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A Scriptural Analysis of Christianity's Future Antichrist
Bible prophecy is becoming an extremely popular subject for discussion in today's Christian world. Ten or fifteen years ago it was difficult to find any books on prophecy in Bible book stores, but now entire shelves are stocked with them. Furthermore, we find in today's Christian television and radio programs that prophecy is becoming an increasingly popular subject, and as time goes on, it seems to be gaining a wider audience than ever before.
Many people have now realized that the return of the Jews to their land and the rebirth of the nation of Israel is an example of Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our day. They further have seen that prophecy indicates Jesus Christ will soon return and Russia will eventually attack and temporarily defeat Israel. However, when we examine in more detail the events which will occur at the time of the end, we find there are many interpretations as to when Jesus will return and how the end of this age will come about.
It may appear that it does not matter how we interpret prophecy, for how can prophetic events affect our way of life and our salvation? If we look carefully into the Bible, however, we find examples indicating that it does matter how we view Bible prophecy.
One clear example is found in Matthew 24 where Jesus warned the Jews about the coming invasion of the Romans into Jerusalem. Jesus said:
"So when you see the desolating sacrilege spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to take his mantle." (Matthew 24:15-18)
To the Jews that were living at that time, this was a very important prophecy because the Roman army later surrounded Jerusalem and the Jews who understood the words of Jesus fled from the city and were saved. Those who did not correctly understand this prophecy stayed in the city to be trapped by the Roman army and die in the siege that followed.
Another clear example is found in the Jews' rejection of Jesus. If the Jewish people had correctly understood the Old Testament prophecies which indicated that their Messiah would have to suffer and even die before he could reign as king, then they would not have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Tragically, most of the Jews did not understand Bible prophecy correctly, since they expected the Messiah to overthrow the Romans in their day and then establish the kingdom in Israel. Their wrong understanding of prophecy caused them to reject Jesus Christ!
Certainly from these two examples we can see how necessary it is for us to have a correct understanding of Bible prophecies. We also live in an age when we are looking for the Messiah to come and establish his kingdom. No one desires to be in the position where he or she might reject Jesus when he comes because of an incorrect understanding of the prophetic events related to his second coming. Yet the framework has already been laid throughout Christianity for most Christians to do exactly that. A sudden and rapid change has recently occurred within most Christian churches that has completely altered their prior understanding of the events at Jesus' second coming. Many of these churches and their leaders have abandoned the original teachings of their founders on this subject and have replaced them with the belief that a satanic man (the future Antichrist) will control the world for 7 years just prior to the return of Jesus. This false teaching is preparing millions of Christians throughout the earth to reject Jesus at his return because they will be convinced, by the things he will do, that he is "the Antichrist" and will oppose him.
Before we examine the ideas of the future Antichrist theory, let us review what the scriptures teach regarding the return of Jesus. The Bible describes several specific events which Jesus, acting under God's authority, will accomplish when he returns to the earth. It is important to note and understand these events since most in Christendom today are unfamiliar with them. Five of the most prominent ones are as follows:
1. THE MILITARY DEFEAT OF RUSSIA -- In Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 the prophet describes the invasion of Israel by Russia's army. Though Russia is not mentioned specifically, the names given: Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal exactly correspond to the geographical area of Russia at the time Ezekiel wrote.
"Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophecy against him . . .'' (38:2, NASB)
According to the prophecy, Russia will attack the young nation of Israel -
". . . in the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land where people were gathered from many nations upon the mountains of Israel . . . You will advance . . . you will be like a cloud covering the land . . ." (38:8-9)
In the midst of an apparent victory, Russia will meet with sudden destruction. God working and manifested through Jesus and the immortalized saints, will defeat the invading Russian army.
". . . when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, says the Lord God, my wrath will be roused . . . I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain upon him . . . torrential rains and hailstones, fire and brimstone. So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. (38:17-23, see also 39:1-6)
2. A NEW COVENANT TO BE MADE WITH ISRAEL -- Following the destruction of the Russian army, the Jews in Israel will realize that it was Jesus who saved them from certain annihilation and will recognize him for the first time as their Savior (Zechariah 12:10-14). A new covenant will then be made by Jesus with the Jews -
"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah . . .'' (Jeremiah 31:31)
"I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will he their God, and they shall he my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord sanctify, Israel, when my sanctuary is in the midst of them for evermore." (Ezekiel 37:26-28, see also Jeremiah 32:36-41 and Romans 11:25-27)
3. THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE TN JERUSALEM -- In Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48 and again in Zechariah 14:20-21 there is a clear indication that the temple first built by Solomon, rebuilt by Nehemiah and destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans, will be reestablished in Jerusalem. It will be situated on Mt. Zion, and animal sacrifices will again be offered by the people.
"And on that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "Holy to the LORD." And the pots in the house of the LORD shall be as the bowls before the altar; {21} and every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be sacred to the LORD of hosts, so that all who sacrifice may come and take of them and boil the flesh of the sacrifice in them. And there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the LORD of hosts on that day." (Zechariah 14:20-21, see also Isaiah 56:7)
4. JESUS TO REIGN FROM JERUSALEM AS KING OF THE EARTH -- Fulfilling the promise God gave to David 3000 years ago (2 Samuel 7:8-16), Jesus will establish Jerusalem as the capital of his world-wide government and reign on the restored throne of his father David.
"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, {33} and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33, see also Isaiah 9:7)
All nations and people will look to Jerusalem as the source of God's teachings and will visit the city to learn of His ways. If any of the people refuse to go up to Jerusalem, punishment will be brought upon them.
"It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, {3} and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:2-3, see also Jeremiah 3:17 and Zechariah 14:16-19)
5. PEACE WILL BE RESTORED ON THE EARTH -- Once Jesus has established himself as King over the earth he will bring about a time of peace throughout the world, between all countries.
"He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Isaiah 2:4, see also isaiah 9:6 and Zechariah 9:9-10)
When we compare these five accomplishments of Jesus (according to the Bible), with five things "the Antichrist" will supposedly do (according to the popular idea in Christianity today), the resemblance is striking. Around the world Christian leaders are warning of the coming of a man ("the Antichrist") who with satanic powers will rule the world for 7 years. They claim his initial act will be to defeat Russia when it invades Israel. They believe he will then form a special agreement or covenant with the Jews guaranteeing them peace and security. Part of this agreement will allow the Jews to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem and begin to again offer animal sacrifices. They further teach that "the Antichrist" will establish his headquarters in Jerusalem, claiming to be God on earth, and require all people throughout the world to worship him and follow his teachings. Finally, these leaders state that once "the Antichrist" has taken over control of the earth he will establish peace in all nations.
Notice the exact parallels between the Bible's description of what Jesus will do when he returns, and the anticipated acts of "the Antichrist''. This false teaching contains within it the distinct possibility of a disastrous outcome for the millions of Christians who believe it now, or who will be led to believe it in the near future.
The rejection of Jesus when he returns by the Christian leaders appears imminent. They are not even looking for the return of Jesus to the earth before the 7 year reign of "the Antichrist". Consequently, when Russia soon attacks Israel as the leaders expect, they will begin to declare to both their followers and the rest of the world that "the Antichrist" will soon emerge. Christian circles throughout the earth will then intensify their warnings when they witness the sudden destruction of Russia in Israel. Furthermore, when it is learned that the conqueror of the Russians has established a special covenant with the Jews, has called for the temple to be rebuilt and begins to set up his government with Jerusalem as its capital, the Christian leaders will become ecstatic.
Newspapers, radios and televisions in every city will carry the stories of the mysterious occurrences in Israel. They will describe how the Russian army has been destroyed by an unknown force, and how the leader of the victorious army has declared himself to be king over the whole earth. At the same time the media will also carry the united appeal of the Christian leaders as they frantically warn their followers and all others to resist the man in Jerusalem who claims to be from God. They will label him "the Antichrist" and sternly rebuke any who would follow him, warning that their end will be certain death.
The united efforts of the Christian leaders will generate a high degree of resistance towards Jesus when he establishes his throne in Jerusalem. His appeals to the world that he is in fact the Son of God who has returned from heaven, and his attempts to prove his authority by using his miraculous power will be met by stiff opposition from the leaders. Claiming he possesses satanic powers, which enable him to perform his miracles, the leaders will join forces to denounce him. For the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant churches their leaders will publicly unite together, declaring that the man in Jerusalem must be opposed. Inevitably, the followers of these leaders will confidently join in the opposition. Very likely others who have spent little time reading the Bible or attending church will be easily influenced when they witness events they cannot explain (e.g. the sudden destruction of the Russian army), especially if the Christian leaders are all declaring the same thing: "Reject the impostor, he is the Antichrist!"
When Jesus returns to the earth and is opposed as being "the Antichrist", it will not be the first time he will be rejected by the very people who claim to be looking for his coming. There is a powerful lesson to be learned from the reasons that led to the denial and crucifixion of Jesus by the Jews when he came the first time. If someone had told the Jews in Israel before Jesus began his ministry that they would soon reject their Messiah, no one would have believed it. Likewise, who would have thought that people from the same crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem shouting, ''Hosanna to the Son of David'', and spreading their garments and palm branches before Him, would but one week later be crying out "Crucify him, crucify him !"
It must be remembered that before Jesus began his ministry the Jews in Israel were not completely ignorant as to the nearness of the coming of their Messiah. On the contrary, there were several reasons why more than a few of the people expected their Messiah soon to reveal himself. First of all there was Daniel's 70 weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), which stated the coming of the "anointed one" would be approximately 490 years (70 weeks of years multiplied by 7 days per week), after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. Many of the Jews were well aware that in 456 BC, this very command was given by Artaxerxes. Secondly, almost everyone in Israel would have heard of the wise men who visited Herod at the time Jesus was born, looking for the infant who was to become the king of the Jews. They so convinced Herod the Messiah had been born that he ordered every male child two years old and under, in the area of Bethlehem, to be put to death in an attempt to destroy Jesus. Thirdly, the message of John the Baptist had spread throughout the nation. He urged the people to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and taught that another would come after him who would be far greater than himself.
Following his baptism by John, Jesus journeyed throughout Israel preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and healing the various diseases and infirmities of the people. His fame quickly spread throughout the nation because of the authority with which he spoke and the wonderful miracles he performed. The four gospels record two separate incidents when he fed over 4000 men, plus women and children, from a small amount of food; three different occasions when he raised a person from the dead; and numerous times when the lame were made to walk, the blind were given sight and the dumb were able to speak. It is little wonder that the Jews began to look toward Jesus as being the long expected Messiah spoken of by their prophets. If the comments of the people are examined it is evident they recognized this man from Nazareth was more than a prophet. On several occasions they referred to him as the Son of David and at other times were quoted as saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel."
Why then did the Jews reject the very person who had brought hope and healing to Israel and clamor for the release of a terrorist and murderer instead? The answer can be found upon a close look at the incidents that occurred in the last week of Jesus' life before his crucifixion.
Following his entry into Jerusalem when the people hailed him as their king (Luke 19:38) and eagerly expected the establishment of his Kingdom (Mark 11:9-10), Jesus spent several days in the city teaching the people and his disciples. There is every indication that he continued to do this right up to the night on which he was betrayed by Judas. During these last few days spent in Jerusalem the entire city would have become aware that Jesus was there. The stories of the marvelous works he had performed would have been talked about in every home and on every street corner. There was hardly anyone in Jerusalem at that time who had failed to hear of this exceptional man.
But then overnight the people turned against Jesus. Ignoring the kindness, love, dedication, and mighty work shown to them for the past 3-1/2 years they turned their backs on him and sought his death. The reason for this sudden betrayal is clearly indicated in Matthew 27:20,
The CHIEF PRIESTS and THE ELDERS persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Mark records in chapter 15, verse 11,
The CHIEF PRIESTS stirred up the crowd to have him (Pilate) release for them Barabbas instead.
Responding to the cries and appeals of their religious leaders the people chose to reject their Messiah. Who in Israel would have believed it possible? Had they been familiar (as they should have been) with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the need for the sacrifice and suffering of the Messiah before he acquired his Kingship, the Jews might not have acted so quickly. But their dependence upon the religious leaders for direction led them to denounce their Savior.
And what of today? Because of the popularity and general acceptance of the "future Antichrist" theory, Christians everywhere are being prepared to follow in the same footsteps as their Jewish counterparts at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. Most of today's Christians have come to rely solely on their leaders for an understanding of the prophecies concerning the return of Christ and read their Bibles only to learn of the moral standards to be upheld in their life. While the latter is extremely important, it by no means fulfills the responsibility of every follower of Jesus Christ to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Therefore, with our Bibles in hand, let us examine the true meaning of the Scriptural passages which are misunderstood by the supporters of the "future Antichrist" theory.
Let us start in Daniel 2 with Nebuchadnezzar's image because this prophecy seems to lay the framework for the history of man from Daniel's time up to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. In Daniel 2 we find the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar was shown an image made of four different metals. These metals indicated the four, and only four, humanly governed world empires that would arise in the course of man's history from Daniel's day on.
King Nebuchadnezzar was told "Thou art this head of gold" (v.38), relating the head of the image to the Babylonian Empire which flourished around 606-538 BC. After that came the Medo-Persian Empire (538-331 BC), which corresponded to the breast and arms of silver on the image (vs. 32,39). Then followed the Grecian Empire (331-68 BC) led by Alexander the Great, which related to the belly and thighs of bronze (vs.32,39). The last world empire to arise was the Roman Empire (68 BC-476 AD), corresponding to the two legs of iron on the image (vs.33,40). In this way, God revealed through this vision the four world empires which would arise before the kingdom of God would be set up on the earth.
The last parts of the image, its feet and toes, were made of iron and clay, showing that the Roman world would be made up of many different nations from the end of the Roman Empire until Jesus (the stone) came to break in pieces the kingdoms of men, and set up his kingdom on earth (vs.33-35,41-45). So we should expect that the Roman dominion would be made up of many different nations, some strong (iron) and some weak (clay), just before the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A few years later, Daniel was shown another vision (Daniel 7:1-8) about four great beasts arising out of the sea. In verses 17-18 we are given the explanation that these four beasts are four kings or kingdoms that would arise out of the earth, and after them, the saints of the Most High will receive and possess the kingdom for ever. Certainly there is a relationship between the four parts of Nebuchadnezzar's image in Daniel 2 (which indicated the four world empires that would arise before God's Kingdom) and these four beasts in chapter 7.
In Daniel 7 we read of four great beasts arising out of the sea. The first beast was like a lion (v.4) and it corresponds to the head of Nebuchadnezzar's image, representing the Babylonian Empire. 
The next beast was like a bear and it related to the breast and arms of the image (the Medo-Persian Empire). The third beast was like a leopard (v.6), which corresponds to the belly and thighs of the image (the Grecian Empire). Next we read of a fourth beast (vs.7-8) which relates to the two legs of the image (the Roman Empire). This last beast was "terrible and dreadful and exceedingly strong" indicating the great power of the Roman Empire, and it had "ten horns" showing that it would eventually be divided between ten kings or nations.1 As Daniel watched, three of the horns (the Vandals, Lombards, and Huns) were plucked up by the roots or destroyed when another little horn (the Holy Roman Empire) came up among them. This little horn had eyes and a mouth, and spoke great things (vs.19-20).
Since Daniel wanted to know more about this fourth beast, he was told in verses 19-27 that the beast would have teeth of iron and claws of bronze, indicating the large geographical area this beast would powerfully dominate. In Nebuchadnezzar's image iron was linked to the Roman Empire and bronze to the Grecian Empire. Thus this fourth beast would incorporate the authority and dominion of both empires.
Daniel was also told that the little horn on this beast will speak words against the Most High and it will make war on the saints and prevail over them for a "time, two times and half a time" (v.25) or 1260 years.2 After this period, the "Ancient of Days'' will come and the saints will receive the kingdom. Thus this prophecy indicated that a great power would arise out of the Roman dominion that would blaspheme God and persecute the saints for many years.
Up to this point then, we have found that Daniel 2 clearly indicates the four world empires that would arise, and Daniel 7 refers to these empires again, giving us more detail especially of the fourth empire (the Roman Empire). These two chapters of Daniel form the backbone for interpreting many of the prophecies in the Bible, and for this reason we have considered them first. The remaining prophecies will be studied on the basis of these clear prophecies in Daniel.
Footnotes:
1. The ten nations are: 1) Huns, 2) Vandals, 3) Visigoths, 4) Burgundians, 5) Gepidoe, 6) Lombards, 7) Franks, 8) Suevi, 9) Alans, 10) Bavarians. These nations became the rulers of the divided Roman dominion when the empire fell during the 5th century.
Keeping in mind God's revelation through Daniel, we now turn to the Revelation of Jesus Christ. At some point around 96 AD, while John was on the Island of Patmos, he received the Revelation from an angel of God. In the first two verses of chapter one, we are told that it was given to show things that "must soon take place." In other words, the Revelation was given to predict events that would begin occurring about the time John copied it down (96 AD) Furthermore, he was also shown other major events that would occur throughout history from that time until the second coming of Jesus Christ and the setting up of the Kingdom of God. The very first description in Revelation 12 of a woman in heaven, clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and crown of 12 stars on her head indicates to us that events in this and other chapters cannot be taken literally. Back in the first verse of chapter one we are clearly told that the Revelation was "signified", which means it was given in signs or symbols. Therefore we should expect to find many symbols used throughout the Revelation and we must carefully look into their meaning.
Women in the Bible are sometimes used to represent religious systems (see 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23; Isaiah 47:7-9; Ezekiel 16). Therefore, the "woman" in Revelation 12:1 can be taken to symbolize the Christian religious system after the time of John. The "male child'' of verse 5 then, would be a great Christian leader brought forth to rule the world. If we look back in history to 320 AD, we find the great historical event described in Revelation 12. The Roman Empire at this time was ruled and dominated by pagans. A great leader arose named Constantine, who was converted to Christianity. His goal was to conquer the Roman Empire and he determined to make it Christian. However, the pagan military power of the empire strongly resisted him as depicted in symbols by "the Dragon and his angels" (the pagans) fighting against "Michael and his angels" (the Christians). Eventually Constantine, in the name of Christ, defeated the pagans and the entire Roman Empire almost overnight was converted to Christianity.
Revelation 13 then goes on to describe a later development in the Roman Empire. A beast arises out of the sea, once again with seven heads and ten horns (v.l), which relates this beast to Daniel's fourth beast and the dragon in Revelation 12. This beast is "like a leopard, its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth" (v.2). It appears to have a mortal head wound (v.3), but the wound is healed and the dragon gives his authority to the beast (v.4). A mouth is given to the beast (v.5) and it has power to persecute the saints and to blaspheme God for 42 months (vs.5-7).
In the description of this beast we find the prediction of a power to arise that would rule the world and persecute the true believers for 42 months or 1260 days, which again represents 1260 years (see footnote 2 in chapter 9). This power would speak haughty and blasphemous words against God and his dwelling, and carry out wars against God's saints to conquer them. Since this beast also has seven heads and ten horns (v.l), it must be related to the fourth beast in Daniel 7 and the dragon of Revelation 12, which both refer to the Roman Empire.