.  What then? Do we surpass them? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.  As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God.”  Romans 3:3-11

 

The Antichrist has Great Intelligence and is a Deceiver

 

“And also through his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper in his hand. And he will magnify himself in his heart, and through prosperity shall destroy many. He shall also stand up against the Ruler of rulers, but he shall be broken in pieces without hands.”  Daniel 8:25

 

Not only does the Antichrist understand sinister schemes, but he is cunning and deceit prospers in his hand.  The Antichrist will be able to manipulate the masses of people.  He will be a man who causes prosperity, which shall destroy many.

 

All over the world there is a desire for things to be better economically.  Now in the United States we actually have a man in office who preaches a prosperity doctrine.  Yet, jobs, more jobs and better living has been the argument for many past Presidents and will undoubtedly be the same argument for future leaders all around the world.  People want to prosper, yet why not be rich toward God and seek those riches which are found in Christ.

 

“Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, since I have nowhere to gather my fruits?  So he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger, and there I will gather all my fruits and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.  But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have prepared?  So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:16-21

 

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,”  Ephesians 3:8

 

Perhaps the prosperity doctrine will be at a time when people should be searching for God, rather than for their own personal wealth?  Perhaps that will be the cause of destruction through prosperity??? 

 

In the end the Antichrist will be destroyed by Jesus Christ, who will be returning with the Saints. 

 

“And then the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:8

 

“And I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.  His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.  And He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies in Heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, followed Him on white horses.  And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He might strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of the heavens, Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.  And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.  And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he led astray those who received the mark of the beast and those who did homage to his image. These two were cast alive into the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone.  And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.”  Revelation 19:11-21

 

“Behold, the day of Jehovah comes, and your spoils shall be divided in your midst.  For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem. And the city shall be captured, and the houses plundered, and the women ravished. And half the city shall go into captivity and the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.  And Jehovah shall go forth and fight against those nations, like the day He fought in the day of battle.  And His feet shall stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall split in two, from the east even to the west, a very great valley. And half of the mountain shall move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.  And you shall flee to the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah. And Jehovah my God shall come, and all the saints with You.  And it will come to pass in that day, that there shall not be light; the great lights will shrink.  And it will be one day which shall be known to Jehovah; not day and not night, but it will happen, that there will be light at evening time.  And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter it shall be.  And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth. In that day there shall be one Jehovah, and His name one.”  Zechariah 14:1-9

 

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling to all the peoples all around, and it shall also be against Judah in the siege against Jerusalem.  And in that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it shall be slashed; cut to pieces. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.  In that day I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness, says Jehovah. And I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the people with blindness.  And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in Jehovah of Hosts, their God.  In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire among cut grain. And they shall devour all the peoples all around, on the right hand and on the left. And Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, in Jerusalem.  Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be magnified above Judah.  In that day Jehovah shall defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And he who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the Angel of Jehovah before them.  And it shall be in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.  And I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and supplication. And they shall look on Me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they shall be bitter over Him, like the bitterness over the firstborn.”  Zechariah 12:2-10

 

Few Final Characteristics of the Antichrist

 

“And the king shall do according to his own will. And he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god; he shall even speak extraordinary things against the Mighty God of gods and shall prosper until the indignation is complete. For that which is decreed shall be done.  He shall not regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women; nor regard any god. For he shall magnify himself above them all.  But in his place he shall honor the god of fortresses, and he shall honor a god whom his fathers did not know, with gold and silver and with precious stones, and desirable things.”  Daniel 11:36-38

 

a.) The Antichrist does according to his own will.

 

The Antichrist will do what he wants to do and he will prosper at doing it.  He will rise to power and subdue, yes with satanic power.  He will deceive and he will prosper at doing that. 

 

b.) Desire of women.

 

All over the internet, it seems to be a popular teaching that the Antichrist will be gay.  Perhaps this could be correct, but I tend not to think so.  The desire of women is written in the same sentence as having no regard to the God of his fathers (would this not suggest that he must be Jewish???), nor will he regard any god. 

 

Perhaps the Antichrist just won’t like women?  However, let me introduce another theory on the desire of women. 

 

To those of you men who are married out there.  Just how often do you plan on doing something (buying something, making something, whatever) and it happens that your wife is not very happy about it.  Do you listen?  Do you change your plans? 

 

If you are out shopping for a house and find one that you like, but your wife hates, do you buy it anyway?  What?!  Do you expect comfort in living in the same house with your wife as she sleeps on the couch or in a different room because she is not happy with you?

 

Unfortunately, the reality of it is, women get dressed up in order to attract a man and a man goes on dates with the woman for his own purposes.  Is this not what has been portrayed in countless movies and television shows?  Could one not see this on a day to day basis in real life? 

 

Yet I would suspect that just as the Antichrist would not have any regard towards God Almighty, nor any pagan god, nor the desire of women, that all would be of the same thing.  The Antichrist would not care about what he does, as that passage of scripture starts off that he does according to his will.

 

So the Antichrist is not going to care what God thinks, he isn’t go to care what his wife thinks and he has no regard to any other pagan god or what that culture thinks.  He would eat a hamburger in India and not think a thing about it, no regard towards it.  Now even a Believer should not have regard towards pagan gods, but the Antichrist simply won’t care, he will do what he wants. 

 

Even Samson fell for the desire of women:

 

“Afterward it happened that he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.  And the rulers of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, Entice him, and find out where his great strength lies, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and each of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.  And Delilah said to Samson, Please tell me where your great strength lies, and with what you may be bound to afflict you.  And Samson said to her, If they bind me with seven fresh shoots, not yet dried, then I shall become weak, and be like any other man.  So the rulers of the Philistines brought up to her seven fresh shoots, not yet dried, and she bound him with them.  Now men were lying in wait, staying with her in the room. And she said to him, The Philistines are upon you, Samson! But he broke the shoots as a strand of yarn breaks when it touches fire. So the secret of his strength was not known.  Then Delilah said to Samson, Behold, you have mocked me and told me lies. Now, please tell me with what you may be bound.  So he said to her, If they bind to tie me with new ropes with which no work has been done, then I shall become weak, and be like any other man.  Therefore Delilah took new ropes and bound him with them, and said to him, The Philistines are upon you, Samson! And men were lying in wait, staying in the room. But he broke them off his arms like thread.  Delilah said to Samson, Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me with what you may be bound. And he said to her, If you weave the seven locks of my head into the web of the loom; so she wove it tightly with the batten of the loom, and said to him, The Philistines are upon you, Samson! But he awoke from his sleep, and pulled out the batten and the web from the loom.  Then she said to him, How can you say, I love you, when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies.  And it came to pass, when she had pressed upon him daily with her words and urged him, so that his soul was vexed to death, that he told her all his heart, and said to her, No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite unto God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.  And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and summoned the rulers of the Philistines, saying, Come up once more, for he has told me all his heart. So the rulers of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hand.  And she made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. And she began to afflict him, and his strength depart from him.  And she said, The Philistines are upon you, Samson! So he awoke from his sleep, and thought, I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free! But he had not perceived that Jehovah had departed from him.  And the Philistines took him and bored out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze fetters, and he was grinding in the prison house.”  Judges 16:4-21

 

The Antichrist wouldn’t care what his ‘Delilah’ says.

 

c.) The Antichrist shall honor the god of fortresses.

 

One of the definitions, that seem to fit best in our modern day age of technological warfare is the following:

 

fortress, n.

 

Defense; safety; security.

 

Webster’s University Dictionary Unabridged, 1942

 

From the context of the Bible, in light of modern day warfare, the Antichrist seems to be one who will love military might.  He will be one who will take the military seriously and ultimately he will use the military or the threat of military force to achieve his objectives.  Perhaps, as my best friend has stated, he could use the lack of military support (mutual aid to other countries if they are attacked) in order to meet his objectives.

 

One thing for certain, however it may play out, the Antichrist will be a military man and someone who shows honor towards the military, likely he will have that proof with investments into the military, new technology and a strong show of force, whether in actual war or as a deterrent to war.

 

“And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering, indeed in order to conquer.”  Revelation 6:2

 

If this verse is talking about the Antichrist, notice he has a bow, but no arrows.  Also another verse of interest regarding the Antichrist.

 

“So they did homage to the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”  Revelation 13:4

 

However it plays out, the Antichrist seems to have control of a powerful military that is able to destroy his enemies. 

 

d.) The Antichrist Shall Intent to Change Times and Law

 

“And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall continually harass the saints of the Most High. And he shall intend to change times and law. And they shall be given into his hand for a period of a time and times and one half time.”

 

Whatever this may be, likely will remained sealed until the end (Da. 12:4).  I’m sure there are some theories out there, but like much of the 70th Week, better known as the Tribulation (Da. 9:24-27), there is much mystery.

 

Conclusion

 

More could be said, more thoughts could be added, but why?  Certainly the Bible is quite clear that the Antichrist will eventually rise to power and he will prosper in his endeavors.  He will overcome the Saints (those who get Saved during the Tribulation), he will rule the world, he will demand to be worshipped and he will control the economy.  In the end he will fail and he will be cast into the Lake of Fire. 

 

Why, o’ why would those who are Created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) want to also be cast into the Lake of Fire with the Antichrist?  Take heed!

 

If you are looking for the world to fall of the cliff (economically, warfare or otherwise) before the Tribulation, than take this verse into consideration that things -might- be just as they are now when the starting gun of the Rapture happens.

 

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and did not realize until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  Then two will be in the field: one is taken and the other is left.  Two will be grinding at the mill: one is taken and the other is left.  Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord comes.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief comes, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be dug through.  Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour you do not expect.”  Matthew 24:38-44

 

Amen!