Is this man the AntiChrist?

QUESTION:

I got an email which infers that a certain man is the AntiChrist because of the following: "According to The Book of Revelations:  The AntiChrist will be a man, in his 40's, of certain religious descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal...."  How would you answer this? What is your interpretation of Revelation 13 and any other chapters that reveal prophecy about the anti-Christ.

C from Washington, USA

C:

Good to hear from you. Your question involves a long answer. But, I will give you a short version. Actually, I have done much research on the subjec, but I cannot get taccess to the material on my computer. Consequently, in this email, let me make things brief.

First, this man you are referring to is not the Antichrist. Let your heart be rested. Christians have tried to identify the Antichrist for centuries. For example, the early church fathers said it was Nero. the Roman Catholic Church said it was the system of the Reformation - who in turn accused the Catholics of being the Antichrist. Almost all despotic, cruel tyrants alive been identified as the Antichrist. The list includes Napoleon, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin - and even Henry Kissinger - (although he was not a cruel tyrant)!

The teaching about the Antichrist is developed throughout the Bible - not just Revelation 13. The best description is probably 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 8, 9.

In sum, he (and he is a "he") will be a real person during the Great Tribulation who will be energized by Satan, and will be Christ's arch enemy (Daniel 11:2; Revelation 17:9-11). All anti God forces will centre in him and he will exalt himself above God, claiming divine worship for himself.

He is a man of great superiority, intellect, physical strength, a brilliant leader and manager, pantheistic in religion, and morally bankrupt. A real wicked person.

As to religion, some believe he will be a Jew, because he will not regard the God of his Fathers (Jehovah), nor the desire of women (Daniel 11:37). One cannot be dogmatic, however. 

As to geographic and ethnic origins, he will rise to power out of the revived Roman Empire. At his time, the world will be in such chaos and turmoil, that people will cry out for a leader - of course rejecting Christ all the time. 

He will rise to the role of absolute world dictator ruling over all areas of life - and bring about brutal persecution of Jews and those who come to Christ. 

His end will come - thankfully. His final political destruction arrives at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16; 19:19; cf. Daniel 11:45). 

In Revelation he is never called, "Antichrist." He is pictured as part of the "satanic trinity." For example, In Revelation we read about the three, "And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet" (Revelation 16:13; cf. Revelation 19:19, 20; 20:1, 2). 

The dragon is Satan (Revelation 12:9), who equates to God The Father. Next, we read about a first beast, "a beast coming up out of the sea...and all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain" (Revelation 13:11, 12). This is the Antichrist, who is parallel to God the Son in the real Trinity. 

Then there is a second beast, who is the false prophet and comparable to God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 13:11, 12-14). He is the lieutenant to Antichrist, and his authority is derived from him. He organizes and enforces devil worship directed toward toward Antichrist.

Well, C, this is some detail, and answers part of your question. Bottom line: no one knows who the Antichrist will be. And, when he does appear, everyone will know who he is - no doubts about it. 

These guesses that you mention that come in your email, have been going on for a long time, and pop up on a regular basis among certain Christian groups. They will keep on emerging. Don't be perplexed. 

Actually, If I were to guess who the Antichrist will be, I would say it had to be Karl Marx or Charles Darwin. But, since they both have gone on to some other destination, and Jesus is not here, I guess I would be wrong. So much for my speculation!

All the best, C - and I hope this helps.

Dr. Newman