Fact Sheet: Is The Antichrist a Megalomaniac?

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In this post of the End of Days Fact Sheets, I will be sharing a high-level overview from the Word of God concerning the Antichrist. Is the Antichrist a megalomaniac? Decide for yourself after reviewing his part in the worst period ever to come upon the earth. The time of God’s judgement, the 7-Year Tribulation period.

This man will be the first person ever to rule the entire world. He will fulfill the dream that Hitler and many other tyrants of that nature had. The antichrist will only be on the scene for a short time. However, during his limited time he will be responsible for killing 1/2 of the population of the world and 2/3 of all the Jews.

However, the goal for Christians, is not to focus on Antichrist, but rather upon Jesus Christ. Therefore, we rejoice in our relationship with Jesus Christ which will last forever.

By spreading this information to our loved ones and friends perhaps they will choose to accept the precious gift Jesus offered. Consequently, they will also be part of the Rapture before the most horrific time in our history takes place.

The Meaning of the Word Antichrist

The word Antichrist is made up of two Greek words; anti and Christos. The word “anti” can mean, “in place of,” “instead of,” or “in opposition to.”

The Greek word, “Christos” means “the Messiah,” or “Anointed One.”

Therefore, the term Antichrist indicates something or someone who attempts to take the place of, or be in opposition to, the genuine Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Antichrists are not atheists. They are not pagans waging a war against Jesus. They are individuals who are preaching a gospel, but it is not the true gospel.

For [you seem willing to allow it] if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted. You tolerate all this beautifully [welcoming the deception]” (2 Corinthians 11:4 AMP).

“For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  So it is no great surprise if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their end will correspond with their deeds” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 AMP).

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay 

The Greatest Political Leader in the History of Mankind

In an article Dr. David Reagan wrote for Lamplighter Magazine he shares:

“The Bible teaches that in the end times, right before the return of Jesus, the greatest political leader in the history of Mankind will emerge from Europe. After taking over that area by diplomatic cunning and deceit, he will launch a military campaign that will result in his acquiring “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation” (Revelation 13:7). His empire will be the most extensive in all of history, encompassing the entire world, and his rule will be the most demonic the world has ever experienced.”

“He will begin his rise to power as a dynamic, charismatic, insightful, visionary leader who will astound the world with the cleverness of his solutions to world problems. He will appear to be the savior of the world. But as he consolidates his power, his true nature will be revealed. He will emerge as a Satan possessed and empowered person who hates God and is determined to annihilate both Christianity and Judaism. For this reason, he is identified in scripture as the Antichrist (1 John 2:18), for he will stand against God and His anointed one, Jesus Christ.

The Term Antichrist Is Only Found in The Writings Of John

  • “Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come” (1 John 2:18).
  • “And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist” (1 John 2:22).
  • “But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here” (1 John 4:3).
  • “I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 1:7).

In these four verses above we can already see that:

  • Many antichrists have already appeared.
  • Antichrist, by nature, is a liar and a deceiver.
  • Presently there are many with the spirit of antichrist.
  • The Final Antichrist is yet to come.
  • The antichrist’s message is that he denies the biblical truth that God the Son came to our world in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Other Names Scripture Uses to Refer to Antichrist.

Though we commonly call this coming world leader the Antichrist, the Bible gives him many names or titles. Most are found in the Book of Daniel. I will be using the New Living Translation unless otherwise indicated.

In the Old Testament He is Referred to as the:

  • Little Horn (Daniel 7:8)
  • Master of Intrigue (Daniel 8:23)
  • Fierce King, (Daniel 8:23)
  • The Prince that shall come of (Daniel 9:26)
  • Defiler (Daniel 9:27)
  • Despicable Man (Daniel 11:21)
  • King who does as he pleases (Daniel 11:36)
  • Assyrian (Micah 5:5)
  • Worthless Shepherd (Zechariah 11:17)

In the New Testament He is Referred to as the:

  • Abomination (Matthew 24:15)
  • One Coming in His Own Name (John 5:43)
  • Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
  • One who brings Destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
  • Beast (Revelation 13:1)
  • Antichrist (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7)
  • Beast (Revelation 11:7,13:2)
  • A False Christ (Matthew 24:24)
    • While there will be many false Christs or antichrists, there will come an ultimate false Christ, the final Antichrist.

Is the Antichrist Alive Today?

Dr. David Reagan of Lamb and Lion Ministries believes that he is, and gives two reasons.

  • The first reason given is the re-establishment of Israel (May 14, 1948).
  • Then the second reason is the signs of the times indicate that we are standing on the threshold of the Tribulation. The most important of those signs being the regathering of the Jews to their land (Isaiah 11:10-12) and their re-occupation of the city of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24).

He goes on to say that this person does not have “the foggiest idea of the role that Satan has in mind for him.” 

The Origin of the Final Antichrist

He is of Roman Heritage

In Daniel 9:26 we read the Antichrist is referred to as “the prince who is to come,” and he is identified as being from the people who “will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” History reveals that both Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple were destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. Therefore, according to Daniel, the Antichrist must be of Roman heritage.

He is a Gentile

In Revelation 13:1 he is portrayed as a “beast coming up out of the sea.” The sea is used consistently throughout the prophetic scriptures as a symbol of the Gentile nations (Daniel 7:3; Luke 21:25; Revelation 17:1).

He is a Human Being

From the following Scriptures we can be sure he is totally human and not a supernatural being nor and alien.

  • He is commissioned by the devil (Revelation 13:2).
  • This person is energized and equipped by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
  • Like many before him he will sell his soul to the devil (Matthew 4:8–9).

He will Emerge From a 10 Nation Confederacy

“Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them” (Daniel 24-26).

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

What Type of Character Does He Have?

The Bible is specific about the character of the Antichrist.  The most detailed information can be found in the book of Daniel. Consider the Scriptures below:

This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority” (Revelation 13:2).

We see in this verse that this person will:

  • Be as cunning as a leopard.
  • Have the slow and crushing power of a bear.
  • Have the authority and ferociousness of a lion.

“At the end of their rule, when their sin is at its height, a fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power.  He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people.  He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning…” (Daniel 8:23-25).

Daniel 8:23-25 above informs us that he is a:

  • Fierce king
  • Master of intrigue
  • Person of great intellect
  • Powerful person
  • Destroyer
  • Master of deception
  • Arrogant

“The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than every god, even blaspheming the God of gods. He will succeed, but only until the time of wrath is completed” (Daniel 11:36).

Daniel 11:36 goes on to reveal that he:

  • Will do as he pleases.
  • Is full of himself (see also Daniel 7:8).
  • Is a blasphemer of God (see also Revelation 13:1, 5-6).
  • Will be successful until…(see also Daniel 8:12; 24).

You could call him a megalomaniac. Furthermore, other verses indicate that he:

  • Is ruthless (Zechariah 11:15-16)
  • Is prideful like Satan (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19)
  • Will Come in his own name (John 5:43).
  • Is a Great Political Leader (Revelation 6:2; 13:4-5).

Is the Final Antichrist a Homosexual?

There are translations of Daniel 11:37 that read “Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women” such as the KJV, ASV, MEV, NASB, NKJV, WEB, etc.

However, other translations of Daniel 11:37 read “He will not show regard for the gods of his ancestors, the god desired by women, or for any other god…” such as ESV, HCSB, ICB, TLB, NET, NIV, NLT, RSV, etc.

Many commentators believe that the desire of women refers to Jesus, in that all women desired the honor of bearing the Messiah and understanding “desire” as it is used in Hag 2:7. Seeing the desire of women as Jesus makes most sense considering the flow of context. (David Guzik)

Don Stewart in his book “The Final Antichrist” explains it this way.

Option 1: He Has No Desire for The God Of Israel

Like David Guzik, Don Stewart states that this is a reference to the longing desire of Jewish women to be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:25, Luke 1:28). Thus, the phrase “the desire of women” is referring to a Person, the promised Messiah. Therefore, the Antichrist has contempt for the genuine Messiah.

Option 2: He Has No Desire for Any Human Love

There are others who see this as a reference to human love. For whatever reason, Antichrist has no desire for human love from anyone, whether it be male or female.

Option 3: He Has No Desire for Feminine Traits Such as Mercy and Kindness

Some interpreters see this as a general description of his character. In other words, this final antichrist will have no regard for the feminine traits of grace, mercy, and kindness.

Whatever the exact meaning of the phrase which Daniel uses to describe this coming man of sin, we do not have to assume that he indicates that Antichrist will be a homosexual.

Three Misconceptions

Will the Antichrist rise to world power through cunning, flattery, and deception?

The idea that the Antichrist will rise to world power through shrewdness and skilled diplomacy is based on Daniel 8:23-25.

And at the latter end of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their limit, a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise. 24 His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints. 25 By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many.” (Daniel 8:23-25 ESV).

But the same passage also says that he “will destroy to an extraordinary degree.” He will destroy both “mighty men and the people of the saints.” Many of these he will destroy “while they are at peace.” 

These verses make it very clear that the Antichrist is going to use both diplomacy and military power to gain control of the world. The likeliest scenario is that he will initially rise to power in Europe using shrewd diplomacy. But he will extend his power from his European base through war. (Dr. David Reagan)

Will the Whole World Flock to the Antichrist in Awe and Adoration?

Image by Orna Wachman from Pixabay 

It is a misconception to believe the non-European world will flock to the Antichrist in awe and adoration. The world outside of Europe is not going to submit willingly to the control of the Antichrist, no matter how charismatic and dynamic he may be.

Keep in mind that the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America have fought for the past 200 years to rid themselves of European colonial rule. They are not going to passively submit themselves to a renewal of that rule. They will fight, and the result, as Revelation 6 so clearly indicates, will be a horrible world war of unprecedented magnitude. (Dr. David Reagan)

Will the Jews Accept the Antichrist as their Messiah?

The idea that the Jews will accept the Antichrist as their Messiah during the Tribulation is based upon a statement by Jesus that is recorded in John 5:43.

“For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them” (John 5:43).

However, the relevant end time passages in Daniel and Revelation seem to make it clear that the acceptance of the Antichrist by the Jews will be as a political redeemer who miraculously works out a peace settlement what will guarantee their safety and will enable them to rebuild their Temple.

Likewise, there is no indication that they ever accept the Antichrist as a spiritual redeemer — as their Messiah. In fact, when the Antichrist enters the Temple in the middle of the Tribulation and declares himself to be God, the Jews revolt against him (Revelation 12:13-17). (Dr. David Reagan)

Does the Antichrist Really Die and Come Back to Life?

 “I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.” (Revelation 13:3).

Here are three different Scenarios on the matter.

Scenario #1

Many argue that he will be a person resurrected from the dead — most likely Nero or Judas Iscariot.

Scenario #2

Others believe that “the fatal wound” referred to in the passage has nothing to do with the person of the Antichrist. Their stance is the head with the fatal wound that has been healed speaks of the Roman Empire.

The book of Daniel prophesied that the Roman Empire will be the last of the Gentile empires until the end times when the empire of the Antichrist will emerge from a revival of the old Roman Empire (Daniel 2:31-45 and 7:1-8, 24-28).

Scenario #3

It is a theater production, a deception from the father of lies. The idea that the Antichrist will be a resurrected person raises a serious theological problem concerning the power of Satan. The Scriptures make it clear that the Antichrist will be Satan’s man, empowered by him and possessed by him. But there is no indication in Scripture that Satan has the power to give life to anyone.

Satan is not omnipotent. Jesus is the one who has “the keys to death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18).

Could there be a Fourth Scenario?

Our Creator God can do whatever He desires to fulfill His purpose. Is it possible that He resurrects this man as part of God’s judgment against a people that rejected the true Messiah? Just a thought…

What Will the Leadership of the Antichrist be Like?

Various Scriptures reveal that the Final Antichrist will:

  • Have no respect for the:
    • gods of his ancestors.
    • god loved by women.
    • nor for any other god. (Daniel 11:37)
  • Worship the god of fortresses (Daniel 11:38).
  • Trample on the truth (Daniel 8:12).
  • He will honor those who submit to him, appointing them to positions of authority and dividing the land among them as their reward (Daniel 11:39).
  • Hold power with military might and the shrewd use of great riches. (David Guzik Commentary)

The Final Antichrist Will Not Appear Until the Time of the End

Scripture is clear that the final Antichrist will not appear on the stage of history until the time of the end.

“…Son of man,” he said, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end” (Daniel 8:17).

“Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day [the return of Jesus Christ] will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness] is revealed- the one who brings destruction” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).

He will no doubt live many years before the Great Tribulation, but he will only be revealed as the man of sin during that period. The idea behind the title man of sin is that “Sin has such absolute domination over him that he seems to be the very embodiment of it.” (Hiebert)

Scripture Tells Us That He Is Presently Being Restrained

And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes [in the time set him by God]. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed,.” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8). [bracketed info added]

At the right time, the Holy Spirit (the one who is holding it back) will step out of the way.

The Holy Spirit will not leave the earth during the Great Tribulation. Moreover, He will be present because many are saved, sealed, and serve God during this period (Revelation 7:3-14 and 14:1-5). Consequently, this would not happen without the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we understand that the Holy Spirit is not removed. He only steps out of the way.

He Will be a Conquer

“I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory” (Revelation 6:1–2).

Newsweek: The flags of Israel and the United Arab Emirates

He Will Make A Peace Treaty with Israel

“The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven” (Daniel 9:27 NLT).

The phrase “one set of seven” refers to a period of seven years.

This Treaty Will Involve Jerusalem And the Temple Mount.

“Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, “Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar and count the number of worshipers.  But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations…” (Revelation 11:1–2).

He Will Head Up A Ten Nation Political Confederacy

“Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns…” (Revelation 13:1).

“The ten horns of the beast are ten kings who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast. 13 They will all agree to give him their power and authority” (Revelation 17:12–13).

His Dark Works in the Last 3.5 years

About the time that the Antichrist has consolidated his world empire, Satan will be cast from Heaven and will come to earth in “great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time” (Revelation 12:12). At that point he will possess the Antichrist, even as he possessed Judas (Luke 22:3).

The Lawless One Becomes The Beast

Revelation 13:2-5 explains it this way.

  • “…And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.
  • I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed!
  • The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.
  • They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”
  • Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.”

The Beast Desecrates the Temple In Jerusalem

The one thing Satan desires more than anything is worship. He wants to sit on the Throne of His Creator and be worshiped. Therefore, when the Antichrist becomes Satan incarnate, he will march into the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, stop the sacrifices, blaspheme God, and declare himself to be the one and only true god.

The holiest place on earth for the Jews is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was the site of the First and Second Temple and because of the 7-year peace treaty a third temple will be rebuilt. However, once again as in the past, this Third Temple now becomes a place of desecration.

In five different places in Scripture, we are told of the horrific event.

The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of 7 years but after 3.5 years he will stop the sacrifices and offerings” Daniel 9:27.

“He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

See also (Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15; and Revelation 11:2).

The Beast Begins His Campaign Against the Jews

The moment he reveals himself as the Antichrist by desecrating the Jew’s rebuilt Temple and blaspheming God, the Jewish people will revolt. They will reject him as Messiah, and he will respond in fury by attempting to annihilate them.

“And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation” (Revelation 13:7).

“As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them” (Daniel 7:21).

He will Murder of Two-Thirds of the Jewish People

The annihilation of the Jews will be his all-consuming passion during the second half of the Tribulation. That’s why Jesus told the Jews that this period of time would be the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21). Not because it would be worse than the first half, but because the wrath would be focused upon them as a nation and a people.

Satan has an insane hatred for the Jews. He hates them because they gave the world the Scriptures. He hates them because God sent the Messiah through them. And he hates them because God has promised that He will bring a great remnant of them to salvation in their Messiah. He wants to destroy them so that God cannot keep that promise.

The Tribulation Holocaust that will occur during the last 3 1/2 years of that terrible period will be far worse than the Nazi Holocaust. Two-thirds of the Jews will be killed (Zechariah 13:8-9).

False Prophets
One World Religion

He Will Demand that He be Worshiped

Ultimately, as seen earlier 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 tells us the Antichrist will not tolerate any worship except of himself.

Once his power has been consolidated, the Antichrist no longer needs the help of religious Babylon. He will then work to dismantle and destroy her and her one-world religion.

The concept of Babylon is greater than Revelation 17-18 and the Antichrist’s reign. Babylon was present in John’s day (typified by Rome), in our day, and throughout history, as the “world system.” But under the Antichrist, Babylon (in both its religious and commercial aspects) will hold sway over the earth as never before.

The Antichrist Will Attempt to Make Changes In The Calendar

 “He will defy the Most-High and oppress the holy people of the Most-High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time” (Daniel 7:25).

Antichrist’s Cheerleader: The False Prophet

“Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed” (Revelation 13:11-12).

People Are Offered a Choice: Worship A Likeness of Antichrist or Die

“He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life.  He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die” (Revelation 13:14-15).

He Initiates the Mark for Buying and Selling

This man of sin will also control the economics of the world. Indeed, no commerce will be able to take place without recognizing him. The Bible says his promoter, the false prophet, causes everyone in the world to take the mark of this beast.

“He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead.  And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name” (Revelation 13:16-17).

The Antichrist Kills the Two Witnesses

“When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them” (Revelation 11:7).

The Lord allows this beast to prevail for a short period of time.

He Wages War on the Tribulation Christians

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:12-13).

Armageddon

The preparation is now made for a final war. All nations are gathered against Jerusalem in the final conflict, the War, or Campaign, of Armageddon. In the Old Testament, we read.

“This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the Lord: “This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit.  I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah” (Zechariah 12:1-2).

“And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16).

This beast foolishly attempts to fight the Lord Jesus, the rider on the horse, as He returns to the earth with His saints.

“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army” (Revelation 19:19).

The carnage of this battle is unimaginable.

“So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and loaded the grapes into the great winepress of God’s wrath.  The grapes were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress in a stream about 180 miles long and as high as a horse’s bridle” (Revelation 14:19-20).

The Antichrist’s Fate Was Determined Before His Birth

The Defeat of the Antichrist is Assured

“the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming”  (2 Thessalonians 2:8). 

“But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed” (Daniel 7:26)

“…He will even take on the Prince of princes in battle, but he will be broken, though not by human power” (Daniel 8:25).

“He will stop between the glorious holy mountain and the sea and will pitch his royal tents. But while he is there, his time will suddenly run out, and no one will help him” (Daniel 11:45).

“Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him” (Revelation 17:14).

anger at sin
Lake of Fire

He is Cast Alive into The Lake of Fire

I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire” (Daniel 7:11).

“And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet … Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur” (Revelation 19:20).

“…I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire” (Daniel 7:11).

Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

Our Hope

The good news for believers is that we will not have to experience the horror of the Antichrist.

Again we are reminded to never watch for the Antichrist; rather, we are told to look for Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 states:

“And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.”

That is a glorious promise. That’s why Paul calls the Rapture our “blessed hope.” 

“…to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [lives with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity] in this present age, awaiting and confidently expecting the [fulfillment of our] blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,” (Titus 2:12-13 AMP).

This is also the reason that we are told to “comfort and encourage each another” with the promise of the Rapture.

Therefore, comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died]” (1 Thessalonians 4:18 AMP).

Maranatha!

ABC

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Comments

  1. Jackie Miriam says:

    It’s a super fascinating and super scary account. But to me, none of it makes any real sense at all. Indeed, the whole creation story doesn’t make any sense. Here’s the big issue.: The Bible says God knew no commencement. He’s always existed. But no one else has. God created all others (at some time or other). But no matter how far back you go prior to his first creation (say the angels, etc) God would have been there for eternity past, already. So he was on his own (forever past) whichever way you look at it. Why would he suddenly decided to create man (years on – pardon that very human term) when the Bible also says he knows everything in advance. He KNEW (in advance) that Man would sin after he created him – that he would disobey him. He KNEW (in advance) that billions from mankind would not accept his solution for them (Jesus) and that they would have to be separated from him for ever as a consequence. But not just separated – tormented day and night forever. If anyone knew such things in advance, he would not proceed, rather, he would establish a better plan by far. I’m not saying the person of Jesus can be bettered. He is, after all, the Word who was with God and who was God. Who can be better? No one. But, even so, God knew that man (in very large numbers) would reject Jesus over the thousands of years of time before the last human days, and that only SOME would follow and commit to him – also large numbers over time, of course. If a God who knows all in advance, understood this before he did it (that billions that he was responsible for making by pro-creation would suffer eternal damnation) why for Pete’s sake did he do it? (Sorry for the irreverence of Peter’s name). The usual answer for this is that God did HIS part, all right, and that’s it’s man’s fault for not running with it. Man gets the blame every time because God is perfect and cannot get the blame. But to me, that doesn’t cut it, in the light of the concept I’ve pointed out above. If God started it all when already knowing half the world would go contrary to his ways, he shouldn’t have done it. He was there, big and lofty, the whole time, and didn’t need worship (couldn’t have – cos there’d have been no one there to have worshiped him for all those eons of eternity past). And, of course, defenders would say – he couldn’t make robots of men who would guarantee to follow him like automatons, because then he’d just be creating people tantamount to machines with no free will. Maybe – but that still doesn’t justify what he did in the first place, knowing in advance that half of it (so to speak) wouldn’t ever work. He wants all men to come to him. But he darned well knows that they won’t. And he KNEW before he created man, that they wouldn’t. And he also knew that a third of the angels would fall and that the bad boy, Lucifer, would be allowed to tempt man at will and lead many to destruction. Bad plan, for sure.

    1. Bonnie says:

      Hi Jackie, Thanks for sharing your heart. At least you are thinking. So let me ask you a question. I was married and had 3 children knowing that those children would not always obey us. Knowing that when they were on their own they would make many choices of how they wanted to live their lives. All 3 of my kids have different personalities. We all make stupid decisions and good decisions. Should I have decided not to have a family because I knew they would mess up? NO WAY. We are not God. He is. He wanted a human family. He knew some of His kids would rebel and try to be gods of their lives and others. Do you stop loving your child if they wind up in jail for breaking the law? I wouldn’t. I would not agree with the crime committed, but my love is secure. And so is our Lord’s.

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