The Bible says there will be many antichrists (1 John 2:18). It also gives us the definition of what an antichrist is. 1 John 2:22, Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.
The Bible speaks of one specific antichrist that will emerge during the tribulation period, and many in the world will worship him (Revelation 14:9). In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 the Bible calls this antichrist the man of sin and the son of perdition.
After the rapture, the Antichrist will arise. This could be immediately, or this could take a period of time, possibly years. The Antichrist will not be revealed until after the rapture per 2 Thessalonians 2:7. There are many different opinions about where he emerges from. Some say Italy, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Greece, we are not sure. The Bible says in Daniel 9:26 he will be from the people who destroyed the Temple in 70 AD. This is the Old Roman empire but many countries were apart of the empire so it’s hard to narrow it down. The Bible also refers to him as the Assyrian in Micah 5 Isaiah 14. We are not sure what country he will come from but it will be somewhere in the middle east. You will recognize him when he confirms a 7 year, covenant with Israel. When this covenant is signed, that is the start of the Tribulation. 7 years later, on day 2,520 is when Jesus returns to put a stop to the wars.
It sounds like the land of Israel will be divided in Joel 3:2. We have been hearing on the news for years about Israel giving up land for peace. This will eventually happen, and it will greatly anger God. He will judge the nations for dividing up the land. This land for peace may be part of the seven-year covenant that Israel will enter into with the antichrist and the many spoken of in Daniel 9:27.
At some point the Jewish people will build their Temple and start animal sacrifices. Midway through this 7-year deal, at the 3 ½ year mark, the Antichrist will stop the sacrifices. He will go into the Temple and claims to be God per 2 Thessalonians 2:4. An image of him will be set up in the Temple by the False Prophet. For the Antichrist to go into the Temple there needs to be a Temple. Right now, the Temple Institute already has the building plans for the new Temple. They have replicated and restored sacred vessels for their services like the golden menorah. The altar is built, they have the priestly garments made. They have their priests from the line of Aaron trained and ready to serve. The High Priest has been chosen. They know where the Ark of the Covenant is. All they need, is the ok to build.
Daniel 7 talks about a kingdom or possibly a government of many nations on earth which will be different from all other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth. There will be 10 kings that will arise from this kingdom. They may be elected or appointed ruler. Many suggest that this kingdom could be a restructuring of the European Union. Once the 10 kings or rulers are in place, then the Antichrist will arise. He will be different from the other rulers. He will subdue 3 of the kings. Daniel continues to say in verse 27 when the antichrist arises, he will speak against God. He will afflict God’s people. He will change times and laws. The antichrist will deny God, Jesus and claim to be God.
Here are some Bible verses that describe the Antichrist.
Daniel 8:23-25, “A fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.
Daniel 11:32, He shall seduce with flattery...
Daniel 11:37, Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
Daniel 11:39, ...He shall divide the land for gain.
Daniel 11:41, He shall enter into many countries and overthrow them. He shall enter into Israel.
Revelation 13 calls the antichrist the Beast out of the Sea.
Revelation 13:2, ...The dragon (The devil) gave his power and his throne and great authority. The verse is saying the devil is giving this to the beast, which is the antichrist. This is what the Satan tempted Jesus with when he was in the wilderness but he is giving the kingdoms and his authority over to the Antichrist.
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.
Revelation 13:15, Whoever does not worship his Image shall be killed.
Revelation 13:7, 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 13:8, And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb.
Isaiah 14:16-17, ...“Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, the man who made the world a wilderness, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?”
2 Thessalonians 2:9, The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders. I believe at some point the Antichrist, will be possessed by Satan himself.
Matthew 24:24, For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
In 2 Thessalonians, it says there will be a strong delusion many will believe the lie. We do not know what this delusion will be but a person who knows God and the truth will not fall for it. I would like to mention I believe UFOs and aliens are demonic manifestations. I also believe the apparitions of Mary are demonic in nature and they both could play a roll in the strong delusion. The Bible does not specifically state what it will be. If you read the Bible and know the Word, you will recognize the delusion and the lies that will come upon the whole world.
Over the years I have heard many people speculate about who the antichrist is. I don't believe he will appear on the world stage until after the rapture and the establishment of these 10 kings/rulers. When the first seal is opened by Jesus in Revelation 6:1-2 then the antichrist will appear on the world stage.
Photo by Aleksey Kuprikov from Pexels
