BBP: 9 Confirming the Rising Antichrist

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Chapter 9

Confirming the Rising Antichrist

The remarkable convergence of evidence in our world that the beginning of the Endtimes may be near

A) The Rising Antichrist “will succeed in everything he does” (Dan 8:24)

B) The Rising Antichrist will “uproot” 3 leaders of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition (Dan 7:8)

C) The Rising Antichrist will successfully lead the world to a period of peace

D) The remarkable convergence of evidence in our world that the beginning of the Endtimes may be near

Primary Points

Biblical prophecy predicts the Antichrist will be extraordinarily successful even in his early career.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already demonstrated this kind of success in the way he became the President of Ukraine, how he has become admired and famous worldwide, and how his country has been able to withstand the second most powerful military in the world.
If Zelenskyy succeeds in fulfilling his boasts that Ukraine will completely defeat the Russian military, this will be more evidence that he is fulfilling biblical prophecy that the Antichrist will succeed in everything he does.
The fact that Zelenskyy is accomplishing all of this, but not by his own power, also seems to fulfill biblical prophecies about the Rising Antichrist.
Biblical prophecy predicts that rather early in Antichrist’s career he will somehow cause the downfall of three kings in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition.
If Zelenskyy’s successes were somehow connected to the overthrow of the current dictators of Russia, Belarus, and Iran, it would be truly remarkable and more evidence that he is fulfilling biblical prophecy.
Do not be surprised if Putin uses a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
The prophetic Scriptures indicate that the Rising Antichrist will emerge in the world as a leader of peace. If Zelensky is successful in doing this, it will be more confirming evidence that he will be revealed as the Antichrist.
The SCO currently matches at least 7 biblical prophecies about the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. Zelenskyy has already matched three biblical prophecies about the Rising Antichrist. Therefore, there is a remarkable convergence of evidence that the beginning of the Endtimes may be upon us.
If Zelensky fulfills additional biblical prophecies, Christians need to be preparing in practical, spiritual, and serious ways for the wars, famines, and plagues of The Beginning of Birth Pains and the following Greatest Persecution.
If God intends the SCO to be the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition, and Zelenskyy to be the Antichrist, then we could expect the Endtimes to begin in July of 2024 and Antichrist’s Resurrection on Easter of 2025.

A) The Rising Antichrist “will succeed in everything he does” (Dan 8:24)

Many attributes of the Antichrist are described in the following text from Daniel:

A fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does.

He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people. He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning. He will even take on the Prince of princes in battle, but he will be broken, though not by human power. (Dan 8:23-25 NLT)

There are many things said about the Antichrist here. First, his initiation of the devasting wars and destruction of The Beginning of Birth Pains. Second, his persecution of the holy people (literally, “the people of the saints”). Third, the Antichrist’s battle with the Prince Christ at Armageddon where he will be broken, though not by human power.

In addition, as discussed in the previous chapter (8), some things in this passage are rather useless in identifying the Antichrist (cf. sec. A.2). This would include the fact that he will be a fierce king, a master of intrigue. Again, this could describe a lot of people.

However, the reference to Antichrist’s rise to power probably refers to his initial emergence as the Rising Antichrist. The prophecy adds that his initial rise to power will be enabled by the fact that He will … succeed in everything he does. Likewise, a few verses earlier it says The horn Antichrist succeeded in everything it did (Dan 8:12 NLT). In other words, biblical prophecy predicts the Antichrist will be extraordinarily, even supernaturally successful, even in his early career.

What will the supernatural and extraordinary success of the Rising Antichrist look like? First, it may be the extraordinary way in which he becomes the leader of a minor country in Magog (Ezek 38:2; cf. Dan 7:8). As noted in the previous chapter (8, sec. E), Zelenskyy’s election as President of Ukraine was certainly extraordinary. As merely the actor in a TV show he received 73% of the vote and defeated an incumbent. Second, the Antichrist’s extraordinary success could be how he becomes so famous and admired in the world. Accordingly, Zelenskyy’s current rise to world-wide fame and influence is arguably already unprecedented in human history.

Third, the biblical prediction that He will … succeed in everything he does (Dan 8:24) may be fulfilled in extraordinary military victories. Daniel 7 gives us another description of the Rising Antichrist where we read: After them [the ten kings] another king will arise (Dan 7:24). Arise translates an Aramaic word (qûm) that can mean “victory in war or struggle.” ^{^[1]} The Ukrainian military’s astonishing success thus far in the war would seem to be another indication Zelenskyy is the Rising Antichrist who will succeed in everything he does.

Before the war, Russia was ranked the #2 military power in the world. Only the United States was considered to have a more powerful military on Earth. Ukraine, on the other hand, was ranked #22 in military power. ^{^[2]} This is why the best military strategists in the world believed Russia would defeat Ukraine in less than a month when it invaded. ^{^[3]} The success of Zelenskyy’s military has greatly surprised every military expert in the world.

Nevertheless, Zelenskyy has vowed from the very beginning of the war to take back all the land that Putin’s forces have invaded and occupied in his country. This includes Crimea where Russia has amassed strongly entrenched military forces since 2014. Military experts agree regaining Crimea would be very difficult. ^{^[4]} Putin may stop at nothing to defend it, including the use of tactical nuclear weapons. In addition, many of Ukraine’s current supporters in America and Europe may not support Zelenskyy’s desire to retake Crimea because of the risk and cost of doing so.

None of this has mattered to Zelenskyy. He has not wavered from his vow to be completely victorious over the Russian military, including retaking Crimea from Putin.

As noted in the previous chapter, the Antichrist is described in Daniel as a king of bold face (8:23 ESV). Other versions translate the Aramaic here as referring to his character as insolent (NASB, CSB) which means “cocky boldness.” While not a definitive attribute to identify the Antichrist with, it certainly describes Zelenskyy. Likewise, Daniel wrote, “I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn Antichrist was speaking” (Dan 7:11 NIV; cf. v. 20). This obviously refers to what the Antichrist will say when He will speak against the Most High in the abomination that causes desolation (Dan 7:25; 9:27; cf. Rev 13:5-6). But it probably refers to a characteristic the Antichrist will display throughout his career, even as a little horn and the Rising Antichrist. Listen to Zelenskyy’s speeches and you will hear one of the most confident and bold political figures in modern history.

If Zelenskyy is able to take back all of Ukraine’s territories, including Crimea, from the 2^nd most powerful military in the world, then he will indeed be a person who is extraordinarily succeeding in everything he does. And such military victories may be more evidence that he will eventually be confirmed as the Antichrist.

The prophecy about the Rising Antichrist adds that He will become very strong, but not by his own power (Dan 8:24). Likewise, in the next verse we read: Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power (v. 25). The statements not by his own power (v. 24) and not by human power are both referring most likely to supernatural power. Likewise, the statements He will become very strong (v. 24a), and he will succeed in everything he does (v. 24b) are probably both referring to these things occurring by supernatural power. The Antichrist will both succeed in everything he does and be destroyed by supernatural powers.

Zelenskyy’s future military success could be a fulfillment of this prophecy about the Rising Antichrist. The prophecy says, He will become very strong (probably including militarily), and succeed in everything he does … but not by his own power. Again, at the beginning of the war, Ukraine was ranked the #22 military in the world. But what has occurred since then? As noted in the previous chapter, “over 40 different countries have contributed a total of over $180 billion to support Ukraine,” with the majority of the aid being military weapons. Indeed, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become very strong, but not by his own power.

It is possible this prophecy remarkably refers to the extraordinary way that Zelenskyy has become very strong militarily by the generous contributions of other countries, including the most powerful nation and military in the world, the United States. However, the power the prophecy is speaking of is also speaking of supernatural power. How would the support of over 40 different countries be caused by supernatural power? We need to remember, the whole pagan world, including its military power and its politicians, are under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19 NIV). All the kingdoms of the world and their glory and their power and their pagan politicians ultimately belong to the devil (Matt 4:8 NLT).

Therefore, the extraordinary, (really historically unprecedented) military support that the world is giving Zelenskyy would seem to be occurring by the supernatural power of the demonic realm. If Zelenskyy militarily succeeds in everything he does, it will probably not be merely by human flesh-and-blood power, but with the power of evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world … mighty powers in this dark world … evil spirits in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12 NLT). And again, that will be more biblical evidence that Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be eventually confirmed to be the Antichrist.

B) The Rising Antichrist will “uproot” 3 leaders of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition (Dan 7:8)

The Rising Antichrist’s supernatural ability to succeed in everything he does (Dan 8:24) in both political and military victories, will include the fulfillment of another prediction in Daniel. He writes:

As I was thinking about the ten horns, there was another one, a little horn. It was rising up among the ten horns and three of them were uprooted by it. (Dan 7:8 ^{^[5]})

Later in the passage, Daniel received this explanation:

The ten horns are ten kings who will be a part of this kingdom [Antichrist’s Beast Empire]. After them another king will arise [the Antichrist], different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings [in the Coalition]. (Dan 7:24 ^[6])

The fact that this text is also describing the Antichrist rising up seems to reflect the initial emergence of the Rising Antichrist as a little horn. As already discussed, these prophecies suggest the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will already be established before the Antichrist will be rising up among the ten horns (cf. ch. 4, sec. B.1).

Notice that this prophecy also predicts that even as a rising … little horn, the Antichrist will arise and will subdue ^{^[7]} three kings (Dan 7:24) in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. This is a very specific prophecy, and its fulfillment would be a significant indication that the Endtimes are beginning.

First, let us note what this prophecy does not mean. It does not mean the Rising Antichrist will replace these three kings, or take over three countries in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. As explained previously, the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will remain intact until it is defeated at the Battle of Armageddon (cf. Rev 17:14; ch. 4, sec. B.5). ^{^[8]} This means the Coalition will continue to have ten kings (Rev 17:12; cf. vs. 12-14) separate from the Antichrist throughout the Endtimes.

Therefore, the prophecy in Daniel 7:8 and 7:24 predicts that rather early in Antichrist’s career he will subdue or cause the downfall of three kings in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition.

Therefore, it is remarkable to note the following about these three leaders: Vladimir Putin of Russia, Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, and Ali Khamenei of Iran:

1) Their nations are scheduled to be members of the 10-nation SCO by July of 2024 (cf. ch. 6, sec. C).

2) Their countries are among the very few in the world, (that we know of), that are currently militarily supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. ^{^[9]}

3) Even though these leaders have been among the most enduring and entrenched dictators in the world, their positions are currently threatened, and losing their war against Zelenskyy’s Ukraine could contribute to their downfall.

Regarding point 2 above, Belarus and Iran are among the very few countries in the world being reported to be militarily supporting Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Belarus has uniquely allowed Russia to use its country to attack Ukraine. This includes staging Russian troops and tanks for Putin’s invasion, the use of airfields to launch airstrikes, and Belarus’ military installations from which to launch artillery and missiles into Ukraine. ^{^[10]} Putin recently even moved tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus. ^{^[11]}

Other satellite countries of Russia, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan are normally supportive of Russia. But none of these countries and their leaders have supported Putin’s attack on Ukraine, and some of them have publicly denounced it. Except for Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus.

Iran has uniquely supported Russia’s attack on Ukraine by providing military drones that have killed many Ukrainian civilians. ^{^[12]} As the Jerusalem Post reported recently, “Iran, once a junior partner [of Russia] in Syria, is now the main [foreign] supplier of Russia’s military effort in Ukraine.” ^{^[13]}

Let us note another biblical prophecy that is related to all of this. The Bible predicts that rather early in Antichrist’s career, the ten kings of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will give their power and authority to the beast Antichrist (Rev 17:12-13 NIV). If the SCO turns out to be the 10-nation Endtime Coalition, and Zelenskyy turns out to be the Antichrist, then the current leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Iran would probably have to be removed before such an alliance could occur. All of these leaders are currently supporting the war against Ukraine and adamantly opposed to Zelenskyy’s success. And all of this is precisely why Zelenskyy may be the cause of the downfall of these long time dictators. It would seem that only new leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Iran would give their power and authority to the beast Antichrist, if it turns out to be Zelenskyy.

Regarding point 3 above, there is evidence that the longtime dictatorships of Putin, Lukashenko, and Khamenei may be uprooted soon. Putin has ruled Russia for almost 25 years. Lukashenko in Belarus has ruled for over 30 years (since 1994), the longest of any other president in Europe. Accordingly, Lukashenko has been called “the last dictator in Europe.” Khamenei in Iran has essentially led the country for over 40 years. His rule over Iran is the longest of any leader in the entire Middle East. And his rule is also a powerful dictatorship. If Zelenskyy’s successes were somehow connected to the overthrow of these three enduring dictators in a relatively short period of time, it would be truly remarkable and more evidence that he is fulfilling biblical prophecy.

Current events suggest all of this is quite possible. Several experts, including those within Russia itself, are predicting that losing the war in Ukraine would lead to the political collapse of Vladimir Putin. ^{^[14]} Perhaps even his execution. Likewise, there are reports of unprecedented protests against the dictatorships of Lukashenko in Belarus ^{^[15]} and Khamenei in Iran. ^{^[16]} For example, a recent report in the Atlantic stated:

The investments of Russian companies keep dictators in power in Minsk [Belarus], in Caracas [Venezuela], in Tehran [Iran]. A Ukrainian victory would immediately inspire people fighting for human rights and the rule of law, wherever they are.

In a recent conversation in Washington, a Belarusian activist spoke about his organization’s plans to reactivate the Belarusian opposition movement. For the moment, it is still working in secret, underground. “Everyone is waiting for the counteroffensive,” [of Ukraine against Russia] he said… Belarusians, Venezuelans, Iranians, and others around the world whose dictatorships are propped up by the Russians—they are all waiting for the counteroffensive too… Ukraine gets a chance to alter geopolitics for a generation. ^{^[17]}

If Zelenskyy is victorious over these dictators, then he may call for their removal in retribution for their attack on Ukraine. In fact, Zelenskyy has repeatedly claimed that everyone responsible for especially the death of Ukrainian civilians in the war will be punished.

Such a demand may be helped by the extraordinary hatred the world has for especially Russia and Iran. Their unity in attacking Ukraine has made them and their leaders even more hated. To be “Russian” or “Iranian” has become a curse word in our world. No nation of people, including Russians, Belarusians, and Iranians, desire to be so hated by the rest of the world. Therefore, it will not be surprising if the people living in these countries will support Zelenskyy’s demand for the removal of their current leaders if he defeats Russia in the war.

If Zelensky is responsible in some way for their downfall, then it would be very reasonable to suggest this would be a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy the Antichrist will arise (qûm) through “victory in war or struggle” to uproot … three kings (Dan 7:8, 24) in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. It is remarkable that three leaders of the 10-nation SCO, a possible candidate to be the 10-nation Endtime Coalition, will have their longtime dictatorships threatened if Zelenskyy is victorious over their military attacks on Ukraine.

It seems Zelenskyy is in a very unique position to succeed in whatever he does (Dan 8:24 NIV), including causing the dictators of Russia, Belarus, and Iran to be uprooted. Such an accomplishment would greatly further the world’s admiration and appreciation for him. Again, this is because the leaders of Russia and Iran have something especially in common: They are among the most hated and feared men on the Earth.

For example, Israel would especially appreciate any contribution Zelenskyy would have on the removal of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. Likewise, understand that the appreciation and admiration the world will have for Zelenskyy will be directly proportionate to the fear and hatred the world will have for Putin. Putin is probably the most feared and hated person on Earth. It is likely he will continue to do things in Ukraine that make the world hate and fear him even more. Do not be surprised if Putin uses a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. He has already warned the world he will do this very thing if his conventional military fails in Ukraine. ^{^[18]} If he does, then the world would be very alarmed by the capabilities of the man in charge of the largest and most modern nuclear arsenal in the world. It is not an exaggeration to say that with just a command, Putin has the power to instantly destroy the entire world.

On January 24, 2023, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced its updated and famous “Doomsday Clock.” It is a countdown to nuclear warfare first developed by Albert Einstein and maintained by leading scientists and historians in the world. Because of Putin’s recent actions, the “Doomsday Clock” was advanced in January 2023 to 90 seconds to “midnight,” marking a nuclear apocalypse. ^{^[19]} This is the closest the “Clock” has ever been set to “Doomsday” in its 76 year history. Vladimir Putin is by far the greatest reason for this unprecedented fear of nuclear warfare in the world.

Therefore, if Zelenskyy is viewed as being responsible for: 1) defeating the #2 military in the world; 2) the downfall of the most hated and dangerous man in the world; and 3) reverting the “Doomsday Clock” to reflect world peace, then he will continue to rise to unprecedented heights of appreciation and worship in our world. The kind of appreciation and worship that is predicted for the Antichrist.

C) The Rising Antichrist will successfully lead the world to a period of peace

The prophetic Scriptures indicate that the Rising Antichrist will emerge in the world as a leader of peace. This will be demonstrated in another chapter (11, sec. B.4). If Volodymyr Zelenskyy accomplishes the political and military successes described above, he will be in a remarkable position to promote worldwide peace. Even as early as December of 2022, he was calling for an international summit that would “unite all nations of the world around the cause of global peace.” ^{^[20]} Even as a little horn in a nation of Magog, fighting for its very survival, Zelenskyy was offering to lead the entire world to peace. Such a goal would certainly be advanced by the removal of the current hostile leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Iran.

D) A remarkable convergence of evidence in our world that the beginning of the Endtimes may be near

It was explained in chapter 1 that humility is necessary when making claims about the details of the Endtimes (cf. sec. B). Therefore, any confidence about recognizing the beginning of the Endtimes should be based on the biblical principle that, “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Matt 18:16; cf. ch. 1, sec. F). It would seem that at least two or three witnesses and significant evidence is emerging in our world that the beginning of the Endtimes may be upon us.

D.1) The emergence of the SCO and Zelenskyy should prompt us to obey Christ’s command to “Watch!”

First, as explained in chapter 6, the SCO is currently on track to fulfill all 7 biblical prophecies about the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. These include:

1) The SCO is scheduled to be exactly ten kings or ten nations in July of 2024 (cf. Dan 2:44; 7:24; Rev 17:12; cf. ch. 4, sec. A).

2) The SCO will have been established in the world before the Antichrist emerges (cf. Dan 7:8, 24; cf. ch. 4, sec. B.1). Therefore, it may be the first Endtime event to occur.

3) The SCO possesses nuclear weapons to fulfill the prophecy that the 10-nation Coalition and the Antichrist will form an alliance to completely burn up in one hour the world’s foremost economic power, Babylon the Great, such that no people ever live there again (cf. Rev 17:5, 16, 18:10, 17, 19, cf. 21-23; cf. ch. 4, sec. B.2).

4) Some of the SCO’s members are militarily very strong, and others very weak (cf. Dan 2:42; cf. ch. 4, sec. C).

5) The SCO’s members are very diverse in race, culture, language, and religion (Dan 2:43; cf. ch. 4, sec. C).

6) The SCO’s members lack unity and even have significant current conflicts (Dan 2:41, 43; cf. BBP ch. 4, sec. C).

7) The SCO’s ten members exist in countries specifically named in Scripture to be present at the Battle of Armageddon, which is where the 10-nation Endtime Coalition is also predicted to be (Rev 17:14; cf. Rev 16:14, 16; 19:19; Ezekiel 38:1-6; cf. ch. 4, sec. B.4 and ch. 5).

Because these 7 biblical predictions regarding the 10-nation Endtime Coalition have the unprecedented potential to be fulfilled by the SCO, it was suggested there is currently a 65% probability the SCO will turn out to be the predicted 10-nation Endtime Coalition (ch. 6, sec. C).

Secondly, the previous chapter (8) discussed three biblical prophecies about the Rising Antichrist. These included predictions that he would be the leader of a minor country in Magog, but famous and admired all over the world. Volodymyr Zelensky is already the first person in human history to match these three unique biblical attributes of the Rising Antichrist. The fact that he is the leader of Ukraine in Magog, and is arguably “the Most Influential Person in the World” (Time magazine), should get our serious attention. Based on this, it was suggested there is currently a 60% probability that Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be confirmed to be the Antichrist.

It seems reasonable to suggest that the emergence of a 10 member SCO with its unique characteristics is one testimony the Endtimes are near. It is also reasonable to suggest that the remarkable rise of someone having the unique characteristics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy onto the world scene today is a second testimony of this. In other words, based on the careful Bible study and research provided in the previous chapters, there is a remarkable convergence of evidence that the beginning of the Endtimes may be upon us.

There are some things we can be certain about. The prophetic Scriptures are clear that one day there will be a 10-nation Endtime Coalition and a Rising Antichrist on the Earth. You can be absolutely certain these biblical prophecies will be fulfilled in a rather literal way in current events at some point in time. The only question is when. It is suggested there is good evidence it may be now.

Note again that there also seems to be a limited window of time on this convergence. As noted in chapter 6 (sec. D), it seems unlikely that the popular SCO will remain only 10 members for very long without divine intervention. It is also unlikely that the popular Zelenskyy will continue to have sufficient world-wide fame and admiration to be voted “the Most Influential Person in the World” year after year. Most celebrities do not remain “on top” for very long. Therefore, it seems there is a limited amount of time for these things to be confirmed.

It was noted in the previous book, Christ’s Endtimes Teaching, that God expects us to live with the tension of waiting patiently AND watching expectantly for the Endtimes to begin (cf. ch. 10, sec. E). However, based on current events, it is suggested this biblical “tension” should lean more towards watching expectantly.

Therefore, during the time these current events exist, it seems we should be especially vigilant about recognizing the beginning of the Endtimes. In doing so, we are simply seeking to obey Christ’s command to “Watch!” current events for signs of His Return. Earlier it was written:

Throughout Christ’s sermon on the Endtimes He said: “Be on guard! Be alert!” … “keep watch” … “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:33, 34, 37 NIV). Watch! for what? Current events in our world that would signal the beginning of the Endtimes, and that Christ’s Return is near. (ch. 1, sec. C.1)

Therefore, every Christian should be careful to “Watch!” for these two things:

1) Does the SCO become more than 10 full members, therefore greatly decreasing the probability it will be the 10-nation Endtime Coalition and that the Endtimes are near?

2) Does Zelensky fulfill the additional prophecies summarized next.

D.2) If Zelenskyy continues to fulfill other biblical prophecies then we should obey Christ’s command to “Be dressed in readiness”

In this chapter we have discussed three more biblical prophecies regarding the Rising Antichrist. These include the predictions that he will supernaturally succeed in everything he does (Dan 8:24) and will arise (qûm) through “victory in war or struggle” to uproot … three kings (Dan 7:8, 24) of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. These events could also lead to the Rising Antichrist promoting the accomplishment of global peace (cf. Rev 6:1-2). More specifically, Zelenskyy’s potential fulfillment of these prophecies may look like this:

1) Defeating the #2 military in the world and taking back all of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea (cf. Dan 8:24).

2) Causing the downfall of three leaders in the SCO, most likely Putin, Lukashenko, and Khamenei (cf. Dan 7:8, 24).

3) Leading the world in international peace summits and agreements (cf. Rev 6:1-2).

4) All while the SCO remains exactly 10 nations (cf. Dan 2:44; 7:24).

Therefore, if Volodymyr Zelensky successfully accomplishes these extraordinary tasks, while the SCO remains 10-nations, then it is reasonable to suggest there is an 80% probability he eventually will be confirmed to be the Antichrist. At that point he will have potentially fulfilled a total of 7 biblical prophecies concerning the Rising Antichrist. ^[21] Likewise, the SCO will be on track to fulfill an additional 7 biblical attributes of the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition. In all then, these circumstances would be potentially fulfilling 14 separate biblical prophecies about the beginning of the Endtimes.

Even if some of these interpretations are not correct, this would rather clearly be more than a mere coincidence. The above developments would seem to be the testimony of at least two or three witnesses to establish the matter of whether the beginning of the Endtimes is near.

At that point Christians should be doing more than to “Watch!” current events. It will be time to obey another command of Christ in the context of His Endtimes Teaching: “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns (Luke 12:35-36 NASB). This command was explained in Endtimes Essentials book #1, Christ’s Endtimes Teaching (ch. 10, sec. C). If Zelensky fulfills additional biblical prophecies, Christians need to be preparing in practical, spiritual, and serious ways for the wars, famines, and plagues of The Beginning of Birth Pains and the following Greatest Persecution.

However, as discussed further in later chapters (11-12), it is admitted that it will only be the Antichrist’s Resurrection that will enable us to be 100% certain the Antichrist has emerged on Earth and the Endtimes have begun. These conclusions can be summarized in the following table:

Table: Increasing Confidence in Identifying the Antichrist

#	Biblical Prophecy	Potential Fulfillment	Reasonable Probability that Zelenskyy is the Antichrist
Biblical prophecies already potentially fulfilled
❶	Will be the leader (little horn) of a minor country (Dan 7:8; 8:9)	Zelensky became the President of Ukraine (in Magog] in an extraordinary way in 2019.	60% Based on being the first person in human history to match these biblical prophecies
❷	From the land of Magog (Ezek 38:2)	Zelenskyy was born in Magog (Kryvyy Rih, Ukraine) in 1978.
❸	Will be recognized and admired worldwide so that he is worshipped after his Resurrection (Rev 13:3, 7-8, 12)	Zelenskyy is Time magazine’s “Most Influential Person in the World” in 2022.
Biblical prophecies to watch for
❹	He will succeed in everything he does (Dan 8:24)	If Zelenskyy completely defeats the #2 military in the world, even retaking Crimea, in a relatively short period of time.	80% Especially based on the supernatural nature of #4, the specific nature of #5, & the 10-nation SCO.
❺	He will uproot 3 leaders in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition (Dan 7:8, 24)	If Zelenskyy’s victories are the catalyst for the downfall of 3 members of the SCO, particularly Putin, Lukashenko, and Khamenei.
❻	Leading the world to peace (Rev 6:2)	If Zelenskyy is successfully leading summits and organizations pursuing world peace.
❼	The Antichrist’s Resurrection (Rev 6:1-2; 13:3, 14)	If Zelenskyy is undeniably killed and raises from the dead.	100% Then we will know with certainty he is the Antichrist & the Endtimes have begun.

According to the suggested conclusions above, a possible timeline for the beginning of Endtime events can also be suggested. This timeline would only be relevant IF: 1) God intends for the SCO to become the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition, and 2) God intends Zelenskyy to be the Antichrist. In that case, the following timeline could be relevant.

As noted in a previous chapter (6, sec. B), the SCO is currently scheduled to become exactly 10 nations in July of 2024. It could be expected that the Rising Antichrist would rise up among, and after, the establishment of the Coalition (cf. Dan 7:8, 24). Again, this could occur sometime after July 2024 if the SCO is intended to be the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. If Zelenskyy is to be the Antichrist, then his rising up, or as the Hebrew puts it, “victory in war or struggle,” (cf. Dan 7:24), and succeeding in everything he does (Dan 8:24), could include the defeat of Russia’s army in Ukraine. This could be expected to occur in the months following July 2024, perhaps that fall and winter. After his defeat of Russia, the downfall of three leaders in the SCO could be expected (cf. Dan 7:8, 24). Afterwards we could expect Zelenskyy to be leading world peace summits.

If Zelenskyy was able to accomplish these things by the beginning months of 2025, then perhaps we could expect his undeniable death on Good Friday, 2025 (April 18) and his miraculous Resurrection on Easter, 2025 (April 20). Why is this suggested? As will be demonstrated in the following chapters, the Antichrist’s primary goal is to imitate Jesus Christ and convince the world he is Jesus Christ returned to Earth. Jesus said, the Christ will suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day (Luke 24:46 ^{^[22]}). The world celebrates these events on Good Friday and Easter. The Antichrist will probably attempt to imitate this very thing. If that is the case, then there is good reason to suggest he will take advantage of the special significance of these Christian holidays.

It is also interesting to note that the Jewish Passover in 2025 ends on the exact same day as Easter in 2025 (April 20). ^[23] This is a relatively rare event. Often Easter and the Jewish Passover occur even in separate months. The last time the Jewish Passover ended on the same Sunday as Easter occurred in 2001. ^[24] The next time it will occur is 2045. ^[25]

What may make this coincidence even more striking is that the date the Eastern Orthodox Church will celebrate Easter in 2025 is also April 20, the same Sunday as Western Christianity. This only happens about half the time.

Therefore, if the Antichrist’s Resurrection occurred on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, it would also occur on the last day of the Jewish Passover in 2025, and the same Sunday when the Eastern Orthodox Church will be celebrating Easter. The author could find no years in which these three Judeo Christian holidays occur on the same day or Sunday from 2000 to 2050. All of which seems to make this data worth more than an endnote. The above suggestions can be illustrated in the following graphic.

July 2024

SCO becomes 10 members

(Dan 7:24)

Easter 2025

(End of Jewish Passover &

Easter for Eastern Orthodox Church)

Antichrist’s

Resurrection

(Rev 6:1-2; 13:1-14)

Zelenskyy…

1) Succeeds in war (Dan 8:24)

2) Deposes 3 in SCO

(Dan 7:8, 24)

3) Leads world in peace

(Rev 6:1-2)

Fall/Winter 2024-2025

Graphic: A Possible Timeline for the Rising &

Resurrected Antichrist

Please do not misunderstand. No dogmatic predictions are being made here. A “possible” timeline is not a certain or definite timeline. But the above is a possible timeline for how the beginning of Endtime events could unfold in the near future. Again, this is only true IF: 1) God intends for the SCO to become the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition, and 2) God intends Zelenskyy to be the Antichrist.

D.3) Helpful analogies of readiness

The various levels of warning and readiness suggested above can be illustrated in a couple of ways. For example, the Midwest of America is especially prone to the occurrence of tornadoes. Accordingly, the National Weather Service has developed different levels of warning and encouraged readiness based on the weather conditions. One source explains:

According to the National Weather Service, a Watch means people should be prepared, stay informed, and be ready to act, because severe weather is possible. A Warning means people should take action. They should take shelter because severe weather is happening or about to happen. ^{^[26]}

More specifically, a Tornado Watch is issued when weather conditions indicate there is around a 40% probability that two or more tornados will occur in the area. A Tornado Warning is issued when an actual tornado has been identified. In this case, loud sirens alert communities that they should seek shelter. But people often do not do this. When they hear the sirens they typically go outside to look at the storm that is coming. Sometimes people will not take shelter until they actually see a tornado coming directly toward them!

How does this relate to where we are at in regard to biblical prophecy and current events? If the SCO becomes more than 10 members, or Zelenskyy’s political and military exploits fade, then we are back to a forecast of merely “partly cloudy skies.” However, right now, Christians should consider themselves under a “Tornado Watch.” Current conditions warrant the need to monitor developments carefully. But if Zelenskyy fulfills more biblical prophecies, then we should view ourselves as under a “Tornado Warning.” Then, we should make preparations for good possibility that the Endtimes have begun. However, if a man fulfilling all the prophesies summarized above, is undeniably resurrected from the dead, then we should respond as if we see a tornado coming directly toward our house, threatening our life and everyone with us, because the Endtimes will have certainly begun.

Another helpful analogy is the DEFCON levels of alert used by the United States military. DEFCON refers to “defense readiness condition” and reflects the perceived probability of a nuclear attack on America. This is summarized in the following table.

Table: U. S. Military DEFCON Levels

#	Description	Military Response
❺	Lowest state of alert	Normal readiness
❹	Increased intelligence watch	Above normal readiness
❸	Increase in force readiness	Air Force ready to mobilize in 15 minutes
❷	Preparing for nuclear war	All branches of the armed forces ready to deploy and engage in less than six hours
❶	Nuclear war is imminent or has already begun	Maximum readiness. Ready for immediate response.

DEFCON Level 5 means the U.S. military perceives a minimal threat of nuclear war. Weather wise it is like partly cloudy skies. Again, it is suggested this would describe the situation if the SCO becomes more than 10 members, or Zelenskyy’s success and popularity end. Or if he is killed and not resurrected from the dead. In these circumstances, there would be no unique need for Christians to increase their expectation of the beginning of the Endtimes.

DEFCON Level 4 means the U.S. military has reason to be watching for more signs of nuclear war. Weather wise this would be like a Tornado Watch. Again, it is suggested this is where we are at right now. The SCO will be 10 members in July of 2024 and Zelenskyy continues to match three unique biblical prophecies of being the leader of a minor country in Magog, but world famous. In this situation we should continue to monitor the SCO and Zelenskyy carefully.

At DEFCON level 3, the U.S. military is in the process of preparing for nuclear war. Actually, America is currently at DEFCON Level 3 because of the war in Ukraine. This means that right now Air Force jets and pilots are on constant standby to deploy within 15 minutes. If the U. S. Air Force is currently in such a heightened state of alert, perhaps Christians should be as well. Weatherwise, this would be like a Tornado Warning.

In current events, this would mean that Zelenskyy has fulfilled 3 more biblical prophecies, including succeeding in the war against Russia, causing the downfall of 3 leaders in the SCO, and leading world peace summits. If that happens, it is suggested it would be wise to take some actions to prepare for the beginning of the Endtimes.

At DEFCON level 2, the U.S. has completed preparations for nuclear war and is ready for it. Weather wise, this would be as if you see a tornado coming toward your house. In current events, this would mean that Zelenskyy has been undeniably killed and miraculously resurrected from the dead. At this point we know the Endtimes have begun.

This would be as if a tornado destroyed your house. At this point we are living in the wars, famines, and plagues of The Beginning of Birth Pains and perhaps wishing we had done more to prepare for them.

The above analogies can be summarized in the following table:

Table: Levels of Readiness & Action for Endtime Events

“DEFCON”	“Weather”	Current Signs of the Endtimes	Christian Response
5 Minimal threat of nuclear war	Partly Cloudy	None. The SCO becomes more than 10 members or Zelenskyy’s success and popularity end, or he is killed without a resurrection.	None
4 Watching for nuclear war	Tornado Watch	SCO remains 10 members and Zelenskyy is rising.	This provides 2 “witnesses” that the beginning of the Endtimes is near. Therefore, continue to carefully monitor Zelenskyy & the SCO.
3 Preparing for nuclear war	Tornado Warning	Zelenskyy continues to “succeed in everything he does” including replacing 3 leaders in the SCO & producing world peace.	This would provide a third “witness” that the beginning of the Endtimes is near. Therefore, prepare for Endtime events to occur
2 Ready for nuclear war	You see a tornado coming toward your house	Zelenskyy is Resurrected from the dead	This would provide absolute certainty the Endtimes have begun. Therefore, implement plans for subsequent Endtime events to occur
1 Experiencing nuclear war	The tornado has destroyed your house	We are in the Last Generation Church	Survive The Beginning of Birth Pains & glorify God in The Greatest Persecution

In the first century the Apostle Paul warned, the secret power of lawlessness [the Antichrist] is already at work (2 Thess 2:7 NIV). He was specifically writing about the kind of evil power that would enable the Antichrist to emerge in our world. Granted, such a statement brings up the problem that the first Christians believed Christ would Return in their lifetime. This is discussed elsewhere. ^{^[27]} Still, the warning that John Piper gave in his 2023 book on Christ’s Return seems very relevant:

What he [Paul] says is, “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” The point is this: Don’t relax your vigilance, thinking that the man of lawlessness (or Antichrist) is far off, because the very essence of his deceptive power is now at work and could so deceive you that you would be oblivious to the deadliness of his arrival. ^{^[28]}

Let us pray that this will not happen to God’s Church, but that we will continue to obey Christ’s command to biblically, wisely, and diligently Watch! events in our world so we can recognize the beginning of the Endtimes.

The Aramaic word qûm (arise) used in Dan 7:24 “is very like its Hebrew counterpart” qûm (TWOT, 1067). TWOT goes on to describe the Hebrew qûm:

Our root refers essentially to the physical [literal] action “rising up” [and may] entail the end of such action: standing. Also, our root is used of figurative rising and/or standing… It applies to the assumption of a particular office, e.g. religious head of a clan (Gen 37:7), prophet (Deut 34:10), judge (Jud 10:1)… Finally, our word is frequently used in warfare contexts. It refers to preparation for (Jud 7:15), engagement in (Exod 2:17), and victory in war (or struggle, Josh 7:2). ↑
https://www.globsec.org/what-we-do/publications/10-ways-ukraine-has-surprised-world-february-24-2022. ↑
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-invasion-predictions-wrongintelligence/32275740.html ↑
Two articles from Politico highlight the perceived difficulty of Ukraine retaking Crimea from Russian forces:

A top Armed Services Democrat expressed deep concerns on Friday over the prospect of Ukrainian forces waging a bloody fight to retake Crimea. “I think there’s more of a consensus out there that people realize that Ukraine is not going to militarily retake Crimea,” Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

While the government in Kyiv has always said it plans to retake every inch of occupied Ukraine including Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014, the fight would likely be hard and bloody, given the defense that Russia has built on the peninsula over the years of occupation. Smith said that at some point there will be a negotiated end to the war.

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/17/ukraine-wont-militarily-retake-crimea-top-democrat-00083492

Ukrainian officials told POLITICO that Western European leaders had been the most jittery about pushing on to Crimea. America’s top general, Mark Milley, chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, has cast doubt about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim the peninsula militarily, suggesting it would be overreach. At a Pentagon press conference on November 16, he said: “The probability of a Ukrainian military victory, defined as kicking the Russians out of all of Ukraine to include what they defined as Crimea, the probability of that happening anytime soon, is not high, militarily.”

https://www.politico.eu/article/crimea-annexation-russia-ukraine-war-volodymyr-zelenskyy-vladimir-putin/ ↑
This suggested translation of Dan 7:8 reflects the context (ten horns) and the NIV and NLT translations. ↑
For more on the translation and interpretation of Dan 7:24 see ch. 4, sec. C.4. ↑
Subdue translates the Aramaic word shephel which means: “be humbled” (TWOT, 950). ↑
The fact that the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will remain intact until it is defeated at the Battle of Armageddon (cf. Rev 17:14) means that the NLT over-translates Dan 7:8 when it has As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. On the contrary, the Antichrist does not replace these three kings in the Coalition, but merely causes them to be removed. ↑
North Korea is the only country, apart from Belarus and Iran, that has been reported thus far to be militarily supporting Russia. One report states:

Russia is buying millions of artillery shells and rockets from North Korea, according to newly declassified American intelligence, a sign that global sanctions have severely restricted its supply chains and forced Moscow to turn to pariah states for military supplies.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/05/us/politics/russia-north-korea-artillery.html ↑
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarusian involvement in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine ↑
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/28/why-does-russia-want-tactical-nuclear-weapons-in-belarus ↑
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-politics-defense-intelligence-agency-drones ↑
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-732579. ↑
A recent Newsweek article relates regarding Putin:

Russian President Vladimir Putin may be forced out of power should Russia be defeated in his war against Ukraine, Newsweek has been told… Should Putin be unable to win the war on his preferred terms, he may eventually be forced to step down as Russian leader, Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat who resigned publicly over the invasion of Ukraine last year, told Newsweek. “If we look at history, we see that such dictators have been replaced from time to time. So usually, if they lose the war, and they could not satisfy the needs of the supporters, they usually went away,” he said.

Bondarev believes that if Russians understand that the war is lost, and Putin has nothing to offer them in exchange, there will be “disappointment and disagreement.” “They might think they don’t need Putin anymore,” he said. “I think that once they say farewell to the delusions, and find themselves in a new reality where Putin cannot deliver anything—that will change the situation.”

Vlad Mykhnenko, an expert in the post-communist transformation of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union at the University of Oxford laid out [a] potential [scenario] for a Russian defeat. [He said] “a striking Ukrainian offensive on one or multiple fronts” would include a “huge panic amongst 600,000 Russian settlers in Crimea, and Russian collaborators in the Donbas, trying to escape.” This would result in a “rapid frontline collapse. The situation in Moscow would proceed rapidly, with the siloviki (an elite group of Russian businessmen and leaders) pushing Putin out of power.

https://www.newsweek.com/if-russia-loses-ukraine-war-how-putin-will-react-1787410 ↑
An Associated Press article relates:

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has welcomed thousands of Russian troops to his country, allowed the Kremlin to use it to launch the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and offered to station some of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons there… Analysts and political opponents say that further involvement over Ukraine could rekindle public anger against him and erode his iron-fisted grip on power that has lasted for nearly 29 years. Lukashenko, who meets regularly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has relied on the Kremlin’s political and economic support to survive months of protests.

Russia’s invasion is deeply unpopular in Belarus, which shares a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) border with Ukraine and has many citizens with family or personal ties there. “The Belarusians don’t see any sense in this war,” said Svyatlana, a 54-year-old manager in Luninets, near the border.

Belarusian military analyst Aliaksandr Alesin said that if the country’s 45,000-member army is sent into Ukraine, there might be “mass refusals to follow orders.” He said Lukashenko won’t do it “because he fears to stir up discontent among the military, who could turn their weapons in a different direction.”

This growing involvement in Belarus for the Kremlin war efforts is fomenting widespread resentment, said Belarusian political analyst Valery Karbalevich. “A broad guerrilla movement has evolved in Belarus with its members blowing up railway tracks and Russian warplanes and attacking Russian and Belarusian official websites,” Karbalevich said. “Belarus’ transformation into a Russian military hub and its gradual drawing into the war has caused public discontent, forcing Lukashenko to escalate repressions.”
https://apnews.com/article/belarus-ukraine-russia-war-nuclear-putin-lukashenko-3b3761efabdb2f641308bc0e97ac9363 ↑
Recent protests in Iran have “morphed into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s theocracy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/17/iran-protests-flare-in-several-cities-amid-continuing-unrest

Another source reports:

Seven months after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was killed at the hands of Iran’s so-called morality police in September, protests across the country calling for the rights of women and girls continue. Amini’s death after she was arrested for allegedly violating the country’s conservative dress code for women sparked sustained protests led by women and young people. The Iranian government has detained over 20,000 protesters and killed more than 500, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-women-and-girls-are-still-protesting-in-iran-heres-why.

There has been opposition specifically to Iran’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For example, Sadegh Zibakalam, a Tehran-based university professor, has posted on social media, “Contrary to the ruling regime [in Iran], many Iranians are with the Ukrainian people and condemn this aggression.”

https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-criticism-ukraine-reaction/31730370.html

In addition, war has already occurred between Ukraine and Iran:

Ukraine’s top security official confirmed Israeli press reports that 10 Iranian military advisers in Crimea were killed by Ukrainian drones. “You shouldn’t be where you shouldn’t be,” said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s defense council, in an interview with the Guardian. The Ukrainians say Iranian technicians and operators have been assisting the Russians with the Shahed-136 armed drones supplied by Tehran.

https://www.politico.eu/article/crimea-annexation-russia-ukraine-war-volodymyr-zelenskyy-vladimir-putin/ ↑
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/counteroffensive-ukraine-zelensky-crimea/673781/. ↑
https://reuters.com/world/europe/truth-or-bluff-why-putins-nuclear-warnings-have-west-worried-2022-09-28 ↑
https://thebulletin.org/2023/01/press-release-doomsday-clock-set-at-90-seconds-to-midnight/ ↑
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/russia-ukraine-war/ukrainian-president-proposes-global-peace-summit-this-winter/2767084 ↑
Some may object to claiming that Zelenskyy has fulfilled any biblical prophecies if he does not fulfill them all and prove to be the Antichrist. But how are we to communicate the significant fact that his life and accomplishments match biblical prophecies? We could say that these things match predicted attributes of the Antichrist, but that is essentially saying that he has fulfilled these prophecies. In other words, perhaps this is simply a matter of semantics.

In addition, the above objection is mitigated by the fact that God has no problem with someone actually fulfilling some prophecies regarding the Antichrist, but not all of them. This was the case with Antiochus Epiphanes in the 2^nd century B.C. Most scholars agree that he was an intentional precursor to the Antichrist and did fulfill biblical prophecies regarding the eventual Antichrist. Zelenskyy could be another example of this. Therefore, it would not be “unbiblical” to claim he has indeed fulfilled biblical prophecies. ↑
The suggested translation of Luke 24:46 is a combination of the NASB, NIV, and NLT. ↑
Dates for Passover 2025, (April 12-20) can be found online at https://researchmaniacs.com/JewishHolidays/Pesach.html ↑
Dates for Easter and Passover can be found online at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dates_for_Easter#cite_ref-2 ↑
Future dates for Passover can be found online at

https://researchmaniacs.com/JewishHolidays/Pesach.html

Future dates for Easter can be found at

https://passiontrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FUTURE-EASTER-DATES.pdf ↑
https://www.weather.gov/bgm/severedefinitions ↑
For more on the problem that the first Christians, and even the Apostle Paul apparently believed Christ’s Return would occur in their lifetime, see Additional Studies on the Endtimes, ch. 15 at www.trainingtimothys.com ↑
Piper, 234. ↑

Chapter 9

Confirming the Rising Antichrist

The remarkable convergence of evidence in our world that the beginning of the Endtimes may be near

Contents

Primary Points