Systematic Theology III The Doctrine of Last Things The Antichrist and the Tribulation

The Doctrine of the Antichrist Taking into consideration the different meanings of the Greek preposition anti, antichristos can mean: One who opposes Christ (2 Thess 2:4; Rev 17:14; 19:19) One who stands in the stead of Christ (2 Thess 2:4) One who imitates or counterfeits Christ through, for example, signs and miracles (2 Thess 2:9-11; 2 Cor 11:13-15). The term Antichrist has several NT usages: An eschatological person (1 John 2:18) Persons with the character and actions of the Antichrist (1 John 2:18) One who denies the full deity of the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22) One who denies the genuine and complete humanity of Jesus (2 John 7; 1 John 4:2-3) The last two are very closely related

The Doctrine of the Antichrist Biblical Names for the Antichrist The little horn (Dan 7:8) The coming prince (Dan 9:26) The willful king (Dan 11:36) The lawless one (2 Thess 2:8) The beast out of the sea (Rev 13:1) The Personality and Character of the Antichrist Different “Antichrist’s personality is divergent from those world leaders that preceded him; he will be unlike them in peculiar ways that set him apart as a leader” (McCune, p. 370). See Dan 7:8, 24; Rev 13:3. Intelligent His intelligence appears to be greater than that of the average man. Orator “He has great oratorical abilities…Oratory is a deadly weapon over the masses in the hands of an evil but skillful person” (McCune, p. 371). See Dan 11:36; Rev 13:1, 5-6. Crafty Politician “He is a wily politician…Shrewd diplomacy and political intrigue undoubtedly play a major role, possibly along with a show of military strength” (McCune, p. 371). See Rev 13:7; 17:12. McCune identifies more in the OT that I would take issue with. The Antichrist’s names depict his character.

The Doctrine of the Antichrist The Personality and Character of the Antichrist Military Understanding “His is militarily astute. His success in rising to world attention as a late comer who conquers three nations (Dan 7:8, 20, 24) is probably accomplished, at least in part, by the clever manipulation of military strength” (McCune, p. 372). See Rev 13:4. World Wonder “He is a world wonder” (McCune, p. 372). See Rev 13:3-4. Self-Centered “He is completely selfish and self-centered…law and order will totally revolve around him and his directives” (McCune, p. 372).

The Doctrine of the Antichrist The Origin of the Antichrist Racially This is much debated. McCune leans toward the Antichrist being Jewish, based on such verses as Dan 11:37. One could make the case that he is not, based on his being of “the people of the prince who is to come” (Dan 9:26). Politically “Politically this world figure arises, as in most cases, out of the turmoil of restless humanity…The international political structure is such that someone with his incredible abilities is looked upon as a timely savior of the chaotic world order. The survival of humanity itself will be broadcast far and wide as the burning issue of the hour” (McCune, p. 373). Geographically Since Antichrist’s rule is in continuity with the historic Roman Empire, many feel his empire will be geographically dominant in western Europe, but there is nothing in Scripture that requires this. Spiritually “The spiritual origin of Antichrist is diabolical, sinful and wicked” (McCune, p. 374). See Gen 3:15; Rev 13:2. Providentially “In the political intrigue that results in this person assuming the headship of the international coalition, the ultimate will and power behind such movements are clearly indicated by John: ‘For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled (Rev 17:17)’” (McCune, p. 375).

The Doctrine of the Antichrist The Career of the Antichrist “The career of the Antichrist can be divided into three basic parts: his rise, his rule, and his end” (McCune, p. 375). His Rise “The Antichrist begins his rise shortly after the Rapture of the church. The removal of the restraining work of the Spirit through the church saints enables the man of sin to ascend in policital power (2 Thess 2:7-8)” (McCune, p. 375). His Rule “Once Antichrist attains international power, he initiates a series of treacherous acts that further solidifies his hold on world politics. He maintains this grip on the world’s throat until the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Tribulation, where He is defeated by Christ and His armies” (McCune, p. 376). See the Book of Revelation. His End Both phases of his empire, religious and commercial, are destroyed (Rev 17 and 18). He and his false prophet are then destroyed by Christ and His army (Rev 19:19-21). Antichrist starts out as a lesser political figure, but reaches the height of his power half way through the Tribulation.

The Doctrine of the Tribulation Biblical Terms for the Tribulation The Tribulation (Matt 24:21, 29: Rev 7:14) The hour of testing (Rev 3:10) The time of distress or trouble (Dan 12:1; Jer 30:7) The indignation or wrath (Dan 8:19; 1 Thess 1:10) The Day of the Lord The Time of the Tribulation “The Tribulation will follow the Rapture of the church and precede the Millennium” (McCune, p. 379). The Chronology of the Tribulation Seven Years – See Dan 9:24-27 Two Halves of 3.5 Years Each – See Rev 11:2-3; Dan 7:25; 12:7.

Daniel’s 70th Week 3.5 Years 3.5 Years Abomination of Desolation Rapture of the Church Return of Christ Antichrist as leader of revived Roman Empire Antichrist as dictator of the world Abomination of Desolation 3.5 Years 3.5 Years Beginning of Birth Pangs The Great Tribulation

The Doctrine of the Tribulation The Purposes of the Tribulation Judgment “The Scriptures present the sin of the world as a cumulative process, akin to a growing season that requires an eventual harvest. The idea of international sin reaching a maturity and thus demanding divine judgment is put in terms of a growth/harvest metaphor” (McCune, p. 381). See Joel 3:12-13; Matt 13:30; Rev 14:15. Chastening “The last half of the Tribulation will be a special time of judgmental chastening on Israel for her centuries of unbelief, and especially for the treaty with the Antichrist” (McCune, p. 382). Salvation For Israel (Jer 30:7; Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26-27) For the nations (Zeph 3:8-10; Rev 7:9-10)

Next Time: The Doctrine of Last Things The Millennium