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Anti Christ
by.Abdul Hakkeem - Manjeri
Opinion
Sahithiya Visarad K.J. Samuel, Alwaye
I am very pleased to get the press copy of the book `Anti Christ / False Christ' authored by Abdul Hakkeem of Manjeri, my brother in Christ.
Since several years the truth publications of Manjeri have been publishing many books translated from imported English books and some written by themselves in Malayalam. `Souls through letters' is the aim of the publishers.
Those who are writing and publishing bible literatures are doing the gospel works though the medium of these spiritual books. Forsaking the business mentality even if they have to suffer economic loss in this good books business, there is no doubt that they will get the spiritual reward.
The author in his introduction says that he is dealing elaborately with the truths mentioned in the Bible regarding the `Anti Christ' . The readers will get a good knowledge from the book written after observing the portions in the old and new testaments about Antichrist - regarding the subject `Antichrist'. Hence it will be good to read this book for aking all prejudices.
The major portion of the Bible especially old testament is filled with prophecies. There are in the Bible prophecies fulfilled, prophecies which are being fulfilled and prophecies which are yet to be fulfilled. Because of the lack of prophetical studies, heresies have crept into the churches.
The author has considered in his work the character of antichrist, his personality, his aim, his ambitions, his coming into power, his deceptions of the people and his judgment .
The word `Anti Christ' is translated into Malayalam as `Anthi Kristu'. It is seen as `false christ' in the first and second epistles of John. This term is used in the first epistles four times in three verses and in the second epistle, one time. (1 John 2: 18, 22; 4: 3; 2 John 7).
Just like the Trinity of God the Antichrist has also a trinity - serpant, Beast & False prophet - satanic trinity.
We can understand the seed of the woman of Genesis 3: 16 as Christ from Gal. 3: 16. At the appointed time the promised Messaih - seed of the woman - when the fulness of the time was come, God sent for this Son, come of woman (Gal 4: 4) to forgive the sins (transgression) of the woman (Eve) or for the propitiation of Sin He (Christ) appeared once for all (Heb. 9: 26). The incarnated Messaih will have fierce fight with the Antichrist who will be revealed at the last as son of Serpent(Offspring/ brood of Vipers). This is indicated in Gen 3: 15. If you observe and meditate on this portion of the Scripture the Scripture scholars will certainly agree with the author's interpretation.
John the Baptist addressed the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism as ` Brood of Vipers' (Mathew 3: 7). The meaning may be the inherited sinful nature of the first parents who were deceived by the Serpent. That is agreeing to the Scriptures. Since all have become Sinners (Rom 5: 12) the Antichrist to be born in the future in the human family will also be a Sinner. There is only One who was born with out Sin. He is Jesus
Christ (Mathew 1: 30, Heb. 7: 26). He that does sin is of the devil (1 John 3: 8) You are of your father the devil (John 8: 44) Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3: 8).
One who studies prophetic studies not seriously can not really claim to have studied Bible at all . "O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken" - Luke 24: 25. The misunderstanding about the holy Church, the misinterpretation about the 70 weeks, the lethargy in studying prophecies, disputes with out considering all prophecies - all these are the signs of the Post Tribulationist. Then why try to make a balance sheet of the `tribulation' business?
The dispensational prophetic scholars study the dispensational truths rightly dividing. Please see in this work of Br. Hakkeem the definition of dispensational age, dispensational periods the things happening at the time of tribulation etc mentioned. Those who want higher studies please read the `Ages' and `Knowledge of the end of the age' by G. Suseelan and `The beginning of the end" by Dr. O.M. Samuel.
Where Antichrist comes from ?
There are three speculations about it. 1. He is from heathens. (Compare Rev. 13: 1, 17: 15 with Isa 17: 12, 13). The heathen Antiochus Epipanus is a type of Antichrist. 2. A heathen and a Roman Rev. 13: 1 means that he is coming from near the Meditaranian places. The small horn of Daniel 8: 8 & 9 shows that he is a Greek. If you observe historically you can understand that he is a Roman Emperor (P. 172 `The Revelation' by Dor. Timlahe). 3. He may be aJew. The Church father Iranius after through comparative studies of Jeremiah 8: 16 with Rev. 7: 58 says that Antichrist will be a Jew from the trible of Dan.
The Church father Hippolithus opinioned that Antichrist will rise up from Israel. The supporting verses of the Word of God are Deut. 33: 22, Gen 49: 16,17.
In the book `Antichrist' published in 1980 by Br. Y. Ezekiel this subject has been dealt with. `In the begining of the end' by Dr. O.M.S. (Page 78-91) from the beginning of Antichrist to his end have been briefly explained. The prophetic scholar Br. O.M. Samuel has mentioned about Antichrist in his books `Prophetic light', `Prophesy's blue print', and "The Kings Royal throne room" - No more explanation due to limitation. Dr. Pinku says that `Antichrist' will be a Superman. Majority of the prophetic scholars believe that he will be from Syria and from the tribe of Dan. Br. Hakkeem also agrees to this conclusion.
Please see the list of the names given to Antichrist on pages 75 to 76 by Br Hakkeem.This is very useful for students.
After studying thoroughly the books `collected writings' by J. N. Darby and `Things to come' by Dr. Pentecost, Br. Hakkeem has authored this book which is an additional feather for bible literatures. The free flow of the study thought waves of the dear friend is very interestingly appreciated.
Congratulating the author and the book sincerely and truely, may I stop this `Opinion' which is only may beating about the bush.
with love
6-11-97 A Co-brother in Christ
K.J. Samuel. Alwaye
Introduction
No one can imagine where the world where in we live move to socially and politically. Even though man desires to have peace, the world is moving to a state of not having any peace at all, contrary to all his expectations. Several conferences and gatherings are conducted all over the world for peace & communal harmony. But before longafter such peace treaties the violation of these peace agreements are seen. What is the reason for this ? The answer is that man or the world can not have a peaceful atmosphere, however he tries. Bible makes it clear because man has ousted God from his heart and from all his affairs and dealings, the world is heading for a great catastophe. The Bible indicates that the devil who has been opposing God and all His plans will confront and fight with Christ and Israel with the help of Antichrist, the world ruler and he is making all arrangements for that.As the Son of God brings all to their end state, Antichrist, the son the Serpent will bring all satan's plans to their end state. He (Antichrist) will be in the forefront of all in length, power and revenge. The Word of God clearly teaches about his personality, his works, his origin and his end alongwith the signs of the end of this age and this world. Some ignore the activities of this character and some give very importance to him and about his matters.
The aim of this book is to elaborately deal with the truths mentioned in the Bible about him. The people of God have to honour the revelations given in the Word of God. Hence it is necessary to study clearly all the old testament and new testament portions where Antichrit is mentioned.
When the Lord Jesus Christ was on this earth he said "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive me, if another comes in his own name, him you will receive" (John 5: 43). The Lord warned that mankind will reject the Son of God (Jesus Christ) and in due course satan will bring forth his representative now his spirit is being revealed in this world by different kinds of logics and satanic powers. But in the end he will be revealed as a person, as an embodiment. Before that the church of Christ has to be taken away. When Christ discends from heavento the air the church will be caught up to him and then the tribulation age will be started and Antichrist will be revealed as the most important personality (Character). Antichrist is the end manifestation of the devil to the world, doomed to such a state. God has a kingdom and there is a King to rule that Kingdom. Christ is that King. Satan also has a kingdom and he has a person to rule that Kingdom. He is Antichrist.
Influencial Power of Antichrist
When we consider the signs the Lord has given as we can see that we are living in the last days. The people of God is anxiously waiting for the coming of the Christ, th King of Kings who will rule the world in truth and justice, in rightousness. Similarly the people of the world are looking for a wicked world ruler the Antichrist. After briefly explaining the period from Daryavesh's reign to the reign of Antichrist God said to Daniel " O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increaed (Dan. 12: 4)
Two signs of the end time we see here. The first one is `seal the book, many will run to and fro'. The second is `Knowledge shall be increased'. For the first one there are two stages, the first stage is before the tribulation of the last days and the 2nd one is the great tribulation period of the last days. Between these two events `Knowledge shall be increased'. This is the meaning and the second subject, the increase of the worldly knowledge - heart planting surgery, computer aided diagnosing and surgery the wonderful development of modern medicine, agricultural developments, space travel and other great inventions etc.
Man who got the key of knowledge now peeps and creeps into the mysteries of the planets. But really how limited is man's knowledge Each of the inventions of man leads him to thousands of questions which have no answers. When he finds answers for a thousand questions a ten thousand questions face him. Yes knowledge has increased in all fields. Definitely it is a sign of the end days.
The Lord Jesus Christ gave the political & spiritual peculiarities of the end days in Mathew 24: 4 - 14. Wars, Communal riots, famines, earthquakes, epidemics, persecutions, false prophets - all these are the signs of the end days. A similar portion is the chapter 21 of Luke. Please note the warning the Lord Jesus has given regarding this. "But take heed to yourselves lest possibly your hearts be laden with surfeiting and drinking and cares of life, and that day come upon you suddenly unawares; for as a snare shall it come up on all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, praying at overy season, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things which are about to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man".[Luke: 21:34-36] That day will come in the near future. The whole world is heading to destruction. Man does not have time now to listen to the Word of God. He does not care for the Truth, because he loves lies. He hurries behind the lies. He believes lies, the lies of satan.
The open ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ starts with "the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1: 15). What the antient historians wrote about the traditions of the people of the world either ended in a great catastrophe or ended in a new age. Such a great catastrophe, we see in Gen. 1: 2 `The earth was waste and void' - so we read there. We can read about another catastrophe of flood in Gen. 7: 17-24. Another disaster is the seperation and scattering of the people at the time of Peleg (Gen 10: 25) Psalm 68: 7, 8; 77: 18 - 20 Say that there was earthquake when the Israelites came away from Egypt. When God intervened in the affairs of man at the end of all the ages, this type of disasters have occured. We read when Christ was on the cross and during those 3 hours' time, darkness covered the whole earth, the rocks were rent, the earth did quake, and the tombs were opened. We are at the thresh-hold of end of anothe age. The Word of God says that there will be great conflicts, accidents and horrible fierceness before that.
Man does not care the warnings given in the scriptures, clearly and firmly. The flood occured at the time of Noah was not accidental, God had warned through his servant for a long time. But the people of that time did not heed that at all. The result was that the flood swallowed the whole earth and destroyed all living things. Please listen to the Words of Peter.
The apostle has also given warning against the fierece wrath of God on sin. "And we have the prophetic word made surer, to which ye do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place until the day dawn and the morning star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that the scope of no prophecy of scripture is had from its
own particular interpretation, for prophecy was not ever uttered by the will of man, but holy men of God spake under the power of the Holy Spirit". [2 Pet 1: 19 - 21].
This, a second letter, beloved,I already write to you, in both which I stir up, in the way of putting you in remembrance, your pure mind ,to be mindful of the words spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the Lord and Saviour by your apostles; knowing this first, that there shall come at the close of the days mockers with mocking walking according to their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming ? for from the time the fathers fell asleep all things remain thus from the beginning of the creation" (II Pet 3: 1-4)
See what the apostle continues to say "But there were false prophets also among the people, as there shall be also among you false teachers, who shall bring in by the destructive heresies, and deny the Master that bought them, bringing up on themselves swift destruction; and many shall follow their dissolute ways , through whom the way of the truth shall be blasphemed.And through covetousness, with well-turned words, will they make merchandise of you: for whom judgment of old is not idle, and their destruction slumbers not" (II Pet 2: 1 -3)
Man was made from the earth (dust), after that Eve was formed from his rib by God and God testified Himself. The tree of life is a type of Christ. And this was the first doctrine given to man "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest there of thou shalt surely die". He died on the day itself when he ate the fruit. How clear is the prophecy? But man is mocking the word of God.
Along with this shall we listen to Rev. 1: 3. "Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things written in it : for the time is at near ". Why one is blessed if one reads the prophecy and obeys what is written there in ? Because the time is at hand.
We are now living in the end days. We must be diligent as a lamp shining in a dark place. To understand the importance of the prophecy more, we have to read, listen and obey that. We read in Rev. 19: 10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" 2 Tim 3: 16 & 17 say. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is propfitable for doctrine, for reproof, for corrections, for instructions in righteousness that the man of God may be complete thoroughly equipped for every good work. The Holy spirit who gave power to proclaim `thus sayeth Johovah' can not contradict Christ who lightens every one coming into the world (Rom 1: 20). All prophecies are testimonies of Christ. That is why it is said that anyone who adds to or takes away from the words of the prophecies are cursed (Rev. 22: 18 & 19).
When we study the subjects of the prophecies of this present time from the word of God the character, personality, aim and desires of antichrist his coming into power, his deceiving the people, his judgement etc. are to be understood. The prophecies describing the antichrist testify or glorify the Lord Jesus. Antichrist is the embodiment and personification of all wickedness and unrighteousness and the mystery of law lessness. But Christ is the incarnated mystery to wipe out all unrighteousness and to establish eternal peace. As against the mean and low charactr of Antichrist, we can see the glorious fire like character of Christ through the study of this prophecy.
Two types of seeds are mentioned in Genesis. `I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed, he shall bruise thy head and thou shall bruise his heel" please see Gal. 3: 16 in this Connection " Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He does not say "And to seeds as of many but as of one" And to your seed "who is Christ, Hence the seed of the woman is Christ. Here the meanings is that as the seed of the woman Christ will be incarnated to destroy the Antichrist who will be coming as the seed of the serpent fighting fiercely.
Bible is the story of the fight between the Sprit. of Christ and the sprit of the Antichrist waging for ages. The Bible is complete with the stories of these two opposite forces. It will continue as two parallel lines till the end of the world. There will not be any compromise or reconciliations meetings between them. In the old testament even though the presence of christ is not seen literally his apparent presence is seen through out. After resurrecting from the dead and in his resurrected body. He said to his disciples " These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms concerning me - and he opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the scriptures" (Luke 24: 44 & 46) He continued His disclosures about his physical glories and revealed to them. "Thus it is written and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remissions of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jeruselem. And you are witnesses of these things" (Luke 24: 47 - 48) Here also the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. Antichrist encountering with the seed of the woman and getting defeated fully - is clearly mentioned in the Word of God. A scripture scholar who has not understood these two seperate personalities and their seperate activities & their conflicting natures can not have a good knowledge of the scriptures.
To the first couple who were ashamed and fearful after eating the prohibited fruit, God asked `where art thou'. Adam responded saying that as he was naked, he was afraid. To the questions of God `Who told thee that thou wast naked? Has thou eaten of the tree where of. I commanded tree that than shouldest not eat?' Adam replied "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat". And Jehovah God said unto the woman, what is this thou hast done ? And the woman said. "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat" Both of them did not admit (own) their mistake. They blamed the serpent. Thus both of them consecrated their obligations and rights and powers to Satan and turned away and put down God from their lives. With this God ceased to be their head. Both of them were under the care of Satan. They enthroned Satan in their hearts.
After words God addressed satan who had became the adopted head and leader of Adam, instead of pronouncing curse on Adam, He cursed Satan who became the leader of Adam. God cursed Satan saying "Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou above all cattle and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shall thou go and dust shall thou eat all the days of thy life and I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; he shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel."
In the crucifiction Satan bruised the humanity of Christ, Christ destroyed the power which Satan had over Adam. The woman was put under the authority of her husband and she had to give birth to children with hard labour pain. Lastly God cursed
Adam also "in toil shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee and thou shalt eat the herb of the field".
The words of curse, how much they produced guilty conscience and broken heart in man can be understood from the next verse. "The man named his wife `Eve' because she was the mother of all living. Literally speaking she became the human mother of the One who gives life to all. To remove the curse of death from man He came down as the seed of the woman, and she became the mother of him. Adam believed in God to destroy the reign of Satan, he believed the seed of the woman would come. This truth he accepted. What happened next ? We read in the next verse "And Jehovah God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins and clothed them".
Even though Christ was the lamb sacrificed before the foundation of the world man did not know that truth till he came and bruised the head of Satam coming as the seed of the woman. Hence as soon as he believed he named his wife Eve. Thus he revealed his repentance. God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins and clothed them. That is by the sacrifice of an animal, shedding the blood redeemed them.
This decision by God to redeem man inreased the enmity of Satan. Hence Abel, who was to be the father of the seed of the woman was killed by Cain, his brother prompted by Satan. Afterwards sons of God by the influence of Satan married the daughters of man. As a result of their Sin , The characters of their seeds angered God so as to wipeout the entire mankind. This was the trick of Satan also. By this Satan would have won and God would have failed. Hence instead of destroying the mankind completely he kept few of that kind and Noah being a representative of the human race was used for the increase in population of the human race. But Noah cursed his son Canan when he became intoxicated and unconscious with the wine made out of the grapes he cultivated. Afterwards the large population was filled with pride & haughtiness and they errected the tower of Babel. As a result there was language confusion and disunity of the people. Later the patriareh, 75 year old Abraham and 65 year old Sarah, his wife did not have any offspring. Sarah was barren and that was why they did not have any child. But Satan's hand was behind this. To bring forth the promised seed miraculously and to show to Satan God waited till Sarah was 90. Then Satan made Rebecca barren who was the wife of Isaac, born to Sarah miraculously at her 90th year of age. But when Isaac prayed to God, He gave him the twins. Later when Moses was to be born Satan influenced pharoah to proclaim a decree to destroy all the male children of the Israelites.But his scheme failed because of the cry of this male child. Lastly the promised seed came. Satan wanted to kill him before he went to the cross. Satan influenced Herod for this. That ruler who was influenced by passions of jelousy and fear tried to kill all the male children with in 2 years of age. As Joseph was warned in a dream, he ran away to Egypt with Christ and escaped. In the beginning of Christ' s Public ministry Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness. Satan asked him to jump down from the top of the temple. When he failed in that attempt Satan prompted the people of his own city to push him down from a hill. He then tried to send out a big tempest to destroy him in the sea of Galilee, But Christ rebuked the wind and the sea and defeated him. Next, Satan renewed his attempt through priests, saducees and pharisees, lastly Satan acted through Judas one of His disciples who sold his own master. Later through Pilate Christ was crucified. Then he thought that he had won the battle. To make sure of that victory he made the rulers seal the tomb of Christ. But when Christ rose again from the dead, his anger had no bounds....
In fact this fight of Satan started before man was made. Satan once enjoyed the greatest position among God's creations. The spirit has made it clear when he addressed him as King of Tyre "And the word of Jehovah came unto me ,saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou, who sealest up the measure of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty, thou wast in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was thy covering: the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the chrysolite, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the carbuncle, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of thy tambrets and of thy pipes was in thee: in the day that thou wast created were they prepared. Thou wast the anointed covering cherub, and I had set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou didst walk up and down in the midst of stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways, from the day that thou wast created, till unrighteousness was found in thee. By the abundance of thy traffic they filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned; therefore have I cast thee as profane from the mountain of God" (Ezek. 28: 12-16). The reason for the fall of Satan has been mentioned in Isa. 14. There he is called day-star, son of the morning". This was his glorious name of position at the time of the creation of the world and of his.
The person Lucifer has been called in 14: 4 `King of Babylon'. As there was no such king of Babylon as discribed here, it must be about a future King of Babylon. Antichrist is going to build Babylon as his city once again, the King of Babylon and King of Tyre are going to get made possible by Lucifer. The prophet may be telling about a vision of a future Antichrist.
Satan is a big ruler of the air. He is the prince of the air (Eph 2:2). More over he is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4: 4). He is not the god of this earth because the earth belongs to God, its creater. Earth and all its fulness belong to God. Satan is the god of the world system, the god of the encroached earth. work (job), society, royal justice, religion etc are included in the world system. He is the ruler of the powers of darkness in the spiritual realm. His position is so high that even the chief angel Michael could not rebuke him. Satan is so powerful that without the help of God no one can resist him.
Satan is a King. He has a kingdom also. Christ said about that in this way "And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself, how then shall his kingdom subsist ?" (Mathew 12: 26). Paul while writing about the wicked powers said "because our struggle is not againt blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against the spiritual power of wickedness in the heavnlies" (Eph 6: 12). From this we can understand in Satan's kingdon principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual hosts wickedness are present.
What was the ultimate aim of Satan has been indicated in Isa. 14: 13 & 14th verses "I will ascend into the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God and I will sit up on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High" This is Lucifer, the Satan who thought in his heart. His words show how haughty ad proud he was, `My', `I' these words he used five times. What he could not bring under his control at that time was the God's throne. If that is also brought with in his fist all other things could be brought under his control. This is what he thought. But it could not be done. God who knew the thoughts of his heart ousted him. Thus he lost his position and privileges he was enjoying till then. The prophet after revealing the answer to the question "How art thou fallen from heaven"
declares the judgement that is to come on him at the end. "Yet thou shalt be brought down to Sheol, to the utter most parts of the pit" Even though he was cast down, his activities are not restricted. Now he is going to and fro in the earth and from walking up and down in it. But in a short time he will be restricted in his travel. He will be finally pushed into the endless pit.
As Satan's doom is nearing he is increasing his activities more and more! His main aim is to spoil God's plan of salvation. He will use all wicked methods for that. God lives in light and there is no darkness at all in Him. But Satan's nature is just opposite to this. His character is darkness. He deceives, robbes and encroaches, is cunning and clever. He is expert in getting his things done in all foul ways.
As he can not cheat God he is bent up on cheating man. In order to get himself respect and honour, he is always interested to disrespect God and not to give Him the due honour. We can understand this from his conversation with Eve. "Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day you eat there of, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3: 5). What Satan meant was that his words were more reliable than the word of God. God is not angry against Satan's cunningness. But he has said that all his actions and characters are for his ruin. When God pronounces the ruin of Satan it is as good as his failure. Yes he is a defeated enemy. Not only that he is fully going to be brought to the light very soon, God is only showing his patience for Satan and those who are trapped in his cheating. God has been giving opportunities always for those who are trapped by him to repent. Today also He gives. But if anyone ignores God's warnings, his end will be like that of Satan. God by His grace has given a way of escape from judgement and hell to everyman. He is long suffering them as He does to Satan, that is all.
Even though Satan is involved in destroying and heinous activities, he is misunderstood in two ways. First is, that Satan is not a personality but an influence (influencing power). This is a trickery to create a vagueness in man's heart leading him to a low estate. How can we understand that Satan is a person? Christ is a person as revealed by the scriptures. Similarly the scriptures reveal that Satan is a person. As the bible says that Christ was led to the wilderness by the Holy spirit to be tempted by Satan, scriptures also say that satan tempted Christ in the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life (Mathew 4: 1-15).
The second misunderstanding about Satan is that he is the cause of all the sins of the entire world. Several people blame Satan or Adam or attribute the responsiblities of sinning to them and get away with their sins. In fact Satan's aim is not to increase and spread sin, but to become like the most high God. His aim is to take the control of the entire world system including man. That is why he is concentrating in human culture, religions, personal morality, ecnomic growth etc.Thus we discribed the embodiment of all wickedness is to understand more about the antichrist.
The end of the Age
Before Christ establishes his kingdom on earth, Bible is filled with the prophecies about the Antichrist, a ferocious despot, who is capable of controlling the entire political and economic realms. We can see several clear evidences and signs of his coming in the
Bible. We have studied that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecies even though several people do not take bible prophecies sincerely but reject them, it is our consolation that a very few people, a small minority still take these prophecies seriously and view them, interpet them with all due seriousness and importance. Since a major portion of the bible is prophetic no one who does not take it seriously and study thoroughly can not claim to have became a bible scholar. The highest gain (profit) is in studying the prophecies of the Bible, what God has already foretold to be taking place in the future. We can see everywhere lots of people who go after the cults, ghosts, sorcery etc inorder to lead their lives to prosperity. It is a fact that political leaders & Economists even church leaders go after satan's help and satanic powers to know about the future. As satan knows several things it is not difficult for him to wield the control of men by his hypnotic powers. But God's word alone is the truth. If we have to find the correct answer we have to depend on that.
We have used the terms `End', `end period' heathen's time, grace age, Mosaie age or the law age etc. What we mean by `age' or what are the precularities of an age? Webster says `age' as a division of time or to point out any period of time. What ever be the goal of that age, scientifically speaking an `age' is the period of time which comprises the peculiarties of a defined culture. The word `Aeon' is used for age in the Bible. It means that age is a period of time which the eternal God developed in His eternal time plan for a particular programme and aim. "If we recognise the various ages the scriptures are complementing to each other" so said St. Augustine. Todays problem is that people do not find time to study the word of God. Hence personal opinions become important and hence several people go wrong in the doctrines of the Bible. and are influenced by false teachings. If you know Christ, Holy ghost is your teacher. If Christ is not the central theme in your life and teachings you can not proclaim God's thoughts fully. `Fall away of faith' means to fall away, to go astray fully or partilly from the God, the truth by the church or believer. A person who neglects the prophecies of the Bible go astray at least 65% from the doctrinal truth. You may examine yourselves how far you have deviated from the doctrinal faith.
We read in the first epistle of Peter that the salvation which was to come to us the prophets have enquired had searched carefully and revealed to them and that was not for them, but that ministry was for us; the old testament has lot of the messages by the false prophets who did not care for their hearers. " And we have the prophetic word made surer, to which you do well taking heed as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, until the day dawn and the morning star arise in your hearts" (11 Pet 1: 19). This is what the Apostle says.
The first factor required for learning is an open heart "If any one desires to practise his will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is of God, or that I speak from myself." (John 7: 17). That leads us to the need of studying prophecies, to study any portion of the word of God, to submit our will to obey His will. Thirdly the word of God takes hold of your entire person to confirm firmly in your heart. The word of God challenges you to study and meditate on it constantly till your respond to it practically. That means God's word will transform your life. The believer's heart will be filled with the hope of the coming of Christ. In that blessed hope everything else will fade away to see the `glory of Jehovah', to see literally His grace and mercly and to lift the heart to the temple of God (Ps 27: 9) This study will not be interesting to you if you are not desiring
and taking interest as Mary to sit at His feet and study His word, and see His glory. This is the greatest test in one's life. Do you see the study of his personality and His blood which cleanses you from all your sins, filthy state.
Thus an age is a period of time centred in a particular person or a particular event. For example the age in which the `Knowledge increases' can be called the age of knowledge. We read in Daniel 12: 4 "close the words, and seal the book, till the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased" Hence we can consider the beginning of the 18th Century which was the climax of allthings & rationalism as the time of the end of the ages. This is an age of lawlessness. By the rise of Antichrist or when God gives up man to live as he wants when complete falling away time can be taken as the climax of the time of the end of the age. Sometimes the period of time will be little in a long age. They sometimes go to- gether or encroaches each other. For example the age of knowledge and the age of lawlessness are progressing along with the age of grace. But when the age of grace ends, age of lawlessness overtakes and reaches its climax and it will be 7 years more than the age of grace. By the time Christ comes in the air to take away His church, the age of grace ends. Then the representative of the antichrist or the ruler of new Roman empire will rise up into a shuffled system of the age lawlessness.
In the world anything can happen suddenly at the unexpected time. By the time the Lord comes and takes church to Himself. his (Satan's) activities will be increased. As the control of the Holyspirit is loosened there will be increased activities of Satan. But for a real christian the most important event of Christ's coming again is his only hope. It is a blessed hope for him. At the sametime it will be miserable and wretched for the unbeliever. God Himself will close the door of the ark quickly. Then His fierce wrath will be poured on the earth. "And the kings of the earth, and the great, and the chiliarchs, and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hide themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains; and they say to the mountains, and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us and have us hidden from the face of him that sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb" Rev 6: 15-16. Dear friend, you must not allow Satan to take hold of your precious life. You have the cleft even at the time of tempest. Only those who are washed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ are not condemned. They only are redeemed.
We read in Heb 11: 3 that the ages were created by the Word of God, by the Son of God. God gave the scriptures to the world; the incarnation of Christ and His death on the cross of Calvary - with that the end of the age began the end of God's revelation to man. This age is known as the age of the law or Mosaic age, the age God gave the law to the Jews (Rom 3: 1, 2). In other words the time taken out to develop a particular aim is called age. Those who have understood the God's dispensation of age and time can see these things happening with their spiritual eyes. God's ages are specially designed with special purposes. Those things will come to pass at the appointed times by God.
As far as history and the word of God are concerned the scriptures have revealed 10 ages.
(1) Adamic age or sinless age. (2) Noahic age or age of the rule of man (3) Abrahamic
age (promise)
(4) Mosaic age (Law) (5) Davidic age (see Israel's Physical rule) (6) Heathen's age
ending with tribulation (7) Age of Grace (8) Millennial age (9) Christ's golden age after the
millineal age (10) The age of the Father - eternity. We are now living at the last days of the age
of grace. The heathen's age is also running. The world ruler will be manifested in this age.
We are proceeding to that period very fast. Before that be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.
But antichrist will be enthroned, a world government will be formed. Why God is allowing him to rule with the utmost cruelty, with such a power, with such cunningness and cheatings rebelling against the most high God ? Before the first Eden Couple was appointed as watchers, when Satan or Lucifer in the heavenly Eden rebelled against God to usurp the throne of God rebelling against Him, he was rebelling against the God's authority over the earth. He conspired against God to oust Him from the throne. This worst sin against the authority and throne of God was not visible to man. It took a long time to bear its fruit. He seduced 1/3 of the angels of heaven. How long it took for him, is not revealed. He must have taken a long time for that. He acted most wisely and stealthily to realizes his aim. He thought he could do that as he was the wisest being created. Anyway Lucifer who was adorned with all precious pearls and diamonds and who was living with great pomp and glory, took along time to seduce the angels to his side, before he was cast out from heaven.
As Satan had to go out shamefully with out realising his aim, he decided to trap the man, created by God. May be, he was afraid that man would get the position which he lost or else he wanted to challenge the godly schemes to elevate the newly created man. Thus two rivers started flowing from the garden of Eden - the bitter river as a result of sin, the river of life flowing from the seed of the woman.
Thus throughout the scriptures two rivers of good and evil are flowing through their own paths close to each other. From each of these streams persons are appearing who are only, shadow type of the person coming at the end of the heathen's age. We can see Seth, Hanoch, Mathusaleh, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Soloman etc. as shadow types to some extend, of Christ's character and ministries coming out from the same spring where Christ came from. On the otherhand Cain, Lamach, Nimrod, Pharoah, Saul, Hamaan, Nebuchednezzer, Herod, Judas etc. are the shadow types of the world ruler. At the end of one stream the word of God and the word of life, the son of God becomes flesh. But at the end of the other stream the son of all lies, the son of satan, the antichrist takes up flesh incarnation. Even though these two are parallel to each other, each exists in altogether different spheres. Even though we see that the antichrist imitate Christ in each step, he is looking for an opportunity to stamp on the heel of Christ like Jacob. Christ, the mystery of godliness revealed Himself suffering as a servant and a great king of Isaih. On the other hand antichrist, the mystery and perdition of sin will be revealed as the world ruler.
It is about 20 centuries since the Holy Spirit was sent to abide in the belivers, after the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has fulfilled his promise "I will be with you till the end of the age" till date. He safeguards the truth and shepherds the little flock. Satan cannot hinder in any way the flocks of sheep, entrusted to Him by the Father to come to Him. All those who are elected by God will be taken up to Him when he comes to the air. His coming is fast approaching. The sound of His coming steps are started hearing. The perishing of Satan is also nearing at the same time.
Before wickedness and lawlessness reach their climax, i.e. when Christ comes the Church will be caught up to the air to be with Him for ever. God will remove all hurdles.
Satan will co-ordinate and combine all his plans, schemes and powers against the Son of God and will fight against Him. God will allow the sins to proceded in their paths and Satan to have his wills fulfilled Satan is awaiting to show his real colour in front of man. Then only God can pour out His true and just judgement on sins. Sin is fully growing and is going to bear its fruit. Such a fierce and terrible time is very high. Before it takes place, I wish you had repented over your sins and confessed Jesus Christ as your saviour and Lord.
Tribulation age
The period of the antichrist can be generally called the period of tribulation. Bible makes it clear that there will be great tribulations before the Lord Christ establishes His kingdom. There are several references regarding this in the Bible. Both old and new testaments give testimony to this (Deut 4: 29, 30; Jer 30: 4-11; Dan 7: 7,8:9; 27; 11: 36 - 45; Math 24: 15-20; 1 Thes 5: 1-11; 2 Thes 2: 1-12; Rev. 6: 17). Eventhough there are several scripture verses regarding the great tribulations, we have to consider 4 verses which show the intensity of the great tribulation. The most important is in the N. T where it is given as `Great tribulation' For then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no more ever shall be" (Math 24: 21 & Mark 13: 1) The other three verses are from the O. T., "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacobs trouble" (Jer 30: 7) There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that sametime and all that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book" Dan 12: 1. A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the dawn spread up on the mountains; a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after them, even to the years of many generations" (Joel 2: 2) From the above verses we can clearly understand that there is going to be a great tribulation time in the future. As that great tribulations period affects the whole world, all nations, tribes and peoples will be involved in this.
This time is called the day of Jehovah (YAHW) in the OT and `the day of the Lord' in the NT. Isa 2: 12, 13; 6, 9; Ezek. 13: 5; 3); 3 Joel.1: 15; 2: 1; Amos 5: 18, 20' Obed. 15; Zeph 1: 7, 14; Zech 14: 1, Mala 4: 5, Acts 2: 20, 1 Thes 5: 2; 2 Thes 2: 2; 2 Pet 3: 10) Besides the day is called `that day' and `the great day' in the scriptures.
We can see that there are 2 aims for the tribulation period. One is to punish the heathens for their sins. Even though all people are sinners, the heathens are sinners in relation to the Israelites. After the occuring of Sin, till now the full blessings of God have not been experienced. But certainly the earth shall be blessed by these blessings. Before the day of blessing dawns it is necessary that the world will have to be judged.
The second aim is to equip and make ready the Kingdom of Israel to receive their Messaih. They were not prepared for that in the Lord's first coming". He come to his own, and his own received him not". Even today Israel is not ready to receive their Redeemer. But in the future they will accept Messaih as their Saviour & Quickner. To make Israel for such a trans formation it is necessary that they undergo the tribulation. Jeremiah called that as `Jacobe's trouble'.
The longivity of the period of tribulation
We can see that the tribulation period is said as the tribulation week. The concept
of tribulation week has come from Daniel chapter 9 where, out of the 70 weeks, the last week is called tribulation week. To understand the tribulation week, we have to study about the 70 weeks.
Seventy weeks
Daniel chapter 9 is said to be the back bone of prophecies. To have a right understanding of God's plan, as it is inevitable to study this chapter, such a name has been given.
When Daniel received the revelation about the 70 weeks. Israel was in slavery under Babylon. When he secarched and enquired the scriptures as to the time of the emancipation of his people Daniel understood from Jeremiah that their slavery will be over in 70 weeks' time (Jer 25: 11, 12; 29: 10 - 14) When Daniel knew this he started praying confessing his sin and his people's sin. His heart was filled with joy when the prophet knew that their slavery was to be over soon. When he was praying and meditating on the word of God, he got another revelation through the angel Gabriel. This subject is mentioned in verses from 24 to 27. This 70 weeks are appointed for `your people, for Israel, and for the holy city, for Jerusalem. Hence the 70 weeks are invariably related to Israel and Jerusalem.
The seventy weeks are divided into 3 in verse 25th of chapter 9. They are 62 weeks , 7 weeks and one week. the Hebrew word week means 70x7 = 490 (Seventy weeks) days. But if the meaning is 490 days, we can see that the events happening in 70 weeks do not fit in with this. Similarly 490 days becomes 490 years. Hence 70 weeks mean 490 years. Moreover in Gen. 29: 27, it is clearly shown that one week is 7 years.
This prophetie years start with the declaration of rebuilding of Jerusalem. We can see that such a declaration was there in BC 445 (Neh. 2: 1-16). The King Artaxerexes made this declaration in the month of Nizan. As the date is not given we can take it as the first day of the month. Thus the seventy weeks starts from BC 445 on the first day of the month Nizan. That means the weeks starts in March BC 445.
The aim of the seventy weeks is given in verse 24. 6 things are going to take place in this connection.
1. To put hurdles for tresspasses. This points out to the crucifixtion of the Lord with reference to the Isralites.
2. To seal the Sin: This means the sealing of Israel's sin when Satan, the creator of Sin, is sealed this is fullfilled.
3. To make restitution for transgression. To reject the Messaiah was the transgression of Israel. The restitution for that was the cross of Christ.
4. To have eternal justice: when the Christ, the prince of peace reigns on the earth this will be fulfilled.
5. To seal the vision & prophecy: when the plan of God for Israel is fulfilled, these are not required.
6. To anoint the holiest: this tells about the anointing of the holy place of the temple during the millenial reign of Chrst.
We have seen that the seventy weeks start on 14th of March BC 445. When a week & 62 weeks are over the anointed must be cut off. In other words after 7 x 69 years the anointed Christ must be crucified. 483 years are prophetical years. They are made up of 12 months of 30 days. For a prophetic year there are only 360 days. Thus for 483 years 483 x 360 = 173880 days. If we calculate from the 14th of Mareh BC 445 173880 days will end up on the 6th of April 32 AD; That means the Lord went to the Jerusalem temple on a donkey on April 6th, 32 AD Immediately after that he was crucified also.
The last week is the 70th week. This week has not yet come. At this time only the antichrist - who is to come - comes: In the middle of the week he will stop the offeringsof the meat offering . There is a period between the 69the and 70th week. That is not included in the prophecy because Israel is not openly affected by that. That is the age of grace, the church age.
Persecutions of the tribulation period
Antichrist is the main character during the tribulation. Hence the troubles of the tribulation period is generally known as the period of persecutions of Antichrist. This persecution is well discribed in Revelation . In ornamental language they are mentioned as `seals' and `bowls'
1. Seven seals (Rev. 5: 1-8: 1)
During the tribulation period the destroying events are connected with the opening of the 7 seals. Christ takes the book from the hand of Him Who sits on the throne. As He opens the seals one by one the tribulations also start. By the time the 4 seals are opened 4 differently coloured horses are seen. The first one is a white horse There is bow in the hands of the one sitting on that. He came forth conquering and to conquer. This person is Antichrist, because we see Christ as the One Who opens the seals. More over there is no arrow with the bow.
When the 2nd seal was opened a red horse come forth. To him that sat there on it was given to take peace from the earth, and they should slay one another. We can have a general concept of the troubles of the tribulation period.
The third horse is black in colour. The one sitting on that has a balance in his hand. That shows the intensity of the famine and the deaths as a result of that.
The fourth horse is pale and he who sits on it is called `death' This shows that the number of deaths will be very great during the tribulation.
When the fifth seal was opened the souls of them that had been slain for the Word of God for the testimony of Jesus Christ are seen under neath the alter. This shows several people will die during the tribulation period as martyrs.
When the sixth seal was opened there was a great earth quake. There were changes in the Sun and the moon. This points out to the events unexpected.
When he opened the 7th seal there was silence in heaven for half an hour. When the 7th seal is opened we see the 7 trumpets sounding.
More fierce tribulations are occuring when the trumpets are sounded than when the 7 seals are opened. By the time the 6th seals are opened, the first half of the tribulation period, 3½ years will be over. The next 3½ years there will be very fieree and terrible tribulation. There we see in the presence of God 7 angels and trumpets in their hands (Rev. 8: 1-2).
When the first angel sounded his trimpet, there followed hail and fire mingled with blood and the third of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up and all green grass was burnt up. When the 2nd trumpet was sounded there died the third part of the creatures which were in the sea. When the third trumpet was sounded there fell from heaven a great star and the third part of the waters became worm wood. When the 4th trumpet was sounded the third partof the sun was smitten and the third part of the moon and the third part of the stars and as a result the day did not shine for the third part of it and the night in like manner.
The last 3 trumpets will bring more fierce and worse events. When the 5 th angel sounded the trumpet one star fell down to the earth. He got the key of the bottomless pit. He opened the pit of the abyss. There went up a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace and the sun and the air were blackened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And out of the smoke come forth locusts up on the earth; and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power and it was said unto them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only such men as have not the seal of God on their foreheads. And it was given them that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months; and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when it strikes the man. and in those days men shall seek death and shall in no wise find it; and they shall desire to die and death will flee from them. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared for war and up on their heads as it were crowns like unto gold and their faces were like men's faces. And they had hair as the hair of women and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breast plates as it were breast plates of iron and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses rushing to war. And they have tails like into scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is the power to hurt men five months. The angel of the abyss was their king. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek Apollyon (Rev. 9: 1-12).
When the 6th angel sounded the trumpet, twice ten thousand times ten thousand armies of horse men appeared. The horses' heads were like those of lions. Out of their mouth proceeded fire and smuoke and brimstone. As a result 1/3 of men died. When the 7th angel sounded the world kingdom came into the hands of the Lord and Christ, followed by great voice from heaven that He reigns for ever and ever.
2. Seven Vials of wrath
When the first vial was poured the followers of antichrist gets carbuncles. This is similar to the 6th plague mentioned in Exodus. When the second vial was poured into the sea. the sea becomes like blood and all water creatures die. The third vial makes blood in rivers and springs while the 4th one falls on the sun and the sun becomes very hot and it gets the power to kill man with terrible heat. The 5th vial was powered on the throne of the beast. With that the antichrists Kingdom becomes dark. The 6th vial was
poured on Euphretes river and it was dried up. Three evil spirits like frogs came out.When the 7th bowl was poured on the sky. Then there were lightning, thunder & sounds. With this the 70 weeks end.
The term Antichrist
Antichrist is a theological term. In the Bible it is addressed as `false Christ'. All those who are opposing Christ are in one way or other antichrists. The personification of all false christs can be called antichrist. His main programme is to oppose Christ. He comes up openly pretending to be Christ. In short antichrist is the one who opposes Christ, rebelling against all the characteristics of Christ and the one appearing as Christ like in the end days. He will imitate the works of Christ. "For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ (II Cor 11: 13).
Even though the term `antichrist' is seen only in the N.T. this concept can be seen even in the O.T. The apostle John has used the term in his epistles. The first one is used with the meaning that the antichrist will appear as a rival of Christ. "Little children, it is the last hour: and according as ye have heard that antichrist comes," (1 John 2: 18). Next is "even now there have come many antichrists; whence we know that it is the last hour" (1 John 2: 18) The third one is "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ ? He is the antichrist who denies the Father and the Son" (1 John 2: 22). The fourth is in the same epistle, "And every spirit which does not confess Jesus Christ come in the flesh is not of God. and this is that[power] of the antichrist" (1 John 4:3). The fifth is: `For many deceivers have gone out into the world,they who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in flesh-this is the deceiver and the antichrist" (2 John: 7)
The various names of the Antichrist
There are different names in the Bible which describe the character, personality and works of Antichrist.
1. Asshur Num. 24: 24; Isa 10: 5, 25 etc -In these scripture portions antichrist is called Asshur as a shadow of Nimrod.
2. Day-star, son of the morning. (Isa 14: 12). The prophet is describing in Isaih .14th chapter the incarnation of Satan as antichrist and the pride he is having.
3. King of Babylon (Isa 14: 4) Nebuchadnezzer, the mighty King of Babylon was similar to antichrist in their character and that is why this name is given to him.
4. King of Tyre. (Eze: 28 12) The King of Tyre had all the characters and characteristics of the man of Sin. So King of Tyre is also a shadow of antichrist.
5. Sheshach. (Jer 51: 41, 25: 26). Eventhough Sheshach was a very diplomatic expert and had all the praises and honour of all men, he was pressed under the hands of God and was judged by God. He was a shadow of antichrist.
6. Antiochus Epippanas (little horn) Dan 8: 9, 7:8. In the prophecy of Daniel antichrist is depicted in different ways. The most important one among them is `little horn'. In Daniel 7th chapter, Daniel is seen to have the vision of 4 empires. The vision about the 4 beasts are the emblems of the 4 empires. First beast is similar to lion, the 2nd like bear, the third like tiger (leopard) and the fourth is said to be as of a very fierce and terrible beast. They are Babylon, Mede - Persia' , Greek and Rome respectively.
The 4th beast had several recognizable preculiarities. It had 10 horns representing 10 Kings (7: 24). A little horn is springing up from among these horns. As a result the three former horns are rooted out. This little horn is a King rising from among the 10 Kings. He blasphemes the Most High and kills the saints of the Most High (26th verse). His activities are extended up to a time, times and half a time (42 months) In other words this happens in the 2nd half period of tribulations. We can see the end of this little horn in verse 26. `But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it into the end".
In the chapter 8 of Daniel also the little horn is described. The subject of this chapter is Daniel's another vision. In this vision also the beasts are seen. But the prophet sees only 2 beasts here. See how Daniel interprets his vision. "And I saw in the vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was in the fortress of Shushan, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai. And I lifted up mine eyes and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns; and the two horns were high; and one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward, and no beast could stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; and he did according to his will, and became great." (Dan 8: 2-4). As Daniel was thinking about the meaning of the ram, "a he-goat came from the west over the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the ram that had the two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran upon him in the fury of his power.And I saw him come close to the ram, and smote the ram, and broke his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before him; and he cast him down to the ground, and trampled upon him, and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. And the he-goat became exceeding great; but when he was become strong, the great horn was broken; and in its stead came up four notable ones toward the four winds of the heavens (Dan. 8: 5-9). And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which became exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward thebeauty of the earth. (Dan: 8: 9).
Out of the two beasts shown above one is a two horned he- goat and the 2nd is a big one horned he-goat. The two horned he-goat is the replica of Medi- Persia empieres. Eventhough that he-goat pushed toward the west, towards the north and towards the south no one could stand in front of it. This clearly shows the Media - Persia empire at the time of Koresh. The rough he-goat of the 21st verse indicates the greek king. The big horn in between its eyes shows the emperor Alexander of that Empire. Alexander's death is shown by that big horn which perished. That world leader died at the age of 33. After that 4 horns came up. After Alexander's death his 4 generals became the rulers of his empire. We see one little horn coming out of them.
This small horn represents Antiochus Epipanus. He was the successor of selucus Nicator who was one of the generals of Alexander. Antiochus oppressed cruelly the Jews. This king insisted that the Jews who believed in menotheism to embrace the greek religion. He compelled them to give up the tradition and doctrines of the Jews and observe the rituals of the Greek. But those who did not yield to his orders were brutally persecuted & murdered. H e defiled the holy temple of the Jews. He errected the idol of one of Greek gods and sacrificed the swine on the alter.
Antiochus Epipanas is an apt shadow of antichrist. He will persecute the Jews cruelly and brutally and will stop the Jew's sacrific and burnt & meat offerings and will make the abnomination of desolation stand where he aught not.
Prince of Tyre (Ezek. 28: 1)
In Ezekiel 28: 11-19 the prophet has been given a good vision of antichrist in the official name "The prince of Tyre" The prince of Tyre as described here can be Satan or his incarnation antichrist. Before the incarnation of Satan as antichrist, before his fall how he was adorned with very rare and precious pearls and diamonds. He was in God's garden Eden. This Eden was not in the earth, but God's paradise on high, because Satan was living in God's holy mountain. We have considered the reasons of his fall in Isaiah 14. There he was called son of morning, day star. This was his glorious official name at the time of his creation and at the time of the creation of the world. About that time Job 38: 8 says "When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy".
This prince of Tyre represents antichrist. His former glory is described through the King Asshur. That is all.
The beast coming out of the sea (Rev 13: 1-10). "And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and upon its horns ten diadems, and upon its heads names of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like to a leopardess, and its feet as of a bear, and its mouth as a lion's mouth; and the dragon gave to it his power, and his throne, and great authority; and one of his heads[was] as slain to death, and his wound of death had been healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast. And they did homage to the dragon, because he gave the authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, who is like un to the beast? and who can make war with it? And there was given to it a mouth, speaking great things and blasphemies; and there was given to it authority to pursue its career forty - two months. And it opened its mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle, and those who have their tabernacle in the heaven. And there was given to it the power to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to it authority over every tribe, and people, and tongue, and nation; and all that dwell on the earth shall do it homage, every one whose name had not been written from the founding of the world in the book of life of the slain Lamb. If any one leads into captivity, he goes into captivity. If any one shall kill with the sword he be killed, here is the endurance and the faith of the saints".
In revelation antichrist is called beast. In Revelation 12: 17 we read as Satan standing on the sand of the seashore. Thus it is seen that the vision ends. But it is not ending but continuing. Satan is appearing in another form. Satan who has been working in different ways till now, at the middle of tribulation changes his activities in another form and shape. He is incarnating through antichrist. Satan has been trying to overthrow the plans of God since the creation of the world. That work will be continued till his end. His programmes started seducing the Adam-Eve couple and has been progressing in different ages in different ways. This we can see through out the scriptures. He made Cain to kill Abel, Pharoah to kill the Hebrew male children. Then he tried his best to annihilate
Israel. This we can see clearly from the historical books of the Bible. At last God sent His son Christ into this world. He was crucified as Satan desired to destroy Israel. But Satan did not know that God had planned to bruise his head through that. Satan realized that all his plans and schemes were shattered when the Lord rose again from the dead.
Then the church was formed on the earth on the day of Pentacost. That was a mystery hidden to the former generations, to the prophets, to the principalities and powers of heaven and even to the holy angels. But with the foundation of the church Satan directed his activities against her. He let out severe persecutions against the church. But the more the church was persecuted, the more the church grew up. Hence he planned his schemes to reconcile the church with the world. But the saints who were loyal to and loving christ in all ages could not be trapped by him. Now his aim is to destroy the new born Israel nation and the church and the spiritual christandom. He was designing schemes and plans for that . But as he realised that he could not have his aim fulfilled by all these he is going to appear as antichrist.
We read in Rev. 13, in the beginning about antichrist as a beast coming out of the sea. We have to understand his coming, character, activities and powers by the characteristics of this beast. That beast is a complex form of several beasts. That beast has 10 horns, seven heads and on its horns ten diadems and upon its heads names of blasphemy, like unto a leopard and its feet were as the feet of a bear, and its mouth as the mouth of a lion. To understand this three types of beasts, we have to turn to Daniel chapter 7.
Daniel saw 4 beasts coming out of the sea one by one. The first was like lion,and had eagle's wings; I beheld till its wings were plucked; and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon two feet as a man and a man's heart was given to it. (Dan 7:4). This is an indication of the Babylon empire. Before this Nebuchadnezzarr also had seen a dream. He saw a big statue in that dream. We see that in Daniel 2nd chapter. It's head was of fine gold, its breast and it's arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass, its legs of iron, its feet part of iron and part of clay. The meanings is given there itself.(vers.32)
The first world empire was having the character of a lion. It had the wings of an eagle. It shows the power, glory and speed of that kingdom. But as the prophet was looking at it a stone was cutout with out hands which smote the image and broke it in to pieces. The wings of the beast was plucked out. The beast fell down to the ground. It was lifted up from the ground and a man's heart was given to it. The head of gold, seen by Nebuchadnezzar agrees to this. The falling to the ground shows that the proud Nebuchadnezzar became mad.
"And behold, another beast, a second ,like unto a bear, and it raised up itself on one side; and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and they said thus unto it: Arise, devour much flesh" (Dan 7: 5). The empire image with silver breast and hands which Nebuchednesser saw agreed to this. Both of them show the Mede-Parsi empire. Mede- Persia was the product of the two powers. As hands are related to the breast, these kingdoms related to the world empire body. But it did not have the glory which the first Babylon empire had. If Nebuchadnezzer saw that the breast and the hands were seperately divided into two showing that this kingdom was divided, Daniel saw a bear with one side raised. This shows that Persia had more power than the Mede. The three ribs show Lybia, Babylon and Egypt. The method of the Mede-Persia was to send unlimited number of armies and to face (fight against) the enemies.
"After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, and it had four wings of a bird upon its back; and the beast had four heads; and dominion was given to it" (Dan 7:6). The leopard represents the 3rd kingdom of Greece. The four heads of the leopard shows that after the first emperor Alexander of Greece, his kingdom was divided among his 4 generals. 4 wings show the usual speed of the Greek empire. Thrios, Maeedonia, Syria and Egypt are the four divided empires. This shows the belly, waist etc of the third beast.
"After this I saw in the night-visions, and behold a fourth beast dreadful and terrible , exceeding strong; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest, with its feet: and it was different from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns" (Dan 7: 7). The 4th beast had iron teeth and it had 10 horns. Iron agrees with iron organs and the 10 horns agree with the 10 fingers of the great image. Daniel was convinced that the 4th beast was the 4th Roman empire.
As Daniel was thinking about the 10 horns, another horn sprang up from among them. So three of the first 10 horns were plucked up. In that horn there was eye and mouth speaking of great things (7:8). There we see the judgement throne was set up and God executes judgements.
Babylon empire was in its highest state in BC 606. But it was dissolved into Mede-Persia empire in BC 538. It became under Greece in BC 330. In BC 30 Greece was under Roman empire. In AD 364 Roman empire was divided into 2. Even though it is not a world power today, its remanants are available. Roman laws became the foundation of all world laws. Thus even though the 4th kingdom, the Roman empire is not in existance openly, it is present appearantly, inthe spiritual realm. If the empire image remained up to AD 364, the centuries as long as its legs are included in its authority. This great beast has 10 horns as the fingers of the image. This shows firmly that there will be a federation of 10 nations in the future. John saw it as if coming from the sea. The 10 horns of the beast were also shown. All these point out only one thing.
Thus the antichrist the beast is coming out of the sea. when there is a union of the nations. We have already seen the similarity between the beast seen by John and the beast seen by Daniel. Its body was like that of a leopard. That leopard was Alexander, the empiror of Greece. That means like Alexander the antichrist also will conquer the known world in a short time. He will also become a world leader. Alexander's army had the swiftness and the anger. The Antichrist also will proceed with such swiftness, power and anger.
The beast had the leg of a bear. This shows the bear like character of Persia. Their army was less clever. But they sent huge armies to the war field and thus they were winning the war. Thus the antichrist also will use a very large army. The beast's mouth was like that of a lion. As the lion Babylon Kingdom will have the character thought and power of the emperor Nebuchadnezzer, the antichrist also will have the same character, thought and power.
It is necessary to compare the interpretation of Rev. 17 th chapter to understand more about the beast mentiond in Rev. 17. Shall we state that below? `And the angel said Why hast thou wondered ? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast
which carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast which thou sawest was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go into destruction: and they who dwell on the earth, whose names are not written from the founding of the world in the book of life, shall wonder, seeing the beast, that it was, and is not, and shall be present. Here is the mind that has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains, whereon the woman sits.And there are seven kings, five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain only a little while. And the beast that was and is not, he also is an eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into destruction. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have not yet received a kingdom, but receive authority as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and give their power and authority to the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall covercome them; for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they that are with him called, and chosen, and faithful" (Rev. 17: 7 - 14).
We have read that the seven heads of the beast are seven mountains. This simile is to make clear that it is the Roman empire. But the next verse says that the seven heads are seven kings. five are fallen, one is still there, the other has not yet come. After he has come, he will be there for some time. That means in the days of John, the five kings were dead, one was ruling at that time and the seventh was yet to come and he will have to be there for some time. Then we see that the eighth one which was there and which is not there now. The eighth one was among the seven . This we must consider carefully. It is very difficult to interpret this. But let us explain this in this way. Antichrist will be the eighth one in the series and will be the seventh one in another series. We have seen that the little horn came up during the reign of the ten kings. He will cut off the three and then seven are remaining. He will be in league with them in the rule. Then he becomes theeighth one and that fulfills the saying in Rev. 17: 10 that he will be among the seven. Thus in the league of ten kings he will be the eighth one and the seventh among the lawless ones. Hence about him it is said "which was, and is not now and the eighth one included among the seven. He goes to peridition. Please note "another shall arise after them and he shall be different from the former" (Dan 7:24). While the other ten nations will be democratic nations this one will be autocratic with kingship. We can see difference in that also. Thus the ten nations federation will become the eight nation federations. Thus after telling the beginning of the beast John is revealing the power, work period and character of the beast.
The Power and authority of the beast.
It is seen that the beast gets its power and authority from the great serpent. From this we can understand that in the beginning that Satan is not living in the beast. That means in the first half of tribulation antichrist will be loving and kind. At that time he will try to appear as the Messaih of the Jews. He will succeed in his attempts in the beginning. Then as the great serpent personifies in him his character changes. We read that the great serpent gave his throne to the beast. Satan is called as the god of this world in the Bible. That means Satan only controls the systems and government of the world. He is handing over this authority to antichrist here. After falling down from heaven by cutting down to the earth, he has been looking for a place of abode and now he can abide in him and use him for his purpose.
Satan also had a throne (Rev 2: 13). That is set up at Pergamos. There was a temple of Antipas. God of Serpent was installed there. As the whole world was under his control (1 John 5 15) he has the throne & authority to rule the whole world. All these are handed over to the antichrist. Apostle paul tells about that "whose coming is accoring to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceiet of unrighteousness" As christ revealed the character of His father God, antichrist will reveal the charecter of Satan.
"And one of his heads was as slain to death, and his wound of death had been healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast" (Rev. 13: 3).
There we see that the beast had a deadly wound. He must have got this wound fighting with his enemies. This would have been got when fighting with the three Kings whom he smote down or when fighting with Elijah and Moses, the two witnesses. Any way there will be fierce war between the beast and the Israelites. He will be wounded in that war as if he was to die away. His defeat & fall will be so terrible. When he becomes so tired, Satan is pushed down into the earth. He will posses him and his wound will be wonderfully healed. The people will generally understand that. That is the reason to say "because the beast was given the authority, he worshipped the great serpent Thus he revived and kills the two witnesses as shown in Rev. 11: 7. Thus he will establish his authority in Israel. Then he will sit in the Jeruselem temple and declare himself as god. Thus all people will worship the great serpent (Rev. 13: 4). The entire world sees this scene. The wonderful healing of the beast has surprised the whole world. Not only that they started worshipping the beast saying "Who is equal unto the beast? Who can fight aganist it and win over ? Satan wants to be worshipped. His disire is fulfilled with this. Antichrist's image will be installed in Jerusalem (Dan. 12: 11, Matt 24: 15). Man will worship both images. We see in Rev 13: 14 that the people of the world are asked that they should make an image to the beast. Thus we can conclude that the beast's images will be made all over the world and in all those places there will be the worship of the beast. Those images will talk also. That also will be a wonder. With that almost all the people of the world will worship the beast and the serpent.
A mouth speaking great things
& blasphemes
`A mouth speaking great things and blasphemies' (Rev 13: 5) "A beast, up on his
heads names of blasphemy" (13: 1). The seventh head representing antichrist has these names of blasphemy. The beast will open its mouth to blaspheme. Satan has been having the character of self boasting from the beginning. "I will ascend into the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit upon the mount of assembly, in the recesses of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High" (Isa 14: 13-14). His blasphemeous activities will be continued for 42 months (3½ yrs). He starts blasphemy in the 2nd half of the tribulation period. When he opens his mouth the great serpent only decides as to what to talk about he will please his master by completely obeying the serpent.
Spirit of God has revealed as to whom he is blaspheming. Firstly he will blaspheme the name of the Lord. As his name is Jehovah (YAHW), he will be blaspheming Him about His name. Secondly he is blaspheming the tabernacle of God. This we can infer as about the temple of Jerusalem. As he is going to be sitting inside the temple naturally this will be done. At the same time as the new Jerusalem is called tabernacle (Rev 21: 31) he will be blaspheming all the saints, the inhabitants of the new Jerusalem. Thirdly he will be blaspheming those who are living in heaven. He will be blaspheming all God's angels and Saints. He will be blaspheming even the dead ones. Thus antichrist as a faithful servant obeying his master Satan in everything will be a devoted, faithful, religions slave to Satan and such a one he has not got so far at all. As antichrist pleases Satan in all hs actions and activities, Satan will give all his powers and authorities to the antichrist. The characters agree with one another. As he could not get so much followers of his so far Satan will be seen very much pleased. But Satan does not know that it will not be prologed for long.
Man of Sin, the son of perdition
(2 Thes 2: 3)
His another main name is `Man of Sin' from this name `Man of sin' itself we
can understand some what the character of this person let us see what the Apostle Paul
says about him " Let not any one deceive you in any manner, because it will not be unless
the apostasy have first come , and the man of sin have been revealed, the son of
Perdition; Who opposes and exalts himself on high against all called God, or object of
veneration; so that he himself sits down in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Do ye not remember that, being yet with you, I said these things to you? And now ye
know that which restrains, that he should be revealed in his own time. For the mystery
of lawlessness already works; only there is he who restrains now until he be gone,
and then the lawless one shall be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus shall consume with
the breath of his mouth, and shall annul by the appearing of his coming; whose coming
is according to the working of Satan in all power and signs and wonders of falsehood.
and in all deceit of unrighteousness to them that perish, because they have not received
the love of the truth that they might be saved.'" (2 Thess 2: 3-10)
The appearance of the `lawless one' will be with all power and signs and lying
wonders and with all deceit. The major power working in him will be that of Satan. He will
do wonders and signs pretending to be the Messaih. Those who do not love and accept
the truth will accept this untruth and unrighteousness. Those who can not believe the
truth will believe in the his lies and will be deserving very severe punishment. The Apostle
says that before the Lord's day is coming two things must come to pass. The first is the
falling away from the truth and the other is the manifestation of the lawless one who deserves
nothing but hell. Before the coming of the Lord firstly there must be a falling away from the faith. Falling away from the faith means the deviation from the fundamental doctrine of Christ. The second one is the appearance of the Son of Perdition. He will be sitting in the temple of God and will claim to receive worship and honour like God.
But in the sixth verse `a power' restricting his manifestation before the appointed time is mentioned. Its details are given in verses 7 and 8. "For the mystery a lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way." Who is this restricting one? In the 8th verse it is said as `that' which restraineth. But in the 7th verse it is clearly shown as `he' who restrains. That clearly shows that it is a person and not a power.
There are lots of interpretations regarding this person. Some people say that it is the Roman Government. Several Roman emperors have persecuted the Christians. But there is no Roman emperor now. The prophecy is not yet fulfilled. Hence this interpretation is not strong.
The second interpretation is that the restricting person is Satan. That means today's lawlessness is not the real lawlessness of Satan. Only at the great tribulation the real lawlessness will be manifested. Till then Satan is restricting. So says this group of people. It is true that Satan is not appearing always in the real shape of Sin. He is appearing as an angel of light also (2 Cor 11: 14). But the scripture never teaches that Satan prevents unrighteousness. How can he who moves always in Sin restrict sin?
Thus who is he who restricts sin? The scriptures teach us the truth that it is the Holy Spirit. At the time of Noah the one who opposed sin was the Holy Spirit. (Gen 6: 3). Who protected Job fencing around him with out Satan touching him? It was the Holy Spirit. Like this against the activities of Satan, the Holy Spirit will resist always. Thus when the Holy Spirit removes His hands, when the church is taken away from the earth, the man of sin will be manifested.
Son of Perdition (2 Thess 2: 3)
It is not with out any meaning that the Apostle Paul called antichrist as the `Son of Perdition' We see this nomenclature in the scriptures twice. First for Judas (John 17: 12) and here for antichrist, the name is used. As Christ was the Son of God antichrist will be the son of perdition or son of Satan.
Jesus said to them "Did I not choose the 12 of you: But one of you is a devil". This he said about Judas, the son of Simon Iscoriat. Even though he was one among the twelve, he was to betray him. The name `Devil' is used only for Satan and for Judas Here the root word for Devil is Diabolus. Thus you have to read it as "One of you is that devil". This usage will explain why Judas was the embodiment of Satan.
`Perdition' is a name of a place (Rev 7: 8-11). It is also a fallen state of man (1 Tim 9: 6, Heb 10: 38). When a man commits a sin that can not be for given at all, then the man is a son of perdition because he is sent to that most filthy place. Judas and antichrist are in a peculiar sense the son of Perdition because they are the children of the Devil, the destroyer. That means that they are not only possessed by the Devil, but the Devil lives in them. Of both Judas and antichrist are called the `son of Predition' , are they not the same? If so are there two sons of predition? We see Rev 11: 7 the beast is coming out of the abyss which kill the two witnesses and that beast is antichrist. then how can he be
in the obyss. If there is only one son of perdition and if Judas and antichrist are the same person and when Judas went to his place, then only he was in Abyss. It is not said of any one else as "he went to his own place" (Acts 1: 24). Moreover in Rev. 17: 8 it is said "The beast which thou sawest was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go into Perdition". Since this beast kills the two witnesses it is antichrist. Four things are said about him. 1. He was 2. he is not now 3. he comes out from the abyss 4. he goes to perdition. We can infer from these that at the time of John this beast was not there. It was there before in the earth. It will come up again from the abyss. This is ample proof to say that antichrist was on the earth before and in the future he will come up from the abyss.
Mystery of lawlessness (2 Thes 2: 7)
The Appostle has called antichrist as the mystery of lawlessness. What is the meaning of that ? In 1 Tim : 3:16 Christ is called the mystery of the Godliness. That is he is the God manifested in the flesh. He was manifested in the flesh because he was born of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. This Jesus became the Son of God. As unrightouness is against Godliness, the mystery of unrightouness must be against the mystery of godliness. As Christ was the Son of God, antichrist must be the son of Perdition, the son of Satan. As Christ was born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, antichrist will also be born of a woman by Satan. Thus as the sound and fury are increased in the world, he will also be born clearly from the boiling pot of unrighteousness.
(Lie) Liar (John 8: 44)
Our blessed Lord gave the name `the lie' to Antichrist'. You are the sons of the Devil, your father, you like to do the works of your father. He has been a murderer from the beginning. As there is no truth in him he can not abide in the truth. When he says a `lie' he tells from his own. He is a liar and the father of lies. "These are the words Jesus said to the Jews. There is a positive term before `lie' in the root language. These we can call the term `the lie' because he says lies and is the father of `the lies' Read 2 Thes 2: 12 in connection with this "And for this cause God sendeth them a working of the error, that they should believe a lie", Here also the definite article `the' is coming. There fore we read as `the lie' He is the son of perdition, the antichrist.
Given below are few names which describe antichrist. The explanation is avoided due to the shortage of space.
One who tell lies (2 John 8: 44)
The wicked one (2 Thes 3: 2)
The Deceiver (2 John 7)
The unrighteous judge (Luke 18: 6)
The worthless shepherd (Zach 11; 7)
One that devises evil (Nah 1: 11)
haughty man (Habakkuk 2: 5)
The breaker (Meah 2: 13)
Contemptible person (Dan 11: 21)
One that makes disolate (Dan 9: 27)
the terrible one (Isa 29: 20)
The scoffer (Isa 29: 20)
the unrighteous and cruel man (Ps 71: 6)
Adversary (Ps 74: 10)
The oppressor (Ps 72: 4)
he destroyer (Isa 16: 4)
The extortioner (Isa 16: 4)
The treaeherous man (Isa 21: 2)
The blood thirsty & deceitful (Ps 5: 6)
The enemy and the avenger (Ps 8: 2)
One who does as he likes (Dan 11: 6)
The man of the earth (Ps 11:18)
The fouler (Ps 91: 3)
The head in many countries (Ps 110: 6)
The boughs (Isa 10: 33)
The hewer (Isa 14: 8)
The abominable branch (Isa: 14: 19)
Death & Sheol (Isa 28: 18)
King (Isa 30: 33)
The deadly wounded wicked one
The prince of Israel (Ez 21: 25)
A King of fierce countenance (Dan 8: 23)
The king of the north (Dan 11: 40)
The prince that shall come to (Dan : 9: 26)
Another one coming in his
own name (John 8: 23)
He that siteth on a whitehorse (Rev 6:2)
The angel of the abyss (Rev 9: 11)
One smitten unto death (Rev 13: 3)
Day -star, son of morning (Isa 14: 12)
Antichrist - where he will rise up from?
We have seen that antichrist will be manifested after the perousia of the Church towards the end of the age of the heathens. Now we have to find out who will come as the ruler of this world and which tribe he comes from. We better look into the scriptures with out heeding the opinions & guess of people. Daniel 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 chapters, Rev. 13, 17 and 18, chapters 2 Thes. 2 and 1 John 2 and 4 are the chapters which shed light on this subject.
In the dream of Nebuchadnezzer he saw a stone was cutout with out hands which smote the image and the Stone become a great mountain and filled the whole earth (Dan. 2: 31-35). From the time of Nebuchadnezzer to the 2nd coming of Christ, there were to be Babylon Mede-Persian, Greek and Roman empires - the 4 great empires. This is shown well in Dan. Chapter 2 i.e. from BC.606 to the 2nd coming of Christ. The Babylonian empire existed from BC. 606 - BC 530, Medic-Persia empire existed between BC 538-BC 530; the Greek empire existed between BC.330 - BC 323. Then the greek empire was divided into Thrios, Macedonia, Syria and Egyptian empires. The Roman Empire came into existance from BC 30 to AD 364. Then it was divided as Eastern and Western. After that no world empire came with such might. According to this prophecy there can not be any such world empire till Christ established His millinium kingdom. This stone empire has to fill the whole earth and become universal. This stone can not be
the christian way, because the stone gradually grows and fill the whole earth. It does not pull down the great image after that. On the other hand it pulled down the image at one stroke. The stone's work is not grace but judgement, that also at a sudden stretch, not gradually, not peacefully but angrily. Moreover the images distruction time can not take place till the toes of the feet of the image are formed". 2 organs did not appear till AD 364" - it is clear. 10 toes did not come yet. Dan 2: 44 says that the stone will strike the feet at the time of the kings. Then 10 kings are represented by the 10 toes. That agrees with the vision Daniel had of the 4th beast (Dan 7, 7, 8). That also agrees with 10 horns which John saw of the 10 horns of the beast (Rev. 17: 12). The first four kingdoms are of the same type, literally stone kingdom also will be like that. That will confirm the kingdom's boundaries, and it will fill up the whole of the earth. Hence the stone kingdom shows Christ's millinium because He is called by (Matt 21: 44)) the name Rock in the scriptures.
48 years after the dream of Nebuchadnezzer Daniel saw 4 beasts coming out of the sea, having the features of lion, bear, leopard, the fierce and terrible beast. This agrees with the 4 images of metals seen by Nebuchadnezzer. The 4th beast had 10 horns (Dan 7: 7) The 10 horns agree with the 10 toes of the great image.
As Daniel thought about the 10 horns, a small horn sprang up among them. Because of that 3 of the former horns were plucked away. As he was terrified and anxiously looking on to that small horn, it had eyes like that of man and a boasting mouth. (Dan 7: 8). This confused Daniel. Hence he asked one of the angels who stood near him, the meaning of this vision. The angel replied that the 4 beasts stand for the 4 kings. Then Daniel wanted to know about the 4th beast which was quite different from the other 3 beasts, especially about the small horn coming up among the 10 horns. The angel interpreted that vision and said that the 10 horns of the 4th beast are the 10 kings to come in the future and the small horn, coming out from among them will be another king conquering the 3 kings of them. Daniel was told that such a king will be unusually wise and very clever in speech, he will be wicked and proud and will change the times. Daniel's people, the saints of the most high will be under his control for a time and times and half time (3½ years)
It was revealed to Daniel that the small horn will come out of the 4 divisions of the Greek empire, but who that king will be "was revealed to Daniel after 2 years. He saw in his vision two kings fighting each other. One is called the northern king and the other is called the southern king. (Dan 11: 1-45). This description agrees with the history of the kings of Syria & Egypt. In verses from 5 to 31 the fight between the Northern kings (Syria) and the southern kings (Egypt) is mentioned. This ends with the end of the reign of Antiochus Epipanas who reigned in BC 164. From verses 30 to 35, i. e from BC. 164, the end of the age or Daniel's 70th week's whole history is indicated. In verse 36 we see, the beginning of the reign of the king who rules as he likes. From that verse till the end of the book are the last days. Here is a continuity of the events to be happened for Daniel's people. The descrption of the king who rules as he likes, agrees with the description of the small horn of the 4th beast and the little horn of the he-goat. Hence they are to come to pass at the same time, at the end of the age. Thus Daniel under stood that his little horn is the same as Israial's Assyria as it points out to a single person, who rules as he likes, the northern king of Syria and as the little horn comes from the he-goat's Syrian horn. "where fore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed His whole work up on mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punih the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria (antichrist) and the glory of his high looks".
I will break the Assyrian in my land, and up on my mountains tread him underfoot: then shall his yoke depart from off them and his burden depart from off their shoulder (Isa 14: 25) "For through the voice of Jehovah shall the Assiyrian be dismayed; with his rod will he smite him" (Isa 30: 31).
Thus from the truths revealed in these portions, we can conclude that antichrist will come up from Syria. In the light of this, today syria is standing apart with out joining the Arabic union and hence this becomes more clear. All these are not accidental events, but the fulfillment of the prophecies.
The accomplice of Antichrist - the false prophet. (Rev 13: 11-18).
"And I saw another beast rising out of the earth; and it had two horns like to a lamb, and spake as a dragon; and it exercises all the authority of the first beast before it, and causes the earth and those that dwell in it to do homage to the first beast, whose wound of death was healed. And it works great signs, that it should cause even fire to come down from heaven to the earth before men. And it deceives those that dwell upon the earth by reason of the signs which it was given to it to work before the beast, saying to those that dwell upon the earth to make an image to the beast, which has the wound of the sword ,and lived. And it was given to it to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should also speak, and should cause that as many as should not do homage to the image of the beast should be killed. And it causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bondmen, that they should be given them a mark upon their right hand or upon their forehead; and that no one should be able to buy or to sell save he that had the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of its name. Here is wisdom. He that has understanding let him count the number of the beast: for it is a man's number; and it's number is 666".[ Rev.13:11-18]
After having explained the beast which is the antichrist coming up out of the sea, John describes about another beast coming up out of the earth. The first beast antichrist comes up out of the sea of the mass of the world. If so the 2nd beast, which is the false prophet comes from a contrary situation. That means he comes from the religious realm. His works, acting and all make it clear. The second beast is called false prophet , "And the beast was taken, and the false prophet thatwas with him, who wrought the signs before him by which he deceived them that received the mark of the beast, and those that worship his image. Alive were both cast into the lake of fire which burns with brim stone".[Rev.19:20]
Before the great tribulation the Lord will come to the air and will take the saints up to Himself. After the disappearing of the church the nominal Christians remaining will become a great power. They all will form into a great federation. The ecuminical movement and the world Christian council are the fore runners of this federation. The hands working behind all this are that of the false prophet. The seperated believers or saints are questioning these unions and their leaderships. After the church has been removed from the earth, they will not be facing this opposition. With that they will become a great and mighty power. The second beast will be installed to thier leadership. Then this religious power can influence wonderfully the world.
The scripture has warned several times against the false prophets. Please see the warning Moses has given in the book of Deuteronomy. If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he gave thee a sign or wonder and the sign or wonder come to pass, where of he spoke unto thee , saying let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of the prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams for Jehovah your God proveth you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after Jehovah your God, and fear him and keep his comandments, and obey His voice and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him (Deut 13: 1-4). Even if he shows wonders and signs to make you deviate from the trueGod, that is not from God, it is not the work of the Holy Spirit. They are the false prophets. The power working in them is that of the Devil. In king 22 verses from 17 to 23 it is written about this spirit. One spirit set out and was the spirit of lie on the tongues of 400 prophets Evil spirits only abide in such prophets, our Lord has also warned us against false prophets.
"But beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but within are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather a bunch of grapes from thorns, or from thistles figs? So every good tree produces good fruits, but the worthless tree produces bad fruits. A good tree cannot produces bad fruits, nor a worthless tree not producing good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. By their fruits then surely ye shall know them. Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heavens, but he that does the will of my Father who is in the heavens. Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied through thy name, and through thy name cast out demons, and through thy name done many works of power? and then will I avow unto them, I never knew you, Depart from me, work ers of lawlessness." (Mathew 7: 15-23).
Here we see about people who do miracles and show signs in the name of the Lord. Even the true believers may mistake them for true prophets when they see these miracles and signs done in front of them. Our Lord is giving warning. Really the spirit of lies only prevailed in them. They have nothing to do with God. They have not known the Lord. In the last days several such false prophets will come up - the Lord has warned "For false Christs and false prophets, will arise, and give signs and wonders to deceive, if possible,even the elect" (Mark 13: 22). We read here the activities of the false prophets of the last days in these verses. Since there are several evil spirits, it need not be one evil spirit doing all these in them abiding in them. Several spirits may abide and work also. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, if they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world". (1 John 4: 1). Now there are several activities of such spirits. But in the last days they will increase by leaps & bounds. Hence we have to receive the persons discerning the spirits. The apostle is giving warning.
This is the nutshell of what we have studied. Evil spirits are the reasons for false prophecy. There is a supreme leader for the false prophets. He will appear as a religious leader at the last days. He will do wonders and show signs by the help of the said evil spirit. He is also called beast in Revelation
Two horns of the beast from the land
We read that the beast that came up out of the land, had two horns like a lamb. Lamb shows the Son of God, the Christ. That means the false prophet will try to imitate the Lamb of God in almost everything. More over the horn shows the sovereign authority.
Hence he also will have the royal powers. The kings used to have horns on their crowns to show their authority and powers. From Psalms 75: verses 4 to 5 we can understand. That shows arrogancy, wickedness & stiffneck. Hence the false prophet will be a conglomeration of sovereignty, pride & wickedness & rebelliousness and bellicosity.
He speaks like the great serpent.
The speech of the false prophet is like that of the great serpent. He will be speaking with powerful voice. That is how the serpent spoke to Eve in the garden of Eden. The serpent can speak very diplomatically. His first question was " Yea hath God said, ye shall not eat of the tree ? He used his deceitful words to seduce the couple that hey would not definitely die, but will definitely become like God. The false prophet's speech also will be like wise. Satan's claims were "I will ascend into heaven. I will make myself like the Most High".
He makes people to worship the
Antichrist.
He will exalt the antichrist before the people as the Holy Spirit exalts Christ. He
will bring down fire from heaven (sky). What is the circumstance to bring down fire? It
is man's weakness to see signs & miracles. Majority of the people will believe only
when some thing is manifested to see. It will be the test of the first beast whether he is God
or Christ. Towards the close of the 3½ years of the two witnesses (Moses & Elijah) will
be this tug of war. Then only the antichrist (the first beast) will be sitting in the temple
of God. Daniel 9: 27 shows that he will have a covenant for one week of 7 years and
will break the covenant at the middle of the period of 7 years and will stop the sacrifice and
meat offering & burnt offering. The signs and wonders are shown during this
period itself. He will show two wonders then have been clearly mentioned. This means only
to point out two important signs of several wonders.
The first miracle is to bring down fire from heaven. We read in Rev 11: 5 that fire will be set out from the mouths of the two witnesses. When they command the fire will come down from heaven. Elijah has brought down fire 3 times from heaven (1 King 18: 38; 2 King 1: 10, 12). Moses also has brought down hail stones among the wonders he did (Ex 9: 24). They will do so during the great tribulation period as they did in the long past. Then the false prophet also brings down fire from heaven like them.
The second miracle is to make the image of antichrist speak. This miracle will make the people astonished. There will be a flow of devotees. With out seeing any miracle itself if millions of people will prostrate and worship the idols then what will be the condition when people hear the idols speak. We read that he will deceive them that dwell on the earth by reason of the signs.
By the influence of the antichrist the arrangements to have the seal of the antichrist on the people will be made. This will be a code of the antichrist, this will be the trick to kill those who do not obey the antichrist. If all those who obey the antichrist are sealed, it will be easy to kill those who do not obey the antichrist. More over those who have received the seal only will be eligible to buy anything. What will be the difficulties and sorrows of those who do not receive the seal of antichrist at that time ?
The judgement of Antichrist
We read in Rev 19 that the Lord comes back from heaven at the peak hour of the great tribulation. "And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and one sitting on it, called Faithful and True, and he judges and makes war in righteousness. And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head many diadems, having a name written which no one knows but Himself; And he is clothed with a garment dipped in blood; and His name is called ` The Word of God' And the armies which are in the heaven followed Him upon white horses, clad in white, pure,fine linen. And out of His mouth goes a sharp two edged sword, that with it he might smite the nations; and he shall shepherd them with an iron rod; and he treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. And He has upon His garment, and upon His thigh, a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords." (Rev 19: 11-16).
"And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against Him that sat upon the horse, and against His the army. And the beast was taken, and the false prophet that was with him, who wrought the signs before him by which he deceived them that received the mark of the beast, and those that worship his image. Alive were both cast into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone; and the rest were slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse, which goes out of His mouth; and all the birds were filled with their flesh." (Rev 19: 19-21).
We have started the picture of the horrible judgment falling on the antichrist, his accomplice the false prophet and all his followers. When everyone especially the Israelites are convinced that the antichrists' brutal atrocities cannot be stopped by any power, then only Christ, the redeemer of the world, will come. He comes seated on a white horse. Along with Him thousands of heavenly hosts with white garments will be coming. This Faithful, True and the Word of God seated on a white horse will have His eyes like a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns and He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood and His name is called the Word of God. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword to strike the nations and He Himself will rule with a rod of iron in righteousness and justice. He Himself treads the wine press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
This knight on the horse will capture the beast and with him the false prophet and cast them alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.