In the book of Revelation, the โFalse Prophetโ uses religious symbolism and his ability to manipulate commerce to coax the inhabitants of the Empire to render homage to the imperial throne. Whether he employs force or persuasion, the goal remains the same. Men who refuse to submit and embrace the โBeastโ are excluded from economic activity, thus, impoverished.
Continue reading “Rendering Homage to Caesar”
The term โantichristโ occurs only in the second and third letters of John, and he applies the plural noun to deceivers that are causing dissension in his congregations. Their very presence constitutes irrefutable evidence that the โlast daysโ have commenced. These troublemakers are โantichristsโ and forerunners of the โAntichristโ who is to come.
Continue reading “Beasts in the Church”
According to Paul, the โmystery of lawlessnessโ is active in the world preparing hearts for the โarrivalโ of the โMan of Lawlessness.โ It will continue to do so until the appointed time when this figure โcomes out of the midstโ and appears in the โsanctuary of God.โ And he will employ โlying signs and wondersโ to cause many disciples to depart from the faith.
In the New Testament, the term โmystery of lawlessnessโ is unique to Paulโs second letter to the Thessalonians. The Greek term rendered โmysteryโ does not refer to something that is esoteric or mysterious, but to something that is hidden.
Continue reading “The Mystery of Lawlessness”
In popular interpretations, the Antichrist is a political tyrant intent on world domination. Whether this proves true, Jesus and his apostles expressed more concern about the deceivers who ply their trade in the church. And in passages that refer to the Antichrist, the issue is deceivers who infiltrate the church.
The only New Testament author to employ the term โantichristโ is John in his first two letters. In them, he warns that โit is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.โ
Continue reading “The Antichrist Spirit”
Christโs final block of teaching that he gave on the Mount of Olives includes several warnings about coming โdeceiversโ and โfalse prophetsโ intent on misleading the saints, warnings reiterated and expanded in the writings of the apostles. And his discourse began with stern warnings to โbeware lest anyone deceive you.โ
Continue reading “Howling Imposters”
Insights into Bible Prophecy 