THE RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST TO WORLD POWER
1. The steps in the rise of the Antichrist
to power can be summarized as follows. In general this order is correct, though
there could be features that are out of place, and will be discovered only as
prophecy unfolds in history.
(1) Immediately following the rapture of the Church, Antichrist will
be revealed (2 Thess. 2:6-8 ASV). It
is then that the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit as wrought through
the Church will cease to operate. The first move on the part of Christ to take
possession of earth is the release of Antichrist by the tearing away of the
first seal (Rev. 6:1-2).
(2)
Antichrist appears on the scene as an
inconspicuous figure, but nevertheless, starting out upon a career "conquering and to conquer" (Rev. 6:1-2).
(3)
He makes a treaty with the Jews in his own name
(John 5:43), which brings them into
possession of the temple area where they can renew their long discontinued
worship (Rev. 11:1-3). What he gets
in return from the Jews no one knows, though it is fairly certain that money
figures in this move somewhere.
(4)
Running parallel with negotiations with the Jews
is the development of a ten-power confederacy that at last brings him into
complete power (Rev. 13:1; 17:12-13).
(5)
This ten-power confederacy results in world
power by the middle of the seven-year tribulation period (Rev. 13:7). All other great powers fall before his march to world
power. This includes the powers in the East and South, though perhaps the
Northern power is removed from before him by the immediate judgment of God.
(6)
Two mass movements to which he has submitted for
three and one-half years finally result in a break and a change of plans.
First, the false religious system of this time is no longer needed for he has
reached supreme power throughout the world. So he destroys this system (Rev. 17:3, 16-17). Second, a movement
of opposition among the Jews spearheaded by two witnesses is broken. With
beast-like ferocity he slays the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-13), and inaugurates the great tribulation against the
Jews for the last three and one half years of this period (Rev. 11:2, 7), and extends it beyond to include millions of
Gentiles who have believed on Christ (Rev.
7:9, 14). He now appears to be in undisputed control of the whole earth.
2. The means by which he has risen to world power are many.
(1)
Chaotic world conditions, consisting of
universal war, famine, pestilence, dislocation, and distress with no way out
have provided an occasion (Matt. 24:6-7;
Luke 21:25-26; Rev. 6:3-8).
(2)
Great personal ability energized by Satan
enabled him to gain recognition (Rev.13:2-4;
2 Thess. 2:9).
(3)
The material support from Jewish people, in
return for religious privilege provides the material help (Rev. 11:1-3).
(4)
In addition there is the influence and aid of
apostate religion.
(5)
Superhuman power communicated by Satan is
especially important (2 Thess. 2:9; Rev.
13:2).
(6)
Last but not least, is the divine permission and
providential control from heaven. God sends the strong delusion in the person
of Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:11), and
it is Christ who holds the seven-sealed book in His hands and under His control
and direction tears away the seal that sends Antichrist forth (Rev. 6:1-2) .
3. The chronology of Antichrist's rise to power
is clear as to order though not as to exact dates.
(1)
The revelation of the Antichrist to the world
comes immediately following the rapture of the Church (2 Thess. 2:7).
(2)
The negotiations with Israel constitute the next
major event (John 5:43), though
perhaps this may not be the next event in time. But these negotiations mark the
beginning of Daniel's seventieth week.
(3)
Coronation as the supreme monarch of the world
comes at the middle of this seventieth week of years (Rev. 13:7).
