The Christian understanding of when the Antichrist and false prophets will be active is based primarily on passages from the New Testament, especially the Book of Revelation, 2 Thessalonians 2, and 1 John. This concept regards the events of the last days as the final judgment is imminent. Here we will look at that time and its characteristics in detail.
1. The appearance of the antichrist and false prophets
Revelation Chapter 13
- The Appearance of Two Beasts : Chapter 13 of the Book of Revelation describes two beasts, one from the sea and the other from the earth. The beast from the sea symbolizes opposing political power and is believed to be the Antichrist. The beast from the land is interpreted as a false prophet, and it gives authority to the beast from the sea and deceives people.
- Signs and miracles : False prophets perform great miracles to deceive people and make them worship the image of the beast. Anyone who does not receive the mark of the beast cannot buy or sell.
2 Thessalonians 2
- Man of Lawlessness : Chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians mentions the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction. He is considered the Antichrist, calls himself God, and sits in God's temple.
- Miracles and deception : All powers, signs, and false wonders appear according to Satan’s activities. God sends strong deception to those who love injustice, causing them to believe lies.
2. Signs of the times
- War and Famine : Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 predict war, famine, earthquakes, and various disasters as signs of the end times. I warn you that many people will be deceived in this confusion.
- Apostasy of Faith : In the last days, many people will leave their faith and apostatize. Religious confusion and betrayal appear in conjunction with the activities of the Antichrist and false prophets.
3. Activities of the Antichrist and false prophets
- Blasphemy : The Antichrist opposes God, exalts himself, and makes blasphemous remarks. His power lasts 42 months.
- Forced Worship : The false prophet uses the authority of the Antichrist to force people to worship him and receive the mark of the beast. This table is represented by the number 666.
- Miracles and wonders : False prophets perform miracles and wonders to deceive people and make them worship the image of the beast. This is to deceive many people and gain their loyalty.
4. Their End
- Final Judgment : Chapter 19 of Revelation depicts the defeat of the Antichrist and the false prophet with the second coming of Jesus Christ. They are thrown alive into the burning lake of fire and brimstone, and their followers face death.
- Satan's Defeat : Chapter 20 of Revelation describes Satan being bound for a thousand years and then being thrown into the eternal Lake of Fire after the final battle. This signifies the end of evil and the final victory of God.
5. Attitude of believers
- Watchfulness : Jesus repeatedly warns his disciples to stay awake. He must always be alert to avoid the deception of the Antichrist and the false prophet.
- Establishment of faith : Even in the chaos of the last days, it is important to keep your faith firm and live according to the words of the Bible. Believers must develop spiritual discernment through prayer and Bible study.
conclusion
According to the Bible, the time when the Antichrist and false prophets are at work is a time of great confusion and apostasy. However, this period is also a time when God's complete reign is achieved through the second coming and final victory of Jesus Christ. Believers must remain alert and alert during this time, remain firm in their faith, and strengthen their relationship with God.