The Antichrist

June 13, 2020 (Saturday)

 

                One survey shows this chapter is the least preached from chapter in the Bible. It presents some very difficult questions and problems for both the preacher and the hearer. Essentially the chapter breaks down into two characters. One seems to be the ruler, while the other creates a religious atmosphere.

                The rule of the Antichrist is described in verses 1 and 2 as being varied. The description is this beast is “from the sea.” The physical description appears to be a monster that is very much divided. There are 10 horns, seven heads, and 10 crowns. Some of have suggested that these represent government and authorities. In the book of Daniel chapter 7 there are four beasts that apparently were present world empires. There is a thought that the lion, the bear, and the leopard represent three kingdoms that appear before a fourth monster. However we are to understand the political situation, the impression one gets of the beast from the sea is that it is illegitimate.

                The beast from the sea’s strength is Satanic. Its authority comes from Satan. In Matthew 4:8-9 Satan offers Jesus all the world’s kingdoms. This offer is illegitimate, because Jesus already owns the world’s nations. In Revelation Satan collects world powers to oppose God. The government’s interest will be to promote Satan. It's important to remember that this government is a servant of Satan and not independent. It will deceive and be deceived. This government will be enraged against the followers of Jesus.

                The beast from the sea is described in verse 3 as a master of deception. The NIV uses the word “seemed.” Is what happens genuine or fake? It does not matter, as the effect is the same. There is what appears to be a fatal wound to the head. This event will get people’s attention. The NIV describes them as “astonished.” The emphasis is that “all” or the whole world will see this event.

                The beast from the sea’s rule will be popular (verses 3-4). It is closely followed with a certain amount of amazement and influence over people’s minds. People will worship the Dragon (Satan), because it has given authority to this beast. Its influence and might are unquestioned.

                Verses 5 and 6 describes the beast from the sea as having been given a mouth that speaks boastful and blasphemous things. What is blasphemy? Blasphemy means to defame, abuse, or speak evil of. It is making a mockery out of the holy. Pride is involved. Pride seems to be the main character flaw of Satan. The devil is not shy about questioning or slandering God. In the Garden of Eden Satan put a “spin” on both the word and the character of God. In a sense the enemy is a master of giving a false statement that sounds plausible.

                The beast from the sea is temporarily victorious (verses 5 – 10). In verse 7 he wages war on” the saints” and gains victory in this war. It is a sobering thought that a government can or will do what the devil cannot. Yet, this beast has power to conquer. Verse 8 says that all who live on earth worship this beast, at least all whose names are not written in “the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Those who do not worship this beast belong to the Lamb of God. They know that where the physical life may end the eternal life begins.

                “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.  Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” [Revelation 13:9 – 10 NLT]

                Verse 9 is an admonition to the readers should they read this before or during this time. There is almost a fatalistic view of being captured or killed. However, put this into perspective of the hope the believer has and the confidence that can be had in Christ Jesus. The call is for endurance and faithfulness. The reality is they cannot lose if they endure and stick to their faithfulness.

                I’m not going to go into the vague and twisted maze of theology trying to explain how there are “God’s holy people” at this point if there is a rapture that occurs before all this happens. The older I get, the less I trust process theology which is neatly packaged and delivered with pompous certainty. Maybe the error is in making sense of something God never intend for us to decipher. Maybe the conjecture is a distraction away from God and what He requires of us in times of crisis and need. God is going to do what He wants, any way He wants, any time he wants… regardless of our theology.