End Times and the Anti-Christ?

Question

So alot of people think we are living in the End Times, days of Revalation, etc.

I personally think humanity is actually imploding on itself and that we are driving ourselves faster and faster to doomsday with our excessive consumerism, gluttony and greed. Among other things. We are destroying our planet, our atmosphere and our environment in general. Global warming, world hunger, war, etc. etc. is tearing apart our world.

And the "prophecies" are coming true because we're LETTING them, not because they are PROPHECIES. it's that whole entropy/decay thing, sh*t just gets worse, and if we don't do anything to stop it, of course it's going to be one big fireball.

Oh and is the Anti-christ someone who says they figured out a way to save the world from imminent destruction, when it "goes against" the prophecy/biblical texts etc?

I am trying to figure some stuff out before it's all over.

Who is the anti-christ and what role does (s)he play in the end of the world?

Rev. Albert Einstein i think nailed it!!!

and that pretty much makes me the anti-christ. WOW my dad is not going to be happy.

We used to talk together about religion... I used to believe it, we used to discuss end times and I believed it for what he said it was...

Now I'm beginning to believe it again but from a totally different perspective... this is odd and kind of scary.

Answer 1

If you have a half hour watch the first 30 minutes of this and it explains a LOT about all this crap about the end of the world :

http://zeitgeistmovie.com/

The other hour is all about other stuff but the first part is all about religion and the 'end of the world'

Fast forward to 5min 15sec in and watch from there to 37min

Watch it, believe me you wont be disappointed.

Answer 2

Christians have been saying that the "End Times" were "just around the corner" ever since the Resurrection supposedly occurred. Back then, Christ was coming back soon. Many early Christians believed the Emperor Nero was the anti-Christ.

Fast-forward 20 centuries: My Dad remembers the fundies making the same pitch in his day and I recall being handed a glossy brochure during my high school days in 1970's called "Jesus Christ Solid Rock" that explained how we were definitely living in the "End Times" and how all the prophecies were supposedly coming true. Over thirty years later, the message is still the same - the fundies interpretation of "divine scripture" has simply been "adjusted" to fit current events.

If you study history and live long enough, you'll see that the story of the End Times is a lot like the story of Chicken Little. It just keeps getting recycled for a new batch of sheep.

Answer 3

Where to start...

1. The "anti-Christ" is the Roman emperor Neron Caesar, who's "number" happens to be "666". For an explanation, please read "Isaac Asimov on Numbers". The Jews were using Numerology (a form of attempting to predict the future) that the Romans knew nothing about, so they could call Nero "the Beast" without getting crucified.

2. The "end times" occur when YOU die. The Earth will eventually be destroyed by the death of the Sun, but life on Earth will be long dead before that happens. The biblical book "Revelations" is heavily based on the Jews trying to be revolutionary against the occupying Roman Army, and is written in such a way as to be cryptic to them - the Jews knew what it meant, but the Romans had no clue what they were saying because it was "cloaked" in something only the Jews would understand. Pretty smart, those ancient Hebrews!!!

3. "Armageddon" is a "bastardized" word that comes from an ancient word being mispronounced that means "the battle for Meggido (sp?)", which was a crossroads for the ancient world that was very strategically located as it was the control point and intersection for 3 major roads. This city had several major battles to control it, thousands of years ago. In other words, "Armaggedon" has ALREADY taken place (at least 3 times!), and we are STILL HERE.

As for me, I'm an optimist. I believe that the Earth, and its inhabitants, will be here for a long time to come. There will be "trials and tribulations" for sure, but in the long run I believe things will improve - not get worse.

Answer 4

The Anti Christ or False Messiah will make a peace treaty in the Mid East about the time of the beginning of the tribulation. At the mid point or 30 days before the mid point(Dan 9:27, Dan12:11 ) he will take away the daily sacrifice and set up an image for people to worship similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. By this point people will begin to understand he isn't messiah. ( Matt 24:15, Rev 12:6)

Answer 5

I agree, to me, the end of days is a self fulfilling prophecy. If we let it happen it will, if we try to do something about the problems we humans have created, the end of days does not necessarily have to come. We can live on this earth as long as we want, as long as we take care of her. the earth is the Mother. I think George Bush and Dick Cheney are about as close as you can get to the Antichrist right now.

Remember that the Bible was written thousands of years ago, by many different people, AFTER Jesus was born, and crucified. So how can we believe that everything in it is really true? How can we believe that ANY of it is true, really it is just another book to read. Faith is not based on truth, it is based on the belief of what is true, because there is no way to actually prove any of it. So blind faith is what most religions are based on. The Antichrist is part of that blind faith.

I, for one, am a realist, and take things as I see them. I think we are only in the end of days, because that is what the Christians want us to think, to embellish, and attempt to prove that they are the all knowing, and everyone who does not believe as they do must be the Antichrist. Bush is really pushing that issue, right under our noses, that if you do not believe as he does, then you are against him and God.

It's insanity at it's best. I believe there is life after death in a spiritual form, but all this crap about religion, and the end of days, is just too unbelievable to believe.

Answer 6

Brethren,

The anti-christ system has been since the ruler of this realm feel from GRACE. It is a system of control, strong delusion and denominations. The King of Kings Kingdom is established, His work finished will He find any FAITH when He returns? Do not procrastinate, looking to the end, digest His Word, realize He is speaking to you the reader before He comes back as the Lion of Judah! I tell you the Kingdom cannot be observed, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God...

Answer 7

The anti Christ is not a person.

It is a term that is meant to be descriptive of the way certain pseudo Christians pretend to be followers of Jesus. People like Pat Robertson and Jerry Fallwell, They are a minority, but they are so vocal they drown out the rest.

Jesus always stood for a loving, inclusive, nonjudgmental approach to his fellow man.

The bigot pseudo Christians see their brand of Christianity as an exclusive club from which they judge all others as being unworthy of any fate other than burning in hell.

Their actions are almost the exact opposite of what Jesus Christ taught.

Hence the name antichrist, or opposite of Christ.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 8

I believe that this will answer your question as to who the anti-christ is:



Thessalonians 2:1-12 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society



2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
5Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

Answer 9

Hi happycake, my name is ismael. it may be a little
long but its worth it.

heres the response to your question regarding who is the antichrist.
If you have a bible it would be great and best if you follow along with it since i will be responding to your question based on "Gods Word"the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16,17), and not in my own words.
so here we go:
first of all the term Antichrist means simply :against of (or instead of) Christ, which would describe all of those who Oppose Christ or his
representatives, or act as if they are christ. Jesus himself has said:
"He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters". (Luke 11:23)

The Antichrist is Antichristian
Jesus advised his disciples that the world in general will hate them:
"Then people will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all nations on account of my name. And many false prophets will arise and mislead many". (Mat. 24:9,11)

Given that the christians will be persecuted "on account of [his] name" it is obvious that his persecuters are antichrists. the "FalseProphets" also fall in that category, since they themselves were once christians.( 2 Joh. 7) Jesus indicated that these "many antichrists [...]went out from us, but they were not of our sort, for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us.". (1 joh. 2:18,19).

so as we can see jesus indicated clearly that the anichrist is not
just one individual, but instead a whole crowd of antichrists.

Finally to conclude, the antichrists reject gods kingdom.

These antichrists confuse the role of Jesus Christ as King of Gods
Kingdom, a heavenly government that will soon reign in the entire
planet.(Daniel 7:13,14; Revelation 11:15)

Some people and religious leaders say the that gods kingdom is a
condition in the heart of the people, which misses bible
foundation.(Dan.2:44). others say that Christ works thru government and human
institutions when he himself has said that " My kingdom is no part of this world."
(John 18:36). in fact "the governor of the this world" and the "god of
this system of things" is not Christ, but instead Satan the
devil.(john 14:30; 2 corinthians 4:4) Jesus very soon will annihilate all these
governments and will become the Only government in the all the land.(
psal.2:2, 6-9; Rev.19: 11-21). this is in fact what people ask for when
they say the words of the "our father who are in heavens let thy kingdom
come" (mat. 6:10).

HAPPYCAKE im more than willing to continue talking to you about the
bible if you do so need answers to some questions. but i would recommend
that you observe for yourself who are the ones that are actually doing
what god asked them to do.

here are a few scriptures of the true representatives of christ.
think about it which religion is following these principles:
(mat. 28:19,20; 24:14)

(john 13: 35)

(1 john 4: 20,21)

(Galatians 5:22,23)

Answer 10

Harpazo = Rapture

END-TIME BIBLE PROPHECY

The Messiah Lord Jesus said BIRTH PANGS would signal the time of the end (Matthew 24:8). There are NINE birth pangs, they are all PRE-TRIBULATIONAL and the 1st three already occurred.

The first birth pang was worldwide conflict coupled with famines and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7-8). Worldwide conflict was fulfilled in 1914-1918, major famines happened in 1918-1921 and most of the world’s major earthquakes began to occur since 1900.

The second birth pang was the restoration of a Jewish State (Ezekiel 20:33-38; Ezekiel 22:17-22; Ezekiel 36:22-24; Zephaniah 2:1-2). This was fulfilled in 1948.

The third birth pang was Jewish control of the Old City of Jerusalem (Revelation 11:1-2). For the third Jewish Temple (Tribulation Temple) to be rebuilt, Jerusalem needs to be under Jewish control and this was accomplished in the Six Day War in 1967.

The fourth birth pang will be the Ezekiel 38 war. Russia, allied states of Iran, Ethiopia, Somalia, Germany and Armenia will invade Israel. God will miraculously destroy the invading army by earthquake, civil war among the invading soldiers, pestilence, blood, flood, hailstones, fire and brimstone. This will bring a revival in Israel where many Jews will turn to the Lord, and Israel will spend 7 years and 7 months burying the bodies and burning for fuel the military equipment left behind (Ezekiel 39:9-16).

The 5th birth pang will be the development of a one world government (Daniel 7:23-24).

The 6th birth pang will be the splitting of the one world government into 10 kingdoms and this Ten Kingdom Stage will continue until mid-Tribulation (Daniel 7:24).

The 7th birth pang will be the revelation of the Antichrist (II Thessalonians 2:1-3; Daniel 7:24).

The 8th birth pang will be a period of peace and false security that will be shattered by the Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3).

The 9th and final birth pang before the Tribulation is the signing of the 7-year covenant between Israel and the Antichrist. THIS EVENT IS WHAT BEGINS THE (7-year) TRIBULATION - NOT THE RAPTURE!

The Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) is also a pre-tribulational event (Luke 21:34-37; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 19:6-8). The fact that the Church is not mentioned in any of the Tribulation Scriptures proves the Rapture is pre-tribulational. All raptured Christians will receive glorified bodies (Romans 8:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54)) and it can happen at any second.


THE FIRST HALF OF THE TRIBULATION (SUPPORTING VERSES IN REVELATION 6-9 AND 17)

The Ministry of 144,000 sealed Jewish believers will bring many throughout the world to accept Christ.

There will be a powerful Ministry of Two Witnesses who will also be anointed Jewish believers.

A one world religious system (Babylon the Harlot) will rule. Under this one world religious system, many who are saved during the Tribulation will suffer persecution and death.

The Political system of the 10 kings of the one world government will continue.

During the first half of the Tribulation there will also be war, worldwide famine, death (1/4 of the world’s population will die), a huge earthquake, a blackout and a meteor shower. 1/3 of earth’s dry surface will be destroyed, 1/3 sea life and salt water will be destroyed, a fallen angel called Wormwood will make 1/3 of earth’s fresh water bitter, 1/3 of earth’s natural light sources will be destroyed, there will be another blackout and demons in the form of “locust-scorpions” will come up out of the abyss led by Abaddon their king and they will inflict harm and pain for five months upon those who are not sealed by God (unbelievers). Another demonic invasion will occur and the demons involved will be led by four fallen angels who will be released from the Euphrates River and this army will kill 1/3 of the earth’s population.


MID-TRIBULATION (SUPPORTING VERSES IN REVELATION 10-14 AND 17)

The Antichrist will war against the 10 kings, and during the war the Antichrist will be killed.

Satan will be cast out of the atmospheric heavens onto earth and will resurrect the Antichrist.

The Antichrist will kill 3 kings (the kings of Syria, Egypt and Mesopotamia) and the 7 other kings will submit to him.

The Antichrist will kill the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem and the wicked people will celebrate this event. Three and a half days afterwards, God will resurrect the Two Witnesses and take them up to Heaven and the people who celebrated will become terrified. The city of Jerusalem where the murder of the Two Witnesses occurred will then suffer an earthquake which will kill 7,000 people.

The False Prophet will receive from Satan the power to perform great miracles and will deceive many. The False Prophet will command all people to worship the Antichrist and have persons create an image to the Antichrist. The False Prophet will use his satanic powers to give it life and the ability to speak. The False Prophet will cause those who refuse to worship the Antichrist and the image to be killed.

The False Prophet will issue his own counterfeit seal known as the Mark of the Beast and it will be placed on all those who surrender to the Antichrist’s authority and accept him as god. Those who refuse to take this mark will not be able to buy or sell. Those who take this mark will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.

The Antichrist will break the seven-year covenant he made with Israel, cause the sacrifices to stop, sit in the Jewish Temple, declare to the world that he is really God and set up an idol called the Abomination of Desolation in the Temple (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15-16; 11Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:11-15).

Through the Antichrist and the False Prophet, Satan will attempt to destroy the Jews once and for all but he will fail because 1/3 of the Jews will succeed in fleeing into the wilderness. These Jews who escape will accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour during the Tribulation (Zechariah 13:7-9) and while they are in hiding, God will miraculously provide for them (Zechariah 13:8-9; Isaiah 41:17-20). Divine intervention will also destroy the pursuing army.


THE SECOND HALF OF THE TRIBULATION (SUPPORTING VERSES FOUND IN REVELATION 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)

In the second half of the Tribulation, those with the Mark of the Beast will suffer skin sores, the remainder of sea water and fresh water will be destroyed, the sun will cause terrible burns and the wicked will blaspheme God. There will be yet another blackout and persons will suffer gnawing pains.

Babylon will be the center of world economy and political system but Babylon will be swiftly destroyed by fire and become uninhabitable for man.

The Antichrist will locate the Jews who sought refuge in the wilderness and surround them with his armies to wipe them out. The Lord Jesus will then descend from Heaven with His angels and Saints. He will come with great glory riding upon a horse and will destroy the Antichrist, the False Prophet and all of their armies. After this, a loud voice will cry out “It is done!” followed by the greatest earthquake in the earth’s history and hail weighing 120 pounds will fall.

At the end of the Tribulation, there will be another blackout, the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken (Matthew 24:29), the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be thrown into the eternal Lake of Fire and Satan will be cast into the Abyss and bound for 1,000 years.


THE MILLENNIUM

The Lord Jesus will reign over the entire earth during the Millennium. The Jewish and Gentile believers who survive the Tribulation will go on to populate the Millennium. Believers who died before and during the Tribulation and believers who were raptured will be present on earth during the Millennium and because they will have glorified bodies they will not reproduce. All believers will be given special tasks by the Lord Jesus (Revelation 20:4-6). There will be no wars (Isaiah 2:2-4), animals will return to the Edenic state and become vegetarians (Isaiah 11:6-9), people will not labour in vain but eat what they plant and inhabit what they build, there will be renovations in the heavens and earth and there will be righteous and unrighteous children born during the Millennium (Isaiah 65:17-25).

At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be loosed from the Abyss and will deceive and gather the unrighteous for a war against the righteous. This will be his final attempt to destroy the righteous and when the unrighteous of the Millennium surround the good people, God will send fire down from Heaven which will suddenly and massively annihilate all of the wicked people. Satan will then be cast into the Lake of Fire where he will remain in torment for eternity (Revelation 20:7-10).


THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

The Great White Throne Judgment will be the next main event. The old heavens and earth will be done away with and all will stand before God’s throne to be judged (Revelation 20:11-12). Those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire which will be their final and eternal abode (Revelation 20:14-15).


THE ETERNAL ORDER (REVELATION 21 AND 22)

Those whose names are found in the Book of Life will enjoy paradise with God forever. The heavens and earth will be made new and the New Jerusalem will come down upon the earth making the earth like Heaven. All curses from the fall will be removed and the earth will be inhabited by the Triune God (The Father, Son and Holy Spirit), all angels and all of the righteous. The seas, moon, night and sun will be done away with and the glory of God will illuminate the earth. The River of Life will flow from God’s throne, the Tree of Life will bear health-giving fruits and leaves and the name of Jesus will be on the foreheads of all of the righteous.


God’s Plan of Salvation for Us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZkDk1GZ7do