Surprisingly, the Antichrist has become a common subject for discussion these days. And it is not just believers who are engaged in the discussion, but amazingly, it is secular platforms as well. Why would people bring up this biblical character and talk seriously about him? Most likely, the greatest motivation for all this is the chaos that is seen in the whole world, not just America. It is hard to locate any place on the planet where war or violent activities of some kind, or the threat of it, isn’t going on. Rioting in the streets of the world’s cities is everyday news, and yet, we are still somewhat shocked by the hatred, violence and reckless behavior that is seen. Dire economic conditions are present all over the globe, including countries thought to be exempt from such matters, and add to all that, climate change predictions, natural disasters and dire prophecies of the end of human life as we know it. It’s no wonder that people are weary, stressed out and lack peace. This results in a strong desire for peace and some sense of order to life.
Back to the Antichrist. When chaos prevails, people want tranquility and do want someone who can give that to them. This sets the stage for the emergence of this dominant end-time figure. With all the ongoing discussion about the Antichrist, perhaps a quick reminder of what the Bible says about this man, so that we can join the conversation with those around us who may be willing to listen.
- The Presence of the Antichrist. There is a man who is now alive on earth who is potentially the Antichrist. Since Satan does not know when the events of the end times begin, he has always had someone available. Today however, this man is not identified as the Antichrist, and anyone who says they know who he is, cannot be correct. So, how will people know him as “antichrist”? Daniel 7:8, 19-26 reveals that this man (called the “little horn”) will come out of the territory of the old Roman empire. Therefore, many today (such as the leader of China) do not qualify as the Antichrist. It would seem most likely that where Roman (western) culture prevails, as in Europe, that this would be the place to look. Also, Daniel 9:27 informs us that the event which reveals him to be the Antichrist is a covenant that he makes with the leaders of Israel. That moment in time, after the Rapture, identifies him as the Antichrist and it also starts the Tribulation. This covenant agreement between Israel and this man strongly suggests that, at that time, he will be the leader of a nation that is militarily powerful, since he is affording Israel support and protection. That would probably eliminate nations like Luxemburg or Portugal from being the country that Antichrist comes from.
- The Uniqueness of the Antichrist. His powers and his abilities are truly amazing. He is unlike anyone else. The Apostle John reveals that his various powers and abilities come directly from Satan (Rev. 13:4). For example, he will have unusual oratorical skills which enable him to sway millions to believe in him and follow him (Rev. 13:5-6). He has insights and powers which enable him to be victorious in the wars he conducts (Rev. 13:4, 7; Dan. 11:41-44), which includes successfully targeting the followers of Jesus (Rev. 13:7; Dan. 7:21). He will understand economics and will effectively control the world’s finances (Rev. 13:16-18). He has a powerful personality, and his skill set will include the mastering of political maneuvering. Because he gets his powers from Satan, he will be truly unique.
The Apostle Paul notes that this one will work amazing miracles; miracles that are both powerful and deceptive, and these will be used to validate his claims and deceive those living in the Tribulation (2 Thess. 2:9). Jesus made the same basic points in His prophetic discourse (Matt. 24:24), observing that even the elect might be deceived by the power and deceptiveness of the miracles, if it were not for God’s protection of them. These works of supernaturalism are not magic tricks but are genuine suspensions of natural law, just like those done by the Lord Jesus when He was on earth. Perhaps the greatest demonstration of supernatural power will be seen when the Antichrist is assassinated but then returns to life. Three times John speaks of his demise by means of the “sword” and then his return to life (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14). His is a “fatal” blow and his return to life causes the world to worship him (Rev. 13:3-4). It is not that he is just badly wounded. It is “fatal.” It should be noted that he is apparently not “resurrected;” that is, not given a resurrection body. He simply returns to life; something that the Lord apparently allows. This is likely a key to “the lie” that multitudes of people at that time will believe concerning this man (2 Thess. 2:9-12).
- The Four Parts of Antichrist’s Career. The Bible reveals that there are four distinct periods to this man’s life. First, he is the leader (president, prime minister, king, etc.) of a powerful nation. It is in that capacity that he makes the treaty with the leaders of Israel. Second, during the first half of the Tribulation period he is seen as a man of war. He “deprives of sovereignty” three nations, which point to military dominance. These would be nations which were found in the old Roman Empire. Then seven others, from the Empire, will acquiesce to his leadership forming a union of nations. (Dan. 7:19-26; Rev. 17:12-17). So, during the first half of the Tribulation he heads an eleven-nation union (10 nations plus his own nation which is not one of the ten). The third phase of his career will be in the second half of the Tribulation where he becomes the ruler of the entire world (Rev. 13:3-5; 2 Thess. 2:4). Globalism is finally achieved by the Evil One. The text of Revelation specifically states that this phase lasts for 42 months. In league with Satan, he will be worshipped by multitudes in this world. No doubt they see him as the Anointed One (Christ). The fourth and final phase of his career begins when he is captured alive by the Lord Jesus at Armageddon and cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:19-20). From that point on, he eternally resides in the Lake of Fire.
Therefore, we can say with certainty that at this moment, somewhere on this planet, there is a man “ready to go” as the Antichrist. All the chaotic conditions in the world could well be preparing the world for the appearance of the Antichrist. Ready to join the conversation?