Did you get into the “Left Behind” series or other “end times” fiction like that back in the day? It was honestly what helped me come back to the Lord. I’ve been thinking about it and decided to review some of it again.
In dispensationalist theology, (which is what a lot of end-times fiction is built on), these are some the ideas proposed concerning the “Anti-Christ.”
1. The Antichrist is often portrayed as a cunning, charismatic political figure who rises to global prominence, often associated with a “revived Roman Empire.” Some dispensationalists say this could be Russia.
2. He is said to broker or confirm a seven-year peace deal involving Israel. Daniel 9:27. So, he will appear as a “peaceful” “savior-like” individual with the power to convince the nations he is good for Israel.
3. Halfway through that 7-year period (at 3.5 years), the Antichrist breaks the treaty. Daniel 9:27 again. (During the first half the Temple is rebuilt and sacrifices begin until he ends them during the second period…the second half of the “Tribulation Period“).
4. He suffers a fatal head wound per Revelation 13:3, that leads many to follow him.
5. After his “resurrection” from this fatal wound, he and his false prophet will “demand” or receive the world’s worship.
6. The mark of the beast will be instituted, possibly a type of currency, that will be required world-wide.
I’m not a full-hearted dispensationalist, but I do fear, that IF the anti-Christ were to appear today, it would be a large population of Christians and Jews that would fall for him. Why? Because he would appear to be on “our side” in the beginning. This is his deception.
The good news is that, In the end, the true children of Christ will be victorious, through Christ alone.
There will be a Second coming of Christ. He will overcome the Adversary and any “little-horn” that aligns with him. Revelation 19:20.
My cry to you, and the world, is to make sure you have truly given your life to Christ. Not just, “I believe in Jesus,” as “even the demons believe and shudder,” (James 2:19). Saving belief, means to trust in His work on the Cross. To believe means, He is the Lord of your life, for we were purchased by His blood. And if He is Lord and Savior of you and I then we shall strive to live for Him as best we can every day… producing fruits of the Holy Spirit to prove our salvation is true. (This is a work of the Spirit, not our own effort, He causes us to produce the fruits of the Spirit).
If all of this is scary, Jesus reminds us to “Take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
Revelation 22:20-21
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Everything above is not all biblical facts, but instead is a lot of “interpretation.”
Gerald Faulkner 