Updated Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Bible Studies for Life lesson for July 13: What About the Antichrist?

By Jim Baldwin

Focal Passage: Rev. 13:1-10; 16-17

In the introduction to The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis wrote: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to not believe in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. Nowhere is this more evident than in our consideration of the Antichrist."

Throughout history, Christians have seen the fulfillment of the Antichrist in various figures including the emperor Domitian, Nero, Hitler and a variety of presidential contenders.

We have to be careful that we do not become so obsessed with identifying the Antichrist that we miss the eternal truths of this passage.

Scripture certainly teaches that there will be a historical figure who will turn the hearts of many away from God.

The Bible also affirms, "even now many Antichrists have come" (1 Jn. 2:18). What should we watch for so that we are not swept away by this charismatic personality when he appears?

He defies God (Rev. 13:5-6). This creature - whatever his physical characteristics - is audacious enough to slander God and the saints in heaven.

He destroys the saints (Rev. 13:7). This individual wants to silence the witness of anyone who proclaims Jesus as Lord. "The thief comes only to kill and destroy" (Jn. 10:10).

He dominates the nations of the earth (Rev. 13:7-8). Although he will only reign for a short period of time, the Antichrist will rule over the world.

He deceives the masses (1 Thess. 2:4). The Antichrist will pretend to be God. He will even perform miracles to delude people into believing his lies.

He denies Jesus is the Son of God (1 Jn. 4:3). The Antichrist does not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and is from God. He may call Jesus a "good man" or even a prophet. He will never call Jesus "Lord."

In spite of the awesome power and influence of the Antichrist, we do not need to be afraid, "because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 Jn. 4:4). Ultimately, the Antichrist will be defeated.

When Christ arrives, the weakness and powerlessness of the Antichrist will be revealed. Like the Wizard of Oz, he will be exposed as a weak and cowardly liar who hides behind his magic tricks. Those who are deceived and follow this beast will be punished for their betrayal of the truth. Those who remain faithful will reign with the King.