Introducing The Antichrist
Daniel 7:15-28
Message #10
It’s time to play – Name that Antichrist… Who wants to play…?
When Pam and I got saved in 1979, naming the Antichrist was a big pastime for Christians. There are still plenty of people playing it – most of them are trying to get a following or make some money. We could name a top ten list of people who have been “identified” as the Antichrist. The Pope was first labeled as the Antichrist in the 12th century, and every pope since has been named. Most American presidents have made the list, even though America seems to play no role in the end-times. Still, Name that Antichrist is a game played too often by Christians, and too often that makes us look like kooks.
So, let’s not do that. Instead, let’s allow the Bible to introduce us to the Antichrist today.
We do not know who the Antichrist is, however
We know what kind of leader he is
We know how he rises to power and
We know what he does when he gets there
Knowing what the Bible actually says about the Antichrist is far more than enough to know. So let’s get introduced to the Antichrist from the Bible.
First, let’s review.
In Daniel Chapter 2, we studied Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue of a man, which Daniel interpreted as four world-ruling empires. Then the Kingdom of God finally destroyed all of man’s rule on earth and set up the Kingdom of God for eternity.
Then, in the first half of Daniel 7, we saw the same prophetic explanation, but from God’s perspective this time. Daniel himself had a vision that showed those same four world-ruling empires as beasts, and in the fourth empire was a specific mention of ten horns and a little horn appearing among them. Finally, we saw the judgment courtroom in heaven and God the Father was on the judgment throne. Then the Son of Man comes into the throne room, and he is given all authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world. His rule is eternal, and his kingdom will never end.
So twice now, God has given us the big picture overview of the history of Man’s rule on the earth, and now (in this message), God is going to introduce us to the mankind’s final world ruler, the one we call the Antichrist. It starts with Daniel being kind of freaked out by all this end of the world talk like you might be today. So, hang on, and we’re going to let God explain it.
Daniel 7:15 (NLT)
15 I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me.
See, Daniel was kind of freaked out. He was still in the vision, but he was troubled and terrified. So, Daniel’s going to do what is absolutely foreign to most men; he’s going to ask for directions.
Daniel 7:16-17 (NLT)
16 So I approached one of those standing beside the throne (Angel) and asked him what it all meant. (Good job Daniel) He explained it to me like this:
17 “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth.
Now, Daniel should have known that, but remember this vision is from God’s perspective. So asking for direction helps Daniel connect this vision to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream back in Chapter 2. And so Daniel is like, “Oh, okay. I get it now. Same prophecy, different perspective, right?” (That’s right, Daniel.) And Daniel also should’ve known it was the same prophecy, because in this one, just like the last one, God wins!
Can I just tell you one thing that is a consistent guarantee in all Biblical prophecy? Ultimately God wins every time, and ultimately the people of God win every time.
Daniel 7:18 (NLT)
18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”
God wins. God’s people win. But notice the saints don’t win themselves. They are given the kingdom to rule forever. Jesus Christ wins, on his own, by himself, and then he shares the rule of the kingdom with the saints forever.
Maybe Daniel should have gotten that stuff. But what was really gnawing at Daniel was this fourth beast, and he really wanted to understand that part of the vision.
Daniel 7:19 (NLT)
19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet.
Daniel knew now the fourth beast was the fourth world-ruling empire. But he wanted to know the truth about it. Why was it so different and so terrifying? We’ve already made it clear (twice) the fourth empire is the Roman Empire in its ancient form, devouring and crushing its victims and trampling the remains beneath its feet.
But it seems Daniel is most interested in what follows, and today, so are we.
Daniel 7:20 (NLT)
20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head
and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.
Daniel knew the ten horns were significant. He might have known horns symbolize “Ruling power.” And he saw a little horn coming up afterward and destroying three of the other horns and at the end of verse 20 is what we are focusing on today.
Verse 20(b) . . . This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.
This little horn seemed greater. It had human characteristics, and it had a big mouth (boasting arrogantly.) But this little horn was not “All talk and no action.” He was bringing heat on God’s people, and it seemed like he was winning.
Daniel 7:21 (NLT)
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them,
But, remember what I said… who ultimately wins in all Biblical prophecy? God and God’s people. And so, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, until:
Daniel 7:22 (NLT)
22 until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.
That is the win I’m talking about… The win comes when God says enough, and the time comes for God to snuff out this little horn and give the kingdom to the saints!
And now, the Angel that he’s been asking directions from takes over the explanation again.
Daniel 7:23 (NLT)
23 Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path.
Again, that’s the ancient Roman Empire that we’re already familiar with. But then the Angel’s explanation skips ahead to the revived Roman Empire that is forming today.
Daniel 7:24 (NLT)
24 Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire . . .
The ancient Roman Empire never had ten kings. But remember the dream in Daniel Chapter 2 showed a revived empire of iron and clay represented by ten toes? And this is a parallel vision with ten horns that are those ten kings. Now our focus today is not on this revived Roman Empire, except to say this is the empire the Antichrist will come out of. But let me just say if this is not the Federation of European Nations called the European Nation, then I don’t know what else it could be; the signs seem so clear that the E.U. fits, like a hand in a glove.
But our focus today is introducing the Antichrist, and so next we have his introduction in Daniel 7:24.
Daniel 7:24(B) (NLT)
24 . . . Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them.
He’s called The Little Horn here in Daniel 7. He’s called The Man of Sin and The Son of Destruction in 2 Thessalonians 2. He’s called The Beast in Revelation 13. This is the first mention in the Bible of the Antichrist, and the first thing we are told is he will arise, different from the other ten.
This word arise means “to come on the scene” or “to arise from inaction.” Out of a ten-nation federation of the revived Roman Empire, a leader will emerge on the scene, seemingly overnight, seemingly “out of nowhere” and he will be different from the other ten (end of verse 24.) He will not be ordinary; he will be extraordinary. He will be charismatic, and he will be compelling.
Listen to how that great illustrator Chuck Swindoll describes him:
He’ll have the oratory ability of a John Kennedy
He’ll have the inspirational power and persuasion of a Winston Churchill
He will have the determination of a Joseph Stalin and the vision of a Karl Marx
He will have the stature and respect of a Gandhi
He will have the military clout of a Douglas MacArthur and the charisma and winsomeness of a Will Rogers
He’ll have the genius of a Solomon and Albert Einstein, and he will have the respect of an Abraham Lincoln
The Antichrist will not come with a pitchfork and 666 tattooed on his forehead. He will be the best of everything man has ever had to offer.
How? How can one man embody all these “positive traits” in order to rise to become the world’s single ruler? Turn to Revelation 13:2.
Revelation 13:2(b) (NLT)
2 (2nd half) . . . And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.
The dragon is Satan himself, and he gives the Antichrist:
His own power
His own throne
His own great authority over this earth
And that doesn’t mean the Antichrist comes on the scene looking like the worst scary demon movie you have ever seen. It means he comes on the scene looking perfect in man’s eyes and having everything mankind wants. Isn’t that what Satan does now to lure you into destruction?
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NLT)
14 . . . Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15 . . . his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness . . .
And so the Antichrist is going to come on the scene with the best of every “win you over” personality trait possible.
Turn back to Daniel Chapter 7 – but keep a marker in Revelation Chapter 13 because we are coming right back. So, the Antichrist will rise up naturally through the single world power of the day… which prophetically is described as a ten-nation federation of the Revived Roman Empire. And a number of places say he will come on the scene by making what seems like a supernatural peace (we’ll talk about that in a minute.) But then, what is his ultimate purpose?
Daniel 7:25 (NLT)
25 He will defy (speak against) the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.
The Antichrist is going to defy God and oppress God’s people on the earth – like never before. And he will be allowed to brutalize the saints for three and a half years. Notice – at the end of verse 25, they (God’s people) will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.
A time = 1
Times (simple plural) = 2
Half a time = ½
Now to confirm this number means three and a half years, we have to turn back to Revelation Chapter 13.
Let’s start first with another huge reason the Antichrist is catapulted to worship level on the earth, and then we’ll get to the three and a half years. Let’s start in Revelation 13:3-4.
Revelation 13:3-4 (NLT)
3 I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery (the Antichrist) - but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.
4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”
So, not only will the Antichrist bring a seemingly supernatural peace when he comes on the scene… but he will also survive what seems like a fatal wound, but will portray it as a resurrection from the dead. And because of this, the people on earth will worship the dragon (Satan) and worship the beast (Antichrist.) Remember, all Satan wants is to be like God, and he wants his Antichrist to be like Jesus Christ. That’s all he’s ever wanted, and it seems like he gets it for three and a half years of the tribulation.
Revelation 13:5 (NLT)
5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.
That’s how we know the three and a half in Daniel is speaking of years. The Antichrist is allowed to speak great blasphemies against God and commit great atrocities against God’s people for forty-two months (or three and a half years.) And it gets worse.
Revelation 13:7–8 (NLT)
7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.
8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made—the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered.
Before Jesus Christ is given the rule over every tribe and people and language and nation, God allows mankind to give that rule to the Antichrist, and the Antichrist loves it, and believe me, he abuses it. The unsaved world worships him (those whose names are not written in the Book of Life). But he is at war with the saints on earth, and Revelation 20 says many of those saints will be martyred for their faith – during the tribulation.
Now before we close, can I just comment on these saints who are IN the tribulation? We believe firmly that all believers today will be raptured before the tribulation (in fact three and a half years before this time.)
To get our full view on the rapture, just ask Word By Mail for the message – “Rapture!”
So, who are those saints the Antichrist is making war with during the last half of the tribulation? We believe they are those who come to faith in Jesus Christ during the tribulation, both Jews and Gentiles, and those saints who come to faith during the tribulation are going to experience persecution like never before.
And so, if that’s you and if you (out there somewhere) are somehow listening to this message during the tribulation, hold on – stay faithful! God wants to use you for good, in the tribulation. And God has your eternal inheritance reserved for you in Heaven, and he will take you there to be with him… the moment the Antichrist has you beheaded. So take hope and serve God faithfully until the very end. And be encouraged by God’s Word, including the next two verses in Revelation 13 written especially for you.
Revelation 13:9-10 (NLT)
9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.
10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.
If you are listening and the rapture has happened, and you are in the tribulation, remain faithful to God – until the very end – and God will reward you with the crown of life. And if you are listening and the rapture has not happened yet, my strong encouragement is that you commit your life to Jesus Christ before the rapture occurs. Because some scholars believe if you reject Jesus Christ before the rapture, you will not be able to receive him after the rapture. I don’t know for sure about that, but the consequences are eternal. Please don’t risk it.
Let’s go back to Daniel Chapter 7, and close with the good news. The tribulation period is seven years. The Antichrist’s war with the saints occurs during the second half. But in the end – who wins?
Daniel 7:26-27 (NLT)
26 “But then (after the three and a half years) the court will pass judgment, and all his (the Antichrist) power will be taken away and completely destroyed.
27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.”
God wins in the end! And Jesus takes what is rightfully his. He takes back all sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven. And those who belong to Christ by faith will share in the inheritance (and the rule) of his eternal kingdom.
MAKE SURE you are on the right side BEFORE this day comes.
Now, because of how Daniel Chapter 7 ends, I think we’ll come back and talk about the Antichrist in one more message.
Daniel 7:28 (NLT)
28 That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.
You may feel the same way as Daniel, terrified by your thoughts and your face pale with fear, but keeping these things to yourself… So we will do another message on the Antichrist.
For today, can we just bow in prayer while I read a final scripture… 1 Thessalonians describes what we call the rapture. The “snatching away” of all believers before the tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 (NLT)
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.
17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
18 So encourage each other with these words.
Can I ask you, are you going? When the Lord cracks the sky and shouts for us to come meet him in the air, are you going? If you don’t know, you can know right now.
John 3:16 (ESV)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
When Pam and I got saved in 1979, naming the Antichrist was a big pastime for Christians. There are still plenty of people playing it – most of them are trying to get a following or make some money. We could name a top ten list of people who have been “identified” as the Antichrist. The Pope was first labeled as the Antichrist in the 12th century, and every pope since has been named. Most American presidents have made the list, even though America seems to play no role in the end-times. Still, Name that Antichrist is a game played too often by Christians, and too often that makes us look like kooks.
So, let’s not do that. Instead, let’s allow the Bible to introduce us to the Antichrist today.
We do not know who the Antichrist is, however
We know what kind of leader he is
We know how he rises to power and
We know what he does when he gets there
Knowing what the Bible actually says about the Antichrist is far more than enough to know. So let’s get introduced to the Antichrist from the Bible.
First, let’s review.
In Daniel Chapter 2, we studied Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue of a man, which Daniel interpreted as four world-ruling empires. Then the Kingdom of God finally destroyed all of man’s rule on earth and set up the Kingdom of God for eternity.
Then, in the first half of Daniel 7, we saw the same prophetic explanation, but from God’s perspective this time. Daniel himself had a vision that showed those same four world-ruling empires as beasts, and in the fourth empire was a specific mention of ten horns and a little horn appearing among them. Finally, we saw the judgment courtroom in heaven and God the Father was on the judgment throne. Then the Son of Man comes into the throne room, and he is given all authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world. His rule is eternal, and his kingdom will never end.
So twice now, God has given us the big picture overview of the history of Man’s rule on the earth, and now (in this message), God is going to introduce us to the mankind’s final world ruler, the one we call the Antichrist. It starts with Daniel being kind of freaked out by all this end of the world talk like you might be today. So, hang on, and we’re going to let God explain it.
Daniel 7:15 (NLT)
15 I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me.
See, Daniel was kind of freaked out. He was still in the vision, but he was troubled and terrified. So, Daniel’s going to do what is absolutely foreign to most men; he’s going to ask for directions.
Daniel 7:16-17 (NLT)
16 So I approached one of those standing beside the throne (Angel) and asked him what it all meant. (Good job Daniel) He explained it to me like this:
17 “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth.
Now, Daniel should have known that, but remember this vision is from God’s perspective. So asking for direction helps Daniel connect this vision to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream back in Chapter 2. And so Daniel is like, “Oh, okay. I get it now. Same prophecy, different perspective, right?” (That’s right, Daniel.) And Daniel also should’ve known it was the same prophecy, because in this one, just like the last one, God wins!
Can I just tell you one thing that is a consistent guarantee in all Biblical prophecy? Ultimately God wins every time, and ultimately the people of God win every time.
Daniel 7:18 (NLT)
18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”
God wins. God’s people win. But notice the saints don’t win themselves. They are given the kingdom to rule forever. Jesus Christ wins, on his own, by himself, and then he shares the rule of the kingdom with the saints forever.
Maybe Daniel should have gotten that stuff. But what was really gnawing at Daniel was this fourth beast, and he really wanted to understand that part of the vision.
Daniel 7:19 (NLT)
19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet.
Daniel knew now the fourth beast was the fourth world-ruling empire. But he wanted to know the truth about it. Why was it so different and so terrifying? We’ve already made it clear (twice) the fourth empire is the Roman Empire in its ancient form, devouring and crushing its victims and trampling the remains beneath its feet.
But it seems Daniel is most interested in what follows, and today, so are we.
Daniel 7:20 (NLT)
20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head
and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.
Daniel knew the ten horns were significant. He might have known horns symbolize “Ruling power.” And he saw a little horn coming up afterward and destroying three of the other horns and at the end of verse 20 is what we are focusing on today.
Verse 20(b) . . . This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.
This little horn seemed greater. It had human characteristics, and it had a big mouth (boasting arrogantly.) But this little horn was not “All talk and no action.” He was bringing heat on God’s people, and it seemed like he was winning.
Daniel 7:21 (NLT)
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them,
But, remember what I said… who ultimately wins in all Biblical prophecy? God and God’s people. And so, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, until:
Daniel 7:22 (NLT)
22 until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.
That is the win I’m talking about… The win comes when God says enough, and the time comes for God to snuff out this little horn and give the kingdom to the saints!
And now, the Angel that he’s been asking directions from takes over the explanation again.
Daniel 7:23 (NLT)
23 Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path.
Again, that’s the ancient Roman Empire that we’re already familiar with. But then the Angel’s explanation skips ahead to the revived Roman Empire that is forming today.
Daniel 7:24 (NLT)
24 Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire . . .
The ancient Roman Empire never had ten kings. But remember the dream in Daniel Chapter 2 showed a revived empire of iron and clay represented by ten toes? And this is a parallel vision with ten horns that are those ten kings. Now our focus today is not on this revived Roman Empire, except to say this is the empire the Antichrist will come out of. But let me just say if this is not the Federation of European Nations called the European Nation, then I don’t know what else it could be; the signs seem so clear that the E.U. fits, like a hand in a glove.
But our focus today is introducing the Antichrist, and so next we have his introduction in Daniel 7:24.
Daniel 7:24(B) (NLT)
24 . . . Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them.
He’s called The Little Horn here in Daniel 7. He’s called The Man of Sin and The Son of Destruction in 2 Thessalonians 2. He’s called The Beast in Revelation 13. This is the first mention in the Bible of the Antichrist, and the first thing we are told is he will arise, different from the other ten.
This word arise means “to come on the scene” or “to arise from inaction.” Out of a ten-nation federation of the revived Roman Empire, a leader will emerge on the scene, seemingly overnight, seemingly “out of nowhere” and he will be different from the other ten (end of verse 24.) He will not be ordinary; he will be extraordinary. He will be charismatic, and he will be compelling.
Listen to how that great illustrator Chuck Swindoll describes him:
He’ll have the oratory ability of a John Kennedy
He’ll have the inspirational power and persuasion of a Winston Churchill
He will have the determination of a Joseph Stalin and the vision of a Karl Marx
He will have the stature and respect of a Gandhi
He will have the military clout of a Douglas MacArthur and the charisma and winsomeness of a Will Rogers
He’ll have the genius of a Solomon and Albert Einstein, and he will have the respect of an Abraham Lincoln
The Antichrist will not come with a pitchfork and 666 tattooed on his forehead. He will be the best of everything man has ever had to offer.
How? How can one man embody all these “positive traits” in order to rise to become the world’s single ruler? Turn to Revelation 13:2.
Revelation 13:2(b) (NLT)
2 (2nd half) . . . And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.
The dragon is Satan himself, and he gives the Antichrist:
His own power
His own throne
His own great authority over this earth
And that doesn’t mean the Antichrist comes on the scene looking like the worst scary demon movie you have ever seen. It means he comes on the scene looking perfect in man’s eyes and having everything mankind wants. Isn’t that what Satan does now to lure you into destruction?
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NLT)
14 . . . Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15 . . . his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness . . .
And so the Antichrist is going to come on the scene with the best of every “win you over” personality trait possible.
Turn back to Daniel Chapter 7 – but keep a marker in Revelation Chapter 13 because we are coming right back. So, the Antichrist will rise up naturally through the single world power of the day… which prophetically is described as a ten-nation federation of the Revived Roman Empire. And a number of places say he will come on the scene by making what seems like a supernatural peace (we’ll talk about that in a minute.) But then, what is his ultimate purpose?
Daniel 7:25 (NLT)
25 He will defy (speak against) the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.
The Antichrist is going to defy God and oppress God’s people on the earth – like never before. And he will be allowed to brutalize the saints for three and a half years. Notice – at the end of verse 25, they (God’s people) will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.
A time = 1
Times (simple plural) = 2
Half a time = ½
Now to confirm this number means three and a half years, we have to turn back to Revelation Chapter 13.
Let’s start first with another huge reason the Antichrist is catapulted to worship level on the earth, and then we’ll get to the three and a half years. Let’s start in Revelation 13:3-4.
Revelation 13:3-4 (NLT)
3 I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery (the Antichrist) - but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.
4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”
So, not only will the Antichrist bring a seemingly supernatural peace when he comes on the scene… but he will also survive what seems like a fatal wound, but will portray it as a resurrection from the dead. And because of this, the people on earth will worship the dragon (Satan) and worship the beast (Antichrist.) Remember, all Satan wants is to be like God, and he wants his Antichrist to be like Jesus Christ. That’s all he’s ever wanted, and it seems like he gets it for three and a half years of the tribulation.
Revelation 13:5 (NLT)
5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.
That’s how we know the three and a half in Daniel is speaking of years. The Antichrist is allowed to speak great blasphemies against God and commit great atrocities against God’s people for forty-two months (or three and a half years.) And it gets worse.
Revelation 13:7–8 (NLT)
7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.
8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made—the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered.
Before Jesus Christ is given the rule over every tribe and people and language and nation, God allows mankind to give that rule to the Antichrist, and the Antichrist loves it, and believe me, he abuses it. The unsaved world worships him (those whose names are not written in the Book of Life). But he is at war with the saints on earth, and Revelation 20 says many of those saints will be martyred for their faith – during the tribulation.
Now before we close, can I just comment on these saints who are IN the tribulation? We believe firmly that all believers today will be raptured before the tribulation (in fact three and a half years before this time.)
To get our full view on the rapture, just ask Word By Mail for the message – “Rapture!”
So, who are those saints the Antichrist is making war with during the last half of the tribulation? We believe they are those who come to faith in Jesus Christ during the tribulation, both Jews and Gentiles, and those saints who come to faith during the tribulation are going to experience persecution like never before.
And so, if that’s you and if you (out there somewhere) are somehow listening to this message during the tribulation, hold on – stay faithful! God wants to use you for good, in the tribulation. And God has your eternal inheritance reserved for you in Heaven, and he will take you there to be with him… the moment the Antichrist has you beheaded. So take hope and serve God faithfully until the very end. And be encouraged by God’s Word, including the next two verses in Revelation 13 written especially for you.
Revelation 13:9-10 (NLT)
9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.
10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.
If you are listening and the rapture has happened, and you are in the tribulation, remain faithful to God – until the very end – and God will reward you with the crown of life. And if you are listening and the rapture has not happened yet, my strong encouragement is that you commit your life to Jesus Christ before the rapture occurs. Because some scholars believe if you reject Jesus Christ before the rapture, you will not be able to receive him after the rapture. I don’t know for sure about that, but the consequences are eternal. Please don’t risk it.
Let’s go back to Daniel Chapter 7, and close with the good news. The tribulation period is seven years. The Antichrist’s war with the saints occurs during the second half. But in the end – who wins?
Daniel 7:26-27 (NLT)
26 “But then (after the three and a half years) the court will pass judgment, and all his (the Antichrist) power will be taken away and completely destroyed.
27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.”
God wins in the end! And Jesus takes what is rightfully his. He takes back all sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven. And those who belong to Christ by faith will share in the inheritance (and the rule) of his eternal kingdom.
MAKE SURE you are on the right side BEFORE this day comes.
Now, because of how Daniel Chapter 7 ends, I think we’ll come back and talk about the Antichrist in one more message.
Daniel 7:28 (NLT)
28 That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.
You may feel the same way as Daniel, terrified by your thoughts and your face pale with fear, but keeping these things to yourself… So we will do another message on the Antichrist.
For today, can we just bow in prayer while I read a final scripture… 1 Thessalonians describes what we call the rapture. The “snatching away” of all believers before the tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 (NLT)
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.
17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
18 So encourage each other with these words.
Can I ask you, are you going? When the Lord cracks the sky and shouts for us to come meet him in the air, are you going? If you don’t know, you can know right now.
John 3:16 (ESV)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.