BBP: 13 The Effects of Antichrist’s Resurrection on Unbelievers

Chapter 13

The Effects of Antichrist’s Resurrection on Unbelievers

Amazement, deception, worship, discipleship, & submission

Revelation 13

Contents

A) Introduction to the Antichrist’s Resurrection Rev 13

B) How will the Rising Antichrist be killed? Perhaps public beheading

C) The effects of the Antichrist’s Resurrection on the unbelieving world Universal amazement, deception, worship, submission & probably reprobation

Primary Points

• The clearest and primary description of the Antichrist’s Resurrection is given in Revelation 13.
• Antichrist’s miraculous Resurrection will shock the entire world like no other event in history. There will be no more irreligious people on the Earth anywhere, anymore.
• Contrary to some, the Apostle John was clearly describing a literal, physical, and real death for the Antichrist.
• The Antichrist’s death may be a public and undeniable live videotaping of his beheading.
• The Antichrist’s Resurrection will result in the unbelieving world’s universal amazement, deception, worship, and submission.
• Every single non-Christian on the Earth will be immediately and completely convinced the Resurrected Antichrist is a supernatural being deserving their worship and allegiance. How will this happen? The best biblical answer is that God will send them a powerful delusion (2 Thess 2:11).
• When well over 7 billion people are worshipping the Antichrist, it will be the largest religion that has ever existed on Earth at one time.
• The worship of the Resurrected Antichrist will not require anyone to give up their false religion. Satan has inspired the idea of an Endtime Savior in all major world religions.
• In order to further pursue his desire to imitate Christ, the Antichrist will want his worldwide worship to become a worldwide rulership.

A) Introduction to the Antichrist’s Resurrection A real death & miraculous resurrection

As noted in chapter 11, the Antichrist’s miraculous and deceptive Resurrection seems to be portrayed in the First Seal Preparation depicting the very beginning of the Endtimes (cf. Rev 6:1-2; ch. 11, sec. A). In chapter 12 (sec. C) it was suggested there are allusions to Antichrist’s Resurrection in Paul’s description of the Antichrist’s Revealing (cf. 2 Thess 2:3-12). This seems especially so in Paul’s prediction that in the Endtimes God sends the unbelieving world a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie of Antichrist’s Claim to be God (2 Thes 2:11; v. 3 NIV).

Chapters 10-12 provided biblical arguments to suggest Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. For that reason alone, it is a monumental event in the Endtimes. But as also noted previously, Antichrist’s Resurrection is also a very neglected topic in Christian eschatology (cf. ch. 11, sec. A).

Antichrist’s miraculous Resurrection will shock the entire world like no other event in all of human history. It will convince all unbelievers of the reality of the supernatural. There will be no more irreligious people on the Earth anywhere, anymore, after Antichrist’s Resurrection. All unbelievers will believe that God has sent Jesus Christ back to Earth to save the world. At the time it occurs, Antichrist’s Resurrection will change the world more than any other event in human history at the time it occurred. This is even true of Christ’s Resurrection, and it will be true until Christ’s Return.

All of which is why it is very surprising and disappointing that there is so little in scholarly Christian literature about Antichrist’s Resurrection. The following chapters are offered as a careful Bible study of this very astonishing and pivotal event in the Endtimes.

The clearest and primary description of the Antichrist’s Resurrection is given in Revelation 13. ^[1] We will begin our study in verse 3 which in the literal Greek reads:

And one of its heads as slaughtered to death and its wound of death had been healed and the whole earth was astonished after the beast. ^[2]

A suggested translation of Revelation 13:3 would be:

And I saw one of the heads of the beast as violently slaughtered to death and the wound from the deadly strike was healed. And the whole world was amazed by this miracle and became a follower of the beast. (Rev 13:3)

I saw is not in the Greek text of verse 3, but is in both verses 1 and 2, and can be carried into verse 3. Therefore, the addition of I saw is in the NASB and NLT. ^[3]

One of the heads of the beast reflects the complex nature of the beast in the Revelation. The beast with seven heads (13:1) refers to both the Antichrist’s Beast Empire and the Antichrist himself. This one head that is violently slaughtered to death refers specifically to the Antichrist. ^[4]

As translates the relatively complex Greek adverb hōs. It’s most basic meaning corresponds to the English word “as” and this is its primary translation in the NT. But it can be used in a comparative sense and is sometimes translated as “like.” Unfortunately, some translations of hōs in Revelation 13:3 give the impression that the death of the Antichrist will be faked and not real. For example, the NIV has: One of the heads of the beast seemed [hōs] to have had a fatal wound (NIV, cf. NLT, ESV, NRSV). Accordingly, even a rightly respected scholar such as MacArthur argues that Antichrist’s death will not be real. ^[5]

However, there are several reasons to confidently conclude that the Apostle John was clearly describing a literal, physical, and real death for the Antichrist. First, regarding the meaning of hōs in Revelation 13:3, Revelation scholar G. K. Beale is correct to point out:

The conditional translation of [hōs esphagmenēn, “as slain”] in virtually all English versions (e.g., NASB: “as if it had been slain;” NIV: “seemed to have a mortal wound”) is misleading and makes it appear as if the beast only looked slain but was not. “As slain” is a much better translation. ^[6]

Accordingly, the KJV reads: And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, dropping the “misleading” addition of if in the NASB. The suggested translation above does the same.

Secondly, we should notice the use of the exact same Greek words to describe Christ’s death earlier in Revelation. There we read in the NIV: Then I saw a Lamb [Christ], looking as if [hōs] it had been slain [esphagmenon] (Rev 5:6). Of course, we know here that the Greek is referring to a real death. The exact same Greek phrase (hōs esphagmenēn) is used to describe Antichrist’s death in 13:3. Therefore, there should be no doubt that John was describing Antichrist’s death as real. This will be one more way that God gives the Antichrist the power to imitate the real Christ.

In these texts John is describing what he saw in a vision. John did not see something that “seemed” to be a death of Christ or Antichrist, but he saw real deaths. He simply saw this in a vision and was relating his best description of it. Accordingly, the NET translates the Greek in Revelation 13:3 as:

One of the beastʼs heads appeared [hōs, in John’s vision] to have been killed, but the lethal wound had been healed. (Rev 13:3 NET; cf. HSCB, NCV)

A third reason to believe John is referring to a real death is that he used 3 Greek words that mean death in this one verse. Again, the literal Greek reads: one of its heads as [hōs] slaughtered [esphagmenēn] to death [thanaton] and its wound [plēgē] of death [thanatou] had been healed. Do we still doubt John saw the Antichrist killed? ^[7]

There is also a practical reason to believe the Antichrist will literally and physically die. We live in a very skeptical world. If this is not a real death and miraculous resurrection then the whole world will not be amazed by this miracle as the prophecy states. The great failure of modern fake “faith healers” to convince the world with their fake miracles demonstrates this. ^[8]

There are additional explanations for the suggested translation of Revelation 13:3 above. The suggested translation has, violently slaughtered to death and the wound from the deadly strike was healed.

The Greek word for violently slaughtered (esphagmenēn, used 9 times in the NT) is not the normal Greek word for “kill” (e.g. apokteinō, used 74 times in the NT). Rather, the word used here means: “slaughter … killing a person by violence … butcher or murder someone.” ^[9] In addition, Mounce points out, this “is not the normal word for death in battle.” ^[10] It suggests more of a violent execution. Therefore, common translations of esphagmenēn in Revelation 13:3 as merely slain (NASB), fatal wound (NIV), or wounded beyond recovery (NLT), do not accurately reflect the violent nature of the Antichrist’s death. The suggested translation of violently slaughtered reflects the Greek better.

The wound from the deadly strike translates the Greek plēgē tou thanatou or “wound of death.” But plēgē means more than merely “wound.” A common meaning in ancient Greek was “a sudden hard stroke with some instrument, blow, stroke.” ^[11] Relatedly, it also meant, “wound caused by a blow.” ^[12] Accordingly, Antichrist’s deadly wound will result from a “hard” and “violent” “strike” to his head. As explained below, verse 14 reveals this will occur with a sword. Therefore, the suggested translation is the wound from the deadly strike.

The suggested translation of Revelation 13:3 ends with, And the whole world was amazed by this miracle and became a follower of the beast. This generally follows the NLT. As all versions reflect, follower is implied by the Greek word opisō which literally means “after.” But as BDAG explains, the Greek can mean “come after someone, follow someone, be an adherent/follower… have pledged allegiance.” ^[13] It is the same Greek word that Jesus is translated using to call His disciples to “follow [opisō] me” (Matt 4:19; 10:38; 16:24). Therefore, in another imitation of the real Christ, the Antichrist will have his own disciples after his Resurrection. However, it will be many, many more than Jesus ever had when He was on Earth.

In summary then, the suggested translation of Revelation 13:3 is:

And I saw one of the heads of the beast as violently slaughtered to death and the wound from the deadly strike was healed. And the whole world was amazed by this miracle and became a follower of the beast. (Rev 13:3)

John confirmed his meaning of Revelation 13:3 in verse 14. A suggested translation would be:

He [the False Prophet] ordered those living on the earth to make a statue of the first beast [Antichrist], who was killed by being struck with a sword and then came back to life. (Rev 13:14)

The literal Greek of 13:14a is: the beast who has the wound [plēgēn] of the sword [machairēs] and lived [ezēsen]. The suggested translation being struck, reflects the meaning of plēgēn discussed above and the use of a sword (machairēs). Killed reflects that this is the same event described in verse 3 that resulted in death. Thus the NLT has fatally wounded in verse 14.

Came back to life [ezēsen] also reflects the NLT and the NASB (has come to life) in Revelation 13:14. The Greek word ezēsen can simply mean “live.” But the exact same Greek word is translated by all versions in the phrase came to life again three other times in Revelation (cf. 2:8; 20:4, 5). For example, we read in 2:8, These are the words of him [Christ] who is the First and the Last, who died and [ezēsen] came to life again (NIV). Once again the language regarding the Antichrist is intended to be a parody of the real Christ. ^[14] The Greek text makes it clear that John described the Antichrist as coming back to life.

Unfortunately, in Revelation 13:14 the NIV (and ESV, NET) translators still cast doubt on the Antichrist’s death by having, the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. This clearly implies a wound that did not kill him. Which again, for all the reasons above, is a misleading mistake. All of these versions translate the same Greek in 2:8 as came to life again. Why isn’t it translated that way in 13:14? Again, it seems these translators impose their assumption that the Antichrist will not really die into their translation of Revelation 13:14.

Another clear reference to the Resurrected Antichrist is in Revelation 17 where we read:

The beast [Antichrist] you saw [in John’s vision of the Endtimes] was once alive [in the Endtimes] but isn’t now [in John’s vision of the Endtimes]. And yet [in the Endtimes] he will soon come up [and be resurrected] out of the bottomless pit [Abyss, NIV] and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died. (Rev 17:8 NLT)

The interpretation of this vision can be difficult because John saw the future in the present tense over 2,000 years ago. Accordingly, when it says the Antichrist isn’t now (now is not, NIV), it is referring to in the vision of the future. Therefore, in the Endtimes there will be a time when the Rising Antichrist (who was once alive in the vision of the future), will be killed (and isn’t now in the vision of the future), and yet will come up out of the Abyss (NIV) to be the Resurrected Antichrist.

This same description of the Resurrected Antichrist is given in Revelation 11:7 where we read of the beast that comes up from the Abyss (NIV). The Greek word for Abyss (abyssou) means “a transcendent place associated with the dead and hostile powers.” ^[15] Both Revelation 11:7 and 17:8 are clearly describing the Antichrist being resurrected from the place of the dead. ^[16] Therefore, the NLT captures John’s meaning very well in 17:8 when it reads: the people who belong to this world … will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died. ^[17] This again confirms the Antichrist will experience a real death and miraculous resurrection.

The miraculous nature of Antichrist’s resurrection may not just be that he will come back to life (Rev 13:14). His resurrected body itself may be supernatural in some way. Remember one of his primary purposes will be to imitate Jesus Christ returned to Earth in such a way as to mislead even God’s elect people if he is able (Matt 24:24 ^[18]; cf. ch. 10, sec. B.2). Therefore, the Antichrist will probably not appear merely as the humble human Jesus, but the glorified Jesus. Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14 NLT). Likewise, the Apostle Paul predicted that the Antichrist will be revealed (probably through his resurrection), and he will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie (2 Thess 2:8-9 NIV) that he is divine.

Therefore, we should not be surprised if Antichrist’s resurrected body has some attributes of Christ’s resurrected body. Perhaps there will be times that he is transfigured and His face will shine like the sun, and his clothes will become as white as the light (Matt 17:2 NIV). Perhaps his stature will even be bigger and taller. Nevertheless, like the resurrected Jesus, the Resurrected Antichrist will look enough like the Rising Antichrist that his undeniable death and miraculous resurrection will be evident to all.

However, the Resurrected Antichrist will be a different person than the Rising Antichrist. It is probable that if he had a wife and children that they will be killed with him in his execution. An Antichrist who is a family man seems unlikely. His miraculous powers suggest that he will be indwelled with powerful demons. As discussed further elsewhere, it does not seem that he will be personally indwelled by Satan until his Claim to be God and the beginning of The Greatest Persecution (cf. Rev ch. 12 ^[19]).

B) How will the Rising Antichrist be killed? Perhaps public beheading

It has been argued above that Revelation 13:3 tells us the Antichrist will be violently slaughtered to death from a deadly strike to his head. As noted, the Greek words used are not even the normal word for death in battle. Therefore, it has been suggested this is predicting a violent execution of the Antichrist.

How would such a violent execution be carried out? Again, verse 14 describes the beast [Antichrist], who was killed by being struck with a sword [machaira] and then came back to life. (Rev 13:14). When people read sword here they immediately think of a long and large sword used in battle. But that may not be what is intended here. The Greek word machaira means “a relatively short sword or other sharp instrument, sword, dagger … knife.” ^[20] Vine’s also notes the word can mean “possibly a knife.” ^[21] Although this would probably not refer to a small knife, but a rather large one.

Machaira can certainly be distinguished from another Greek word used in Revelation and throughout the NT for sword. It is rhomphaia and means, “a large and broad sword.” ^[22] This word is used throughout Revelation to refer to the sword coming from Christ’s mouth (Rev 2:16; 19:15, 21). Rhomphaia is also used where we read: Death, and Hades … were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword [rhomphaia], famine and plague.

Therefore, it seems if John meant a typical sword in Revelation 13:14, he would have also used rhomphaia. But instead he used machaira which can mean a large “knife.”

How would the Antichrist be killed with a sword or large knife? There is evidence that this is specifically referring to having his head cut off. The Greek word used to describe his violent slaughter (esphagmenēn, Rev 13:3) is the same word used to describe the death of the martyrs earlier in Revelation. There we read: I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been violently killed [esphagmenōn] because of the word of God and because of the testimony they had given (Rev 6:9 NET). How were these martyrs violently killed? They had their heads cut off. Later in Revelation these same martyrs are described when we read:

And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded [pepelekismenōn, “behead” ^[23]] because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. (Rev 20:4 NIV)

Therefore, Revelation says that both these martyrs and the Rising Antichrist will be violently killed using the exact same unique Greek word esphagmenōn. In the case of the Endtime martyrs this meant their heads were cut off. It seems this will be the case with the execution of the Rising Antichrist as well.

We have some idea of what this might look like. In recent years, the world has been horrified by militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) broadcasting live executions of hostages who are having their heads cut off. ^[24] There is reason to believe something similar would occur with the death of the Rising Antichrist.

The suggestion of a live broadcast of a public beheading would help us answer another important question about the Rising Antichrist’s death. How could it possibly be proven beyond anyone’s doubt that he actually died? A mere report that he was killed in battle, or by a secret murder, or even publicly presenting his dead body, could all be faked. It would seem an effective way to prove a death that no one would doubt would be the live broadcast of an “ISIS”-like beheading. People would need to see a close up video of the gruesome sight of his head actually being cut off from his body. Again, we have modern examples of this very thing. Even more so, we should not ignore the possibility that the Antichrist’s body will be publicly cut into pieces (cf. Judges 19:29).

How then would the whole world (Rev 13:3) personally view the Rising Antichrist’s execution and beheading? Today, 7.26 billion people on the earth own a smart phone. ^[25] That’s over 90% of the world’s population. Such an event may be the most watched spectacle in all of history. Especially if it was announced ahead of time when it was going to occur and was filmed live. A live broadcast may also help eliminate any deception that could occur with modern filming and editing technologies. ^[26]

C) The Effects of the Antichrist’s Resurrection on the unbelieving world Universal amazement, deception, worship, discipleship, & submission

The prophetic Scriptures clearly predict the Antichrist will be killed. They also say he will be miraculously resurrected as the beast who was killed by being struck with a sword and then came back to life (Rev 13:14). What will be the results of such a shocking and epic event? This question will be addressed by discussing several groups of people. In this chapter and the next (13-14), the universal effect of Antichrist’s Resurrection on unbelievers will be discussed. In chapter 16, the resulting painful exposure of false Christians will be described. Finally, in chapter 17, the shocking effects the Antichrist’s Resurrection will have on Christians will be explained.

First, let us discuss the effects of Antichrist’s Resurrection on unbelievers. Again, we read:

And I saw one of the heads of the beast violently slaughtered to death and the wound from the deadly strike was healed. And the whole world was amazed by this miracle and became a follower of the beast (Rev 13:3)

They also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”… And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. (vs. 4, 8 NLT)

According to these prophecies, all unbelievers will have these five universal and life-altering responses to the Antichrist’s Resurrection: amazement, deception, worship, discipleship, and submission.

C.1) The universal effect on unbelievers

First, the effect will be universal. ^[27] Every single non-Christian on the Earth will be rather immediately and completely convinced the Resurrected Antichrist is a supernatural being deserving their worship and allegiance. This includes every fake Christian in the world. Everyone on Earth that is not a born again believer in the Real Christ, will believe in the Antichrist because of his Resurrection. These prophecies seem intentional about making it clear there will be no exceptions. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb (v. 8 NASB).

What other person, or even thing, could be described as the object of worship for every single non-Christian in the world? Not all unbelievers worship, adore, or feel dependent even on themselves. On the contrary, many distrust and even despise themselves. Not all unbelievers even worship or value money. Some willingly live with little. It would seem such complete, universal, and world-wide worship, unity, and agreement has never occurred on Earth in all of human history. But it will occur with Antichrist’s Resurrection. And it will not occur again until Christ’s 1,000-year Reign on Earth.

Why will the effect of the Antichrist’s Resurrection be so universal? It was noted above that smart phones will enable virtually everyone on Earth to witness the Rising Antichrist’s death, perhaps in the form of a live broadcast of his execution and beheading. Likewise, with the same smart phones, everyone will have video of the Resurrected Antichrist fully alive and perhaps with his head now attached to his body!

This will be quite a contrast to Christ’s Resurrection that occurred in relative obscurity. It was initially experienced by a little more than a dozen people, and then eventually he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time (1 Cor 15:6). But the Resurrected Antichrist will surely be seen by almost every one of the billions of people on Earth. This is a reason the effect of Antichrist’s Resurrection will be universal.

C.2) The amazement & deception of unbelievers

The prophecies say twice that the world will be universally amazed (13:3 NASB, 17:8 NLT) by Antichrist’s Resurrection. The Greek word (thaumasthēsontai) means: “to be extraordinarily impressed or disturbed by something… wonder, marvel, be astonished… be amazed.” ^[28] This same word is used frequently in the Gospels to describe how the crowds were amazed at the miracles of Jesus (Matt 8:27; 9:33; 15:31; Mark 5:20).

Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the most shocking event the world has ever experienced. Again, it will be an obvious intervention and revelation of the supernatural into the natural world. The worldview of the whole world, and their understanding of the Universe itself, will be radically and permanently altered.

The world’s universal amazement will lead to their universal deception. This deception will apparently occur in a couple of different stages. It seems he will first claim to be Jesus Christ, then he will claim to be God.

It has been argued in previous chapters (10, 11) that Antichrist will be the first and foremost False Christ. Accordingly, as stated in chapter 11:

Let us remember from the previous chapter that the False Christs will be literally claiming “I am the Christ,” (Matt 24:5 NASB) as in Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth. Therefore, it seems the first and foremost False Christ, the Resurrected Antichrist, will also be claiming “I am the Christ,” as in Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth in some way. (cf. Matt 24:5, 23-26; BBP ch. 10, sec. B.1)

Admittedly, that is challenging to believe. The Antichrist claiming to be Jesus Christ? But this is how committed he will be to imitating the real Christ. Jesus is a well- known historical figure. The Antichrist will be the Jesus that the world wants. He will be tolerant of all kinds of sin, and claim to bring new revelation from God about what He wants from people. The Antichrist’s Resurrection and miracle-working is going to give him the spiritual authority to say like Jesus, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago… But I tell you” (Matt 5:21-22 NIV). And the world will love what he says.

But at some point, the Antichrist’s deception will go beyond claiming to be Jesus, to claiming to be God Almighty in the flesh. As also noted in a previous chapter:

Later, in the abomination of desolation (Matt 24:15), the Resurrected Antichrist will be proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thess 2:4). There will be no contradiction here. Claiming first to be Christ and later God, may simply be a way the Antichrist will be imitating the Christian doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. (ch. 10, sec. B.3)

How will the whole world be completely convinced that the Antichrist is first Jesus Christ returned to Earth, and later, God Almighty Himself in the flesh? Paul provided the best biblical answer when he wrote:

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie… For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie (2 Thess 2:9, 11 NIV)

Accordingly, it was argued in the previous chapter that the powerful delusion will be, or at least include, the Antichrist’s Resurrection (cf. ch. 12, sec. C). But the deceptive and persuasive power of the Antichrist will include all sorts of supernatural power through signs and miraculous wonders that serve the lie. The real Christ was a powerful miracle worker. Since then many people have claimed to be miracle workers, but have never been able to convincingly match the miraculous power of Jesus Christ. ^[29] No one has raised people from the dead (cf. Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-56; John 11:38-44) and caused a powerful storm to stop (Luke 8:22-25) or a tree to instantly whither (cf. Matt 21:18-19).

But the Antichrist will probably do all of these things. And this will be part of the powerful delusion that God sends the world so that they will believe the lie about who the Antichrist is. Antichrist’s miracle-working powers will ultimately be given by God for His purposes. Which is why they will be such powerful miracles.

Therefore, we must not underestimate the power of such miracles on the minds and hearts of humans. Scripture repeatedly describes their powerful effect on people (cf. Matt 8:27; 9:8, 33; 15:31; 21:20; Mark 5:42; Luke 5:9; Acts 3:10-11; 2 Thess 2:9). In addition, Scripture clearly and repeatedly teaches that miracle working is God’s own authentication of people who speak for, and represent Him (cf. John 2:11; 10:25, 37-38; Acts 2:43; 14:3; Rom 15:18-19; 2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:3-4). This is because of the God-ordained power of miracles to persuade and convince the human heart and mind.

The effect of Antichrist’s Resurrection will be especially powerful. There is only one other time in all of human history that such a miracle has happened: the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Of course, several people in the Bible were brought back to life. Some were resurrected at the time of Christ’s Resurrection (cf. Matt 27:50-53). But only Christ and the Antichrist will be resurrected from the dead without the act of a miracle worker. Therefore, a primary cause of the universal and powerful delusion that will occur at this time will be Antichrist’s supernatural Resurrection.

C.3) The worship & discipleship of unbelievers

Because of the universal amazement and deception caused by the supernatural Resurrection of the Antichrist, Revelation repeatedly says it will also result in his universal worship (Rev 13:4, 8; cf. 13:12; 14:9, 11; 20:4). In addition, it repeatedly mentions the worship of Antichrist’s statues (cf. 13:15; 14:9, 11; 16:2; 19:20).

The Greek word used (prosekynēsan) means: “To express in attitude or gesture one’s complete dependence on or submission to a high authority figure.” ^[30] There is not a stronger word in the Greek (or English!) language to convey an absolute adoration and allegiance to someone. In other words, Antichrist’s Resurrection will result in Antichrist’s Religion. As argued in the next chapter (14), this will be formally implemented by Antichrist’s Religious Covenant.

We can expect the worldwide worship of the Antichrist to be rather immediate because its cause will be the miracle of his Resurrection and its effects will be rather immediate. However, as with a Christian’s growth in the worship of God, Antichrist’s followers will be led into greater degrees of “dependence” on him. The opening of the First Seal depicts his initial worship caused by his Resurrection. But the desperation caused by the wars, famines, earthquakes, and plagues (Matt 24:6-7; Luke 21:11) unleashed in the Second, Third, and Fourth Seals (cf. Rev 6:3-8) will increase the world’s “dependence” and worship of the Antichrist.

For example, it will be for the purpose of increasing such worship and “dependence” that he will attack and annihilate the political, economic, and military power of Endtime Babylon in the massive war depicted in the Second Seal (cf. Rev 6:3-4; 17:16; Endtime Essentials #3: Endtime Babylon). As a result, the prophecy states the world’s merchants (emporoi, international businessmen) will cry out, “In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!” (Rev 18:15-17 NIV). The loss of the foremost economic super-power nation in the world will certainly reduce the world’s idolatrous worship of money (Matt 6:24), and increase its dependence and worship of the Antichrist.

In the Endtimes Antichrist’s worship and Religion will be by far the largest religion the world has ever seen. The prophecy predicts that when the world worships the beast they will be saying, “Who is as great as the beast?” (Rev 13:4 NLT). In the eyes, hearts, and minds of every unbeliever on Earth, the resounding answer will be “No one!” When an estimated 7 billion people are worshipping the Antichrist, it will be the largest religion that has ever existed on Earth at one time (this allows for the liberal estimate of 1 billion real Christians in the world).

The Antichrist’s Religion will not initially require anyone to give up their false religion. For example, as discussed in the next chapter (14), as part of Antichrist’s Religious Covenant, he will be helping orthodox Jews restore their OT religion by enabling them to rebuild a temple and restore the practice of sacrifices and offerings (Dan 9:27 NLT).

Likewise, Antichrist’s Religion will probably not prohibit Hindus, Buddhists, or Muslims from continuing to practice their religions. It is interesting to note that Satan has inspired the idea of an Endtime Savior in all of these world religions. In Hinduism, there is the story of the god Vishnu returning in the last cycle of time as a figure called Kulki, who rides a white horse and destroys the forces of evil (cf. Rev 6:1-2!). ^[31] Buddhists predict that after the complete degeneration of human society, the Earth will enter a new era in which the next Buddha will appear. ^[32]

There are some remarkable prophecies in Muslim literature outside of the Koran, predicting the arrival of their Mahdi (savior). These prophecies are very influential among many sects of Muslims. For example, one reference states:

The Mahdi (Arabic: “the Guided One”) is a messianic figure in Islamic eschatology who is believed to appear at the end of times to rid the world of evil and injustice. He is said to be a descendant of Muhammad and will appear shortly before the prophet Īsā (Jesus)… Although the concept of a Mahdi is not an essential doctrine in Islam, it is popular among Muslims. It has been a part of the ʿaqīdah (creed) of Muslims for 1400 years. ^[33]

Different sects of Islam have different views on the coming of the Mahdi, Jesus, and the Antichrist. One sect is referred to as Twelver Shi’ism because it believes in a coming Twelfth Imam who will restore peace in the world. Some Sunni Muslims believe the Mahdi will actually be Jesus Christ returned to Earth. It is likely Muslims will believe the Resurrected Antichrist is some version of this prophesied Mahdi. It will be because of the religious authority of such a figure that he will be able to persuade Muslims to allow Israel to rebuild their temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem which Islam currently controls.

In addition, the supernatural nature of Antichrist’s Resurrection and the powerful delusion that God will send them so that they will believe the lie (2 Thess 2:11 NIV) will convince spiritually empty atheists and Communists that the Antichrist is worthy of their worship. It is tempting to doubt that such spiritually hardened people could worship anyone claiming to be Jesus Christ. But the Apostle John confronts all such doubts when he writes: All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast. And as if he anticipated our doubts about such a universal statement, he added for clarification that Antichrist’s worshippers will include, all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 13:8 NIV). That clearly means every single unbeliever on the earth will worship the beast. We should not expect any exceptions. ^[34]

C.4) The submission of unbelievers

The Antichrist’s deception through his Resurrection will lead to his worldwide worship and Religion by every non-Christian on Earth regardless of their beliefs. But that will not be enough. In order to further pursue his desire to imitate Christ, the Antichrist will want his worldwide worship to become his worldwide rulership.

Accordingly, after describing that unbelievers will be amazed at the Antichrist and worship Him as his disciples in Revelation 13:3-4, we read in verse 7: he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation (NLT). Again, there will probably be a progression and process for this to occur. Antichrist’s Resurrection will begin his worship and implement his Religious Covenant with the world. About 3.5 years later his Claim to be God will implement his rulership and begin The Greatest Persecution. Accordingly, this process and the nature of Antichrist’s rulership will be discussed in more detail in the book, The Greatest Persecution. The important question of whether or not unbelievers can be saved after worshipping the Antichrist because of his Resurrection will also be addressed elsewhere. ^[35]

1. Unfortunately, there is a surprising number of scholars who deny that Revelation 13 is predicting the literal resurrection of the Antichrist in the Endtimes. It is not surprising that Dr. Beale’s rather allegorizing approach leads to the conclusion that the healing of the fatal wound (Rev 13:3) refers to “the victory over the devil at the cross” (688).

   It is more surprising to see Mounce and Osborne deny a future and more literal fulfillment as well. The former writes of the beast’s recovery:

   It could refer to the reestablishment of [political] order under Vespasian (A. D. 69-79)… Or perhaps no historical [or literal, future] allusion is intended and the purpose of the figure is to underscore the tremendous vitality of the beast [empires] (248-9).

   The unbiblical and misleading nature of such Preterism and Historicism have been dealt with elsewhere (cf. CET, ch. 3, sec. B; ch. 12, sec. B)

   Osborne supports the view that John is referring to the well-known myth that Nero was to raise from the dead (pp. 495-6). There are two fatal problems to such a view. First, even as Osborne admits, this would mean “John believed the myth and thought Nero was the antichrist,” which is especially ridiculous in light of the second problem: Nero never came back from the dead.

   Others claim Revelation 13:3 is predicting the re-establishment of the Roman Empire in the Endtimes. But as explained previously in this book, there is probably a very limited relationship between the ancient Roman Empire and Antichrist’s Beast Empire (cf. BBP ch. 4, secs. C.3-C.4).

   For a refutation of the claims that the beast in Revelation 13 is referring to Caligula, Nero, or the Roman Empire, see Thomas (1110-12) and MacArthur (Rev II, 45ff; cf. Mounce, 247-9). After Thomas effectively disproves several alternatives, he writes regarding Rev 13:3:

   It is best to identify this restoration to life with an end-time satanically controlled king who will come to the world as a false Christ… The climax of history will include a healing (etherapeuthē) of an individual that closely approximates the resurrection of Christ from the dead… His feat in overcoming the fatal wound will win for him worldwide admiration. (1117-1119) ↑

2. LGEINT. ↑

3. Thomas notes regarding the addition of I saw in Rev 13:3: “A finite verb (eidon, “I saw”) is not in the text, but the force of [it] in v. 1 [and v. 2] continues into v. 3, requiring an accusative case (mian, “one”) as its direct object” (1117). ↑

4. In general, scholars understand the beast to be the Antichrist throughout the Revelation. However, in Revelation 13 its more complex meaning is revealed. MacArthur explains:

   The beast must be understood as representing both a kingdom and a person. The beast must represent a kingdom, because of the complex description of him in the latter half of verse 1 [Rev ch. 13]. Yet the beast must also represent a person, since he is always described with personal pronouns (e.g., “his,” “him,” “he”; cf. vv. 1–8; 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2, 10). Daniel (Dan. 7:25; 8:24–25; 11:36–45) and Paul (2 Thess. 2:4) also describe the Antichrist as a person. In this manner, Scripture views the final world empire as inseparable from its ruler. (Rev II, 41)

   The images of the leopard, bear, and lion are clear references to Daniel 7 where they are used to portray historical, anti-God empires as discussed earlier (cf. BBP ch. 4, sec. C.1). Therefore, Antichrist’s Beast Empire will be a culmination of all of these anti-God rulers and kingdoms in the Endtimes. The ten horns with ten crowns portray the 10-nation Endtime Coalition that will be the political and military base for Antichrist’s Beast Empire (cf. BBP ch. 4, sec. B.3).

   But as MacArthur and others explain, “Scripture views the final world empire as inseparable from its ruler.” More specifically, one of the heads of the beast (v. 3) represents the last beast, the Antichrist. ↑

5. MacArthur’s denial of a real death for the Antichrist seems evident when he writes:

   The head whose fatal wound will be healed can only be the future Antichrist. Whether his death is real or fake (cf. v. 14; 2 Thess. 2:9) is not clear. It may be that Antichrist is really killed, and God, for His own purposes, allows him to be resurrected. More likely, Antichrist’s alleged death and resurrection will be a counterfeit of Christ’s death and resurrection, staged, as one of the “lying wonders” perpetrated by the false prophet (13:12–15; 2 Thess. 2:9 NKJV). Antichrist’s resurrection will also be phony, since he never really died. (Rev II, 45-46)

   Unfortunately, MacArthur ignores the commentary that Rev 5:6 provides on the Greek text of 13:3. Secondly, he offers no comments on Rev 13:14 which clearly speaks of the Antichrist as one who was fatally wounded and then came back to life (NLT; cf. NASB come to life). Third, his claim here that the “lying wonders” (cf. 2 Thess 2:9) will be “counterfeit” seems to contradict his own commentary on that passage when he writes elsewhere: “Antichrist’s miracles, signs, and wonders are false, not in the sense that they are fakery, but that they lead to false conclusions about who he is” (Thess, 282, underlining added). Finally, MacArthur’s interpretation that Satan’s “wonders” described in 2 Thessalonian are fake, is corrected elsewhere (cf. ch. 12, sec. C, esp. Endnote #11).

   Walvoord also doubts the Antichrist’s death because “It is questionable whether Satan has the power to restore to life one who has died” (205). Of course Satan does not have such power. Which is why Antichrist’s Resurrection is ultimately accomplished by God’s power delegated to the Antichrist. This is why Paul described the Antichrist’s miracle working (cf. 2 Thess 2:9), as a powerful delusion that God sends the world so that they will believe the lie (2 Thess 2:11 NIV). For more on this see the previous chapter (12, sec. C).

   Osborne (495) vaguely claims this will be a real death by referring to the fact that the exact same Greek words used to describe Antichrist’s death is used earlier in Revelation to describe Christ’s death (5:6). As noted in this section, even the metaphorical interpreter Beale argues that a real and physical death is meant here.

   Both Mounce and Thomas are inconclusive on whether John described a real death of the Antichrist. The latter writes:

   The question of whether Satan has the power to restore a dead person to life (Walvoord) requires no answer here. Whether the beast performs this marvelous feat through deception or through power permitted by God, it still brings him into the limelight as never before. (1119)

   On the contrary, the great failure of modern and false “faith healers” to convince the world they are supernatural proves that mere deception will not be enough to cause the predicted effect of Antichrist’s Resurrection. For more on the deception of the modern “faith healing” movement, see the book, Human Miracle Workers in the “Biblical Critique of Charismatic Doctrine & Practices” section, under the “Scholar’s Section” online at www.trainingtimothys.com. ↑

6. Beale, 688-89, underlining added. ↑

7. The NET translators comment on Rev 13:3 that the Greek literally means “killed to death,” describing it as “an expression emphatic in its redundancy.” ↑

8. For more on the unconvincing, non-miraculous, and unbiblical attributes of modern “faith healers” see the book Human Miracle Working in the “Biblical Critique of Charismatic Doctrines & Practices” under the “Scholar’s Section” at www.trainingtimothys.com. ↑

9. BDAG. ↑

10. Mounce, at Rev 6:4. ↑

11. BDAG #1. ↑

12. BDAG #2. ↑

13. BDAG #2a. Osborne writes: “Aune notes correctly that opisō (“after”) implies a verb like ‘went’ or ‘followed,’ thus meaning their amazement led them to ‘follow after’ the beast as his disciples” (497). ↑

14. Osborne points out regarding the translation of ezēsen in Rev 13:14:

    [This] is a clear parody of the resurrection of Christ, with ezēsen (lived) meaning “came to life” as in [Rev] 2:8; 20:4, 5. In 13:3, 12 the beast is “healed,” but here [v. 14] he “lives again.” (515)

    Likewise, Thomas writes here of “the beast’s recovery from death” and “a return to life… The resurrection terminology here is an inspired interpretation of the healing mentioned in vv. 3, 12.” (1145). ↑

15. BDAG #2. ↑

16. Rev 13:1 is also probably referring to the Antichrist’s Resurrection. It describes the beast as rising up out of the sea. What does this mean? MacArthur explains:

    There has been much discussion about what the sea symbolizes. Some argue, based on such passages as Isaiah 17:12, 57:20, and Revelation 17:15, that it refers to the Gentile nations. But since 11:7 and 17:8 state that the beast comes up out of the abyss, it is best to equate the sea with the abyss. That interpretation is in harmony with the Old Testament, which also uses the metaphor of the sea to picture the realm of satanic activity (cf. Job 26:12; Pss. 74:13–14; 89:9–10; Isa. 27:1). Some of the demons are currently incarcerated in the abyss (cf. 9:1–11; Luke 8:31), and Satan will be imprisoned in that abyss during the millennial kingdom (20:1–3). (Rev II, 41; cf. Osborne, 490; Thomas, 1110).

    It seems many commentators make the mistake of assuming the imagery of the sea cannot mean both “the Gentile nations” and “the abyss.” The imagery of the unbelieving, anti-God nations reflects the macro-view of the beast and the origin of the Antichrist’s Beast Empire. The imagery of the abyss reflects the origin of the individual Resurrected Antichrist. Thus, portraying the beast as rising up out of the sea (Abyss) in Rev 13:1 is an expected introduction to a chapter that describes the rising of Antichrist’s Beast Empire and the Resurrected Antichrist. ↑

17. Thomas writes of the meaning of Rev 17:8:

    The words “is not” refer to the beast’s death, and his ascent from the abyss means he will come to life again (cf. 13:14). This is the same as his reappearance as an eighth king in 17:11…

    An understanding of the past-present-future description of the beast requires the establishing of a point of reference for the designation. When is “now,” the point of the beast’s “not being”? [After refutations of other views, Thomas concludes] It is better to locate the “is-not” state of the beast entirely in the future and make that the point of reference for the total description. That state must coincide with the death wound of the beast in 13:3, 12, 14. (1330-31; cf. Osborne, 615) ↑

18. For an explanation of the suggested translation of Matt 24:24 see appropriate chapter in The Greatest Persecution. ↑

19. For more on the indwelling of the Antichrist by Satan see appropriate chapter in The Greatest Persecution. ↑

20. BDAG. ↑

21. Vine’s, 613. ↑

22. BDAG. ↑

23. BDAG. ↑

24. For an example of a video of an ISIS execution see at about minute 4:25 online at https://storyful.s3.amazonaws.com/video/syfl-8700-597657b3.mp4 ↑

25. “The number of people that own a smart phone is 7.26 Billion, making up 91.00% of the world’s population.” (Source: https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world) ↑

26. For example, “deepfakes” have recently begun to emerge on the Internet. One resource notes they are: “a video, image or audio created with Artificial Intelligence, which imitates the appearance and/or voice of a person (synthetic media).”

    https://www.telefonica.com/en/communication-room/blog/what-is-a-deepfake-and-how-to-detect-it/.

    The article offers several ways to detect “deepfakes” and adds: “In processes that require more thorough verification, deepfake detection software or online detection systems (e.g., taking a selfie or video link in real time) can be used. The latter seems to be referring to a live videotaping of a person and event. All of which is why this is a suggestion for how the Antichrist’s death will occur. ↑

27. Thomas notes:

    The prophecy anticipates the almost universal success the beast will have in attracting worshipers. The only limiting factor will be the refusal of the elect to comply (cf. Matt. 24:24) (Moffatt)… The addition of πάντες (pantes, “all”) to the usual technical expression brings out the universality of beast worship in that future time (Smith). (1126-27) ↑

28. BDAG #1 & #2.

     

    ↑

29. 
    See endnote #8 above. ↑

30. BDAG. ↑

31. https://www.history.com/topics/religion/religions-on-the-end-of-the-world ↑

32. https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/09/world/gallery/believer-end-of-world-prophecies/index.html ↑

33. See online at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahdi ↑

34. Some claim that Daniel 11:40ff. describe people revolting against the Antichrist and attacking him in battle. Given that Antichrist’s Resurrection probably occurs rather early in the Endtimes and results in the worldwide worship of every unbeliever, this seems unlikely. For arguments that these battles refer to Antiochus Epiphanes rather than the Antichrist, see Additional Studies on the Endtimes, ch. 16, “The Relationship of Daniel 11 with the Endtimes,” online at www.trainingtimothys.com. ↑

35. For more on the topic of whether or not unbelievers can be saved in the Endtimes see Additional Studies on the Endtimes, ch. 10; online at www.trainingtimothys.com. ↑