This week's Bible Study - July 13, 2008
What About the Antichrist?
 Background Scripture:
Revelation 13
Quote of the Week:
"Last year we said: "Things can't go on like this!" And they didn't - they got worse."
-- Source Unknown
What do we know about the antichrist? This term has become fairly familiar in movies and in many books. Some people think it originated from the book of Revelation, but the actual word 'antichrist' only shows up in 1 John 2 (verse 18). However, the book of Revelation makes several references to the antichrist (as the beast). Throughout history, many people have guessed the identity of the antichrist. Some of the guesses have included U.S. Presidents or world political leaders, the Pope, Hitler, Bill Gates, the Beatles and many others. To this point, all have been wrong.
As time has gone on, we have seen evil abound and become more prevalent in all different areas of our society. We think this current generation is much, much worse, but that thought has been around for many, many years. There really is no new evil - just different ways to express it. It has always abounded, but in the end times, it becomes more and more out of check.
The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. The dragon is symbolic of Satan. The dragon stood on the shore and looked out over the sea. You've heard of the sea of humanity - Satan eyes humanity, looking for the opportunity to devour. As the dragon stood on the shore, a beast came out of the sea - from among humanity. This beast is the antichrist. He comes from people and receives the power of the dragon (Satan). His power and throne and authority were all from Satan. Satan has long since been looking for a method to persecute God's people and his power. This will come in the form of the antichrist.
The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. What kind of leader are people looking for? They want one that appears to care - one they can relate to - one that can make them feel good and one that is attractive. We see this today - that people tend to follow charismatic leaders. In the technology of today, a leader can have worldwide access through the Internet and TV. We have seen those who make mesmerizing speeches. They may seem legitimate and worthwhile, but when too much emphasis is given on any human leader, there are bound to be repercussions. Men worship the dragon (Satan) because he had given the authority to the beast - and they worshipped the beast.
Doesn't it seem odd that people wouldn't care where the power came from? If Satan appeared as he has in so many movies, wouldn't people be bothered? Will he be red with horns and a spiked tail? Would people follow that? Some people might, but I believe the real answer lies in 2 Corinthians 11:14 - Satan masquerades as an angel of light. He deceives the entire world - an apparent death and resurrection occurs and the world marvels. Through the antichrist, Satan is popularized. You've likely seen hypnotists, psychics and magicians that fare very well among so many people. Granted, some of their feats seem remarkable, but we, as humans are easily duped. Would you follow the beast? Or, do you think you could see past that? As we start to see prophecy unfold before us, we need to be aware of what the Scriptures say, so that we aren't taken hostage in counterfeit belief.
The beast began to speak out of his own pride and blaspheme God. When people begin elevating themselves, they begin minimizing the role of God. Not only would the beast blaspheme God, but he would also slander everything about God. We see this in so many ways today. People go out of their way to deny God. They want to show no allegiance to God, so they invent any other way to see things.
How has the name of God lost its reverence in our world today? At one point, God's name was respected - there was prayer in school - the 10 Commandments were displayed in many public places - there were nativity scenes in many towns during the Christmas holidays - God's name has been on our money. It is obvious that, at one time, the name of God was highly revered by society in general. Today, you cannot speak out again race or political affiliations or sexual orientation or so many other things that are politically incorrect. Lawsuits would be filed against you - you could lose your job and your standing. It is good that these things are not allowed in our society. However, what happens when someone speaks out against God or against Christians, what happens? Nothing or very little. Generally, the Christians have to take it and just keep on going. The deck has been stacked against believers and God.
The Antichrist will openly blaspheme the name of God. It starts small, perhaps. It starts with pride that is misplaced, and it turns into arrogance. There is the thought that "I did it" and the elevation of self above God. People begin to see no real need for God. We've heard people openly slander God. We've heard people refer to belief in God as a religious crutch. We've heard people like Nietzsche say that God is dead. Oh, by the way, Nietzsche is dead - God still lives.
The Antichrist was given power to persecute believers. Generally, even with the godless, people have some position, but as the slander of God begins, the worth of the people drops in the eyes of the slanderer - and persecution begins. We've heard of persecution around the world - sometimes due to religion, but other times due to differences in ethnicity and other beliefs. As people disregard the worth of others (for whatever reason), persecution becomes easier, and as people slander and disregard God, the worth of humans also drops. In America, most of us don't really understand persecution of the believer. We don't fear for our lives to go to church, as they do in some other countries. When the Antichrist appears, this will be put into action.
The Antichrist would be given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. Can you imagine the power that would give to a leader? When the majority of the people start to follow a leader, even locally, problems start to occur. We've seen cult leaders that have influenced the deaths of members of the cult. As the span of power increases - across nations and across the world, you can see the beginning of corruption. It is even said that some monumental peace accords will be reached in areas such as the Middle East. What power this leader will bring! Or so, the people will believe. It would appear that all people will worship this leader - all except those whose names are written in the lamb's book of life.
This passage goes further to tell believers how to deal with the persecution. They were to not fight it. If one was to go into captivity, they should go. If one was to be killed, they should be killed. Can you imagine the impact that this would have on believers today, if this were to happen? Our initial reaction is to fight the thing that is causing grief. We tend to lash out, but this advice says to take it. What would happen if we saw the numbers in our churches today decrease each week, because people had been taken into captivity or killed? Would we be closer to Christ, or would it cause us to shrink away? In many countries today around the world, the persecution of the church is causing the church to grow and become bolder. Is this what we see in our churches that have little, if any persecution to deal with?
This passage goes on to mention another beast that would come and exercise based upon the authority of the antichrist. His purpose would be to enforce the worship of the antichrist. What does it to say when someone has to be forced to worship - is that true worship? We do have worship leaders in our churches, but they are not there to coerce people to worship - but rather to encourage and give the opportunity. This false prophet would be able to perform signs and miracles, causing many people to be deceived.
Things go from bad to worse. An image in honor of the antichrist would be set up and anyone who refused to worship that image would be killed. I doubt this will be an overt act, but one that comes in almost unnoticed. The antichrist and the false prophet will seem to make a lot of progress in humanitarian efforts, appearing to love and be concerned for the society. However, they will be doing this based upon the power of Satan, so inwardly they will be vicious and cruel.
I believe this will lead to some sort of worldwide New Age religion that will systematically eliminate God by whatever means that are necessary. Sadly, many churches will be unaffected, as they have strayed very far from God already. How will this be accomplished? It may be from intimidation of all sorts, starvation and/or liquidation of the churches. Isn't it amazing to think that we can see this happening easily - how schools of thought can easily be pushed on the world's population, but we are considered to be intolerant for wanting to share Christ with a lost and dying world?
A mark would be placed on the forehead of all people to show their loyalty to the antichrist, and this mark would allow them to participate in trade. This would seem unbelievable, but we've already seen many people that are deeply indebted to others - and they would do almost anything to ease that indebtedness. Many people will receive the mark, without thinking about it, but this will become a more obvious distinction between the antichrist and his enemies - God's people.
Closing
You may read this lesson and think this is just an unbelievable scenario - it could never happen. However, the Bible hasn't let us down yet. If you could ask, what would Noah say? Didn't people tell him that the world would never flood, especially if they had never even seen rain?) What would the folks in Sodom and Gomorrah say? The antichrist will have a genuine pull on people of all types. Be careful to not fall in line with where everyone else wants to go. We don't know who the antichrist is, but this is a warning that we must all be careful about aligning to anybody or any organization other than Christ. Do you find that you are going towards the gospel in your life or are you going away? I know of people that have found Jesus Christ at some point in their lives, but they have allowed themselves to get pulled back into things that will undoubtedly pull them away from Christ. Don't let this happen to you. The antichrist will slander the name of God - I don't think this will be open at first, but there will be signs. Keep your eyes and ears open.
Today, even many Christians are looking for that leader to unite people. We see the problems in our world - in our neighborhoods and on the other side of the world. There are problems with crime, race, morality and many other things. Sometimes, we think we just need some law enacted to fix these issues. As believers, we should remember that none of this can happen outside of Christ.
Each person who reads this lesson is at a different place in their lives. Where are you? Are you going through something, thinking that God has forgotten you? Are you struggling in your circumstances - finances, job, relationships, health, etc? God has a specific plan for you. Or, perhaps life is going very good for you right now. We all need to realize that God needs to be at the forefront of our thoughts at all times. In the midst of your issues, however small or large, maintain your faith and persevere. Be prepared for these things to come, and be prepared to stand strong in your faith.
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