The Antichrist Is Here

So today, we are transitioning from Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Daniel's prophecy to an explanation about the Antichrist who will come. Interpretive necessity requires that this last section of chapter 11 be applied to someone other than Antiochus. The context indicates that this king will live in the last days, immediately before the coming of the Lord. We can easily divide this section from verses 36 down through 45 into two parts. Part one talks about the character of the Antichrist and part two talks about the wars of the end. So let's read part one.

And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. — Daniel 11:36-40

This section of scripture is critical because it tells us not the name of the Antichrist or the exact date and time of his arrival but rather about his character. It clarifies four character traits many have used to indicate who they think the Antichrist is. First, he is of unusual arrogance. Second, he speaks shocking statements against God. Third, he ignores the Christian religion and all other religions as well. And fourth, he is heavily invested in military assets, power, and conquest and will use it to persuade others.

Many use these character traits to determine who they think this person might be in our time. Some will even post right here in the comments below who they believe this is. And I think it's easy to be inclined to do this because all mankind has a little bit of the Antichrist in us. We are all fallen and sinful. We all have a little bit of the same arrogance, language, ignorance, and drive for power that this man has. But let me say this about this prediction and this man. I think we will all know when he arrives because he will not be like anyone else. He will be a grotesque expression of narcissism, blasphemous statement, hatred toward religion, and expansion of power than we have ever seen. We have not seen anything like this leader or anyone who comes close. This guy would destroy men like Vladamir Putin and Kim Jong-un.

All I can say is this. The end is coming, and it's not going to be good. So we need to prepare for this man's coming because he will destroy this world, and the best thing we can do is get ready for the next.

ASK THIS: Are you ready for the end of the world and the beginning of the next?

DO THIS: Do what needs to get done now!

PRAY THIS: God, prepare us all for the end.

PLAY THIS: This Is Not The End.