Some argue that for the antichrist to be Assyrian also implies that he will be Muslim. There are two major problems with that. The first is that when Assyria was a world power, Islam did not exist yet. So, a connection cannot be made between Assyrians and Islam. Second, the Jews would never consider making a covenant with a Muslim leader, and Islam, by definition, means “submission.” Micah 5:5-6 is actually referring to the time when the “One [who] shall be peace” can only be the Prince of Peace, or Jesus, and to the peace He will bring during the millennium. Micah wasn’t referring to the pseudopeace at the beginning of the tribulation.
Perhaps one of the most challenging passages with regard to the identity of the antichrist is Revelation 13:18: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” The amount of ink and time that has been committed to “calculating” the number of the beast and thus exposing his identity is tremendous. In doing this, some Bible interpreters have employed what is known as gematria, a system of assigning numerical values to letters or words. In this way, they attempt to calculate the numerical value of a person’s name or title and determine the identity of the antichrist. Caesar Nero has been suggested as a candidate, as has been Caligula. Some thought that former US president Ronald Wilson Reagan might be the antichrist because all three of his names have six letters each. And the list of speculative possibilities goes on and on.
The only definite fact we can know about the identity of the antichrist is that he will rise to power out of the revived Roman Empire. It is likely that neither he nor the second beast—the false prophet— will be Jews, because both of them will persecute the Jews. This raises a question: Why would the Jews be willing to work with a Gentile ruler who offers them a peace covenant? Think back to their appreciation for former President Donald Trump because he moved the US embassy to Jerusalem. Similarly, it is very possible that Israel would be willing to follow a Gentile leader who solves the Middle East crisis and allows for the third temple to be built.
Excerpt from The Time of the Signs by Barry Stagner. Order Now.
Want the full chronology of earth’s final events, from the rebirth of Israel to the return of Christ? Read The Time of the Signs by Barry Stagner.
Want the full chronology of earth’s final events, from the rebirth of Israel to the return of Christ? Read The Time of the Signs by Barry Stagner.
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