That’s an interesting thought: Perhaps the Antichrist is alive somewhere in the world today! That would mean the Rapture and then the Second Coming 7 years later could be in our lifetime. Could it be possible?
Obviously our world is in turmoil, but haven’t people always thought they were in the last days? In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) Jesus said to watch for the signs of the end, so 1. There are signs we can recognize and 2. they mean the end is near. How well do those signs line up with what is happening in our world today?
First, be careful of quickly saying the Antichrist is already present. The apostle John said the spirit of the antichrist was already in the world, and that was two thousand years ago (1 John 4:1-6). A few chapters earlier, he also mentions people operating as false Christs (1 John 2:18-23). Therefore, while we may not be dealing with the Antichrist himself, we still deal with the ‘antichrist spirit’ and people who act as false Messiahs. Eventually, the real Antichrist will emerge to unify the world under great deception. So here are the signs. You’ll have to decide for yourself where we stand.
- GREAT DELUSION. When the Antichrist does appear, he will be able to take advantage of great worldwide spiritual deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Satan will use his powers to deceive humanity away from the truth of the Gospel. Deception has always existed. However, modern advancements in communication technology and mass media have the potential to propagate deception on a global scale, amplifying the influence of false teachings and ideologies. The prevalence of misinformation, conspiracy theories and manipulation through digital platforms can contribute to spiritual confusion and deception among individuals. God-designed institutions like marriage and family, government and the church are being undermined and rejected. This throws our culture into confusion and instability. We must remain faithful and true to God’s Word amidst this confusion and delusion.
- MORAL DECAY. In the Bible spiritual apostasy is associated with great moral decay in society. Rebellion against God’s absolutes opens the door for the Antichrist to enter with his godless agenda (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Paul says: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Today, societal trends such as moral relativism, hedonism, and rejecting traditional values are evidence of moral decline. The normalization of behaviors contrary to biblical teachings, such as greed, pride, immorality, and disregard for human life, indicates a departure from God’s standards. Society has arrived at a point beyond accepting or tolerating such sin but openly celebrating it. The breaking of the foundations of culture will open the way for a strong leader to step up and promise order and stability. As God’s disciples, we must stand for the absolutes of the Bible and show the world what is right and true.
- LOSS OF PRIVACY. Technological advancements and societal trends toward increased surveillance and centralized control may pave the way for a future dictator to establish authoritarian rule over humanity. In China, they estimate that 200 million surveillance cameras exist to watch their citizens. We are losing personal rights in the US as well as government control grows. The Antichrist will install a system of control that requires people to receive a mark to participate in economic activities (Revelation 13:16-17). Such a time is not far from us today. The proliferation of digital platforms and data collection raises serious questions about privacy rights. The whole world recently endured national and international lockdowns during the COVID-19 epidemic, revealing the control available for leaders who want to facilitate oppressive measures like restrictions on freedom of expression, movement, and association.
- ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT. In the end times political power will be consolidated under a single global authority. Any people or countries who resist will be eliminated. The Antichrist will be the authority figure (Revelation 13:7), ruling the world through one central government which is under his control. Today the world is “shrinking” as communication, travel, technology, the internet and global financial systems are bringing all into one large group. At Babel God commanded people to separate into individual nations. The Antichrist, like Nimrod at Bable, will seek to bring all together without God. The church must be even more diligent in gathering together and acting as the family of God to resist these movements toward globalization.
So, what do you think? Is the Antichrist alive today? Is Jesus’ return that soon? (More about this next week in part 2.)(November 11, 2024 Doylestown, PA)
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:3–4
Read Matthew 24-25 and compare the signs He gives with what is happening in the world today. Do YOU think the Antichrist may be alive now?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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