The Rise of the Anti-Christ

Revelation 13:1–7 NKJV

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Introduction:

In the last message in this series, I described the first beast coming up out of the sea.

We learned through the passages and comparing them to Daniel chapter 7, that this beast represented the new world empire, which is actually the revived Roman Empire.

Today, we will look at another aspect of this beast - the human side.

It is here we find the ruler of this empire - who is none other than the Anti-Christ!

Daniel 7:7–8 NKJV

7 “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.

I. His rise to power will be seen by all.

In other words, he will be in the light of world politics and one of the major players in the ascension of the new Empire.

It is quite possible and more over probable, that he is already making his path to this position.

Yet, he is not easily recognized.

A. The World will be attracted to him.

Revelation 13:3 NKJV

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

B. The world will be seduced by him.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 NKJV

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

II. His character and purpose will be revealed.

Most people believe they will spot him, and not be fooled, but they are mistaken.

The number of his name 666 is known by almost everyone, but, do they think it will be tattooed on his head?

The world is looking for an evil man, but he comes like an angel of light.

And so at first, he looks good, even if that time period is prolonged.

But, when he comes into to the last half of the Tribulation period, his true nature will be seen by everyone, and the Jews will know the truth.

Daniel 9:27 NKJV

27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”

Yes, he will broker a seven year peace treaty with Israel, which he will break in the middle of it.

III. His influence upon the world will be spiritual.

A. He will be presumed to be the Messiah.

This very important, because what people expect him to look like and be is not what the Bible says.

Mark 13:22 NKJV

22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

1 John 2:18 NKJV

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

But, when the Anti-Christ comes, the world will believe he is the savior!

B. He will sit in authority over the spiritual empire.

As we see from the passages of our text, his spiritual deception is the crown of his working, and the new empire works on the same principal.

It is for this reason, that many have seen throughout the centuries, the pope, to be the anti-christ!

It has been said that the Roman Empire became the Roman Catholic Church,with its Caesar sitting on the thrown in Rome.

Conclusion:

My brothers and sisters, we worship God!

Our faith and trust must be in Him alone, and not some political system or person.

We may very well face a time, and it could be on the horizon, that we will be hated, mistreated, imprisoned, perhaps even killed for our beliefs.

We simply face the same problems and trials that all true Christians have faced for the past 2000 years.

Why should we think it any different?

Let us be faithful!

Let us be courageous!

Let us be as Paul said to the Corinthians -

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.