ANTICHRIST (7)

THE DOOM OF THE ANTICHRIST

 

1.  The judgment of God upon the kingdom of Antichrist comes in two phases. The fifth angel poured out his bowl of wrath upon the throne of the Beast and his kingdom was full of darkness physically, morally and spiritually (Rev. 16:10-11). Though plagued with pain, the followers of the Beast gave evidence that they were confirmed in their sin and apostasy and therefore the fit subjects for final destruction. For they blasphemed the God of heaven. The great city Babylon, the center of the political and commercial interests of the world was destroyed (Rev. 18: 1-24). In one hour this vengeance falls upon this city and is left an utter desolation. While this happens some time near the end of the seven years of tribulation, it is not the absolute end, for Antichrist yet organizes a campaign against Jerusalem, known as the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-16) at which time he is personally destroyed at the coming of Christ.

2.  The rising pride and arrogance of this monarch leads him to plan a campaign against the Lamb of God himself (Rev. 17:14a; 19:19). It is possible that his return from death, or the healing of the death wound (Rev. 13:3), together with other exploits has given such overweening pride that he imagines now that he can ascend the heavens and defeat Christ. The remnant of Jews finding refuge in Jerusalem seems to him to be the first object of his hatred. So while in conflict with them, Christ breaks through the clouds of heaven on His white charger and streams toward the center of conflict. With the sword of his mouth (Rev. 19:15), His almighty word, he breaks the power of Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:8). With the brightness of His coming, he demonstrates that Antichrist has deceived his followers, and he is deserted on the field of battle (2 Thess. 2:8), and all his armies are smitten into the dust (Rev. 19:21). Both the Beast and the False Prophet are taken alive and cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 19:20; 20:10). This brings his meteoric career to its end.