Tag Archives: Antichrist

The Antichrist System Now

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The Antichrist will appear after the Rapture of the Church. At present, Satan operates an antichrist system that has functioned since the fall of man and permeates the world. John writes, “every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world” (1 John 4:3). According to Ronald Sauer, “the spirit of the antichrist is in the world now, to be followed by the physical presence of the antichrist later.”[1] This system is active, hostile to God, and oriented toward rebellion, preparing the world for Satan’s future ruler. Paul states, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way” (2 Th. 2:7). Lawlessness is present now in principle, not yet in person. The system exists; the man does not. Its full manifestation awaits the removal of restraint and the unveiling of the Antichrist. Ed Hindson states:

“The spirit of Antichrist is alive and well—it is the Satan-inspired expression of lawlessness and rebellion against God, the things of God, and the people of God. It has been alive since Satan slithered his way around the Garden of Eden. It has been the driving force behind the whole terrible history of the human race—wars, murders, thefts, rapes, and the like. It is the ugly expression of the destructive nature of the great deceiver himself.” [2]

After the Rapture of the Church, when revealed, the Antichrist will rule a unified global government. Daniel foresaw a final kingdom that “will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it” (Dan. 7:23). John describes a beast to whom authority is given “over every tribe and people and tongue and nation” (Rev. 13:7). This is worldwide political dominance. National sovereignty collapses under centralized authority. Law and power are concentrated in one man energized by Satan himself. John states, “The dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority” (Rev. 13:2).

This political dominance is reinforced by global economic control. No buying. No selling. No exceptions. “He causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark… and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark” (Rev. 13:16–17). Economic participation becomes a tool of worship and allegiance. Commerce is weaponized. Survival is tied to submission to the Antichrist. Scripture is explicit that economic pressure enforces loyalty to the system.

The system is also religious. The Antichrist does not begin as an openly atheistic tyrant but as a deceiver. Paul calls him “the man of lawlessness” who “takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Th. 2:3–4). Revelation describes a false prophet who enforces worship of the beast and performs signs to deceive the world (Rev. 13:11–15). This is religious devotion. Satan’s long ambition to be worshiped finally finds its human instrument (Isa. 14:12–14; Matt. 4:8–9).

Behind this future system stands Satan’s longstanding counterfeit kingdom. Scripture states that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Satan is called “the god of this world” who blinds unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4). He has always sought centralized control, uniform thinking, and coerced unity apart from God. Babel was the prototype: “Come, let us build for ourselves a city… and let us make for ourselves a name” (Gen. 11:4). God descended upon their rebellion and wrecked that early system. In the future, He permits a final version to run its course under judgment.

The timing of these events is important. The Antichrist cannot be revealed until the restraining force is removed. Paul states, “You know what restrains him now… only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed” (2 Th. 2:6–8). The Church, indwelt by the Spirit, functions as that restraint. Once removed, restraint ends. Lawlessness accelerates. Deception spreads like wildfire. Authority rapidly becomes centralized. The world does not suddenly become evil. It simply loses restraint.

Scripture also predicts a growing global appetite for deception and control. Scripture states, “Evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). “They did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason, God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false” (2 Th. 2:10–11). Humanity does not stumble into this system unwillingly. They willingly welcome it. They exchange truth for security, freedom for safety, and worship for convenience.

What we see today is preparation for the full expression of Satan’s coming kingdom. Global institutions that bypass national accountability. Cultural hostility to biblical truth. Technology that enables surveillance. Economic systems capable of total centralization. Moral relativism. Rejection of absolute authority except when it promises protection. Scripture identifies this as “the mystery of lawlessness” already at work (2 Th. 2:7). Satan’s structure exists. The final ruler does not.

It follows logically that those who promote globalism and a centralized world economy are, whether knowingly or unknowingly, aligned with Satan’s antichrist system in its present, preparatory form. Scripture presents Satan’s system as one that seeks centralized authority, economic control, uniform allegiance, and unity apart from God. When individuals or institutions advocate structures that dissolve national sovereignty, concentrate power, and subordinate truth to collective security, they advance the same patterns Scripture identifies with the mystery of lawlessness already at work (2 Th. 2:7). This alignment is ideological and functional and it contributes to the stage setting for the future reign of the Antichrist.

For the believer, this truth produces confidence rather than fear. Christ promised deliverance before divine wrath, for “God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Th. 5:9; cf. Rev. 3:10). The next event on the prophetic calendar is not the Antichrist, but the gathering of the Church to Christ. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Th. 4:16–17). The Rapture occurs first. This is followed by the seven-year Tribulation, the final week decreed for Israel and the nations (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24; Rev. 6–18). After that comes the Second Coming of Christ in power and glory to judge and to reign (Matt. 24:29–30; Rev. 19:11–21). The sequence culminates in Christ’s kingdom on earth, where He rules for a thousand years in fulfillment of God’s promises (Rev. 20:1–6).

In summary, Scripture clearly teaches a coming satanic global system under the Antichrist. It also teaches a present preparatory phase already at work. What we observe today aligns precisely with biblical stage setting. The Church waits, watches, and works, confident that God’s plan is on schedule and that Christ will remove His people before judgment falls. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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[1] Ronald Sauer, “1 John,” in The Moody Bible Commentary, ed. Michael A. Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014), 1981.

[2] Ed Hindson, “Antichrist,” in The Harvest Handbook of Bible Prophecy, ed. Ed Hindson, Mark Hitchcock, and Tim LaHaye (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2020), 34.

The Coming Seven Year Tribulation

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The seven-year Tribulation refers to the future time of unprecedented distress that will fall upon the earth after the church is removed to heaven at the Rapture (1 Th 4:13–18; 1 Cor 15:51-52). This period is anchored in Daniel’s prophecy of the “seventy weeks” (Dan 9:24–27), where the final “week” (a heptad of years) is reserved for God’s dealings with Israel and the nations (Rev 6–19) before the establishment of Messiah’s earthly kingdom (2 Sam 7:12–16; Isa 2:2–4; Isa 9:6–7; Jer 23:5–6; 30:7; Ezek 37:24–28; Zech 14:3–9; Matt 19:28; 24:21-22; Luke 1:32–33; Acts 1:6–7; Rev 20:1–6). The event that begins this period is the confirmation of a covenant between “the prince who is to come” (the Antichrist) and unbelieving Israel (Dan 9:27). This covenant will likely promise Israel’s security and religious freedom, including the reinstitution of temple worship (2 Th 2:3–4; Rev 11:1–2), but it’s a façade for deception, as the Antichrist’s true character will be revealed in the middle of the Tribulation (Matt 24:15; Dan 9:27; Rev 13:4–7). Importantly, the Rapture of the church does not initiate the Tribulation but rather marks the conclusion of the church age, which began at Pentecost in Acts 2. The Tribulation formally begins with the signing of this covenant between the Antichrist and Israel. Fruchtenbaum clarifies, “The Rapture precedes the Tribulation, but it does not begin the Tribulation, a fact confused by many Pretribulationists. It is not the Rapture, but the seven-year covenant which begins the Tribulation. The Rapture will merely come some time before this, and may very well precede the Tribulation by a good number of years” (Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah, p. 155).

The term Tribulation designates the entire seven-year period revealed in Daniel’s prophecy of the seventy weeks (Dan 9:27), a future era of unparalleled upheaval and divine judgment. The first half of this period is marked by the Antichrist’s deceptive rise, political consolidation, and restrained but mounting judgments. Jesus described this stage as “the beginning of birth pangs” (Matt 24:8), emphasizing that while distress is genuine, it steadily intensifies in both frequency and severity. During this time, the seal and trumpet judgments unfold (Rev 6–9), bringing economic collapse, ecological devastation, warfare, famine, and widespread death. Yet these judgments, though severe, remain restrained compared to what is to come.

The second half of the seven years is specifically called the Great Tribulation (Matt 24:21), when the full measure of God’s wrath is unleashed upon a rebellious world. Scripture identifies this climactic period as lasting “a time, times, and half a time” (Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 12:14), “forty-two months” (Rev 11:2; 13:5), or “1,260 days” (Rev 11:3; 12:6), underscoring its exact duration of three-and-a-half years. It begins at the midpoint when the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel, sets up the abomination of desolation in the temple (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15; 2 Th 2:4), and demands global worship. During these final forty-two months (Rev 11:2; 13:5), the bowl judgments are poured out (Rev 16), unleashing the most catastrophic expressions of divine wrath. At the same time, the persecution of Israel intensifies as the Antichrist seeks to eradicate God’s covenant people (Rev 12:13–17), and worldwide rebellion against the Lord reaches its peak. According to Thomas Ice, “the Bible distinguishes between the tribulation period (seven years) and what is known as the great tribulation (the final three and a half years). In Matthew 24:9 the term ‘tribulation’ most likely refers to the full seven-year period of the tribulation. On the other hand, Matthew 24:21 speaks of the ‘great tribulation,’ which begins with the abomination of desolation that takes place after the midpoint of the seven-year period (Matt 24:15).” (Timothy J. Demy & Thomas Ice, Answers to Common Questions about the End Times, p. 65).

The coming seven-year Tribulation must be understood as an eschatological necessity: God’s appointed means to bring an end to human rebellion (Jer 25:31-33; Rev 6:15-17), to purify Israel for her Messiah (Ezek 20:37-38; Zech 13:8-9; Rom 11:26), and to prepare the nations for the visible return and reign of Christ (Matt 24:29-30; Rev 19:11-16). Thus, the Tribulation is both a period of judgment and of hope, for it paves the way for the long-awaited kingdom of God on earth (Dan 2:44; Zech 14:9; Rev 20:1-6) and the millennial blessings that will follow (Isa 11:6-9; Amos 9:13-15).

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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Israel, Globalism, and the Rapture

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The Rapture of the Church is imminent—it could happen at any moment, without warning or prerequisite signs. However, while no event must occur before the Rapture, Scripture does reveal the conditions of the world leading up to the seven-year Tribulation that follows. As we observe present global trends, it appears that the stage is being set for the fulfillment of end-times prophecy. These developments, though not signs of the Rapture itself, may indicate how close the Tribulation—and thus the Rapture—may be.

The most significant prophetic development in modern history is the rebirth of Israel in 1948. After nearly two millennia of dispersion, the Jewish people were regathered to their ancient homeland in fulfillment of passages such as Ezekiel 36–37. This regathering is essential for later events in Daniel’s 70th week (Dan 9:27) and the book of Revelation. Alongside Israel’s return is the growing global focus on Jerusalem, which Zechariah foretold would become a burdensome stone for the nations (Zech 12:2-3). Today, political pressure continues to mount for the division of Jerusalem, in direct defiance of God’s covenant purposes (Joel 3:2).

In tandem with these geopolitical shifts, we see the rise of globalism. Revelation 13 describes a future one-world government under the Antichrist. Although the Antichrist cannot appear until after the Rapture (2 Th 2:6-8), the groundwork for centralized global control is clearly underway. Institutions such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum openly advocate for global governance, digital identification, and economic systems that would allow for global compliance—precursors to the mark of the beast system in Revelation 13:16-17. Technological advances now enable worldwide surveillance, biometric tracking, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), all of which could be tools of totalitarian control during the Tribulation.

In the spiritual realm, the apostasy of the professing church is another powerful indicator. Paul warned of a falling away from the faith in the last days (1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Tim 3:1-5), and that’s exactly what we’re witnessing. Many churches are abandoning sound doctrine in favor of entertainment, social agendas, or ecumenical compromise. The Gospel is often distorted—either by works-based systems or watered down to moralistic self-help. The rise of false teachers, doctrinal confusion, and biblical illiteracy is precisely what Scripture foretold.

Meanwhile, society at large is spiraling into moral chaos. Paul’s vivid description of last-days culture in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 reads like today’s headlines: people are lovers of self, arrogant, disobedient to parents, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. From the normalization of sin to the celebration of rebellion against divine design, the moral fabric of civilization is unraveling. Godlessness is promoted while righteousness is increasingly ridiculed.

Another fascinating development is the preparation for a third Jewish temple. According to Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4, the Tribulation temple must be present for the Antichrist to desecrate it mid-week. Today, groups such as the Temple Institute have recreated priestly garments, temple instruments, and have even bred red heifers for ritual purification. The desire and readiness for temple worship are alive and well in Jerusalem, awaiting only political opportunity.

Equally remarkable is the alignment of nations foretold in Ezekiel 38–39. Russia (Rosh), Iran (Persia), and Turkey (Togarmah) are all forging alliances today, united by hostility toward Israel. These are precisely the nations listed in Ezekiel’s prophecy of a northern coalition that will invade Israel. Though this invasion will be sovereignly thwarted by God, its precursors are visible on today’s geopolitical stage.

Economic instability is also setting the stage. Revelation 6:5-6 describes global hyperinflation and food shortages in the Tribulation. While these judgments have not yet arrived, current economic turmoil—soaring debt, inflation, unstable markets, and supply chain failures—highlight the fragility of modern economies and how quickly the world could tip into chaos when divine restraint is removed.

Lastly, there has been a dramatic rise in occultism and spiritual deception. Paul warned that in the latter times, many would follow deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Tim 4:1). This trend is exploding today through New Age mysticism, witchcraft, astrology, and Satanism—all marketed as personal empowerment and heavily promoted through media and pop culture. Spiritual darkness is gaining traction, especially among the youth.

Taken together, these developments create a compelling picture. While the Rapture itself is signless and could happen at any time, the stage-setting for the Tribulation strongly suggests that we may be living in the final moments before Christ calls His Church home. We are not looking for signs—we are listening for the shout (1 Th 4:16-17). Until then, we walk by faith, proclaim the gospel of grace, and remain steadfast in hope, knowing our blessed hope is Christ Himself (Tit 2:13).

Friend, if you’ve never trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time. The gospel of grace is the good news that the eternal Son of God took on human flesh (John 1:1, 14), lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to the Father (1 John 3:5), and willingly died a substitutionary death in our place (Rom 5:8; 2 Pet 3:18). On the cross, He bore all our sins—past, present, and future—in full (1 Pet 2:24). He was buried, and on the third day He rose again bodily, just as the Scriptures foretold (1 Cor 15:3-4). Through His finished work (John 19:30), Jesus offers complete forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43) and eternal life as a free gift—freely given, never earned (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9). This gift is available to anyone who believes in Him alone for salvation (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). You don’t need to clean yourself up, make promises, or prove yourself worthy. Simply believe in Jesus as your Savior, “for whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div., B.Sc.

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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Jesus’ Return with His Saints

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Jesus Coming with His SaintsWhen Jesus returns to the earth after the time of the seven year Tribulation, He will establish His kingdom on earth.[1] This is a time when humanity will be saved from the tyranny of Satan who currently rules over the earth.[2] At His Second Coming, it is written, “And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses” (Rev 19:14). Concerning this passage, Radmacher states, “The armies in heaven may be angelic hosts (Rev 5:11; Matt 26:53), but Revelation 17:14 speaks of those with the Lord at His coming as being ‘called, chosen, and faithful,’ all terms for believers (Rom 1:7; Eph 1:1; 1 Pet 2:9).”[3] Wiersbe adds, “Certainly the angels are a part of this army (Matt 25:31; 2 Th 1:7); but so are the saints (1 Th 3:13; 2 Th 1:10).”[4] Norman Geisler states:

“Before the Tribulation, Christ comes for His bride (1 Th 4:16–17; John 14:3); then, at the end of the Tribulation, He will return with all His saints. Jude wrote, “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones” (Jude 1:14; cf., Matt 24:29–31). He cannot come with them until He has first come for them; we have identified the time interval between these events as seven years.”[5]

Wayne House comments:

“It is important to remember that when we say “the second coming” of Christ, we are not talking about the rapture that occurs prior to the second coming. The rapture is most clearly presented in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. It is characterized in the Bible as a “translation coming” (1 Cor 15:51–52; 1 Th 4:15–17) in which Christ comes for His church. The second advent is Christ returning with His saints, descending from heaven to establish His earthly kingdom (Zech 14:4–5; Matt 24:27–31).”[6]

At His Second Coming, Jesus will put down all rebellion, both human and satanic. The two main leaders of the world, the Antichrist and his false prophet, will be defeated and “thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone” (Rev 19:20). Furthermore, those people who followed Antichrist “were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Rev 19:21). Afterwards, the Lord will send one of His angels to arrest and imprison Satan (Rev 20:1-3). John wrote about this angel, saying, “And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer” (Rev 20:2-3a). This will be a time of global deliverance from evil as Messiah reigns over all the earth in perfect righteousness.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

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[1] The subject of Messiah’s earthly kingdom is found throughout the OT (Dan 2:44; 7:13-14; 2 Sam 7:16; Psa 89:3-4, 34-37; Isa 9:6-7; Jer 23:5-6) and the NT (Matt 6:9-10; 19:28; 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Rev 19:11-16; Rev 20:4-6).

[2] Three times Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Other passages of Scripture call Satan “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), and “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2), informing us “that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Satan rules as a tyrant who has “weakened the nations” (Isa 14:12), and currently “deceives the whole world” (Rev 12:9). Satan continues to attack God’s people today (1 Pet 5:8), practices deception (2 Cor 11:13-15), and has well developed strategies of warfare (Eph 6:10-12). Furthermore, humanity is living in an “evil age” (Gal 1:4), under “the dominion of Satan” (Acts 26:18), whose sphere of influence is called “the domain of darkness” (Col 1:13).

[3] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1762.

[4] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 618.

[5] Norman L. Geisler, Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2005), 618–619.

[6] H. Wayne House and Timothy J. Demy, Answers to Common Questions about Jesus (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2011), 75–76.