Who is The Anti-Christ?

[niki23]

 

 

While there have been a multitude of antichrists, them exhibiting the spirit of Antichrist, there is only one "the" Antichrist.

 

Them John was speaking to already had heard that Antichrist (singular) shall come, a single person.    In contrast to what they had already heard about, John contrasted that there were are many antichrists (as opposed to the one person) who exhibited the spirit of Antichrist, who shall come.

 

1John 2:18 - Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

 

The litte horn, the prince who shall come, the man of sin, the beast are all code names for the Antichrist, just as Jesus is the Prince of peace, the righteous branch, the suffering servant.

Hey Douggg, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

It is very common in scripture for singular context to sometimes refer to a body of people. This is especially true for the church, which is referred to as the "body" the "bride" the "lady", etc. In the book of Daniel a single statue is used to represent several nations. I don't believe there is a contrast in those scriptures that refers to many antichrists and one antichrist, I believe John is saying "You heard that antichrist was supposed to come, I'm telling you he's here now!" In Revelation, especially, the language is spiritual and figurative. A little horn can refer to many people, just as, again, back in Daniel, horns on a beast are used to refer to nations.

 

 

The Antichrist is one person, the "another" that Jesus told Nicodemus that they the Jews would unfortunately temporarily embrace as "the" messiah.  

 

"the" messiah, in context of its true meaning means the special King of Israel, son of David, anointed that God promised to send to lead Israel and the world into what we would call the messianic age of peace and harmony.     The Anti-messiah, or Antichrist, is the person who the Jews will embrace as their king instead of Jesus, who they rejected, as Jesus told Nicodemus they would.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Why would you think the little horn is anything but one person?   The Antichrist goes through 4 stages of his career (for lack of a better word).    His rise, then his fall.

 

1. the little horn politician of Daniel 7 and 8

2. the prince who shall come, illicit perceived King of Israel, son of David, anointed (messiah) of Daniel 9.

3. the revealed man of sin, son of perdition, of 2Thessalonians2

4. the antichrist-beast of Revelation.

 

 

What if he is not just one person? This is just an idea and something I think is possible. What if he's of many people. Like say the Pope for example. What if he is many Popes?

[douggg]

The idea that the pope or office of pope is the Antichrist is not possible because the pope does not qualify to be the King of Israel, son of David.     The Antichrist will be the illicit person that the Jews will be perceived to be that King of Israel, son of David.   

 

The pope or office of Pope being the Antichrist is based upon the pope claiming to be the vicar of Christ, the stand- in for Jesus.     The problem with that is that Christ is not Jesus's name.    Christ is a word for messiah, which is a word for "anointed", which in the context of the bible applies to kings and priests.   When speaking of "the" messiah, it is a reference to the special King of Israel, a descendent of David, who God promised to lead Israel into the messianic age of peace and harmony, with the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 

When Jesus first started preaching, he sent the disciples out to spread the news that the Kingdom of God was at hand.    The Jews would have been familiar with Daniel 2, and that the Kingdom of God when it came would have dominion of the entire world.    They had already seen 3 of the empires in Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 come and go, and the Romans, the fourth empire was occupying their land at the time.     So they were thinking now is the time when the Kingdom of God was about to take dominion - and that Jesus was that great promised King of Israel, son of David to lead them into that era.      Well, it didn't work out that way because the religious leaders had Jesus killed.     Nonetheless, the Jews are still waiting on that King of Israel, son of David, anointed - which is "the" messiah, the Christ.     

 

Which the pope, or office of pope,  doesn't qualify to be King of Israel, son of David.    Thus, he, whoever is pope at time in the case of office of pope, cannot be the Anti-messiah.     The entire confusion of the pope or office of Pope being the Antichrist - is that it has been lost to Christianity, what "the" Christ actually meant. 

Edited March 14, 2014 by douggg

[OakWood]

The idea that the pope or office of pope is the Antichrist is not possible because the pope does not qualify to be the King of Israel, son of David.     The Antichrist will be the illicit person that the Jews will be perceived to be that King of Israel, son of David.   

 

The pope or office of Pope being the Antichrist is based upon the pope claiming to be the vicar of Christ, the stand- in for Jesus.     The problem with that is that Christ is not Jesus's name.    Christ is a word for messiah, which is a word for "anointed", which in the context of the bible applies to kings and priests.   When speaking of "the" messiah, it is a reference to the special King of Israel, a descendent of David, who God promised to lead Israel into the messianic age of peace and harmony, with the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 

When Jesus first started preaching, he sent the disciples out to spread the news that the Kingdom of God was at hand.    The Jews would have been familiar with Daniel 2, and that the Kingdom of God when it came would have dominion of the entire world.    They had already seen 3 of the empires in Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 come and go, and the Romans, the fourth empire was occupying their land at the time.     So they were thinking now is the time when the Kingdom of God was about to take dominion - and that Jesus was that great promised King of Israel, son of David to lead them into that era.      Well, it didn't work out that way because the religious leaders had Jesus killed.     Nonetheless, the Jews are still waiting on that King of Israel, son of David, anointed - which is "the" messiah, the Christ.     

 

Which the pope, or office of pope,  doesn't qualify to be King of Israel, son of David.    Thus, he, whoever is pope at time in the case of office of pope, cannot be the Anti-messiah.     The entire confusion of the pope or office of Pope being the Antichrist - is that it has been lost to Christianity, what "the" Christ actually meant. 

 

He could be the false prophet though.

[other one]

reading through this thread I get the feeling that different people havr very different ideas of what the antichrist is. since it really isn't mentioned by name in Revelation or Daniel it seems to me that you all should come to a decision of what in those books are actually the antichrist

[douggg]

The pope could be said to be "a" false prophet, because a prophet is someone who delivers a message or teachings to the people - speaking on behalf of God.     And some of the Pope's teachings are not teachings from God.

 

It is unlikely though that the pope is the false prophet because he is not connected to Israel, which the Antichrist for a short time will be perceived by the Jews as the promised King of Israel, son of David, anointed, messiah.     Saul and David were both anointed by Samuel the prophet.

 

It is more likely that the false prophet is a Jew, perhaps claiming to be Elijah, will anoint the Antichrist as the King of Israel, son of David.   Which will go on for a little over three years, before the Antichrist reveals himself as the man of sin, claiming to have reached God-hood.    At which times the Jews will promptly impeach him as their king.     

[niki23]

The idea that the pope or office of pope is the Antichrist is not possible because the pope does not qualify to be the King of Israel, son of David.     The Antichrist will be the illicit person that the Jews will be perceived to be that King of Israel, son of David.   

 

The pope or office of Pope being the Antichrist is based upon the pope claiming to be the vicar of Christ, the stand- in for Jesus.     The problem with that is that Christ is not Jesus's name.    Christ is a word for messiah, which is a word for "anointed", which in the context of the bible applies to kings and priests.   When speaking of "the" messiah, it is a reference to the special King of Israel, a descendent of David, who God promised to lead Israel into the messianic age of peace and harmony, with the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 

When Jesus first started preaching, he sent the disciples out to spread the news that the Kingdom of God was at hand.    The Jews would have been familiar with Daniel 2, and that the Kingdom of God when it came would have dominion of the entire world.    They had already seen 3 of the empires in Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 come and go, and the Romans, the fourth empire was occupying their land at the time.     So they were thinking now is the time when the Kingdom of God was about to take dominion - and that Jesus was that great promised King of Israel, son of David to lead them into that era.      Well, it didn't work out that way because the religious leaders had Jesus killed.     Nonetheless, the Jews are still waiting on that King of Israel, son of David, anointed - which is "the" messiah, the Christ.     

 

Which the pope, or office of pope,  doesn't qualify to be King of Israel, son of David.    Thus, he, whoever is pope at time in the case of office of pope, cannot be the Anti-messiah.     The entire confusion of the pope or office of Pope being the Antichrist - is that it has been lost to Christianity, what "the" Christ actually meant. 

 I was just using the Pope for an example. I personally think that the pope will be the False Prophet. He fits it so well. The Anti-Christ is going to be someone who we least expect and may even like at first, yes, even us Christians. He's going to be VERY good at what he does. Not, saying we are blind, but saying Lucifer is good at decieving and lying.

[rebbell]

The antichrist is 1 John ch.2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Hence: anti-Christ, anyone that denys the Father and the Son. You can say you believe in one and not the other; because they are one.

 

There are many antichrist. antichrist are in one accord with each other; just like Christians should be in one accord with each other in Jesus. Now, if believers are one; many members but of the same body; why do you not believe that unbelievers are one in their one unbelieving body? Lord, have mercy.

 

God bless

[ARGOSY]

The 2nd beast of Revelation may well fit Islam or Religious Rome.

Why?

For Islam: The beast (Islam) had two horns (Shia and Sunni) which are the two main branches of Islam.

For Religious Rome: The beast had two horns (Papacy and Vatican).

The beast exercises the powers of the first beast (Imperial Rome revived as Political Rome)- The Roman Catholic form of worship exercises the idolatry powers of Imperial Rome.

I believe you are correct here, except the two horns represent BOTH religious Rome (one horn) and Islam (one horn). These are the two horns.

As I said above, its highly unlikely that that there are four powerful religious empires when Jesus comes, and Daniel 2 already refers to the two divisions of Rome (Europe/Turkey) gaining brittle clay. Brittle clay means false religion because clay is the symbol for true religion. So Daniel 2 refers to Europe and Turkey as two religious empires that rule until Jesus (the stone) comes.

Then Rev 13 also refers to a two part religious empire that controls the nations and sets up the beast. Knowing Daniel 2 , its pretty obvious that these two religious "horns" are the same two kingdoms, Europe and Turkey. Istanbul and Rome are additionally the two traditional political capitals of these two regions and also the two traditional religious capitals of these two regions.

Of course prophecy can be interpreted in many ways, so what I am saying is completely open to interpretation, I just feel its by far the most obvious and therefore the most correct identification of the two-horned beast.

[ARGOSY]

reading through this thread I get the feeling that different people havr very different ideas of what the antichrist is. since it really isn't mentioned by name in Revelation or Daniel it seems to me that you all should come to a decision of what in those books are actually the antichrist

good point. I believe anywhere that an actusl man is referred as claiming to be God, and having great political power right before the resurrection/second coming , that is the "man of sin" commonly known as the antichrist.

The 5 main chapters that describe him are as follows:

Daniel 7:“While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully..........

After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High.

Daniel 11/12: We know its end-times because it occurs at the resurrection:

The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. 38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites[e] in submission. 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at[f] the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

2 Thessalonians 2:

Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] 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. Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 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.

Rev 13:5

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

Rev 13:13

And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

Matt 24 Jesus defines this final period as having false Christs and false prophets (a Christ being the ultimate Jewish military saviour)

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Using common themes in all five chapters we see the following:

1) The antichrist will not have full control over earth (Daniel 11 indicates he does not have direct leadership over all regions. Daniel 7 indicates he controls just 3 of the ten future regions. Rev 13 indicates his empire resembles Alexander's Greek Empire. The two "horns" of Rev 13 have greater political control and religious control than the "beast".)

2) He controls Israel (Daniel 11), he is crowned "God" in Israel (2 Thessalonians), he is described as a Jewish leader (Matthew 24: false Messiah). He claims to be God (Daniel 11, 2 Thess 2, Rev 13).

3) He is boastful (Daniel 11, Revelation 13)

4) He claims to be Messiah (Matthew 24).

5) He is supported by false prophets (Matt 24/Rev 13).

6) He comes to power amidst great deceiving signs and wonders (Matt 24, 2 Thess 2, Rev 13).

7) He rules for a short tribulation period of 3.5 years (Implied by Daniel 11 and Matthew 24, stated in Rev 13).

Edited March 17, 2014 by ARGOSY

[ARGOSY]

While there have been a multitude of antichrists, them exhibiting the spirit of Antichrist, there is only one "the" Antichrist.

 

Them John was speaking to already had heard that Antichrist (singular) shall come, a single person.    In contrast to what they had already heard about, John contrasted that there were are many antichrists (as opposed to the one person) who exhibited the spirit of Antichrist, who shall come.

 

1John 2:18 - Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

 

The litte horn, the prince who shall come, the man of sin, the beast are all code names for the Antichrist, just as Jesus is the Prince of peace, the righteous branch, the suffering servant.

Hey Douggg, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

It is very common in scripture for singular context to sometimes refer to a body of people. This is especially true for the church, which is referred to as the "body" the "bride" the "lady", etc. In the book of Daniel a single statue is used to represent several nations. I don't believe there is a contrast in those scriptures that refers to many antichrists and one antichrist, I believe John is saying "You heard that antichrist was supposed to come, I'm telling you he's here now!" In Revelation, especially, the language is spiritual and figurative. A little horn can refer to many people, just as, again, back in Daniel, horns on a beast are used to refer to nations.

 

The Antichrist is one person, the "another" that Jesus told Nicodemus that they the Jews would unfortunately temporarily embrace as "the" messiah.  

 

"the" messiah, in context of its true meaning means the special King of Israel, son of David, anointed that God promised to send to lead Israel and the world into what we would call the messianic age of peace and harmony.     The Anti-messiah, or Antichrist, is the person who the Jews will embrace as their king instead of Jesus, who they rejected, as Jesus told Nicodemus they would.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Why would you think the little horn is anything but one person?   The Antichrist goes through 4 stages of his career (for lack of a better word).    His rise, then his fall.

 

1. the little horn politician of Daniel 7 and 8

2. the prince who shall come, illicit perceived King of Israel, son of David, anointed (messiah) of Daniel 9.

3. the revealed man of sin, son of perdition, of 2Thessalonians2

4. the antichrist-beast of Revelation.

 

What if he is not just one person? This is just an idea and something I think is possible. What if he's of many people. Like say the Pope for example. What if he is many Popes?

There is the "spirit of antichrist" which manifests in multiple people/antichrists and religious organisations over the centuries. But there is also one specific man who will rule for 3.5 years and be the ultimate manifestation of the "spirit of antichrist". The word "antichrist" is a good term to describe him, maybe the term "false christ" or "man of sin" or "abomination" would describe him better? I'm not too hung up on terminology when there are good descriptions of this man in Daniel 11, 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13. Daniel 7 also describes him as the "little horn".