Revealed Reality Bible Study Series The Anitichrist.. Who? Why? When” @ 12:00 PM & 6:30 PM

Who Is the Antichrist? If Obama is NOT the Antichrist, why is he so important that his image has been carved inside of an Egyptian pyramid?  Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

Variously Defined As… “Adversary of Christ” or “opponent of Christ” and as a title or proper name for a specific individual who opposes and claims to be Christ. The Bible does not reveal specifically who the Antichrist is, but instead speaks of his corrupt teachings. Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

John Warned Us! According to the apostle John’s writing, there   According to the apostle John’s writing, there Is a spirit of antichrist, which is a spirit of opposition to the identity of Christ. Specifically, he was writing to warn of the dualistic heresy that denied that Christ lived as a physical human being (1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7). Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

1st Century Jewish Thoughts…   Anticipated the coming of a Messiah A Conquering King Figure Didn't understand Jesus dual roles of Savior AND Conquering King Refused to accept Jesus as Messiah Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

We Really Don’t Know! Again, the Bible does not reveal specifically   Again, the Bible does not reveal specifically who the Antichrist is, speaking instead of his corrupt teachings. Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

7 Bible Verses To Consider… 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Daniel 7:25 Revelation 13:3 1 John 2:18 1 John 2:22 Revelation 13:5 Daniel 7:24 Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

Conclusion… Despite people really hoping (for some odd   Despite people really hoping (for some odd reason) that the antichrist is Obama, George Bush, or even the Pope, the biblical text never reveals the actual name of the person. The Scriptures paint a picture as to what he will be like and what the time in which he comes to power will be like. Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”

Article By Michael Krauzer   Founder of ChristianLitReview.com, a full-time staff member at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge for the last four years, working as a Ministry Assistant and Pastoral Intern. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of New Jersey and is currently in pursuit of his MA in Theological Studies from Veritas Evangelical Seminary. Lines of Interpretation Scholars such as Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School; believe that the Revelation to a large degree is culture-specific to the Christian churches in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, at the last end of the 1st century CE. This is not to say that the writing cannot or does not speak to us today, but it is to suggest that some of its codes and symbols (some of which we have no clear understanding of how to interpret) would have been understood by John’s original audience. Certain words and terms (i.e. Babylon code name for Rome) would have been readily apparent and easily discernible to them. Having said that, I now ask the question, How else has this writing been interpreted?   Non-historical or Idealist Interpretation In this particular view, the Revelation is basically concerned with ideas, principles, and timeless truths. Its purpose in this view is to illustrate the perennial struggle of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. It is really not concerned with the Church in John’s day, or the Church of today. This view overlooks the fact the John has placed his signature on this work by clearly noting to whom he is writing and why: The Christian churches in Asia Minor concerning how they are living-out their faith in the midst of the Empire’s evil World/Church Historical Interpretation In this view the Revelation is seen as a “detailed prophecy of identifiable events – in short, as an inspired forecast of the whole reach of human history. A variant form of this view identifies seven stages in the history of the Church. Basically, both views suggest that John has predicted the course of history “down to the interpreter’s own time.”