Page 106 - Eschatology - Student Ebook
P. 106
date. Revelation 13:18 tells us, “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the
number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.” Somehow, the number 666 will identify
the Antichrist. For centuries Bible interpreters have been trying to identify certain individuals with 666.
Nothing is conclusive. That is why Revelation 13:18 says the number requires wisdom. When the
Antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), it will be clear who he is and how the number 666
identifies him. It is a mystery reserved for the future. (https://www.gotquestions.org/mark-beast.html)
The Antichrist Rise to Power
Armageddon and the Antichrist’s demise
The Antichrist along with his sidekick, the false prophet, will rule the entire earth during the second half
of the tribulation. During his rule, God is delivering the judgments described in Revelation, especially
the bowl judgments and the world will be in total chaos. You can imagine with such destruction of
human life and the earth, that the economic system of the earth will totally fail. Anarchy will prevail.
The Antichrist, meanwhile, will be totally consumed with the persecution and destruction of all believers
in Christ as well as the Jews. Toward the end of the tribulation, he will seek to annihilate Israel.
The Bible teaches that during this time, all of Israel will recognize Jesus Christ as their Messiah (see Psa.
79:1–13; 80:1–19; Isa. 53:1–9; 59:20–21; 61:8–9; 64:1–12; Jer. 30:3–24; 31:31–40; 32:37–40; 50:4–5;
Ezek. 11:19–20; 16:60–63; 34:25–26; 36:24–32; 37:21–28; Hosea 6:1–3; Joel 2:28–32; Zech. 9:11;
12:10—13:9; Rom. 11:25–27). The Lord will miraculously save a remnant of Israel in the country to the
south and east of the Land. The Lord will sustain them in a special way just as Elijah was cared for at
Cherith Ravine, east of the Jordan (Rev. 12:6)
Also, during this time, the Antichrist is bothered by two witnesses who minister in Jerusalem for 1260
days and declare the truth of the Lord to the entire world. Attempts to destroy them will be prevented
by God until their days of ministry is completed. They will be martyred, but God will raise them up after
105