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| PentecostalTheology.com
As far back as I can remember, people have been speculating about the identity of the “Antichrist,” an evil figure referenced in portions of the New Testament.
After President Ronald Wilson Reagan was shot and miraculously recovered in 1981, people made the ridiculous assertion that he was the prophesied evil figure of “end times.” It didn’t help that his first, middle and last name all had six letters (666).
Where’s the “Antichrist” in the Book of Revelation?
The term “Antichrist” only occurs five times in the Bible and all references are in the epistles of John. In the singular form, “Antichrist” is found in 1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3 and 2 John 1:7. Surprisingly, John also speaks of many antichrists (plural) in 1 John 2:18.
The “Beast” of Revelation
“Antichrist” isn’t found in the book of Revelation but many consider to be a comparable term—”Beast.” This depiction, found in chapters 13 and 17, describes a demonically inspired political leader who subverts God’s people. Revelation’s depiction of the “Beast” is the one that keeps people awake at night—fearful about the future.
Seven kings are to rise in chronological succession; some have already died, one is now reigning, one is yet to come (Rev. 17:10-11). Thus, the Beast is, on some level, portrayed as a “kingdom.”
1. The beast must be “a man” (Rev. 13:18b).
2. This man must be someone of an evil, idolatrous and blasphemous nature.
3. This man must also possess “great authority” (Rev. 13:2, 7). This demands that he be a political figure, particularly in that “upon his heads are ten diadems.”
4. Must the Beast be one of John’s contemporaries as due to the immediacy of John’s vision?
5. Could the “Beast” be an individual who is relevant to first-century Christians in the seven churches John wrote to (Rev. 1:4, 11)?
Ricky Grimsley
I believe the antichrist will be the leader of turkey and the false prophet will be the pope.
Varnel Watson
Do you think it is really that specific or is more of a spirit?
Ricky Grimsley
I am fully convinced they are people since they are thrown alive into the lake of fire. Rev 19:20
Carl Murphy
Let me just ask a simple question. To whom is the book written?
Ricky Grimsley
Well specifically to the 7 churches is asia but also as instruction to the whole body of Christ as the book is canonized as scripture. Paul wrote wrote books to various named people and cities yet we dont feel like the rapture is only for the Thessalonians?
Carl Murphy
Strange though that the 7 churches knew what John was talking about. Today we speculate
Ricky Grimsley
Did they know specifically? Paul had to explain to Thessalonians that they werent in the endtimes yet with 2 Thessalonians? While Revelation was later than Thessalonians it was still future to all who read it at least chapters 4-22.
Carl Murphy
Ok
Greg Grant
Nero
Varnel Watson
Nero is the Pope?
Carl Murphy
To use Troy’s words, people have made ridiculous assertions: about revelations and Daniel for that matter, for centuries I would add
Greg Grant
No, Nero Caesar was the Antichrist John’s Letters said was already alive. Everything Revelation uses to describe the one who demanded to be worshiped, died and was rumored to come back from the dead, fits Nero Caesar. The numeric value of Nero Caesar is 666.
Varnel Watson
The main question for this group is if Pentecostal theologians should approach the subject of the antichrist from a preterist point of view as this article in Charisma magazine asserts http://www.charismamag.com/life/women/26076-who-s-the-beast-in-the-book-of-revelation
Greg Grant
And to Carl Murphy’s point, why would John write a letter to the seven churches in Asia, and tell them things that was not relevant in their time? It might be helpful if you realize that the scripture was not written specifically to us, but it is written for us. When you realize this truth you can begin to understand the original intent of the scripture and find application in your own life.
Carl Murphy
Yes they should
Greg Grant
In John’s Epistles he uses the term Antichrist to refer to anyone who does not acknowledge that the father sent the Son. Anyone who denies Jesus is Antichrist.
Ricky Grimsley
I havent found paul’s epistle to the Texans yet so i am gonna rule out preterist interpretations unless Jesus speaks to me directly. I question the sanity of anyone who thinks the devil is currently in the bottomless pit.
Carl Murphy
So what you are saying is you can’t refute his argument therefore you call into doubt his sanity. Great debating ploy.
Greg Grant
Ricky Grimsley, please show where I said Satan is in the bottomless pit. As to Paul’s letter to the Texans – that explains alot.
Ricky Grimsley
Preterists in general not you personally.
Greg Grant
Then your comment was meaningless.
Greg Grant
The problem with those who read news events into The Revelation of Jesus Christ face the insurmountable task of trying to hit a constantly moving target. Study the history, and reap important information from long ago biblical truth, and history.
Ricky Grimsley
Hey if you can show me in history where the antichrist and the false prophet were cast alive into lake of fire?
Greg Grant
Once more, where did I say that? You error because of a lack of knowledge.
Ricky Grimsley
If revelation is in the past?
Ricky Grimsley
Sorry i guess i assumed to much of the term preterism?
Greg Grant
Much is in the past. Much is not.
Varnel Watson
Not sure why Charisma magazine has decided to go preterist on us but any post-mil discussion among Pentecostal must take under a very serious and deep consideration the Premillennialism of the earliest Christians http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/premillennialism-the-earliest-christians/
Carl Murphy
Actually all you have done is post a blog. No theology
Varnel Watson
Sounds like the hourglass is running out of sand…
Carl Murphy
If that’s all you have it has. Do you do any research or simply post what others blog?
Varnel Watson
The text is from a Charisma magazine article proposing preterism
Carl Murphy
When I hit your link it took me to a blog.
Varnel Watson
Did you expect that hitting a link on the internet would take you home?
Carl Murphy
Since you are touting Charisma magazine, one would think that a rational person would post the actual article. If someone brought me such in the course of their employment, they would be looking for employment. Posting a blog is like making a presentation and saying, I heard that guy down the street said this is the correct way to solve this problem. No research by you, no decision tree methodology no nothing, just so and so said. He who risks his reputation on what others do and say, deserve the reputation they have.
Varnel Watson
I respect the eldership, but still looks like the hourglass is running out of sand…
James Roy Locklair
The antichrist will not be revealed till after the rapture
Ricky Grimsley
I believe that 2 Thessalonians 2 says that the rapture doesnt happen until the antichrist is revealed.
Varnel Watson
Ricky I already said that but I just dont see how one can be Pentecostal and a preterist at the same time. James I’m with you brother
Grover Katzmarek Sr
Well what if the book of Revelation was fulfilled in 70A.D?
Many theologians of the past believe that it was. I never understood that because all bibles list the date as 96 A. D.
But a few years ago the Pulpit Commentary gives a good argument to why it was written on the earlier date. I can email to anyone interested in it.
I have the 38 volumes of Early Church Fathers and Anti-Nicene yet I never came to the conclusion that they were premillennial, seems to be they looked for Christ’s return to bring about general resurrection and judgment.
Greg Grant
Grover Katzmarek Sr, you are correct. All that must happen for Christ to return has happened.
Ricky Grimsley
How can that be? 2 Thessalonians 2 says the antichrist will be revealed before the day of the lord plus the falling away?
Greg Grant
Please post 2 Thessalonian with the word “Antichrist” in it.
Ricky Grimsley
Seriously, there is no other reasonable explanation for the son of perdition described here. Are there people here that actually believe all prophecy is fulfilled except for rapture and all of revelation is just some allegorical story where nothing is true?
Ricky Grimsley
I think i could be a Calvinist before a preterist. Since i am an open-theist, that is saying alot.
Varnel Watson
Ricky Grimsley A good question to ponder upon: how can a preterist who believes the whole Bible is in the past, recognize the move of the Holy Spirit today? With this logic Acts 2 is in the preterist past and never to be revived again as Joel’s prophecy. It’s about as bad as as a fully cessational hyper Calvinist if you ask me Timothy Carter
Greg Grant
Every book of the Bible was written to specific people for a specific purpose. It could be said that the Bible was not written to us, but it is written for us. Discerning and interpreting is the job of the theologian. The Bible is applicable to our lives. And it does speak of future events; primarily the return of Christ is that future event. Certainly many of the things that happened throughout the scripture, and in Revelation, has happened throughout history. John’s 3 letters tell us about the Antichrist was a specific person who was alive when John wrote his letters. But he also said that anyone who denies that Christ came in the flesh is also Antichrist. Reading Revelation is important not because it tells us of future monsters. If history has taught us anything, it is that horrible monsters are always on the rise. History is full of those who have made themselves God in their own eyes and seek to bring others under their power. Just as the Book of Revelations gave the seven churches of Asia hope that God still works in the world, it also gives us great hope when we face difficulties and challenges as well.
Ricky Grimsley
Are you saying that i cant really do all things through christ only the philipians can? Lol
Greg Grant
Go back and read what I just said Ricky. I think you’ll find I did indeed say that it is applicable in our lives. But the storyline in the scripture is ancient. Revelation was written somewhere in the first century AD. It is specifically addressed to the seven churches of Asia Minor. That sir is a documented fact. All of the books of the Bible were written to specific people in a specific time for specific purpose. As modern-day readers of the scripture, and theologians, we are tasked with interpreting and finding application.
Ricky Grimsley
I understand all that but revelation is a completely future book from 4-22. About one specific time period. Not several.
Ricky Grimsley
Revelation is a specific book about specific people. There is a false prophet and and an antichrist. There will be a time where he cause people to take his mark or die. If you dont believe that you are deceived. Obviously we should be careful in what we say about the book since we are cursed if we add or take away from its words.
Greg Grant
Ricky, is not I who is taking anything away from the scripture. Nor am I the one who is suggesting that when John wrote the Revelation to the seven churches of Asia Minor that he was writing something that they could not comprehend. I’ll let you have the last word.
Ricky Grimsley
If you are right and things continue on till jesus comes….i hope so. Im saved. It will all be good. If I am right and the world is moving to a one-world government and economy that will be controlled by one man infused with satan with a deceptive religious leader as his right hand man….when would you finally realize what is happening. What would be the sign to you that jesus isnt coming first to restore all things but the antichrist comes first. If you are looking for jesus first and get Satan first will you recognize…..since the time is characterized as the great deception and even strong delusion from God?
Grover Katzmarek Sr
Then why did so many theologians believe that this book was fulfilled in 70 A.D.
But let me say for close to four decades I believed in the Historical View of Interpretation. I couldn’t understand how most writers believed that it was fulfilled at the fall of Jerusalem. Then I read what the Pulpit Commentary said about the date that it was written. Then the convincing argument they give makes perfect sense
Varnel Watson
Let’s not go Lutheran on Revelation. Revelation was to the Church – the people of God, including us today
John Powers
We are focusing on that which is irrelevant. Who he is is not important. What he does and what he represents is where we should be focusing.
Varnel Watson
Ricky Grimsley https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/04/25/dutch-newspaper-publishes-cartoon-depicting-turkeys-erdogan-as-an-ape-crushing-free-speech/?wpisrc=nl_az_most
Wayne Scott
No Bible writer ever called the Beast of Revelation “the antichrist.” You are right in saying that the word “antichrist” appears only in I and II John. But there it is clearly described as a false belief system consisting of teachers and doctrines which had already arrived at the time of the writing. There is no mention of an anything yet to come antichrist.
In 2007 I finished a book called The Prophets’ Gospel where I charge that the one-person-yet-to-come antichrist is a decoy created by the biblical antichrist and that like the proverbial dumb blond the bride of Christ has fallen for the decoy while the real antichrist has crept in the back door in the form of unbiblical doctrines and concepts.
Varnel Watson
Ricky Grimsley thinks its Turkish Erdogan but I strongly doubt it
Jonathan Julius
Thaks i was looking for that so many times