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6. The Antichrist is a False Savior (Mark 13:21-23)
MARK 13:21-23
21 Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ don’t believe it. 22 For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. 23 But you watch. “Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.”
Peace propagandists will rise at the time of revolutions, wars, and despair, with an olive branch in their right hand, and a gun in their left hand. Some will proclaim the paradise of laborers and peasants, and others the house of peace.
They will have a massive array of weapons, treasures, oil, and nuclear power at their disposal, and they will communicate with the spirits and the dead showing wonders, that multitudes may follow them to an imaginary age promised, with welfare and everlasting peace.
All will lie definitely, for all will pass away. The hydrogen bombs for destroying most of our globe are already prepared and kept in store by the authorities in the west and the east. Soon, fresh water will be scarce. It will be rarer and dearer than petrol, for the pollution of rivers will be increased from many sources.
Hatred of the poor will grow against the rich nations, for they do not know or recognize that the blessing of the gospel has delivered those who believe in Christ from ease to diligence, from selfishness to service, and from indifference to carefulness. The world will be drowned in hatred and destruction.
Shortly before the end of the world, the antichrist and his eloquent prophet (most probably of Abraham’s seed) will appear. They will fascinate men with impressive words and wonderful power overwhelming them, giving them peace from bloody wars, then bread and happiness, and finally combination of all religions, and the demand of complete submission to the superman.
The devil had already offered to Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, saying to him, “All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.”
Be watchful, particularly in the last days, for some leaders will be deceivers, and there will be false prophets. The son of Satan himself will come, accompanied by the inspired prophet of Satan to show the impure trinity, to catch atheistic, superficial men, and raise them in mutiny against God and his Anointed that they may fight the Eternal One.
The possibility of his ruling over all the peoples of the earth in our days has become more feasible because of modern technology, for his orders and directions may be heard quickly, in all languages, through the TV, even in remote houses or desert, and whoever opposes his spirit will be persecuted and consumed (2 Timothy 2:1-12; Revelation 13:1-15).
However the days of the superman are limited. The end of the history of mankind is not his coming, but the coming of Christ in glory. The wisdom of God permits evil to flourish and develop in all possible evil ways, until the good Christ comes and shows the fullness of his love, at the last judgment (Daniel 7:9-14). Every man will participate in this struggle. We shall become either completely wicked, or completely good. The Lord will not accept a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but he wants to change us into holy lambs of God, following his Son who said: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This thought contradicts the calling of the rebel and disobedient, who wish to get their rights through the spirit of the antichrist. They will definitely fail.
Yet the meek Lamb of God and his followers will continue and live.
PRAYER: Our eternal Lord, give us insight that we may discern the spirit of the antichrist, who will surpass all and deny your incarnation. Help us not to choose riches, ease, and bodily well-being, but to accept your humility, contentment, and spirit of service and meekness joyfully. Keep us from cunning deceivers that we may overcome and expose the father of lying with your truthful Spirit. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What are the characteristics of the antichrist, and what are the signs of his appearance?