THE ANTICHRIST
Commentary by Jon Courson
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Intellectual & Boastful Daniel 7:20
He Will Exalt Himself Above The God Of Gods Daniel 11:36
He Will Have No Desire For Women Daniel 11:37
He Will Honor 'A God Of Fortresses' Daniel 11:38
He Will Have Authority; Daniel 7:20 Revelation 13:2
He Will Seize By Intrigue Daniel 11:21
Shrewd & Deceitful & Powerful Dan 8:25 & 11:38 ,Rev 13:17 Psalm 52:7, Ez 28:4,5
A Forceful Military Leader Daniel 8:24, Rev 6:2, Revelation 13:4,
A Powerful Leader Revelation 17:17
A Unifying Religious Guru 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ,Revelation 13:3,14,15
Adversary Psalm 74:8-10 , Lam 4:11,12,
Assyrian Isaiah 10:5, 12
Man Of Bloodshed & Deceit Psalm 5:6
Little Horn Daniel 7:8-11, 21-26, 8:9-12, 23-25
Profane & Wicked Prince Of Israel Ezekiel 21:25-27
Man Of Lawlessness / Son Of Perdition 2 Thessalonians 2:3
One Bringing Signs & Wonders 2 Thessalonians 2:9
One Who Comes In His Own Name John 5:43
Antichrist / Pseudo-Christ 1 John 2:22
The Beast Revelation 11:7, 13
Lawless One 2 Thessalonians 2:8
Beast From The Sea Revelation 13
One Whose Fatal Wound Will Heal Revelation 13:3 & 12
Vine Of The Earth Revelation 14:18
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A Study of 2 Thessalonians 2
2 Thessalonians 2:2 (b)
…as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Although your King James Version translates this phrase “as that the day of Christ is at hand,” more recent and correct translations render this verse “the day of the Lord has already come” (NIV). As seen in the first and second chapters of the Book of Joel, the Day of the Lord is when the Lord intervenes in human history and brings about judgment and justice. It will begin with the Tribulation, extend through the Millennium, and culminate with the replacement of this earth by a new creation (Joel 2).
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (a)
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…
The Greek word apostasia is translated “falling away.” It is also where we get our word “apostasy.” There are two equally valid translations of the word apostasia. The first translation is “turning one’s back on truth.” The second is a literal, physical “departure.” Consequently, many Bible scholars have argued very passionately that the phrase “falling away” refers to a departure from earth—the Rapture. Others argue that the phrase simply means turning one’s back on truth.
Which translation is correct? I believe it could be either one. The Tribulation will begin after the world continues to turn its back on truth (Matthew 24:12), and it will come after the church physically departs during the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 18).
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (b)
…and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.
The word “perdition” means “waste.” The phrase “the son of perdition” is used twice in the Bible. Here, it is linked to Antichrist. The other time it is seen in Jesus’ High Priestly prayer.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. John 17:12
Who is this “son of perdition”? Judas Iscariot. The same spirit that filled Judas Iscariot, making him the son of perdition, will also make Antichrist the “son of perdition.”
When Mary broke her alabaster box and anointed Jesus in an act of worship, Judas said “To what purpose is this waste?” (Matthew 26:8; John 12:4, 5)
Nothing given to the Lord is ever wasted. The young missionary martyred by the Auca Indians was right when he said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”1 Jim Elliot understood the big picture. Judas, the son of perdition, did not.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (a)
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God…
“Little children,” wrote John, “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” (1 John 2:18).
The word “anti” does not only mean “against.” It also means “in place of.” Thus, the spirit of antichrist can be in the temple of my own body. I’m not talking about demons, but about the mind-set that leads me to say, “I don’t need to rely on Christ. I don’t need to pray about my kids today. I don’t need to pray about how to use my time.”
What will be the result? The same things that will follow the physical antichrist: I will experience “famine, wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:4–8). I’ll have problems in my marriage, my family, my ministry. The tribulation believers endure is often unnecessary. They could have been “raptured to heaven” by spending time seeking the Lord in the morning. They could have been “caught up in the clouds to meet Him in the air” and thus gained a heavenly perspective on the day before them. Instead, they chose to captain their own ship, plot their own course, and rely on their own wisdom instead of Christ’s.
Oh, none of us are “anti-Christ” in the sense that we’re against Him. We are, however, vulnerable to the subtle thinking that takes the place of Christ, whereby we make our own decisions and call our own shots. The spirit of Antichrist can pollute any of us. Let’s be wise and say, “My temple is dedicated to only One: Jesus Christ. He will reign in my heart. He will rule my life. “
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (b)
…shewing himself that he is God.
After the “departure” of verse 3, Antichrist will demand to be worshiped as God in the temple in Jerusalem. This is really going to happen, gang. You can go to the Temple Treasury Museum in Jerusalem and see the garments already made for the priests, along with the utensils, tools, candles, mitres, and plans to replicate the ark of the covenant to Levitical standards.
“Wait a minute,” you say. “How can the temple be rebuilt when the Mosque of Omar, the Dome of the Rock, the third most holy site of Islam sits on the very spot where the temple is to be rebuilt? To bulldoze it down would start a holy war of unbelievable proportions, as 850 million Muslims would rise up and crush the three million Jews in Israel.”
Dr. Asher Kaufman is one of a number of Jewish archaeologists who contend the Dome of the Rock Mosque does not sit on the site of the Holy of Holies as previously believed. The actual Holy of Holies lies beneath a little gazebo-like structure called the Dome of the Tablets and the Dome of the Spirits.
Why would this spot be referred to as the Dome of the Tablets?
The Tablets were there.
What tablets?
The Ten Commandments that were in the ark of the covenant, which sat in the Holy of Holies.
Why would this spot be referred to as the Dome of the Spirits?
The Spirit of God, the shekinah glory, filled the Holy of Holies.
What stands on the temple mount in front of the Dome of the Spirits, the Dome of the Tablets?
Nothing.
“Let me solve this sticky issue, the Palestinian problem, the question of Jerusalem,” Antichrist will say. “Jews, you build your temple on the true site of the temple. We’ll build a wall to separate it from the Muslim Dome of the Rock Mosque.” Ezekiel prophesied this very thing would happen (Ezekiel 42:20). In this way, Antichrist will seemingly solve the problem that has troubled and divided Jerusalem for centuries. The people will say, “He’s wonderful. He’s our hero!”
Then, in the midst of his popularity, Antichrist will walk into the temple and demand to be worshiped, “showing himself that he is God,” and the horrific second half of the seven-year Tribulation will follow.
“Don’t be shaken,” Paul says to the Thessalonians. “You are not in the Tribulation. This is not the Day of the Lord. You did not miss the Rapture because the “son of perdition”—Antichrist—has not yet come.”
2 Thessalonians 2:5
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
“Don’t you remember that I explained these things when I was with you?” Paul asks the Thessalonian believers.
2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7 (a)
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work…
The “mystery of iniquity” refers to Satan’s desire to take control of the world through Antichrist.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 (b)
…only he who now letteth will let…
A “let” in tennis is the term used when a served ball bounces off, or is deflected, by the net. In other words, the net keeps the ball from being a fair serve. So, too, there is a force deflecting Satan’s attempt to control the world.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 (c)
…until he be taken out of the way.
Who is the force hindering Satan? The Holy Spirit. The only thing keeping any degree of sanity on this planet is the Spirit working in and through the church. When the Rapture takes place, the “net” is removed, and Satan’s volleys will no longer be deflected.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 (a)
And then shall that Wicked be revealed…
“Wicked” refers to the wicked one, or Antichrist. After the church is raptured, Satan will fill a human vessel who will usher in the new economic system and world order preceding the Tribulation.
Come on, you may be thinking. Do you really believe a literal, physical character claiming to be divine and godly, but actually filled with Satan, will appear on the scene?
Yes. Little by little, even the world is unknowingly beginning to accept such a possibility. Through silly “X-Files” propaganda, the world is being prepped to explain away the disappearance of Christians in the Rapture. Through recent scientific advancements such as DNA cloning, the emergence of a “Christ figure” is, in the world’s eyes, no longer a preposterous concept.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 (b)
…whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
As intimidating as Antichrist may be, when Jesus comes back, His brightness will blast Antichrist into oblivion.
2 Thessalonians 2:9
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.
May the Lord help us to be cautious so we are not taken in by so-called signs and wonders even in this day. They can indeed be false.
They saw the Red Sea part, and the waters collapse on the armies of Pharaoh. They saw a mountain shake; and heard a voice from heaven. They saw food fall every morning and the earth swallow people. They were led by a fiery pillar at night, and a cloud by day. They saw more signs and wonders than any group of people in history. Yet the children of Israel could not enter into the Promised Land because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19).
Signs and wonders do not produce faith. They only produce a craving for more signs and wonders. That’s why, centuries later, the Jews were still asking for more (John 6:30).
As we approach the final days, there will be an increase in signs and wonders, along with vulnerability even within the body of Christ to chase after, and to be intrigued by them. Jesus said signs and wonders shall follow those who believe (Mark 16:17). The problem today is that those who believe are following after signs and wonders. There’s a big difference. Miracles do not produce faith. Only the Word produces faith (Romans 10:17).
A Study of Revelation 13
Twenty-nine years before Christ came as the Babe of Bethlehem, the worship of Caesar had been instituted throughout the Roman Empire. Initially, the Caesars viewed this as little more than a way to stir up feelings of patriotism within the people of the empire. But at the end of the first century, Caesar Nero actually believed his press clippings and truly believed he was God in the flesh. Thus, beginning with his reign, every subject within the Roman Empire was required to go to one of the pagan temples, stand before a priest, and confess on a yearly basis that Caesar was Lord.
For most, it was merely an annoyance. Not so for the believers. They wouldn’t play the game. As a result, most historians believe that the number of Christians killed in the ten waves of persecution that followed exceeded six million. Consequently, what John writes about here is not only for us in these last days in terms of prophecy and eschatology—but for the hearts of his flock, who themselves were face-to-face with the beast of Roman persecution.
You see, John the prophet is also John the pastor—sharing his heart with any and all facing hard times.…
Revelation 13:1 (a)
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast…
The beast John sees is Antichrist. “Antichrist” literally meaning “in place of Christ,” John would go on to write that there are many antichrists—not the Antichrist, but anything that takes one’s focus off Jesus (1 John 2:18). Here in Revelation 13, however, the reference is to the Antichrist.
Revelation 13:1 (b)
…rise up out of the sea…
“The sea” in Bible typology always referring to Gentile nations as opposed to “the land” referring to Israel, the mention of the sea here indicates that Antichrist will not come from Israel. In fact, chapter 17 goes on to say that the beast will come from the ten Gentile nations that stem from the old Roman Empire and that make up the last world empire. But this doesn’t necessarily mean Antichrist will be a Gentile, for he could be a European Jew.
Revelation 13:1 (c)
…having seven heads…
Revelation 17 identifies the seven heads as the seven mountains of Rome. Thus, Antichrist’s government will initially be based in the city of Rome.
Revelation 13:1 (d)
…and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns…
There are ten crowns on only seven heads because, according to Daniel 2 and 7, when Antichrist comes to power, he will initially grab the reigns of three nations from the ten-nation confederation. As you study history, you catch glimpses of men who wanted to revive the glory of Rome. But it won’t happen until Antichrist comes, for he alone will be able to reignite the fire of the Roman Empire.
Revelation 13:1 (e)
…and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
The beast has blasphemy upon his heads because he has rebellion on his mind. The image of a seven-headed, ten-horned beast is meant to be monstrous and hideous, for such is the nature of the one who is rebellious, who is blasphemous, who is—as we shall see—the devil incarnate.
Revelation 13:2
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
The four successive empires that would rule during the time Israel was a nation are described as a glorious statue in Daniel 2. Such is man’s perspective. God’s perspective, however, is seen in Daniel 7 through a series of monstrous beasts—the same beasts described here, although in inverse order: the leopard symbolizing Alexander the Great’s ability to pounce; the bear symbolizing the Medes and the Persians, the lion symbolizing Babylon. Why is the order inversed in Daniel? Because Daniel is looking ahead, while John is looking back.
Revelation 13:3
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
At this point in the Tribulation, Antichrist is mortally wounded. According to Zechariah 11:17, there will be an assassination attempt on Antichrist that will evidently cause his eye to be poked out and his right arm to be paralyzed. Because the Greek text can either be rendered “wounded to death” or “wounded to the appearance of death,” there are those who believe Antichrist will only appear to be dead as a result of this wound. My opinion, however, is that he truly will die and descend to hell (Revelation 17:8).
Revelation 13:4
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
At the point this popular, powerful figure—who captures the affection and imagination of the entire world with all of his grand ideas and peace programs—ascends from hell, he truly is the incarnation of Satan. Just as Jesus Christ comes from heaven and is God, it would seem as though Antichrist will truly be the incarnation of the dragon, of Satan. Put yourself in the shoes of those who will see this great leader come back to life after being assassinated, and you will understand why they will give Satan what he has desired ever since he was cast out of heaven before the fall: worship.
Revelation 13:5 (a)
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies…
Antichrist is on a roll. He’s on Larry King, Oprah, World News Tonight declaring that he truly is deity.
Revelation 13:5 (b)
…and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
How long is forty-two months? Three and a half years, 1,260 days, or “a time, times and a half time.” All of these phrases pop up throughout Revelation and describe the last half of the Tribulation—the Great Tribulation. And now begins the hellish last half of Antichrist’s seven-year reign.…
Revelation 13:6, 7 (a)
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints…
Some people believe that the church must be on earth during the Tribulation in order for Antichrist to “make war with the saints.” But they fail to understand that there are three groups of people in the Bible referred to as saints: Simply meaning “separated one,” throughout the Old Testament the word “saints” refers to Israel. In the New Testament it refers to the church. And after the church is raptured, it refers to those who are saved in the Tribulation.
Revelation 13:7 (b)
…and to overcome them…
“I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” Jesus said (Matthew 16:18). The church will not be overcome. Therefore, this passage cannot refer to the church.
Revelation 13:7 (c), 8 (a)
…and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him…
“Dwell” meaning “to be at home with,” and earth referring to the world system, those who are comfortable with the worldly scene will end up worshiping Antichrist.
Revelation 13:8 (b)
…whose names are not written in the book of life…
The book of life includes the names of those who get saved during the Tribulation.
Revelation 13:8 (c)
…of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The book of life belongs to the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world—or from before the foundation of the world, as the newer translations render this verse. Too many people have far too small a view of what Christ did in dying for the sin of humanity—including me.
Growing up, I was under the distinct impression that Jesus died on the Cross and remained there for six hours, paying the price for my sin. While that is true, it’s not the full picture. You see, the Old Testament makes unmistakably clear the fact that every sin needs to be dealt with individually. That is why Old Testament believers were required to lay their hands on the animals they sacrificed and confess their sins specifically (Leviticus 1:4). Yes, there was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement for the nation, but every individual was still required by the law to make sacrifice for his personal transgressions in the trespass offering. Multiply all of the sins of those in your church—add to that the sins of all of the people in our country, all of the folks who have lived throughout history—and the amount of sin staggers the imagination.
That is why I believe that when the Word speaks of Christ being slain before the foundation of the world, only heaven will allow us to understand that He was slaughtered and slain in a way we cannot understand in the time/space continuum in which we live. Consequently, when we see Him, we will worship Him with an intensity and an explosion of praise never before experienced because we will at last see Him as a Lamb having been slain—newly slain. “I thought He was on the Cross for a few hours one Friday,” we’ll say. “I had no idea what my sin cost Him.”
Revelation 13:9, 10 (a)
If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.
What is John saying? I can hear his heart, can’t you? He’s saying to those in his day, just as he would say to me and you today who are in tribulation or difficulties, “The one putting you in prison, unsheathing the sword, marching you into the coliseum is himself going down.”
Revelation 13:10 (b)
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Do you realize how blessed we are because we know the end of the story? You may be in a difficult marriage, persecuted on the job, fighting illness, undergoing severe pressures financially, or weary of your flesh that rears its ugly head constantly. But we know one day it will all be solved. That’s what John told his people. And that’s what the Spirit would say to us. We who have been saved awhile take this for granted. But what if this was the first time you understood that everything that plagues you presently will be gone in a heartbeat; that you’re going to heaven, where everything will be wonderful forever and ever?
“If any man has an ear, let him hear. Listen up,” says Pastor John. “I don’t care if you miss everything else, get this: The forces against you are soon going to be done away with: The beast, persecution, problems, will undo themselves.”
That’s why I need to read the Book of Revelation over and over again. It’s not about deciphering the mark of the Beast. It’s not written to help us figure out who the false prophet or Antichrist is. It’s written to give us hope and to bring us back constantly to the fact that life is short and we’ll be in heaven soon.
The person who doesn’t understand the Book of Revelation will go through life in his own personal tribulation. The person who grabs hold of Revelation, on the other hand, will live in a state of anticipation and celebration. Every single one of us will either go through this week in tribulation or celebration.
Life is short. The Lord is in control. We’re going to heaven. That’s what this book is about.
Revelation 13:11 (a)
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth…
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity (John 14:16). The other beast named here—the false prophet, as we shall see—is to Antichrist what the Holy Spirit is to Jesus.
Revelation 13:11 (b)
…and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Minus the horns or crowns of Antichrist, the false prophet comes across like a lamb. He seems to be so humble and gentle. Whereas Antichrist is the political leader, the false prophet is the religious leader who will unify the world religion as the public relations man for Antichrist.
Revelation 13:12
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Who’s the first beast? Antichrist. The ministry of the Spirit is to put the focus on Jesus. The ministry of the false prophet is to put the focus on Antichrist. The parallel is exact.
Revelation 13:13, 14
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Although this false prophet will appear to be as gentle as a lamb, he’ll also have the ability to call fire down from heaven. This should be a practical word of warning to you and me. You see, there are those who come on the scene appearing to be so spiritual and so “on fire.” But Pastor John the Revelator would have us be aware of the very real ability of Satan to transform himself into an angel of light and to perform all kinds of miracles.
Gang, whenever someone comes on the scene pointing to some movement, man, mantra, or method, saying, “This is the hot thing”—I would encourage you to run in the opposite direction. When a person or group is more excited about what’s happening in Canada or Korea than they are about the character, work, or Person of Jesus—stay away. You can always spot a counterfeit. Like the false prophet, a counterfeit calls attention to “Antichrist,” to something “in place of Christ.”
Revelation 13:15
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
What is this statue evidently erected in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem? Computer chips are presently based on sand, on silicon. But the new computer chips will be based on living matter, on protein. When these protein-based computer chips finally get perfected, the computing power will immediately increase fifty thousand times. So it could be that this image is a sophisticated automaton. Or it could be an image that is powered demonically. Whatever it is, it will appear to have life.
Revelation 13:16, 17
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.” This is the “shema” of Deuteronomy 6:4 that is so essential to Jewish belief that it is placed in phylacteries and worn on the head and arms of Orthodox Jews to this day.
I find it interesting that even as Satan, Antichrist, and the false prophet counterfeit the Trinity, so their mark worn on the head and arm counterfeits the command of God in Deuteronomy 6:4–8.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Deuteronomy 6:4–8
I am reminded of Pharaoh’s magicians who could do no more than mimic the miracles God did through Moses. Because God is the only Creator, Satan is left to do no more than copy.
Revelation 13:18
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Throughout the Old Testament when God gave dietary regulations and health procedures to His people, He never explained His reasons. He simply said, “I am the Lord” (Leviticus 11:44). In the ensuing centuries, as scientific and medical knowledge caught up, man slowly understood the wisdom behind God’s commands. So, too, the reason God’s command in Leviticus 19:28 not to mark our bodies becomes ever clearer in light of the demand of Antichrist to receive his mark in one’s body.
“Trust Me,” says the Lord. “I love you passionately and want nothing but the best for you eternally.” Truly, here is wisdom.
THE BEAST WHO WAS MARKED
A Topical Study of
Revelation 13:16–18
John wrote this Book of Revelation while on an isolated island, wearing clothing that looked more like a towel than what we wear today, during a period in history when the highest form of technology was a mule, and when the world’s economy was based on bartering. Therefore, what makes this passage so absolutely intriguing is that John describes precisely that which is upon us economically and culturally.
For centuries, this passage confused Bible scholars. While they knew it was true, exactly how it would happen was beyond their wildest imaginations. But for us, this is no big deal, for we are accustomed to buying and selling numerically.
The banking industry has been pushing hard for a cashless society for many decades. Why? Every check costs a bank between thirty-five and sixty cents to process. Electronic transactions, on the other hand, cost one cent. Banks have a very real interest in seeing us move toward an electronic funds transfer system. So do small business owners, due to the multimillion-dollar price they pay for employees who steal from the till.
Not only are banks and businesses eager to see a cashless society, but the IRS is as well. The government loses what is estimated to be one trillion dollars a year in the “underground” economy—the system whereby employees are paid in cash in order to avoid the paper trail that would require them to pay taxes.
Technology for a cashless society has been around for decades. The only reason we have not seen it implemented until recently is not due to a lack of technology, but rather to a phobia with technology. Because people my age and older are somewhat techno-phobic, we have been reluctant to embrace technology. But that’s changing. Why? It is partially due to the fact that the older generation is dying. You see, the kids who have grown up with Nintendo are not intimidated by technology in the least.
Even more than this, our culture has changed in such a way that even we who are older are feeling a need to move into a cashless society. Consider the reasons why.…
Crime. So many people are being ripped off after withdrawing money from Automated Teller Machines, that cities like Berkeley, California, are passing ordinances making it illegal to stand within one hundred fifty feet of an ATM unless making a transaction.
Drugs. Drug lords don’t write checks. The entire drug culture is based on the exchange of cash, rendering a record of such transactions nonexistent. Consequently, the most effective way to curb drug traffic would be to get rid of all cash.
Taxes. On television one week was a story on the various ways the wealthy in our society legally avoid paying one penny on their vast amounts of income—one of which is to deal solely with cash. Because the taxes of commoners like you and me go up radically as a result, people are demanding something be done to restore equity in our tax system. How can this happen? One of the easiest ways is to get rid of cash.
Enter the debit card. VISA alone has issued one million combination credit/debit cards worldwide to people using numbers to buy and sell, just as John prophesied. But it gets even more amazing. There is a MARC card. MARC stands for Multi-technology Automated Reader Card. It’s given to Armed Forces personnel. In addition to accessing economic transactions a la a VISA card, the MARC card contains a computer chip with the medical and personal history of the holder, giving him clearance for all sorts of weapons and other technology.
But more than that, his location can be pinpointed anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. The practicality of this in times of war is understandable—but so are the problems. Because like a VISA card, a MARC card can be easily lost or stolen, the solution to this problem has been biometrics—where clearance to a secured area is obtained by the scanning of one’s palm. But due to even the most undetectable interference (like hand cream) biometrics has not proven to be as practical as originally hoped. Such is the reason for the introduction of an ATM that would identify customers simply by reading the iris of their eyes. However, even these can run into problems due to something as simple as a contact lens.
The only solution seems to be what John prophesied two thousand years ago when he wrote that Antichrist will require everyone to receive a mark in his right hand or forehead. Certainly we’re not far from this. A recent newspaper article I read addressed the fact that we are approaching the time when the key to all transactions will be a computer chip imbedded in the hand. Already, horses in St. Louis are required to have such a chip under their manes for identification purposes. Cats in San Francisco carry such chips containing their vaccination records and identification so that if lost, their owners can be notified. There is even a proposal to use such technology on convicted felons in Southern California.
Although horses in St. Louis, cats in San Francisco, and felons in Orange County might seem a world away, one’s children don’t. With the growing threat of kidnappings, parents will be much more likely to welcome such technology.
There’s only one problem: John tells us the mark of the beast will seal the fate, will doom the one who accepts it. You see, with the acceptance of his number, one pledges total allegiance to Antichrist. That is why the Lord warns people—not only in the Word, but with two prophets in Jerusalem, 144,000 Jewish Billy Grahams spanning the globe, and an angel flying across the sky, saying, “Don’t take the mark.” But most will. Most will say, “It makes too much sense not to.”
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:18
Knowledge is one thing, but wisdom is another. Knowledge is information. Wisdom is application. Theories abound as to what the number 666 refers. Some believe it refers to a type of UPC code. Others suggest that because in both Greek and Hebrew, letters are used as numbers, the letters in Antichrist’s name add up to 666. But I don’t believe this is the primary point John is making.
The best commentary on the Bible being the Bible, when you want to know what a verse or phrase means, look to the Bible for the interpretation. And in Genesis 4, we find the account of someone else who was marked with “the number of man.”
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Genesis 4:1
The Scofield Bible correctly renders this verse: “I have gotten a man, even Jehovah, the Lord.” Why would Eve say this? Because after she and Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, God promised that her seed would crush the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15). Consequently, when Cain was born, she believed him to be the one who would free mankind from the power of Satan. It wasn’t long until she realized Cain was not the deliverer, as evidenced by the name she gave her second son: Abel, or literally, “hopeless.” You know the story. After his self-sufficient sacrifice was rejected by God, Cain killed Abel. As a result, Cain was banished to the wilderness, with a mark to protect him.
Follow this with me. Abel is thought to be hopeless, unimportant, nothing. Cain was thought to be the Promised One. But Cain proves to be antichrist, that is, “in place of Christ”—while Abel is a picture of Christ.…
- Abel was a shepherd (Genesis 4:2).
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
- Abel brought a lamb to sacrifice to God (Genesis 4:4).
- Jesus offered Himself as the Lamb of God (John 1:29).
- Abel was hated by his brother (Genesis 4:5).
- Jesus came to His own and His own received Him not (John 1:11).
- Abel was slain by his brother (Genesis 4:8).
- Jesus was crucified by His brethren (John 19:6).
- The blood of Abel cried out to God (Genesis 4:10).
- The blood of Jesus speaks of better things (Hebrews 12:24).
- Abel submitted to the directive of the Father (Hebrews 11:4).
- Jesus always does the things that please the Father (John 8:29).
What does this have to do with you?
Everything.
“Understand,” said John, “the number of the beast is the number of man: 666.” Throughout Scripture, six is the number of the flesh. The fleshly Cain mentality can rise up in you and me. How? By saying,
“The sweat I pour out, the good I do, the things I accomplish are going to be more impressive to God than just killing a bloody lamb. Through my energy, my initiative, my efforts I will impress God.”
Some today say, “I’m a Rotarian; I’m a Republican; I attend PTA; I coach Little League. I’m putting together a pretty good basket of fruit. I don’t need this bloody stuff: Christianity, Bible study, Communion. I can do something much more intellectually creative, much more beautiful. I can do it. I can pull it off.”
But the Bible says,
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And because you’re marked with your own efforts, you’re marked for damnation. You’ve fallen short. You need a Savior, a Sacrifice to die in your place.”
Even believers can be caught up in the spirit of 666 when they say,
“I don’t need to pray. I can figure out my career on my own. I’m reading books. I’m attending seminars. I know what’s best for my kids, my family, my future.”
We’re either of the spirit of Cain, saying, “I’m a hard worker. I’m a creative thinker. I’m a good guy”—or of Abel who’s humble, broken, and dependent upon God.
Here’s the good news. God has one simple thing to say to you who are struggling in marriage, in parenting, in relationships, in school:
“Talk to Me. Spend time with Me. Humble yourself before Me. Seek My face. Wait and see what I’ll do in your life. Fight the tendency to be Cain, and watch how I’ll bless you.”
May God keep you from the number of man, the mark of Cain, the mark of the beast. May this be a time in your life when you are recommitted to dependency and brokenness before the Lord. Herein is wisdom, gang: Seek first the kingdom, and everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33).
A Study of Daniel 7
The first six chapters of Daniel are autobiographical history. That is, they speak mainly of the story of Daniel personally. The final six chapters of Daniel are not autobiographical history but incredible prophecy, for they deal with future events. At least in Daniel’s day, they were future events. From our perspective, many of them have already come to pass…
Daniel 7:1
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.
Chapters 7 and 8 actually take place between chapters 4 and 5. In chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar was humbled for seven years before he was restored. In chapter 5, the kingdom was taken from Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, Belshazzar. Here, however, Belshazzar had just come into power and it was at this time that Daniel had another vision…
Daniel 7:2
Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
Revelation 17:15 tells us the “great sea” refers to the nations of the world. Thus, out of the nations of the world four beasts will arise.
Daniel 7:3, 4 (a)
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings.…
The lion with eagles’ wings speaks of the Babylonians, synonymous with the head of gold in chapter 2. Archaeological discoveries verify that the national emblem of Babylon was a lion with wings.
Daniel 7:4 (b)
…I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
The wings were plucked off of the lion and it was given the heart of a man. This speaks of what happened to Nebuchadnezzar. Because of the pride of his heart, God humbled him and he became beastly. When he turned to the Lord, however, he was given a new heart and he stood on his feet once again.
Daniel 7:5 (a)
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear…
The bear speaks of the Medo-Persian empire, synonymous with the arms of silver in chapter 2. With an army of two and one-half million men, the Medes and Persians lumbered along like a bear.
Daniel 7:5 (b)
…and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
The three ribs speak of the three empires immediately devoured by the Medes and Persians: the Babylonians, the Egyptians, and the Lydians.
Daniel 7:6
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
The leopard speaks of the Greeks and is synonymous with the belly of brass in chapter 2. With only 35,000 troops, Alexander could strike quickly and was brilliant in strategy. The four heads represent the four generals who took over his empire after his death.
Daniel 7:7
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
The fourth beast speaks of the Roman Empire and is synonymous with the legs of iron in chapter 2. Out of it, we see ten horns, synonymous with the ten toes of Daniel 2. The horns and toes speak of a confederation of ten nations coming out of the old Roman Empire.
Daniel 7:8
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
The little horn is synonymous with antichrist. Although there will be some kind of power struggle, he takes control of the ten-nation confederation. How? From a human perspective, he will be incredible. With the intellect of Thomas Jefferson, the leadership skills of Lincoln, the global strategy of Nixon, the oratorical skills of Churchill, the iron fist of Josef Stalin, the charisma of a Kennedy, he will be humanly impressive.
In other words, when antichrist shows up, he won’t be wearing a black cape and twirling his mustache. He will draw people to him like a magnet. Seven of the nations will immediately say, “Lead us.” Three will resist initially, but they will be overtaken ultimately.
Daniel 7:9–14
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
It would have been of great comfort to the captive Jews in Babylon to know that a kingdom not of men but of God was coming that would never end.
Daniel 7:15–18
I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
In chapter 2, we saw that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was of a huge image of a man with a head of gold, chest of silver, belly of brass, and legs of iron. Man’s perspective of world history and the governments that would come was stately, valuable, impressive. But here in chapter 7, we see God’s perspective of those same empires. They’re not gold, silver, brass, and iron but beasts.
Daniel 7:19–22
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Perhaps because it was the only one described as “exceeding dreadful,” Daniel asked for more instruction concerning the fourth beast.
Daniel 7:23, 24
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
The fourth kingdom, or Rome, is the one from which the little horn, or antichrist, will arise.
Daniel 7:25 (a)
And he shall speak great words against the most High…
Antichrist will be such a great orator that he will capture the imagination of the entire world.
Daniel 7:25 (b)
…and shall wear out the saints of the most High…
Who are these saints? In Revelation 12, we see who antichrist was against…
And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time… Revelation 12:13, 14 (a)
What is “a time, times, and half a time”? “A time” speaks of one year; “times” speaks of two years. Thus, this is three and one-half years. At the midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation period, antichrist will suddenly wage war against the Jews. When he first comes on the scene, he’ll win the approval of the entire world. But, after three and one-half years, he’ll show his true colors when he erects an image of himself in the temple and demands to be worshiped as God. God, however, will protect Israel by taking her to a place in the wilderness—most likely the rock city of Petra.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Revelation 13:7
The church already having been raptured, the saints mentioned here are the people of Israel as well as the Gentiles who will be saved during the Tribulation period.
Daniel 7:25 (c)
…and think to change times and laws…
During the French Revolution an attempt was made to do away with the seven-day week because of its religious implications and to institute a ten-day week in its place. Perhaps antichrist will make the same attempt.
Or perhaps this refers to the possibility that, although he knows the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, he thinks he can beat the rap and be victorious in the end.
Daniel 7:25 (d)
…and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Antichrist will be successful—but only for three and a half years.
Daniel 7:26, 27
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
This world leader, this little horn, this big-time power is going down. All dominions shall serve Him—Jesus Christ. Oh, when will man understand this?
Inscribed on the United Nations building in New York City are these words…
…and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4 (b)
The problem is, the first part of the verse is omitted…
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people… Isaiah 2:4 (a)
They left out the fact that the Lord is the One who will bring peace. Man’s attempts at government are beastly at best. What does a beast do? He angers easily. He guards his territory ferociously. He sheds blood callously. You never see a group of bears marching to save the rabbits. What beasts want, they go after. They take whatever they can get. And they expand their territory whenever possible. That’s why God sees these empires as beasts. It’s a Person, not a program that will bring peace.
Man does not have the ability to rule himself. He’s sinful and corrupt to the core. But the Ancient of Days is coming. And a kingdom that is right and beautiful, true and equitable will follow.
Daniel 7:28
Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.
When he saw world history from God’s perspective, Daniel was troubled. But he kept the matter in his heart.
A Study of Daniel 8
Daniel 8:24
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
Antichrist will perform a host of signs and wonders, but the power will actually be Satan’s.
Daniel 8:25 (a)
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart…
Antichrist will claim to be God even as Antiochus Epiphanes did, even as Satan did in Isaiah 14 when pride filled his heart.
Daniel 8:25 (b)
…and by peace shall destroy many…
Initially, antichrist will come as a man of peace, solving the problems of the Middle East, solving the economic tensions in the world. But in the middle of the Tribulation, he’ll show his true colors. Three and a half years after he comes into power, blood will flow and heads will roll. According to 2 Thessalonians 2, when antichrist sets up his image and demands to be worshiped, anyone who doesn’t will be jeopardizing their own life.
Daniel 8:25 (c)
…he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
At the Battle of Armageddon, antichrist will have the audacity to wage war against Jesus Himself, but he’ll be broken apart from human help. Jesus doesn’t need our help. He’s going to take care of the enemy single-handedly.
Daniel 8:26, 27
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Although the vision was so real to Daniel that it had a physical effect upon him, he didn’t understand its meaning. Maybe you can relate to this. Maybe you’re saying, “I don’t get it. Little horns and ten toes and brass bellies—I’m completely confused!” That’s okay. It will affect you just as it did Daniel. Whether or not you can identify the ten toes is not the point. God is saying in this book, “Wake up. We’re not playing a game here. We’re talking about eternal destiny, about friends and family going through the Tribulation unnecessarily, about suffering, persecution, and eternal damnation.”
As believers, we are in an important place as ambassadors of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Therefore, like Daniel, we, too, must go about the King’s business. We can’t just cruise through Christianity going through a Bible study occasionally, praying sporadically, hoping things will work out eventually. We must be about the King’s business continually. Daniel rose up and did the King’s business. May that be said of us.
A Study of Daniel 11
Daniel 11:33-35
And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
Verses 2 through 34 chronicle four hundred seventy consecutive years of Jewish history. Suddenly, verse 35 leapfrogs over centuries. Why? Because the first thirty-two verses speak of Daniel’s sixty-nine weeks, while verse 35 speaks of Daniel’s seventieth week. In between verses 34 and 35 is the church age. When the church age is over, when the believers are raptured, Daniel’s seventieth week—the time of the Tribulation—dawns. That’s why Daniel jumps from Antiochus Epiphanes to the end times yet to come. Antiochus Epiphanes was part of the first sixty-nine weeks. Now we go to the seventieth week, where one even more vile than he comes on the scene. His name is antichrist…
Daniel 11:36 (a)
And the king shall do according to his will…
Just like Lucifer who said, “I will be like God,” which caused him to be cast from heaven and become Satan (Isaiah 14:14), antichrist, who is filled with Satan does according to his own will. Contrast this with Jesus who prayed, “Not My will, but Thy will be done” (Luke 22:42).
Daniel 11:36 (b)
…and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god…
Again, contrast antichrist, exalting and magnifying Himself, with Jesus who, although He was equal with God humbled Himself and made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7, 8).
Daniel 11:36 (c)
…and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods…
Antichrist will speak so powerfully that he’ll make Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill look like stammerers. He’ll inspire the entire world to turn against the true and living God.
Daniel 11:36 (d)
…and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
The world will rally around this coming world leader, this great orator, this magnetic individual—and he’ll prosper.
Daniel 11:37 (a)
Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers…
This verse is the reason most Bible teachers believe that although he’s living in Europe, antichrist will be of Jewish heritage.
Daniel 11:37 (b)
…nor the desire of women…
Antichrist will very possibly be homosexual.
Daniel 11:37 (c)
…nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
Antichrist will be his own god. Like antichrist, people who are atheists worship the dumbest god of them all: themselves. “I will worship only that I can understand and comprehend,” they say. And in so saying, they worship their own intellects.
Daniel 11:38
But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
The one god antichrist will honor is the god of military might—but it is an expensive god, indeed.
Daniel 11:39
Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
Antichrist will use his god of military might to dominate the world. Initially, he depended on his charisma, flattery, and talk of peace. But now he begins to flex his military muscle.
Daniel 11:40 (a)
And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him…
The Egyptians and Arabs will begin to wage war against antichrist in the middle of the Tribulation period.
Daniel 11:40 (b)
…and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
From Ezekiel 37–39, we know that the king of the north refers not to the Syrians but to the Russians.
Daniel 11:41 (a)
He shall enter also into the glorious land…
The glorious land is the same as the pleasant land in Daniel 8:9. It’s Israel.
Daniel 11:41 (b)–44 (a)
…and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him…
In Ezekiel 38 and 39, we see the Russians coming before the Tribulation unfolds. Here, they have regrouped. At least three and a half years have gone by, and they’re coming down to Israel again. At this point, antichrist is troubled because out of the east, he hears tidings. Revelation 9 tells us those tidings are that the king of the east is coming with an army of two hundred million men. When Revelation was written John must have thought he heard wrong. But in the 1960s, Radio Peking announced that China had established a militia of two hundred million men. Suddenly, people who were studying prophecy took notice. Here, we see not only the Russians and the Arabs pinching antichrist, but the Chinese, as well. No wonder antichrist is troubled. He sees his world empire collapsing.
Daniel 11:44 (b)
…therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
Although antichrist lashes out at the world indiscriminately, his anger will be particularly directed toward the Jews.
Daniel 11:45
And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
Antichrist will make his headquarters in a valley called Megiddo, where the final battle will unfold. As the armies of the world converge to destroy him, no one will help him. He has his munitions—but it could be that they are rendered inoperable by advanced technology. When things get down to the end time, will all of the computer-based weaponry be scrambled? With sophisticated weapons useless will soldiers be reduced to using horses and swords? Maybe not—but I think it’s a possibility.
We do know that right when it looks like the whole world—particularly Israel—will be devastated at Armageddon, Jesus will come back. Suddenly, all these armies will stop fighting each other and start firing at the Lord.
Needless to say, they won’t have a prayer.
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