The Terrible Two
The term “Anti-Christ” is never
found in the book of Revelation. John uses the phrase in the shorter letters he
wrote (1 John 4:3; 2 John 7), but it is here that he simply refers to him as a
beast. From man’s perspective he is the Anti-Christ because he claims to be God
by receiving worship (13:4), is given great power and authority over the world
(13:7) and is even miraculously healed (13:12). However, from God’s
perspective, this man and his counterpart [the second beast in 13:11-18] are
nothing more than wild beasts on the Earth.
Whoever this blasphemous (13:6)
duo turns out to be, they will deceive the world (13:14) and personally order
the execution of all who refuse to worship the Anti-Christ and his image
(13:15). This will not at all be a problem for this terrible pair since they
will have full control over the world government in that day (13:7).
Apparently, the main beast’s counterpart can perform real-life miracles
(13:13-14) which ultimately results in global deception. This scary account of
what is to come is concluded with the forced branding or mark which is to be
placed on every single individual for them to be able to buy and sell
(13:16-18).
So, who is the Anti-Christ?
Nobody, not even Satan, knows the answer to that; but only the Father. The
reason is because this individual, otherwise known as the man of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2), will not come on the scene
until after the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way. Therefore, if not even
Christ knows the day of His return (Matt. 24:36), then neither does Satan. As a
result, the Devil will not have any options to choose from until after the
rapture takes place and the Church is in Heaven. Thus, it is a fool’s errand to
try and guess his identity.
Continue on to read about chapter 14.
Continue on to read about chapter 14.
*Click here to read the purpose of this blog series.
Verse 10 really speaks to me : "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints." The chapter describes terrible events and persecution, but here in the middle is a reminder that God knows what will happen, that He is in control, and our job is simply hang on in faith.
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