know when the Lord is going to commence end time events. These events will end the Devil’s
domination of planet earth, and apparently, the Lord is not going to give him any forewarning when the
time comes. This means that Satan must always have certain things in place, including a man groomed
and ready to immediately step into the role of “antichrist.” There is, therefore, a man right now, alive in
the western world, that will fulfill every detail about this dominant end time figure. As a reminder, here
are some basic biblical facts about this man and his career.
The Name “Antichrist.” There are several descriptive names found in the Scriptures for this man such as the “lawless one” (2 Thess. 2) and the “beast” (Rev. 13). But it is the term “antichrist” that is most often used today to refer to this man. As the Apostle John discussed the real dangers of false teaching, he described false teachers as “antichrists” (1 John 2:18; 3:3). But he also spoke of “the” antichrist that would be coming (1 John 2:18). The Abbot-Smith Greek Lexicon notes that the word “anti” carries two basic ideas. One is that it means “against” or “in opposition” to something or someone. We speak of someone who is anti-establishment, or anti-war, meaning they are against those things. The second meaning of “anti” is that of “in place of” or a substitute. Both those meanings fit this future end time figure. He is against our Lord Jesus Christ, and he will also present himself as a substitute Christ. This second point indicates that he will disguise himself as being good and righteous, just like his mentor the Devil, who appears as an “angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14).
The Emergence of the Antichrist. While there is a man who is now alive on earth, and who is potentially the antichrist, he is not yet identified as such. So, how will people know him as “antichrist”? Daniel 7:8, 19-26 reveals that this man (called the “little horn”) will come out of the territory of the old Roman empire. Therefore, many today do not qualify as the antichrist, such as Vladimir Putin (Russia), Xi Jinping (China), Kim Jong Un (North Korea), and a variety of dictators and ayatollahs. It would seem most likely that where Roman (western) culture prevails, as in Europe, that this would be the place to look. Also, Daniel 9:27 informs us that the event which reveals him to be the antichrist is a covenant that he makes with the leaders of Israel. That moment in time identifies him as the Antichrist and it also starts the Tribulation. This covenant agreement between Israel and this man strongly suggests that, at that time, he will be the leader of a nation that is militarily powerful, since he is affording Israel support and protection. That would probably eliminate nations like Luxemburg.
The Career of the Antichrist. There are four distinct periods to this man’s life. First, he is the leader (president, prime minister, king, etc.) of a powerful nation. It is in that capacity that he makes the treaty with the leaders of Israel. Second, during the first half of the Tribulation period he is seen as a man of war. He “deprives of sovereignty” three nations, which point to military dominance. These would be nations which were found in the old Roman Empire. Then seven others, from the Empire, will acquiesce to his leadership forming a union of nations. (Dan. 7:19-26; Rev. 17:12-17). So, during the first half of the Tribulation he heads an eleven-nation union (10 nations plus his own nation which is not one of the ten). The third phase of his career will be in the second half of the Tribulation where he becomes the ruler of the entire world (Rev. 13:3-5; 2 Thess. 2:4). Globalism is finally achieved by the Evil One. The text of Revelation specifically states that this phase lasts for 42 months. In league with Satan, he will be worshipped by multitudes in this world. No doubt they see him as the Anointed One (Christ). The fourth and final phase of his career begins when he is captured alive by the Lord Jesus at Armageddon and cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:19-20). From that point on, he eternally resides in the Lake of Fire.
The Successes of the Antichrist. His powers and his abilities are truly amazing. He is unlike anyone else. The Apostle John reveals that his various powers and abilities come directly from Satan (Rev. 13:4). For example, he will have unusual oratorical skills which enable him to sway millions to believe in him and follow him (Rev. 13:5-6). He has insights and powers which enable him to be victorious in the wars he conducts (Rev. 13:4, 7; Dan. 11:41-44), which includes successfully targeting the followers of Jesus (Rev. 13:7; Dan. 7:21). He will understand economics and will effectively control the world’s finances (Rev. 13:16-18). He is a powerful personality and his skill set will include the mastering of political maneuvering. Because he gets his powers from Satan, he will be absolutely unique.
Supernaturalism and the Antichrist. The Apostle Paul notes that this one will work amazing miracles; miracles that are both powerful and deceptive, and these will be used to validate his claims and deceive those living in the Tribulation (2 Thess. 2:9). Jesus made the same basic points in His prophetic discourse (Matt. 24:24), observing that even the elect might be deceived by the power and deceptiveness of the miracles, if it were not for God’s protection. These works of supernaturalism are not magic tricks but are genuine suspensions of natural law, just like those done by the Lord Jesus when He was on earth. Perhaps the greatest demonstration of supernatural power will be seen when the Antichrist is assassinated but then returns to life. Three times John speaks of his demise by means of the “sword” and then his return to life (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14). His is a “fatal” blow and his return to life causes the world to worship him (Rev. 13:3-4). It is not that he is just badly wounded. It is “fatal.” It should be noted that he is apparently not “resurrected;” that is, not given a resurrection body. He simply returns to life; something that the Lord apparently allows. This is likely a key to “the lie” that multitudes of people at that time will believe concerning this man (2 Thess. 2:9-12).
Therefore, at this moment, somewhere on this planet, there is a man “ready to go” as the Antichrist.
Taking Away Truth for Today.
The potential antichrist is alive and is in a position of political power (or could quickly come to power). He already belongs to the Evil One, even though presently he would not be identified as such but probably appears quite virtuous.
We will not know who he is because we believers will not be here on earth when he signs the treaty with the leaders of Israel. Church age believers will have been raptured. But that covenant signing is what reveals him as the Antichrist.
The reality that such a person is presently “ready to go” is another reminder that the coming of our Lord Jesus to take us home really is imminent. It is another “prop” in place on the stage. We simply await the raising of the curtain.
2025 could be the year. With all that is going on in our world, and with the way that events and alignments can so quickly change and emerge, we need to wisely follow Paul’s example and keep one eye on the heavens as we live our lives (Phil. 3:14-21). Our redemption really is closer now than when 2024 began. 2025 might be the year when faith becomes sight. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
