A TRUE AND FAITHFUL WITNESS
Are you committed to being a true and faithful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament Gospel?
WILL THE ANTICHRIST BE REVEALED BEFORE THE
TRIBULATION?
(A POSSIBLE BIBLICAL CASE SCENARIO BASED ON II Thess. 2)
Will we recognize the Antichrist before the beginning of the seventieth week
of Daniel? In Daniel 9:27 we have what is referred to as the “abomination of
desolation.” This takes place at the hands of the one whom Daniel calls the
“little horn” (Daniel 7:8) and the New Testament refers to as the “man of
lawlessness” or with the popular term Antichrist. (See also Daniel 11:31). In
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 we see this “man of lawlessness” opposing and
exalting himself above every god and every object of worship so that he
places himself (takes his seat) in God’s temple displaying himself as being
God. But exactly what does this mean? And should we equate what Paul
wrote in II Thessalonians with what Daniel wrote and what Jesus spoke of in
Matthew 24:15?
Now for many centuries there have been true believers in the Lord Jesus
Christ who have had differences of opinion at this point as with much of our
study of “eschatology” or last things. And, truly, none of us really know how
accurate we are at our interpretation of end time events. But we certainly
won’t know the truth by not studying the Word – so we do the best we can
and leave room for correction. This is especially true when symbols are
employed as in the book of Revelation. But the events will unfold just like
the Scriptures state! In this particular case, we have either tended to
associate Daniel 9 and Matthew 24 with II Thessalonians 2 or we have said
there is some difference but we are not quite sure what. That which is
specifically described as the “abomination that causes desolation” in Daniel
9 and Matthew 24 seems to be a very public and visible Jewish event. And
so Daniel and Matthew are the texts certain people emphasize. Others have
emphasized “the apostasy” which Paul speaks of in II Thessalonians 2 and
the revealing of the man of lawlessness as the leader of apostate
Christendom which umbrella organization will be in Rome. Therefore, they
say the text in II Thessalonians 2 already has had a measure of fulfillment
and associate it with the “church” rather than Judaism. In this case the
“temple” is the “visible church” (Paul refers to the church as the temple of
God in I Corinthians 3:16). And in different case scenarios they say this
Antichrist may or may not go to a visible rebuilt Jewish temple.
· So the question addressed first is: Just because we believe Daniel 9,
Matthew 24 and II Thessalonians 2 are speaking of the same person does it
necessarily mean they are speaking of the same event?
POINT ONE: Now it seems within context that Daniel is speaking about the
Jewish people and that Antichrist will put an end to a re-instituted “sacrifice
and grain offering” and carry out the abomination that causes desolation.
This would be a very visible event and would take place on the temple mount
in Jerusalem in the midst of the seventieth week of Daniel (popularly known
as “the Great Tribulation”). We really do not know the exact nature of the
abomination. If we read the historical accounts of the desecration of the
temple through the display of pagan gods and/or pagan animal sacrifice by
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 b.c.) and the Romans under Titus (70 a.d.) we
may get an idea. But the real point is this visible event which the Scripture
calls an abomination for the Jewish people causes them to “desolate” (flee)
and is exactly what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 24:15. (Jesus says it is
“standing in the holy place.”) Now it seems to me that maybe the image that
is given in the popular movies of Antichrist yelling out in a Jewish Temple
with bulging veins in his forehead “I AM GOD” is not necessarily accurate. I
suppose it could happen like that. But that image also might be leading us
away from the “truth” as well. Just remember it is an interpretation and it
assumes that II Thessalonians 2 is this same event described. Remember, II
Thessalonians 2 says that “he,” not a statue or image or “it” but “himself,”
takes his seat in the temple and “displays” himself as being God. {Is there a
“seat” in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem?) {Does he "displaying" himself as
God equate to his making the statement "I am God."} It doesn’t say
specifically that he makes the statement “I Am God!” He just "displays"
himself as such. And we still haven’t determined to which “temple” this text is
referring.
So in what way can “the abomination – standing in the holy place” also be
described as “he seated – displaying himself” if they are the same event?
And why does Matthew associate this event with desolation for the Jewish
people while II Thessalonians 2 associates this with “the apostasy”? Don’t
you have to be in a position of what looks like “true faith” in order to commit
apostasy (fall away)? But how could this “apostasy” be Jewish in nature
when Judaism as a whole has already rejected their Messiah? (If I am asking
too many questions – please be patient and read on!) In fact prophetically it
doesn’t look like the Jewish people will come to their real Messiah, the Lord
Jesus, until sometime after the abomination of desolation and before He
returns on the clouds of heaven. (Hallelujah, many will come! See Zech. 12)
POINT TWO: It would seem that this “apostasy” and “revealing” is very much
“Christian” in nature and they are very unique events.
Please notice this important point in the text in II Thessalonians 2. This
apostasy is described as “the” apostasy using a definite article. Also, the
antichrist is described as “the” man of lawlessness again using a definite
article. There have been what seem to be many instances of a “falling away
from the faith” (apostasy) within the history of the visible church. And many
times wherein the “spirit of antichrist” is clearly being displayed and that spirit
is having an impact introducing heresies and false doctrines, and a different
Jesus into the life of the visible church. But in this case these are each
unique and I believe uniquely associated. We must also consider at this
point that Paul’s use of different terms would seem to introduce new ideas
into the revelation of Scripture. Why does Paul introduce an “apostasy” or
“seated” or “displaying himself as God” into the text when these ideas seem
to be different and foreign to the thought of Daniel and Matthew? And if II
Thessalonians 2 is talking about an event in the middle of the tribulation,
why does Paul say the Antichrist is at that particular time “revealed.”
Shouldn’t the Antichrist have already been “revealed” at least by the time
when he signed the covenant with Israel at the beginning of the tribulation? I
would think prophetic events would have lined up enough considering there
will be a Gog-Magog war sometime just before or just after the beginning of
the seventieth week of Daniel that people would get a pretty good idea this
person was the Antichrist. It seems to me this “revealing” is something quite
different and not associated with Israel.
POINT THREE: Paul is saying here that just before “the” day of the Lord will
first come “the” apostasy and within the context of the text of II
Thessalonians 2 it is “the” apostasy because it is associated with “the” man
of lawlessness.
So continuing on – it doesn’t seem like these are two individually distinct
events called “apostasy” and, then, “revealing” but they are rather very
much linked together. When you look at the text you look in vain to see any
full description of “the” apostasy other than its’ timing and association with
“the” man of lawlessness. Therefore, it seems reasonable to link them
together. Further, if the “seating in the temple of God” is related to the
apostasy then we should probably take this as metaphorical. Again, there
doesn’t seem to be a “seat” for a person to actually sit upon in a rebuilt
Jewish temple. But if you read Ezekiel 28:1-2 and Isaiah 14:12-14 you see
this metaphorical use of the term. Also remember that this one is called “the
son of perdition” which is only elsewhere ascribed to Judas Iscariot – the one
who looked like a disciple but was really an apostate. So he “seats” himself
amongst the people of God or “temple” only to lead the “apostasy” of said
“temple.” And the whole time outwardly he is saying he is subject to God he
is inwardly “displaying” himself as an equal with God. In this sense he
supplants or usurps the place of God by stealth and in great arrogance and
blasphemy to the Holy One of Israel and our Redeemer the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of God.
· Now the question becomes: What constitutes that which seems to be
“true faith” within Christendom in order for there to be an “apostasy” which
can take place while this man is being “revealed”?
POINT FOUR: Generally speaking we would say what seems to be true
gospel proclamation and witness (at least on paper in various statements of
faith) is found in various degrees in groups we would label as evangelical or
fundamental or independent, etc.
But could something occur in these groups/churches to show us they have
been swayed to leave sound doctrine in practice? And they say in their
statements of faith things that are indeed orthodox which have been in place
for years. But they are displaying their “falling away” by what they now
uncritically listen to, believe and practice. They are being led to finally come
under the embrace of all of apostate Christendom under Rome. But the
important additional piece of information is: this very event will take place at
the leadership of the emerging Antichrist. Many of the institutions of
apostasy seem to already be in place. It is the emerging of “the” man in the
midst of “the” apostasy that makes the difference! If this is an accurate
assessment then we might surmise that the unfolding of these events will be
very humanistic. And yet it will fully employ all Biblical language – claiming to
be “of God” but really only fully embracing its’ man-centered “gospel.” The
number of the beast in Revelation 13 (it seems to me the beast is both a
system and a man) could also be interpreted as both the man and the
number of the system – 666 – man (6) displaying himself as God – thrice.
They will end up worshiping the beast because he is the Satan-inspired
embodiment of their own self-worship! Thus, this apostasy will grow in an
emphasis on its’ man-centered “gospel” and outward corporate church
appearance rather than any spiritual reality of truth. And Satan, being a liar,
makes the “apostasy” we are speaking of look like a grand awakening, not of
Biblical Christianity, but of the “human spirit,” listening to seducing spirits.
And it is disguised as a move of the Holy Spirit as the supposed “voice of
heaven which is overcoming the earth.” Rather than the true ministry of the
Holy Spirit to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment so that people
are turned to Incarnate Deity, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, for salvation.
POINT FIVE: The revealing of the man of lawlessness will probably begin
with the introduction of a different gospel as the gospel that saves.
What else could “apostasy” do? But if a different gospel is proclaimed it is
not the Holy Spirit behind such proclamation. People are deluded or saints
can even become “bewitched” (see Galatians 1:6-8 and 3:1.) So we ought
to pay attention not so much that this might happen in individual churches
but, rather, be amazed that one person alone might end up doing this.
Because it may very well be the presentation of the Antichrist into the visible
temple of God, the church, that is in a state of apostasy? And he (“seated”)
is “declaring” himself as the object of worship by using the name of Jesus to
display himself as the door into the kingdom rather than the Lord Jesus
Christ of the gospel. This is blasphemy disguised as Christian faith! What
greater slap in Jesus face could Satan attempt to pull off than to use Jesus
own name to establish worship of his Antichrist while attempting to garnish
true saints into such worship? And while outwardly he looks like a saint,
inwardly he is fulfilling the Ezekiel 28:1-2 and Isaiah 14:12-14 passages
previously sited. The spirit of antichrist has been at work over the centuries
and is currently at work. But after almost 2,000 years will it finally have the
object of its worship seated right before a visible church in apostasy? My
guess is “yes” and this should not be forgotten! This “man of lawlessness”
will be the leader of “the” apostasy in Christendom. He will bring “the
apostasy” associated with him under the umbrella of general apostasy
already in place in our world as he advances past his “religious” role to his
role in the political/economic arena in this present evil age. He will easily be
introduced because Satan will have already laid down incredible inroads of
compromise within what seems to be the true church in terms of worldliness
(for example, church-growth movement) and false spirituality (for example,
signs and wonders movement and emerging church). In fact, it shouldn’t
surprise us if Satan will market him as the leader of a “revival” and even the
whole world will follow him in his ecumenical spirit when he is seen to have
great worldly success. This unfolding event(s) as described in II
Thessalonians 2 seems to mark a great turning point in the history of our
world. And yet it will quite possibly go unnoticed (or not believed) except to a
faithful remnant. (Recall if you will how few people knew about the babe
borne in a manger when that occurred. And in spite of all of prophecy
associated with Jesus Christ’s first coming many didn’t understand, even
those who did fear God! There is no universal heavenly drum-roll so that
everyone understands – He just does it!) And in fact, the world (not the
elect) will end up being amazed because of the supernatural phenomenon
that will begin to be associated with this man and the false prophet. That
alone will make him quite marketable for Satan and he will seem to be so
“good” at what he does that even the elect might be fooled. (Matthew 24:24)
The world will certainly be dazzled. (Please see Revelation 13 and Mark 13:
22)
· So now we address our original question: Can we recognize the
Antichrist before the beginning of the seventieth week of Daniel? It seems
to me he first fulfills II Thessalonians 2 in the context of the “visible” temple of
God, the church and its’ apostasy. And this will quite probably happen
before he becomes a world leader and makes a covenant with the Jewish
people which is the starting point of the seventieth week according to Daniel
9:27. He then fulfills the prophecies of Daniel 9 and Matthew 24 in a Jewish
context in the midst of the seventieth week. This begins “great tribulation”
according to Jesus words in Matthew 24:21 and what is often referred to as
the time of Jacob’s trouble for the Jewish people.
POINT SIX: The spirit of antichrist is the spirit of the “replacement” Christ.
{Anti in Greek means “in place of” or “instead of” as well as “against.”} It is
going to become increasingly clear (and incredibly painful and grievous) that
many people who say they follow Jesus are in reality following the devil’s
fake (that is what the spirit of antichrist does by definition). God’s true people
among the Gentiles will once again as always emerge as a remnant as God
turns His attention to the Jewish nation and the Coming Again of Jesus
Christ. What an incredible historical flip-flop! à Israel rejects their Messiah at
His first coming only to have Him embraced by the Gentiles. Then these
same Gentiles say they are worshipping Messiah Jesus, but in reality they
are worshipping themselves and the god of this evil age by bringing their
“fake anointed one” into Jerusalem. He will make a covenant with the Jewish
people which he will not keep. The Antichrist ends up persecuting the
Jewish people so that they then turn to Him (Jesus) whom they have pierced
(Zechariah 12:10} and expect Him on the clouds of heaven shortly
thereafter! It is only the Gentile remnant who actually receive the love
(agape) of the truth (they don’t simply mentally acknowledge truth – they
love it) so as to be saved within the context of II Thessalonians 2.
{Unfortunately, the “wall” to stop this apostasy is probably not “out there
somewhere” so don’t expect it – fortunately, the Spirit of God erects that wall
around your own heart as God “pulls His hand back” for this apostasy and
revealing to unfold before our very eyes!} Antichrist will have (be given)
incredible oratory skills to compromise the true gospel and the name of God
and then he will be given authority to then “compromise” true witnesses to
the true gospel (i.e. put them to death). As he rises to eventually carry out
the abomination he will also help shake his (and the worlds) fist at the wrath
of the soon to be coming Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ descending
from heaven, (YES – you heard it here – the wrath of the Lamb – of which
wrath all true saints of God will NEVER, NEVER have first hand experience –
Revelation 6:16). But he will ultimately be thrown into the lake of fire. Satan,
who is behind the activity of this man, already knows they are both headed
for the lake of fire - even if this man might not. After all – Satan is a liar. (It
is incredibly hard for the saints of God to actually imagine just how dastardly
Satan can be. Don’t knock your brains out.) REAL spiritual warfare takes
place when “little ole you” decides not to believe his lies but instead to
believe and stand firm in the truth of God (Scripture) and live/proclaim that
truth!
POINT SEVEN: If, if, if, the previous points are all true (God help us) then
might Antichrist be or soon be revealed on the world scene via our
understanding of this introduction of him in II Thessalonians 2?
Because we are limited in our complete illumination of what Scripture
teaches and the timing of events we can’t be absolutely sure. But if the
above case scenario is accurate might there soon be a candidate for the job
in actual history? For many years prophecy experts have been lining up the
Biblical events. For various reasons, they seem to have ignored or possibly
misinterpreted the final piece of the puzzle mentioned in II Thessalonians 2.
But God hasn’t. My guess is this final piece is now or will soon be emerging
and only the saints of God will know as the Spirit of God does His deep
preparatory work in their hearts and actually fulfills II Thessalonians 2 right
before their eyes. This world and the apostate church won’t even know it is
happening since they are so in love with their own fallen image. It seems to
me if we actually interpret the differences of II Thessalonians 2 and Daniel 9
correctly – what is happening in the world and the growing apostasy within
the visible church begins to make sense.
Copyright 2004, David Sheldon, all rights reserved. Can be copied without
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The Tribulation? By David Sheldon
www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com/antichrist.htm
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TRIBULATION?
(A POSSIBLE BIBLICAL CASE SCENARIO BASED ON II Thess. 2)
Will we recognize the Antichrist before the beginning of the seventieth week
of Daniel? In Daniel 9:27 we have what is referred to as the “abomination of
desolation.” This takes place at the hands of the one whom Daniel calls the
“little horn” (Daniel 7:8) and the New Testament refers to as the “man of
lawlessness” or with the popular term Antichrist. (See also Daniel 11:31). In
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 we see this “man of lawlessness” opposing and
exalting himself above every god and every object of worship so that he
places himself (takes his seat) in God’s temple displaying himself as being
God. But exactly what does this mean? And should we equate what Paul
wrote in II Thessalonians with what Daniel wrote and what Jesus spoke of in
Matthew 24:15?
Now for many centuries there have been true believers in the Lord Jesus
Christ who have had differences of opinion at this point as with much of our
study of “eschatology” or last things. And, truly, none of us really know how
accurate we are at our interpretation of end time events. But we certainly
won’t know the truth by not studying the Word – so we do the best we can
and leave room for correction. This is especially true when symbols are
employed as in the book of Revelation. But the events will unfold just like
the Scriptures state! In this particular case, we have either tended to
associate Daniel 9 and Matthew 24 with II Thessalonians 2 or we have said
there is some difference but we are not quite sure what. That which is
specifically described as the “abomination that causes desolation” in Daniel
9 and Matthew 24 seems to be a very public and visible Jewish event. And
so Daniel and Matthew are the texts certain people emphasize. Others have
emphasized “the apostasy” which Paul speaks of in II Thessalonians 2 and
the revealing of the man of lawlessness as the leader of apostate
Christendom which umbrella organization will be in Rome. Therefore, they
say the text in II Thessalonians 2 already has had a measure of fulfillment
and associate it with the “church” rather than Judaism. In this case the
“temple” is the “visible church” (Paul refers to the church as the temple of
God in I Corinthians 3:16). And in different case scenarios they say this
Antichrist may or may not go to a visible rebuilt Jewish temple.
· So the question addressed first is: Just because we believe Daniel 9,
Matthew 24 and II Thessalonians 2 are speaking of the same person does it
necessarily mean they are speaking of the same event?
POINT ONE: Now it seems within context that Daniel is speaking about the
Jewish people and that Antichrist will put an end to a re-instituted “sacrifice
and grain offering” and carry out the abomination that causes desolation.
This would be a very visible event and would take place on the temple mount
in Jerusalem in the midst of the seventieth week of Daniel (popularly known
as “the Great Tribulation”). We really do not know the exact nature of the
abomination. If we read the historical accounts of the desecration of the
temple through the display of pagan gods and/or pagan animal sacrifice by
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 b.c.) and the Romans under Titus (70 a.d.) we
may get an idea. But the real point is this visible event which the Scripture
calls an abomination for the Jewish people causes them to “desolate” (flee)
and is exactly what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 24:15. (Jesus says it is
“standing in the holy place.”) Now it seems to me that maybe the image that
is given in the popular movies of Antichrist yelling out in a Jewish Temple
with bulging veins in his forehead “I AM GOD” is not necessarily accurate. I
suppose it could happen like that. But that image also might be leading us
away from the “truth” as well. Just remember it is an interpretation and it
assumes that II Thessalonians 2 is this same event described. Remember, II
Thessalonians 2 says that “he,” not a statue or image or “it” but “himself,”
takes his seat in the temple and “displays” himself as being God. {Is there a
“seat” in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem?) {Does he "displaying" himself as
God equate to his making the statement "I am God."} It doesn’t say
specifically that he makes the statement “I Am God!” He just "displays"
himself as such. And we still haven’t determined to which “temple” this text is
referring.
So in what way can “the abomination – standing in the holy place” also be
described as “he seated – displaying himself” if they are the same event?
And why does Matthew associate this event with desolation for the Jewish
people while II Thessalonians 2 associates this with “the apostasy”? Don’t
you have to be in a position of what looks like “true faith” in order to commit
apostasy (fall away)? But how could this “apostasy” be Jewish in nature
when Judaism as a whole has already rejected their Messiah? (If I am asking
too many questions – please be patient and read on!) In fact prophetically it
doesn’t look like the Jewish people will come to their real Messiah, the Lord
Jesus, until sometime after the abomination of desolation and before He
returns on the clouds of heaven. (Hallelujah, many will come! See Zech. 12)
POINT TWO: It would seem that this “apostasy” and “revealing” is very much
“Christian” in nature and they are very unique events.
Please notice this important point in the text in II Thessalonians 2. This
apostasy is described as “the” apostasy using a definite article. Also, the
antichrist is described as “the” man of lawlessness again using a definite
article. There have been what seem to be many instances of a “falling away
from the faith” (apostasy) within the history of the visible church. And many
times wherein the “spirit of antichrist” is clearly being displayed and that spirit
is having an impact introducing heresies and false doctrines, and a different
Jesus into the life of the visible church. But in this case these are each
unique and I believe uniquely associated. We must also consider at this
point that Paul’s use of different terms would seem to introduce new ideas
into the revelation of Scripture. Why does Paul introduce an “apostasy” or
“seated” or “displaying himself as God” into the text when these ideas seem
to be different and foreign to the thought of Daniel and Matthew? And if II
Thessalonians 2 is talking about an event in the middle of the tribulation,
why does Paul say the Antichrist is at that particular time “revealed.”
Shouldn’t the Antichrist have already been “revealed” at least by the time
when he signed the covenant with Israel at the beginning of the tribulation? I
would think prophetic events would have lined up enough considering there
will be a Gog-Magog war sometime just before or just after the beginning of
the seventieth week of Daniel that people would get a pretty good idea this
person was the Antichrist. It seems to me this “revealing” is something quite
different and not associated with Israel.
POINT THREE: Paul is saying here that just before “the” day of the Lord will
first come “the” apostasy and within the context of the text of II
Thessalonians 2 it is “the” apostasy because it is associated with “the” man
of lawlessness.
So continuing on – it doesn’t seem like these are two individually distinct
events called “apostasy” and, then, “revealing” but they are rather very
much linked together. When you look at the text you look in vain to see any
full description of “the” apostasy other than its’ timing and association with
“the” man of lawlessness. Therefore, it seems reasonable to link them
together. Further, if the “seating in the temple of God” is related to the
apostasy then we should probably take this as metaphorical. Again, there
doesn’t seem to be a “seat” for a person to actually sit upon in a rebuilt
Jewish temple. But if you read Ezekiel 28:1-2 and Isaiah 14:12-14 you see
this metaphorical use of the term. Also remember that this one is called “the
son of perdition” which is only elsewhere ascribed to Judas Iscariot – the one
who looked like a disciple but was really an apostate. So he “seats” himself
amongst the people of God or “temple” only to lead the “apostasy” of said
“temple.” And the whole time outwardly he is saying he is subject to God he
is inwardly “displaying” himself as an equal with God. In this sense he
supplants or usurps the place of God by stealth and in great arrogance and
blasphemy to the Holy One of Israel and our Redeemer the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of God.
· Now the question becomes: What constitutes that which seems to be
“true faith” within Christendom in order for there to be an “apostasy” which
can take place while this man is being “revealed”?
POINT FOUR: Generally speaking we would say what seems to be true
gospel proclamation and witness (at least on paper in various statements of
faith) is found in various degrees in groups we would label as evangelical or
fundamental or independent, etc.
But could something occur in these groups/churches to show us they have
been swayed to leave sound doctrine in practice? And they say in their
statements of faith things that are indeed orthodox which have been in place
for years. But they are displaying their “falling away” by what they now
uncritically listen to, believe and practice. They are being led to finally come
under the embrace of all of apostate Christendom under Rome. But the
important additional piece of information is: this very event will take place at
the leadership of the emerging Antichrist. Many of the institutions of
apostasy seem to already be in place. It is the emerging of “the” man in the
midst of “the” apostasy that makes the difference! If this is an accurate
assessment then we might surmise that the unfolding of these events will be
very humanistic. And yet it will fully employ all Biblical language – claiming to
be “of God” but really only fully embracing its’ man-centered “gospel.” The
number of the beast in Revelation 13 (it seems to me the beast is both a
system and a man) could also be interpreted as both the man and the
number of the system – 666 – man (6) displaying himself as God – thrice.
They will end up worshiping the beast because he is the Satan-inspired
embodiment of their own self-worship! Thus, this apostasy will grow in an
emphasis on its’ man-centered “gospel” and outward corporate church
appearance rather than any spiritual reality of truth. And Satan, being a liar,
makes the “apostasy” we are speaking of look like a grand awakening, not of
Biblical Christianity, but of the “human spirit,” listening to seducing spirits.
And it is disguised as a move of the Holy Spirit as the supposed “voice of
heaven which is overcoming the earth.” Rather than the true ministry of the
Holy Spirit to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment so that people
are turned to Incarnate Deity, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, for salvation.
POINT FIVE: The revealing of the man of lawlessness will probably begin
with the introduction of a different gospel as the gospel that saves.
What else could “apostasy” do? But if a different gospel is proclaimed it is
not the Holy Spirit behind such proclamation. People are deluded or saints
can even become “bewitched” (see Galatians 1:6-8 and 3:1.) So we ought
to pay attention not so much that this might happen in individual churches
but, rather, be amazed that one person alone might end up doing this.
Because it may very well be the presentation of the Antichrist into the visible
temple of God, the church, that is in a state of apostasy? And he (“seated”)
is “declaring” himself as the object of worship by using the name of Jesus to
display himself as the door into the kingdom rather than the Lord Jesus
Christ of the gospel. This is blasphemy disguised as Christian faith! What
greater slap in Jesus face could Satan attempt to pull off than to use Jesus
own name to establish worship of his Antichrist while attempting to garnish
true saints into such worship? And while outwardly he looks like a saint,
inwardly he is fulfilling the Ezekiel 28:1-2 and Isaiah 14:12-14 passages
previously sited. The spirit of antichrist has been at work over the centuries
and is currently at work. But after almost 2,000 years will it finally have the
object of its worship seated right before a visible church in apostasy? My
guess is “yes” and this should not be forgotten! This “man of lawlessness”
will be the leader of “the” apostasy in Christendom. He will bring “the
apostasy” associated with him under the umbrella of general apostasy
already in place in our world as he advances past his “religious” role to his
role in the political/economic arena in this present evil age. He will easily be
introduced because Satan will have already laid down incredible inroads of
compromise within what seems to be the true church in terms of worldliness
(for example, church-growth movement) and false spirituality (for example,
signs and wonders movement and emerging church). In fact, it shouldn’t
surprise us if Satan will market him as the leader of a “revival” and even the
whole world will follow him in his ecumenical spirit when he is seen to have
great worldly success. This unfolding event(s) as described in II
Thessalonians 2 seems to mark a great turning point in the history of our
world. And yet it will quite possibly go unnoticed (or not believed) except to a
faithful remnant. (Recall if you will how few people knew about the babe
borne in a manger when that occurred. And in spite of all of prophecy
associated with Jesus Christ’s first coming many didn’t understand, even
those who did fear God! There is no universal heavenly drum-roll so that
everyone understands – He just does it!) And in fact, the world (not the
elect) will end up being amazed because of the supernatural phenomenon
that will begin to be associated with this man and the false prophet. That
alone will make him quite marketable for Satan and he will seem to be so
“good” at what he does that even the elect might be fooled. (Matthew 24:24)
The world will certainly be dazzled. (Please see Revelation 13 and Mark 13:
22)
· So now we address our original question: Can we recognize the
Antichrist before the beginning of the seventieth week of Daniel? It seems
to me he first fulfills II Thessalonians 2 in the context of the “visible” temple of
God, the church and its’ apostasy. And this will quite probably happen
before he becomes a world leader and makes a covenant with the Jewish
people which is the starting point of the seventieth week according to Daniel
9:27. He then fulfills the prophecies of Daniel 9 and Matthew 24 in a Jewish
context in the midst of the seventieth week. This begins “great tribulation”
according to Jesus words in Matthew 24:21 and what is often referred to as
the time of Jacob’s trouble for the Jewish people.
POINT SIX: The spirit of antichrist is the spirit of the “replacement” Christ.
{Anti in Greek means “in place of” or “instead of” as well as “against.”} It is
going to become increasingly clear (and incredibly painful and grievous) that
many people who say they follow Jesus are in reality following the devil’s
fake (that is what the spirit of antichrist does by definition). God’s true people
among the Gentiles will once again as always emerge as a remnant as God
turns His attention to the Jewish nation and the Coming Again of Jesus
Christ. What an incredible historical flip-flop! à Israel rejects their Messiah at
His first coming only to have Him embraced by the Gentiles. Then these
same Gentiles say they are worshipping Messiah Jesus, but in reality they
are worshipping themselves and the god of this evil age by bringing their
“fake anointed one” into Jerusalem. He will make a covenant with the Jewish
people which he will not keep. The Antichrist ends up persecuting the
Jewish people so that they then turn to Him (Jesus) whom they have pierced
(Zechariah 12:10} and expect Him on the clouds of heaven shortly
thereafter! It is only the Gentile remnant who actually receive the love
(agape) of the truth (they don’t simply mentally acknowledge truth – they
love it) so as to be saved within the context of II Thessalonians 2.
{Unfortunately, the “wall” to stop this apostasy is probably not “out there
somewhere” so don’t expect it – fortunately, the Spirit of God erects that wall
around your own heart as God “pulls His hand back” for this apostasy and
revealing to unfold before our very eyes!} Antichrist will have (be given)
incredible oratory skills to compromise the true gospel and the name of God
and then he will be given authority to then “compromise” true witnesses to
the true gospel (i.e. put them to death). As he rises to eventually carry out
the abomination he will also help shake his (and the worlds) fist at the wrath
of the soon to be coming Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ descending
from heaven, (YES – you heard it here – the wrath of the Lamb – of which
wrath all true saints of God will NEVER, NEVER have first hand experience –
Revelation 6:16). But he will ultimately be thrown into the lake of fire. Satan,
who is behind the activity of this man, already knows they are both headed
for the lake of fire - even if this man might not. After all – Satan is a liar. (It
is incredibly hard for the saints of God to actually imagine just how dastardly
Satan can be. Don’t knock your brains out.) REAL spiritual warfare takes
place when “little ole you” decides not to believe his lies but instead to
believe and stand firm in the truth of God (Scripture) and live/proclaim that
truth!
POINT SEVEN: If, if, if, the previous points are all true (God help us) then
might Antichrist be or soon be revealed on the world scene via our
understanding of this introduction of him in II Thessalonians 2?
Because we are limited in our complete illumination of what Scripture
teaches and the timing of events we can’t be absolutely sure. But if the
above case scenario is accurate might there soon be a candidate for the job
in actual history? For many years prophecy experts have been lining up the
Biblical events. For various reasons, they seem to have ignored or possibly
misinterpreted the final piece of the puzzle mentioned in II Thessalonians 2.
But God hasn’t. My guess is this final piece is now or will soon be emerging
and only the saints of God will know as the Spirit of God does His deep
preparatory work in their hearts and actually fulfills II Thessalonians 2 right
before their eyes. This world and the apostate church won’t even know it is
happening since they are so in love with their own fallen image. It seems to
me if we actually interpret the differences of II Thessalonians 2 and Daniel 9
correctly – what is happening in the world and the growing apostasy within
the visible church begins to make sense.
Copyright 2004, David Sheldon, all rights reserved. Can be copied without
charge only in its entirety including copyright information but only for
personal use or for use in small groups when leader has agreed to such
use. It cannot be edited or altered in any way. Can not be published for profit
in any form. Can be linked with title only: Will Antichrist Be Revealed Before
The Tribulation? By David Sheldon
www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com/antichrist.htm
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HOME
Rick Warren
Forty Days: False Gospel
Forty Days: A Closer Look
Forty Days: Which Jesus?
PDL: God's Wisdom
PDL: Exalting the Fallen Creation
PDL: A Purpose-Shaped
Worldview
Antichrist
Will Antichrist Be Revealed
Before the Tribulation?
The Great Harlot
"Mystery" Babylon
"Emerging" Church
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 1
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 2
Church Growth Movement
Schuller, Hybels & Warren
Review of Schuller's "Self-Esteem"
False Apostles, False
Prophets, False Revival
River of Seducing Spirits
Spiritual Warfare Script
Deception of Spiritual Warfare
Flags & Banners...Spiritual Power
Tools?
Davidic Warfare/Worship?
Jesus of the "Signs" Now the
"Christ" of Apostolic Government
Mystical Christianity?
Tenney's Mystical Deity Chase
Richard Foster: Quaker Mystic?
Willard and "The Way of Jesus"
What Oswald Chambers
Might Have Thought About
Todays "Christianity"
Rick Warren
Forty Days: False Gospel
Forty Days: A Closer Look
Forty Days: Which Jesus?
PDL: God's Wisdom
PDL: Exalting the Fallen Creation
PDL: A Purpose-Shaped
Worldview
Antichrist
Will Antichrist Be Revealed
Before the Tribulation?
The Great Harlot
"Mystery" Babylon
"Emerging" Church
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 1
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 2
Church Growth Movement
Schuller, Hybels & Warren
Review of Schuller's "Self-Esteem"
False Apostles, False
Prophets, False Revival
River of Seducing Spirits
Spiritual Warfare Script
Deception of Spiritual Warfare
Flags & Banners...Spiritual Power
Tools?
Davidic Warfare/Worship?
Jesus of the "Signs" Now the
"Christ" of Apostolic Government
Mystical Christianity?
Tenney's Mystical Deity Chase
Richard Foster: Quaker Mystic?
Willard and "The Way of Jesus"
What Oswald Chambers
Might Have Thought About
Todays "Christianity"