Chapter 50: The Spirit Of The Antichrist, The Beast

Although the true Antichrist has been reserved specifically for the preordained times by the true God, the last three- and- one- half years of the seven- year tribulation, 1 this has not prevented the forces of evil from endeavoring to introduce the false messiah from the beginning. Since Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, forces within the rebellious and independent lineage of humankind have toiled tirelessly throughout the generations to introduce the false messiah. The ultimate objective for spurious forces is to steadfastly introduce the false messiah at a time conflicting with the divinely destined time laid down by the true God of the universe. As students of history, we have been witnesses to many such past, mutinous endeavors, where the spirit of the spurious religion gained control over world government and placed into position its likely candidate for world dictator.

We must remember the spirit of the Antichrist 2 is like a living being; it continually lurks, patiently awaiting its opportunity to seize its prey at a time of its own choosing, like a beast, but it will accept the preordained times if necessary. “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who holds him back will continue to do so until he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed” (2 Thess. 2:7–8). Only the Holy Spirit prevents the spirit of the Antichrist from seizing a powerful- hungry potentate, holding world power, or ascending to world power. Only the Holy Spirit prevents the spirit of the Antichrist from completing the end- time abomination that will cause desolation until its prophesied time. Only the Holy Spirit prevents the forces of evil from fulfilling the spirit of the Antichrist revealing himself to the world by taking his stand, backed by the people of the earth against the true God. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, such would have taken place already under Nimrod or any of the six great world powers past.

Great historical kings, such as Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander, and Julius Caesar represent three of the most noteworthy examples of the spurious religion forging itself with powerful world empires to present a plausible Antichrist. Nebuchadnezzar had his reign interrupted for seven years, 3 until he acknowledged the true God of the universe, after he had all but completed the abomination in the temple but had not yet declared himself to be God from his throne in the temple; this has been reserved for the future Antichrist to do. 4 Alexander and Julius Caesar were slain before completing their unholy tasks but were already considered deities before their deaths; neither, however, ruled over the entire world. But Alexander was regarded by the Iranians of that period to be the accursed, hostile spirit relating to the end- time showdown between the forces of good and evil. 5