Gary discusses a new movie being released from the Left Behind series of books, directed by and starring actor Kevin Sorbo.
The antichrist of today’s speculative theology combines the characteristics of Daniel’s “prince who is to come” and other features from the book of Daniel (9:26; 7:7–8, 19–26; 8:23–25); elements from Matthew and Daniel’s “abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15; Dan. 9:27); Paul’s “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2:3); John’s “antichrist” language (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7); and John’s “beast” (Rev. 13:11–18).
This futurized composite antichrist supposedly will make himself known after the rapture of the church during the seven-year tribulation. It is speculated that he will arise out of Europe since he arises out of the midst of the “ten horns” on the head of the “fourth beast” (Dan. 7:7–8, 19–26). Others believe that he is Jewish. This “fourth beast” with its “ten horns” is said to be a revived Roman Empire. This is the same beast that rises out of the sea of Revelation 13 (verses 1–10). Some believe the beast or antichrist must be a Jew since he will come “up out of the earth” or land (Rev. 13:11). Others believe that since he arises out of the sea, a designation for Gentile nations, he must be a Gentile (cf. Isa. 57:20).
The modern antichrist is pictured as a charismatic political figure, the perfect media man. In the 1960s, John F. Kennedy seemed to fit all the criteria for a modern-day antichrist, and his mortal head wound clinched it for many gullible Christians. The antichrist purportedly will have the eloquence of a Winston Churchill (Rev. 13:5) and the raw emotion and crowd appeal of an Adolf Hitler (Dan. 7:20; 8:23).
The conjecture which surrounds this figure continues with amazing detail based on scant biblical evidence. The antichrist will come to prominence as part of a ten-nation confederation approximating the land area of the old Roman Empire. Initially he will gain control through war, subduing three of the powers in the confederation. Some speculate that the ten-nation confederation will begin with thirteen. Once he secures power, he will pursue avenues of peace like Hitler (Dan. 8:25). His talk of peace will be attractive to an apostate Christianity (1 Thess. 5:3). As with Hitler who made peace with the “Holy See” of Rome, these overtures of peace will act like sedatives on the people.
Last Days Madness
In this authoritative book, Gary DeMar clears the haze of ‘end-times’ fever, shedding light on the most difficult and studied prophetic passages in the Bible, including Daniel 7:13-14; 9:24-27; Matt. 16:27-28; 24-25; Thess. 2; 2 Peter 3:3-13, and clearly explaining a host of other controversial topics.
Buy NowGary discusses a new movie being released from the Left Behind series of books, directed by and starring actor Kevin Sorbo. The lead-up to the movie has been pushing the Dispensational view of “antichrist,” while neglecting the biblical view. Statements in the marketing like “the Bible claims the Antichrist is Satan’s counterfeit messiah” are completely misleading and run counter to what the Bible actually says about antichrist.