Identifying
“the spirit of the antichrist”
“The spirit of the antichrist” does not agree that Jesus came in the
flesh.
Many deceivers, who do
not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the
world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
2 John 7-8 NIV
It is “the spirit of
the antichrist” that speaks against CHRIST. It never acknowledges Jesus Christ,
and is already in the world.
“The spirit of the
antichrist” is a world-ruling evil supernatural force which rules and controls
the minds of many people.
Our Lord Jesus made
very important statement about how this spirit will accomplish the interest of
satan against man, and oppose GOD in a time of the greatest distress in the
world.
"So
when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes
desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel —
let
the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house.
Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in
those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will
not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress,
unequaled from the beginning of the world until now —
and
never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive,
but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Matt 24:15-22 NIV
Note that, our adversary, the
devil—“the dragon,” devised his
“satanic trinity” — satan himself
is the head of it, and next in
line is the antichrist, and then,
his false prophet. The antichrist
receives satan’s authority,
throne, and power (see Rev. 13:2) and
he delegates this power to his
false prophet (v. 12). The
authority and power of satan ‘the
dragon’ will be activated in the
personality of “the false prophet
of the antichrist” –the man who
will exercise ‘the authority of
the beast’ on his behalf. This is
the means by which satan will unleash his wrath upon
the earth.
Apostle John saw in
vision, three evil spirits that looked like
frogs, come out of
the mouths of satan the dragon, the beast [the
antichrist], and the
false prophet.
Then
I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out
of
the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out
of
the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev 16:13 NIV
“the image of the beast”
In verse 15 of
Revelation 13, the second beast had power to give life to the image of the
first beast. Notice that [he] was used in this verse, referring to “the false
prophet” [the beast out of the earth], and [it] for “the image of the beast.”
The “image” which was revived by “the beast out of the earth” will then, speak
for itself.
To unmask “the
beast,” we must identify what this “image” is!
In Daniel 3:1-5
people of every nation and tongue where
commanded to worship
‘the image of gold’ setup by king
Nebuchadnezzar. Now,
remember that, because of the signs
(miracles) which the
second beast was allowed to perform on
behalf of the first
beast, he deceived those who inhabit the earth,
commanding them to
erect a statue (an image) in the likeness of
the beast who was
wounded by the sword and yet lived.
The second beast made the
inhabitants of the earth to worship
the first beast [the antichrist].
The antichrist is the incarnate of satan.
When this man comes on the world
scene, he will be a
‘representation of the dragon’;
‘a type of satan’ who is yet
another conspicuous example of
the appearance of satan—that
may be called ‘the exact carbon
copy’ of his god and father—
satan, the devil, so that he becomes “the man of
sin.”
Remember that GOD created man in
His own Image (Gen. 1:27).
The devil will fashion this “man
of sin” after his own likeness—
having all the characteristics of
sin, wickedness and evil in him.
The antichrist will be the
ancient dragon personified—satan in
the flesh, made flesh, in a man.
Know this, “the antichrist” is “the image of satan” —“the dragon.”
The Image of the invisible
GOD
In 2 Corinthians
4:4-5 we see that, Christ Jesus is The Image of GOD.
The
god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that
they
cannot see the Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ,
Who is the Image of God.
NIV
Jesus Christ is The Image of GOD
And because the devil
tries to copy everything GOD does—but
he copies it only for
an evil purpose. Therefore, the “image”
which decrees death
sentence in Revelation 13:15 is “the
antichrist,” who is
“the image of the dragon.”
“…
and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first
beast, whose fatal wound
had been healed” (v.12b).
the beast—“the antichrist”
Remember that satan
copies the reality of GOD’s Kingdom, and
makes an imitation of
it for evil.
All who do not belong
to Christ will worship the beast just as
Revelation 13:8 says:
All
inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose
names
have not been written in the Book of Life belonging to
The
Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
NIV
In verse 4, they also
worshipped the dragon as they worshipped
the beast.
Men
worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to
the
beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is
like
the beast? Who can make war against him?"
NIV
The Bible informs us
that the antichrist will come up
out of the bottomless pit, and ascend to earth to deceive many people.
The
beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come
up
out of the Abyss and go to his destruction.
The
inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written
in
the book of life from the creation of the world will be
astonished
when they see the beast, because he once was, now is
not,
and yet will come.
Revelation 17:8 NIV
The false prophet of the
antichrist
The antichrist will
carry-out his evil work through his false
prophet.
Then
I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two
horns
like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. He exercised all
the
authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth
and
its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound
had
been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs,
even
causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view
of
men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf
of
the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He
ordered
them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was
wounded
by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give
breath
to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and
cause
all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also
forced
everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave,
to
receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that
no
one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the
name
of the beast or the number of his name.
This
calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate
the
number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is
666.
Rev 13:11-18 NIV
In this chapter, “the
false prophet of the antichrist” [the beast
coming up out of the
earth], is portrayed as a second ‘strange
animal’ with two
little horns like those of a lamb but with a
fearsome voice—like
the voice of the dragon—like the voice of
satan. He will
exercise all the power [spiritual and political] of
the first beast
before him. “The false prophet” will exercise
satanic authority
passed on by “the antichrist.” He will operate
his power on his
behalf, and will dominate and control national
armies of most world
countries.
“The false prophet”
will be deputy of the antichrist; as his agent
and representative,
he will act on his behalf.
“The false prophet”
will also appear on the religious scene in the
world, that’s why the
second beast [the beast out of the earth]
had two horns like a
lamb—‘humble like a lamb but with
oratory like satan
the ancient dragon (v.11). He will unify the
religions of the
world into a “global religion” and force people
everywhere to worship
the beast [the antichrist].
He
exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf,
and
made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast,
whose
fatal wound had been healed (v.12).
He will cause the
inhabitants of the earth to deify and worship
the first beast—“the
false prophet” will idolize “the antichrist.”
“The antichrist” will
put an end to sacrifice and offering by the
Jews, and will set up
an abomination that causes desolation
through his false
prophet—he will erect a statue (an image) in
honor of the beast.
This enemy of GOD shall utterly defile the
sanctuary of GOD, and
this will be ‘the climax of idols.’
He
will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.'
In
the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice
and
offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an
abomination
that causes desolation,
until
the end that is decreed is poured out on him."
Dan 9:27 NIV
With satanic power, “the false
prophet of the antichrist” will perform signs, miracles, great wonders—by which
he will deceive many people on the earth.
“The false prophet” will command
people all over the world—of
all race and country, gender and
age, rich and poor [small or
great], the educated and the
uneducated, free and slave (even
prisoners) to receive “the mark of the beast” in
verse 16.
“The false prophet”, just like “the antichrist”, will also come up
out of the bottomless pit, and ascend to earth to deceive many people.
That’s why Apostle John
saw in vision, three evil spirits that looked like frogs, come out of the
mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet.
Then
I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out
of
the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out
of
the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev 16:13 NIV
the
mysterious and diabolical “mark of the beast”
The mark of the beast is mysterious, but diabolical. "The
mark” is the name of the beast and the number of his name. It is also an
“economic mark,” so that no one could for instance, get a job or even buy in
any store without the permit of that mark which is the code number of his name.
The numerical values of the letters in his name add to 666!
By the giving of this
mark, “the false prophet of the antichrist”
[the beast out of the
earth] will influence and control electronic commerce and physical enterprises
around the world
He
also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free
and
slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his
forehead,
so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the
mark,
which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Rev 13:16-17 NIV
In Genesis 11 when the whole
world had one language and a common speech, men built a city with a tower that
reached to the heavens. Then they said, "Come, let
us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we
may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole
earth" (v.4).
But when God came down to see the
city and the tower mankind
was making. He said, “Behold, they are one people and they
have all one language;
and this is only the beginning of what
they will do, and now
nothing they have imagined they can do
will be impossible for
them” (see verses 5 and 6).
The mark, the name, and the
number of the beast is like puzzle.
His number can be counted, but
wisdom is needed to do this.
You must discern and interpret
it!
The code of the beast can only be
calculated by wisdom. Daniel
had such wisdom. It can only be
decoded by insight and
knowledge. It is the number of a
certain man; and his number is 666 [six hundred threescore and six] as written
in the King James Version.
Those who take "the mark of
the beast"—their “spiritual DNA” dies.
Mystery Babylon
Apostle John saw in a vision, ‘a
strange beast,’ that looked like a
leopard, with feet like those of
a bear, and mouth like that of a
lion. That’s “the beast out of
the sea”—a multinational and conglomerate
empire rising out of a multitude of people of diverse languages, races and
culture.
And
the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.
And
I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten
crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw
resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of
a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.
Rev 13:1-2 NIV
Some years ago, The LORD showed me in a vision: 'a Babylon
Tower'. Though this tower in my vision was ancient, it was the tallest building
in the world reaching the clouds. It looked like a religious temple built by
men—very large and imposing edifice. It was indeed a complex structure.
In Genesis 11 when the whole world had one language
and a common speech, men built a city with a tower that reached to the heavens.
Then they said, "Come, let
us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we
may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole
earth" (v.4).
But when God came down to see the city and the tower
mankind was making. He said, “Behold, they are one people and they have all one
language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing
they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them” (see verses 5 and
6).
GOD knows what is in the heart of man—He already
knew what the sons of men would accomplish when they exploit their linguistic
and political unity.
Hear this Oh, People!
Babylon is thickly populated with the souls of men.
A mystery temple-tower and monument of pride and
idolatry.
Babylon is the abominable mystery-city of satan.
Babylon the Great is "the mother of
prostitutes" (idolatresses) and of “the abominations of the earth” (filth
and atrocities).
But The LORD will vanquish this conclave of ‘the
dragon’s empire’, because He is LORD of lords and KING of kings and those who
are called, chosen and faithful will overcome along with Him (read Revelation
17).
From the valley John saw Babylon, but when he was
carried to a high mountain, he saw the New Jerusalem.
“And he carried me
away in The Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City,
Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God”
Rev 21:10 NIV
In Revelation 17:18, Mystery
Babylon is illustrated as “a woman”—“a prostitute,” and “the great city” that
rules over the kings of the earth.
The
woman you saw is the great city that rules over
the
kings of the earth." NIV
In earlier verse 15,
this prostitute is seen seated over
nations, and people,
and languages
Then
the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are
peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. NIV
This same city—“a
mystical kingdom of iniquity” was given
power to defeat “the
tribulation saints”
He
was given power to make war against the saints and to
conquer
them. And he was given authority over every tribe,
people,
language and nation.
Revelation 13:7 NIV
And "the mark of the
beast" is a mysterious but, diabolical code number of “Mystery Babylon.
the
Great Tribulation
The Great Tribulation would be a
time of distress, and
persecution, and trouble in the
whole world. A time of the
greatest distress that the world
has ever known, because the
antichrist will hold sway the whole world politically, religiously and
economically in 3 ½ years or forty-two months shortly after the Rapture.
Be sealed with The Holy
Spirit!
The only way to not
take “the mark of the beast” is to receive
“the mark of Christ.”
Apostle Paul said,
“Finally, let no one cause me trouble,
for I bear on my body
the marks of Jesus”
Gal 6:17 NIV
The people who truly
in their lifetime served GOD faithfully on
the earth, shall be
welcomed into His eternal dwellings, and they
shall behold His
Face, and His Name shall be written on their foreheads.
They
will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads.
Rev 22:4 NIV
But, all those who take “the mark
of the beast” on their forehead
or on their right hand will not,
and cannot receive The Name Of
The LORD on their foreheads and neither
will they be sealed with “The Spirit.”
The Name Of The LORD
and "the mark of CHRIST" are only for those who are born of GOD. The sons of GOD are sealed with The
Spirit. This is the victory that overcomes the world:
For
whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this
is
the Victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
I John 5:4 KJV
Christ Jesus has
promised that His saints who keep His Word—
those who keep His
Command to endure patiently, He will keep
from “the hour of
trial” which is coming on the whole world.
"Because
you have patiently obeyed Me despite the
persecution,
therefore I will protect you from the time of Great
Tribulation
and temptation, which will come upon the world
to
test everyone alive.
Rev 3:10-11 TLB
Here, The Lord speaks of
"the Rapture saints,"—"the Bride of
Christ." He will protect His
‘Called-Out-Church’—‘the sheep of
His pasture,’ from the greatest
distress in the world. He will do
this because she patiently obeyed
Him despite the persecution in
the Church Era.
But, on the other hand, "the
tribulation saints" are those who
will go through the Great
Tribulation, and be victorious.
The tribulation saints were
recorded to be victorious over:
1.) the beast,
2.) and over his image,
3.) and over his mark,
4.) and over the number of his name
See Revelation 15:2.
“The tribulation
saints” left behind, will endure, and be patient,
and faithful to
suffer it.
All
inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose
names
have not been written in the Book of Life belonging to
The
Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
He
who has an ear, let him hear.
If
anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go.
If anyone is to be killed
with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient
endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
Rev 13:8-10 NIV
The fall of Babylon
The fall of Babylon was revealed to John and he accurately recorded
it:
After
this I saw another angel coming down from Heaven. He
had
great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his
splendor.
With a mighty voice he shouted:
"Fallen!
Fallen is Babylon the Great!
She
has become a home for demons
and
a haunt for every evil spirit,
a
haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.
For
all the nations have drunk
the
maddening wine of her adulteries.
The
kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and
the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive
luxuries."
Then
I heard another voice from Heaven say:
"Come
out of her, My people,
so
that you will not share in her sins,
so
that you will not receive any of her plagues;
for
her sins are piled up to Heaven,
and
God has remembered her crimes.
Give
back to her as she has given;
pay
her back double for what she has done.
Mix
her a double portion from her own cup.
Give
her as much torture and grief
as
the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In
her heart she boasts,
'I
sit as queen; I am not a widow,
and I will never mourn.'
Therefore
in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death,
mourning and famine.
She
will be consumed by fire,
for
mighty is The Lord God who judges her.
Revelation 18:1-8 NIV
"When
the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her
and
shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will
weep
and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will
stand
far off and cry:
"'Woe!
Woe, O great city,
O
Babylon, city of power!
In
one hour your doom has come!'
Revelation 18:9-10 NIV
So, this very
"prophetic hour" GOD is saying to His Church:
And
I heard another Voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of
her,
My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye
receive
not of her plagues.
For
her sins have reached unto Heaven, and God hath
remembered
her iniquities.
Rev 18:4-5 KJV
Seven Bowls of GOD’s
Wrath reserved for those who worship
the beast and take
the diabolical mark of his name, are foretold
in Revelation 16.
The beast [the
antichrist] and his false prophet will be cast into
“the lake of fire.”
But
the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who
had
performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these
signs
he had deluded those who had received the mark of the
beast
and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown
alive
into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Rev 19:20 NIV
Also, satan the
dragon will be thrown into “the lake of fire”
[lake of burning
sulfur].
And
the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of
burning
sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been
thrown.
They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Rev 20:10 NIV