Spirit of Antichrist

The spirit of Antichrist and the mystery of lawlessness are at work already to mislead the followers of Jesus. 

Often, the “Antichrist” is pictured as a global political and military leader who will subjugate all nations, and history provides many examples of tyrants and demagogues who have endeavored to assert dominion over other nations, though, so far, all such attempts at global domination have failed. But is this the kind of figure described in the New Testament? - [Photo by hoch3media on Unsplash].

Seated in the Sanctuary

Prior to the return of Jesus, the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed when he seats himself in the “sanctuary of God” - 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. 

According to Paul, Jesus will not return until two events take place, the “apostasy” and the “revelation of the man of lawlessness.” The two are inextricably linked. This malevolent figure will cause many believers to apostatize. And not only will he be “revealed,” that unveiling will take place “in the sanctuary of God” where he will “sit down” - [Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash].

The Beast is Rising

To identify the Antichrist, we must depend on what the relevant scriptures say about him, his methods, and his agendas. 

The subject of the “Antichrist” raises understandable questions. Who is he? When will he appear? How will we recognize him? What is his “mark” or “number”? In popular preaching, he is a global political leader who uses military might to coerce other nations. But if Satan is truly clever and cunning, why would he do the very things that so many of us expect? - [Photo by Hannah Pemberton on Unsplash].

False Messiah

Will the Antichrist be a global tyrant or a false messiah sent by Satan to deceive and destroy the Church? 

Most often, popular preaching presents the Antichrist as the ultimate global political leader, a tyrant bent on subjugating all nations through military and economic means. But New Testament descriptions show far more concern about deceivers working within the church to cause apostasy than with world political events - [Abandoned church, Photo by Yoal Desurmont on Unsplash].

Short Season

The Devil will be granted a final “short season” to persecute the saints of the Lamb - Revelation 12:12. 

Expelled from heaven, a “great voice” warned that the “Dragon” was enraged, knowing that he had only a “short season” to destroy on the saints. First, he attempted to persecute the “woman” who produced the “son,” but was thwarted from doing so. Next, he launched his “war” against her “seed,” those who had the “testimony of Jesus.” - [Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash].