What About the Antichrist? - Revelation 13:1-18 - July 13, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – What About the Antichrist? – July 13, 2008

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Revelation 13:1-18.

As mentioned in last week’s lesson, “Was the Apostle John describing past, present or future events or some combination of time periods?” I consider this lesson a futurist event. But I believe the spirit of the antichrist is already in the world as stated by the Apostles John and Paul because anything that opposes CHRIST is against CHRIST.
The term “antichrist” is not used in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John used the term “antichrist” in 1 John 2:18, 22:

18 Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard, “Antichrist is coming,” even now many antichrists have come. We know from this that it is the last hour.
22 Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the • Messiah? He is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

And 1 John 4:3:
2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh[1] Or confesses Jesus to be the Christ come in the flesh is from God. 3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus[2] Other mss read confess that Jesus has come in the flesh is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.

And in 2 John verse 7:
22 Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the • Messiah? He is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

The Apostle Paul used the term “The Man of Lawlessness” referring to the “antichrist” in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-13:

The Man of Lawlessness
1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him: we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be easily upset in mind or troubled, either by a spirit or by a message or by a letter as if from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord[1] Other mss read Christ has come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For [that day]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. will not come unless the apostasy[2] Or rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness[3] Other mss read man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction. 4 He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits[4] Other mss add as God in God’s sanctuary,[5] Or temple publicizing that he himself is God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was still with you I told you about this? 6 And you know what currently restrains [him]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , so that he will be revealed in his time. 7 For the • mystery of lawlessness is already at work; but the one now restraining will do so until he is out of the way, 8 and then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of His mouth[6] Rv 19:15 and will bring him to nothing with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming [of the lawless one]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. is based on Satan’s working, with all kinds of false miracles, signs, and wonders, 10 and with every unrighteous deception among those who are perishing. [They perish]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe what is false, 12 so that all will be condemned—those who did not believe the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness.

Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to clear up confusion regarding the second coming of CHRIST. Some false teachers were saying that CHRIST had already come and the existing believers had been left behind. Paul also addresses the second coming in 1 Thessalonians Chapters 4 and 5.

The scripture 2 Thessalonians 2:1-13 may raise some questions in some minds. How can a loving GOD permit people to be deluded? GOD gives all humans the right to choose. The Bible and Christians will be upon earth during these events. The truth will be available but many will believe the physical things they see rather than what their hearts are telling them. GOD calls all to salvation but each person has to make the decision whether or not to accept HIM as his or her SAVIOR. This is why it is so vital that we who know the truth spread the truth to all people while the light of CHRIST is in the world. But even now we see Christian religions compromising to become more like the world. Keep in mind that being a Christian is CHRIST in you and not the religious body you attend. However, the religious body you attend reflects what others associate with you as your beliefs. Do not be an agent of compromise. Seek the truth from the Bible not the religious institution.

Even today we see well educated people following false teachers and false prophets. Many humans want something tangible to worship but those who know the truth know that the HOLY SPIRIT within is our reality of truth and is our seal of the guarantee that what we believe is the absolute truth, reality and will come to pass. Each human must take a step of faith in order to know this truth and experience this spiritual reality. WOW!!! That knowledge gives me an overwhelming sense of joy and praise as I write this. My prayer is that everyone who reads this knows this truth. If not, ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life. HE will and HE will confirm the miracle of rebirth in your spirit through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT in your heart.

As we study this lesson, we, as believers, do not have to fear the second coming of CHRIST. I know most young people want to live long enough to accomplish certain milestones in their lives, such as completing their education, marrying, having children, etc. This is quite normal. Most of us want to do those things but no earthly accomplishment can compare to the second coming of CHRIST for believers. Until that moment comes, live for HIM and pursue life in abundance. Ask HIM to show you how to build an intimate, loving relationship with HIM because when bad times come, it is this relationship that will be your strength.

Keep in mind the dragon mentioned in this scripture is Satan and there are two (2) beasts – the first beast is out of the sea and the second beast is out of the earth. This is Satan’s attempt to establish a trinity.

Let’s read Revelation 13:1-6:
The Beast from the Sea
1 And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea.[1] Dn 7:3 He[2] The beasts in Rv 13:1,11 are customarily referred to as “he” or “him” rather than “it.” The Gk word for a beast (therion) is grammatically neuter. had 10 horns and seven heads. On his horns were 10 diadems,[3] Rv 12:3 and on his heads were blasphemous names.[4] Other mss read heads was a blasphemous name [5] Rv 17:3 2 The beast I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like a bear’s, and his mouth was like a lion’s mouth.[6] Dn 7:4–6 The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 One of his heads appeared to be fatally wounded,[7] Lit be slain to death but his fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast.[8] Lit amazed after the beast [9] Rv 17:8 4 They worshiped the dragon[10] Rv 12:3 because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast?[11] Ex 15:11; Isaiah 46:5 Who is able to wage war against him?” 5 A mouth was given to him to speak boasts and blasphemies.[12] Dn 7:8,11,20 He was also given authority to act[13] Other mss read wage war [14] Or to rule for 42 months.[15] Rv 11:2 6 He began to speak[16] Lit He opened his mouth in blasphemies against God: to blaspheme His name and His dwelling—those who dwell in heaven.

DO NOT GET CONFUSED AS YOU READ THIS. THIS IS MY ATTEMPT TO SHOW YOU HOW Satan CAN USE THESE EVENTS TO DECEIVE THE PEOPLE OF EARTH.

True believers will know the truth and they will see that all that has been predicted in the Bible is coming to pass. This fact will confirm and strengthen the faith of the believers living during these times. They will know that GOD will be their strength. This is why our relationship with our LORD is so vital. We need to prepare our children and our grandchildren so they will be firm in their faith and know the Bible.
Satan is a liar, deceiver and counterfeiter.

In last week’s lesson we saw the description of CHRIST – seven (7) eyes and seven (7) horns. The number seven (7) is the number for completion and shows that CHRIST is all powerful and all knowing and is complete in every way.

Notice the description of this beast coming out of the sea – ten (10) horns and seven (7) heads, with ten (10) crowns, one crown of each horn but with a blasphemous name on each head.

Horns mean power and on each of these horns is a crown. These horns with crowns give the illusion that this beast has a stamp of approval from a powerful source. In fact this beast could be portrayed as defeating GOD because it has a blasphemous name on each head. If this beast had not defeated GOD how could GOD allow such a beast to appear on earth.

Carry the deception another step – there will not be a second coming of CHRIST because GOD has been defeated, therefore, your only hope is to worship this beast. See how it can be used to deceive the unbeliever and even the believer who is not firm in his or her faith.

Now for another deception – believers know the trinity of GOD – GOD, THE FATHER, GOD THE SON and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. Satan produces a trinity for the people of earth – Satan (the dragon- v. 13:2), the beast out of the sea (v. 13:1) and the beast out of earth (v. 13:11).

Let’s continue the deception – Verse 3 – One of the heads seemed to have suffered a fatal wound but it had been healed. It would be simple to explain that during the battle with GOD that the head did receive this fatal wound but as proof of the victory this beast had over GOD is evidenced by the fact that the fatal wound was healed. If GOD had not been defeated, would HE have allowed this to happen? AGAIN THIS IS HOW DECEPTION WORKS, IT DISTORTS TRUTH. Know the truth and it will set you free from false notions. This is why we, who know the truth, must share the truth with others.

GOD allows the beast to do his thing for forty-two months. GOD is always in control. During these forty-two (42) months mankind will see what true lawlessness is. It will be a period like humans have never witnessed or heard of in all history. Allowing matters to get worse gives a contrast between when GOD was in control and when GOD withdrew HIS control. All is designed to get the lost to see the difference. But again human nature is to worship power regardless of its source.

Notice the authority of the beast out of the sea comes from the dragon, Satan. The beast is a false messiah and against CHRIST. As mentioned earlier, the Book of Revelation does not use the term “antichrist”, however, anything that is against CHRIST is the antichrist. Both the Apostles John and Paul stated that the spirit of antichrist or the lawless one is already in the world.

When people relinquish their rights and moral beliefs to an evil source they allow evil to prevail. Compromise is the beginning of relinquishing our rights and moral beliefs.
The beast is a counterfeit of Satan to deceive the people of earth to believe that it is the promised Messiah. The beast will perform miracles and shout blasphemies. This again gives the idea that GOD is powerless and must have been defeated. No human has ever heard, read or witnessed such a display of blasphemies toward GOD, therefore, this beast must now be in charge of earth and the universe.

Let’s read Revelation 13: 7b-8, 11-18:

7b-8 (The “he” here is the beast out of the sea.)
He was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.[17] Rv 5:9; 7:9; 11:9; 14:6 8 All those who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book[18] Or scroll of life[19] Rv 3:5; 17:8; Ex 32:32–33 of the Lamb who was slaughtered.[20] Or written in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered from the foundation of the world [21] 1 Pt 1:19–20

11-18:
The Beast from the Earth – The second beast – considered by some scholars to be a counterfeit holy spirit.

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; he had two horns like a lamb,[27] Or ram [28] Dn 8:3 but he sounded like a dragon. 12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast on his behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13 He also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth before people. 14 He deceives those who live on the earth[29] Rv 12:9 because of the signs that he is permitted to perform on behalf of the beast,[30] 2 Th 2:9–12 telling those who live on the earth to make an image[31] Or statue, or likeness of the beast who had the sword wound yet lived. 15 He was permitted to give a spirit[32] Or give breath, or give life to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

16 And he requires everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark[33] Or stamp, or brand on his[34] Lit their right hand or on his[35] Lit their forehead,[36] Rv 14:1 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast’s name or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom:[37] Or This calls for wisdom [38] Rv 17:9 The one who has understanding must calculate[39] Or count, or figure out the number of the beast, because it is the number of a man.[40] Or is a man’s number, or is the number of a person His number is 666.[41] One Gk ms plus other ancient evidence read 616

We must keep in mind that GOD is still in control. GOD allows Satan to give power to the beast. Often to prove a positive, one does so through the negative. GOD is allowing these events to make it clear to the people of earth that the contrast between good and evil. Believers will know the truth and see these events taking place. They will have to endure these events but will have the power of GOD with them. People will become Christians during these times. But keep in mind those who are deceived DO NOT HAVE THEIR NAMES WRITTEN IN THE LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE. GOD is not condemning the lost but giving them every opportunity to accept HIM. However, GOD knows they will not accept HIM.

Some of my favorite verses of scripture are Ephesians 1:3-6:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,[2] Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 in Christ; 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love 5 He predestined[6] Ac 4:28; Rm 8:29–30; 1 Co 2:7; Eph 1:11 us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, 6 to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.

The foreknowledge of GOD allows HIM to see those who will freely accept HIM. This foreknowledge does not force us to choose HIM but it does allow HIM to watch over HIS future children because Satan would love nothing better than to wipe us all out.
When I think of all the generations that have gone before my existence and all the possibilities that could have terminated my existence, I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the privilege of life. Just ponder that thought.

Where were we before we were born? We were in the mind and heart of GOD. That is the safest place possible.

GOD will be with HIS children through all these events, therefore, do not get discouraged but rejoice in the fact that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Keep in mind, we are reading about the dragon – Satan and two (2) beasts that receive their power from Satan.

Beast one (1) comes from the sea. This beast will be popular among unbelievers. People will worship the dragon because they will see that the power of the beast comes from the dragon. The beast will make war against the saints of GOD and to conquer them, however, GOD will protect HIS children from worshiping the beast from the sea.

The second beast (verses 11-16) comes out of the earth that had two (2) horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. This is a false prophet who is a counterfeit of the HOLY SPIRIT.

[Just a thought on my part that occurred to me as I was writing this – Could this be something formed out of the ground/dirt that was given life by Satan? Is this an attempt to counterfeit the creation of man by GOD in the beginning of time? Or to show that creating life from dirt is no big deal. Or Satan’s attempt to be GOD by creating a living thing from dirt? I do not know. This is something for you and me to pray about and seek GOD’S wisdom.]

The beast “out of the earth” will require everyone to worship an image of the beast “out of the sea” which he has had rigged to speak and cause all who refuse to worship that image to be killed.

The beast out of the earth will require all to have a mark which we call “the mark of the beast” on their right hand or forehead. This mark is the name of the beast or the number of his name which is 666 in order to buy and sell.

There is much discussion about who this is. It is a secret and will only be revealed by GOD at the right moment. The Bible tells us those who have insight to calculate the number.

First Century Christians thought Emperor Nero was the antichrist because the Greek letters of Nero’s name represented numbers that total 666. They also thought that Rome was the beast because of all the evil that the government allowed which included the persecution of Christians. Even in our day we try to apply the number to Stalin, Hitler or bin Laden.

Let’s read Revelation 13:7a, 9-10:
7a: (The “he” is the beast out of the sea.”
7 And he was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them.

9-10:
9 If anyone has an ear, he should listen:[22] Rv 2:7 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed[23] Other mss read anyone kills with a sword, with a sword he will be killed.[24] Jr 15:2 Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.[25] Or This calls for the endurance and faith of the saints. [26] Rv 14:12

The beast from the sea was allowed to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. The Bible does not sugar coat anything. Many scholars believe it is GOD that allowed the beast to war against the saints. I agree. GOD reveals a moment when Christians will be taken captive and some will be killed. In fact it may be a relief for believers to escape earth by being martyred. By being martyred believers earn a special reward.

These are dark and uncertain times for Christians. Some believers’ faith will be tested much like the trust JESUS had to place in the FATHER when HE hung on the cross and gave up his human life to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind. HE had to trust that the FATHER would raise HIM from the dead. The resurrection is that proof. When believers face giving their lives for their faith, will the flesh rule or will the Spirit rule? I think it is difficult for many of us to know for sure how we would respond until we are faced with that situation.

The key is to know that GOD will be with HIS children through all circumstances and situations. Evil may kill the physical body but never the born-again spirit. To endure these times, it is vital that all believers build and maintain an intimate and loving relationship with our LORD. HIS assurance will sustain all believers though tough times. GOD is sovereign and will always be in control.