What is the Antichrist?
(updated 6/15/2019)
Since the time that Jesus Christ first arrived, there have been many people who could be described as “antichrists” but in the final days of this age, a very powerful Antichrist will arise.
The Master of Intrigue
23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. (Daniel 8: 23-25) NIV
The Antichrist will be a master of intrigue. He will excel at being deceptive. According to Revelation 13: 2-3, he will receive his power from Satan (aka the great deceiver, the father of lies). He will cause devastation and will be successful at whatever he does. He will consider himself to be superior.
When the nations feel secure because they believe his lies, the Antichrist will destroy them and take power over them. Eventually, the Antichrist will be destroyed – but not by human power. God will judge and destroy the Antichrist. (See: What is this Mysterious Image?)
The One who Confirms a Covenant
27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. (Daniel 9: 27)
The Antichrist will confirm a covenant (peace treaty) with many. Halfway through the 7-year treaty, he will break the treaty. He will put an end to sacrifice and offering. He will set up an abomination that causes desolation. (See: What is the Great Tribulation?)
The King of the North & The Contemptible Person
21 “He [the previous king of the North] will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. 22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. 23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. 24 When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time. (Daniel 11: 21-24) NIV
The Antichrist will use intrigue and deceit to come to power. He will invade kingdoms when they feel secure (e.g. after a peace treaty). He will be able to accomplish what his ancestors could not: world domination. (See: What is the King of the North?)
The Little Horn
8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7:8) KJV
Among the 10 horns (kings) of the terrifying beast described in Daniel 7, a little horn will appear and uproot 3 of the horns. The Antichrist will subdue 3 kings. He will speak boastfully. (See: What are the 4 Beasts of Daniel?) (See: What is the Beast out of the Sea?)
The 10 kings join together by signing the 7-year treaty mentioned in Daniel 9:27. Based on Daniel 9: 24-27, the 7-year treaty marks the final 7 years of this age (See: What are the 70 Sevens?). According to Revelation 17:13, the 10 kings will give their power to the Antichrist.
This Horn
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. (Daniel 7: 21-22) NIV
The Antichrist will wage war against God’s holy people (Jews & Christians). The Antichrist will be able to defeat God’s holy people for a while. Then God will pronounce judgment against the Antichrist. (See: What is the Great Tribulation?)
The One Who Seeks to Change Times & Laws
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time [3-1/2 years]. (Daniel 7: 25)
The Antichrist will speak against God. He will attempt to get the world to worship a god other than the Most High God. The Antichrist will also attempt to change the times (e.g. calendars, holidays) and he will attempt to change existing laws to a different set of laws.
There are many religions and religious leaders that have sought to change the calendar and laws that God ordained. But two of the most noticeable are Islam and Catholicism.
The Koran teaches that at the end of days Islam will dominate the world, that the world must be ruled by Sharia law, and that everyone must worship Allah (the Jizyah option will be removed). In addition, Islam has a long history of changing the calendar and holidays of whatever geographical area they occupied and/or conquered and replacing the laws of the nations with Islamic law. (See: How are Islam & Christianity Different?) (See: Do Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God?).
There is also a long lineage of Catholic popes that have systematically changed the calendar and holidays that God ordained as described in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible (See: the Hebrew calendar). The Catholic popes have also attempted to rewrite the 10 Commandments. For example: they removed the command about not worshipping idols and replaced it with a command about not taking God’s name in vain. This was done because the Catholic Church encourages the worship and idolatry of Mary and the Saints.
The current pope is no exception. He has consistently taught unbiblical doctrines that prepare the way for the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the one world religion. And in the recent years, many prominent Protestant church leaders have foolishly aligned themselves with Pope Francis. (See: What does Pope Francis teach?).
Many Bible scholars seem to believe that the Antichrist will be either Islamic or Catholic. But the Antichrist is more likely to be someone who initially endorses all religions as equal and encourages people to follow whatever calendar, holidays, and religious laws they choose as long as they do not interfere with other people doing the same. But according to Daniel 11: 36-37, the Antichrist will eventually set himself up to be worshipped as god (perhaps claiming to be the fulfillment of all religions).
Another Horn Out of the Goat
9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. 12 Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. (Daniel 8: 9-12) NIV
The Antichrist will become powerful. Satan will give his power and authority to the beast/Antichrist (see Revelation 13:2). Because the Lord’s people have turned away from God, the Antichrist will be able to have power over them. The Antichrist will exalt himself and he will put an end to daily sacrifice (in the Jewish Temple). Truth will be thrown to the ground.
The Ruler who will Come
26 …The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. (Daniel 9:26)
The 2nd Temple was destroyed by the Romans around 70 AD. Therefore, many scholars believe that the Antichrist will be the leader of a revived Holy Roman Empire. Some scholars assume that it refers to a leader of the Roman Catholic Church (the pope). Although the current pope’s teachings are preparing the way for the Antichrist and one world religion, it does not mean that the pope is the Antichrist. (See: What does Pope Francis Teach?)
The Roman empire was ruled by an emperor. The vast area that it covered included a Western empire and an Eastern empire (aka Byzantine empire). The End Times ruler could come from either of these geographical areas. Note that the Eastern Roman Empire was destroyed by the Islamic Ottoman Empire.
It is possible that the Antichrist will be the ruler of a large kingdom that includes an area similar to the Roman empire. Although it may originate from a similar geographical area, the demographics of the empire’s people may be very different. Based on the recent mass migration of Islamic people into non-Islamic countries, the demographics of Europe is currently changing. (See: What is this Mysterious Image?)
It is possible that the End Times Antichrist could be the leader of a revived Roman empire and/or a revived Islamic empire. Islam teaches that there will be an Islamic messiah called the Mahdi. The Antichrist might claim to be the Mahdi. (See: What does Islam teach about the End Times?)
The King of Assyria
12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes… 16 Therefore, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors; under his pomp a fire will be kindled like a blazing flame. 17 The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers. 18 The splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick person wastes away. (Isaiah 10: 12, 16-18)
At the end of this age, God will punish the king of Assyria (aka the Antichrist) because of his pride and haughtiness. God will send a wasting disease upon his warriors. This appears to reference the 1st of the 7 bowls of God’s wrath: painful sores on those who took the mark of the beast (See Revelation 16:2).
Jesus Christ (the Jewish Messiah) is the “Light of Israel” and the “Holy One.” He will destroy the Antichrist’s followers in a single day (at the battle of Armageddon). The kingdom of the Antichrist will be completely destroyed. (See: Revelation 19: 11-21)
The Man of Lawlessness, The Man of Sin, & The Son of Perdition
3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2: 3-4) NIV
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2: 3-4) NKJV
The Antichrist will not arrive until the “falling away.” Some scholars believe this refers to when God’s people turn away from Him and abandon God’s laws. Other scholars believe that this refers to the rebellion in heaven (when Satan and his angels fight against God’s angels). Both can be correct.
According to Revelation 12, there will be a war in heaven before the Great Tribulation. In addition, the current world has most certainly been falling away from God.
The Antichrist will exalt himself and proclaim himself to be God. He will sit in the temple of God and try to act as if he were God. Just as Satan has desired to be worshiped instead of God, Satan will be part of the Antichrist’s attempt to be worshiped.
That Wicked
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2: 8) KJV
The Antichrist will be destroyed by God. This will take place after the Great Tribulation when Jesus Christ returns in great power and glory.
The Lawless One
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. (2 Thessalonians 2: 9-12) NIV
The Antichrist will arrive in accordance with the way that Satan works (deception). He will be able to use signs and wonders to deceive people into believing that he is god. People who have rejected the truth (about God/Jesus) and delighted in wickedness will believe the lie. The people will believe him because they refuse to believe the truth. (See: What is the False Prophet?)
Because people choose to believe lies instead of loving the truth and being saved, they will eventually believe a “powerful delusion.”
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools… (Romans 1: 18-22)
The Mouth of the Beast
4 People worshiped the dragon [Satan] because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” 5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7 It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. (Revelation 13: 4-8) NIV
The Antichrist is the spokesperson of the beast. He exercises the power of the beast and that beast received its power from Satan. The Antichrist will be allowed to have power for 42 months.
The Antichrist will blaspheme God, heaven, and those who live in heaven. He will be able to wage war against God’s holy people throughout the world and conquer them. Anyone whose name is not in the Lamb’s (Jesus’) book of life will worship the beast. (See: What is the Mark of the Beast?)
A Bird of Prey from the East
11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel. (Isaiah 46: 11-13) NIV
God will summon a predatory man to fulfill what must happen at the end of this age. Since the Holy Bible is Jerusalem-centric, it appears that this man will be called from “a far-off land” that is east of Jerusalem.
The countries that are directly east of Jerusalem (but do not border Jerusalem) include: Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. The countries that are even further east of Jerusalem include: India and China.
Those nations and geographical areas have a significant history of extreme persecution toward Jews and Christians.
It is unclear as to whether this scripture is describing the Antichrist or Gog of Magog.
Note that the Antichrist is NOT Gog of Magog
The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him 3 and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. 5 Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, 6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you. (Ezekiel 38: 1-5)
“Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. 2 I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. 3 Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. 4 On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. (Ezekiel 39: 1-4)
Gog is called from the “far north” (Ezekiel 39) whereas the “bird of prey” (Isaiah 46) is called from the east. It could be the same person being called at two separate times or it might refer to two different people. Even if both Ezekiel 39:2 and Isaiah 46:11 refer to the same person, Gog and the Antichrist are two different people.
Note that Gog is a “chief prince” of Meshek and Tubal (see Ezekiel 38: 2 and Ezekiel 39: 1). But the Antichrist is a contemptible person who was “not given the honor of royalty” (see Daniel 11: 21).
Gog is from the land of Magog. He will be the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. He will lead an army comprised of Persia (Iran), Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya), Gomer (Cimmerian: Ukraine & Southern Russia), and Beth Togarmah from the far north (Georgia).
While there are different opinions as to the exact location of ancient Meshek, and Tubal, it appears to be located northeast of Jerusalem. It appears to refer to regions between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Current nations that appear to be near that geographical area include: Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
Note that all of these geographical areas are currently Islamic-controlled. This indicates that Gog will be an Islamic leader. Most likely, Gog will be one of the 10 kings that sign the 7-year treaty.
There is also a reference to God striking the bow and arrows from the hand of Gog. This may be a hint as to the lineage of Gog. The son that Abraham had by Sarah’s servant (Hagar) was named Ishmael. The boy “lived in the desert and became an archer” (Genesis 21: 20). Islam traces its lineage to Abraham via Ishmael.
When the time of God’s wrath comes, Gog will be in the “far north” and the LORD God will send him against the mountains of Israel for the Battle of Armageddon. Gog of Magog will fight along side the Antichrist at the battle of Armageddon but they will meet different ends.
11 “On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog. (Ezekiel 39: 11) (ESV)
Gog of Magog and his Hordes will be killed at the battle of Armageddon. He will be buried in the Valley of Hamon-Gog (aka Valley of Armageddon) along with his Hordes. But the Antichrist meets a different end:
19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (Revelation 19: 19-21) (ESV)
The beast (the Antichrist) and the false prophet are both thrown alive into the lake of fire. The rest (the kings and the armies) are killed and their bodies are eaten by birds.
Gog of Magog is apparently one of the kings that join with the Antichrist in his attempt to anahillate the remnant of Israel at the battle of Armageddon. But Gog of Magog is NOT the Antichrist.
Remember that Jehovah God is in Control
8 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ (Isaiah 46: 8-10)
Although the Antichrist will be very powerful, remember that God is more powerful than the Antichrist. God is sovereign and He has already determined how this age will end and how the next age will begin. God will use the final days of this age for God’s own purpose. (See: What is Faithfulness & Patient Endurance?)
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