¿De dónde saldrá el anticristo? Parte 5 | Dr. Armando Alducin
Where Will the Antichrist Come From? Part 5
The Death and Resurrection of the Antichrist
- The tribulation period begins when the Antichrist signs a seven-year treaty with Israel, indicating he must have significant influence over the Islamic world to prevent attacks on Israel.
- Previous studies suggest that the Antichrist will initially emerge from Islam, aligning with Islamic theology that anticipates a figure known as the Mahdi, who is expected to lead an Islamic revolution.
- For Muslims, this Mahdi will be their awaited leader; for Christians, he will be recognized as the Antichrist. This duality highlights how different faiths perceive his role.
- The Antichrist is described as a "man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:4), embodying unprecedented evil during a time when the church's influence has been removed from society.
- At his peak, the Antichrist will claim divinity and orchestrate widespread deception. He is characterized in scripture as "the wicked one," opposing God's authority (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
Nature and Power of the Antichrist
- The Antichrist is confirmed to be a human being rather than an entity like a machine or organization; this distinction emphasizes his tangible presence in biblical prophecy.
- Revelation 20 indicates that both the Antichrist and false prophet are cast into eternal punishment, reinforcing their human nature and accountability for their actions.
- Satan empowers the Antichrist, granting him authority and power. This possession by a fallen angelic principality signifies deep spiritual corruption at play (Revelation 13:2).
The Alliance Between Religious and Political Systems
- At the start of tribulation, there exists a toxic alliance between the political figure of the Antichrist and an apostate religious system symbolized by Babylon in Revelation 17.
- In this context, Revelation portrays a woman riding on a beast (the Antichrist), suggesting that during initial years of tribulation, religious systems exert control over him rather than vice versa.
Toxic Alliances and the Rise of the Antichrist
The Nature of Toxic Alliances
- The speaker discusses the formation of a toxic alliance between Putin and Xi Jinping, emphasizing that such alliances are often driven by political and economic interests.
- These alliances are described as "marriages of convenience," particularly in political, economic, or military contexts.
The Antichrist's Relationship with Religion
- The antichrist is predicted to have a temporary alliance with a religious system for three and a half years before turning against it.
- Revelation 17:18 identifies this religious system as centered in Rome, which historically ruled much of the world during John's time.
Preconditions for the Antichrist's Power
Death and Resurrection
- Before gaining total control, the antichrist must be killed and then resurrected, as indicated in Revelation 13.
- Speculation exists regarding whether this refers to an individual or an empire; however, evidence suggests it pertains to a physical person.
Evidence of Physical Wounding
- The Greek terminology used implies that the antichrist will suffer a physical wound from a sharp instrument (e.g., sword or dagger).
- This event is crucial for establishing his authority; he must demonstrate his resurrection to gain followers.
Miraculous Powers and Deception
- The speaker notes that Satan possesses extraordinary powers capable of performing miracles similar to those seen in biblical accounts (e.g., Pharaoh’s sorcerers).
- This highlights the potential for deception surrounding miraculous events attributed to the antichrist.
Elimination of Competing Religions
Strategy for Control
- To solidify power, the antichrist will need to eliminate all competing religions including Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.
- Initially allied with Vatican power during tribulation, he will later impose his own religion after three and a half years.
Conclusion on Religious Influence
Who Are the Two Witnesses?
The Role of Moses and Elijah
- The two witnesses may be Moses and Elijah, traditionally believed to perform miracles, including bringing fire from heaven and tormenting humanity with plagues.
- Their ultimate opposition comes from the beast rising from the abyss, identified as the antichrist, who will kill them.
The Antichrist's Power
- Revelation 13:2 describes the antichrist as a beast with attributes of various animals, receiving power and authority from a dragon.
- The world will marvel at the antichrist after he receives a fatal wound that is miraculously healed, leading to widespread worship.
Resurrection Debate
- Some theologians argue that the antichrist's resurrection contradicts Jesus' unique power over life; interpretations vary on whether it’s a true resurrection or a counterfeit.
- John 11 states that Jesus is "the resurrection and the life," emphasizing His exclusive authority over life.
Analysis of Wounds
- Revelation 5:6 uses similar terminology for wounds as in Christ's crucifixion, indicating a significant mortal injury to both figures.
- The Greek word "espaso" signifies a mortal wound inflicted by sharp instruments, paralleling how Jesus was pierced during crucifixion.
Understanding Death and Healing
- A detailed examination reveals that both Christ's death and the antichrist's wound are described using terms implying total death followed by miraculous healing.
- Key Greek terms define death (thanatos), wounding (spaso), and healing (therapeutic), suggesting intentionality behind the antichrist’s fatal injury rather than an accidental demise.
Final Thoughts on Antichrist’s Fate
The Rapture and the Coming Tribulation
Understanding the Rapture
- The speaker discusses a belief in a sudden event where millions will disappear, referencing Zechariah 14:1-5, indicating that Christ will gather believers to heaven before his second coming.
Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians
- Paul writes a second letter to address false teachings infiltrating the Thessalonian church, which claimed they were already experiencing tribulation.
Clarification on the Day of the Lord
- The speaker emphasizes that "the day of the Lord" refers to the last seven years of Daniel's prophecy, warning against being misled by claims that tribulation has begun.
Signs Before Tribulation
- According to Paul, certain events must occur before tribulation begins:
- A falling away from faith (apostasy).
- The revelation of the Antichrist (referred to as "the man of sin").
Apostasy and Its Implications
- The speaker notes a significant departure from Christian faith, citing Catholicism's deviations such as priestly celibacy and claiming exclusivity for salvation through Rome.
Revelation of the Antichrist
- The Antichrist is described as opposing God and sitting in God's temple, suggesting that a third Jewish temple must be built for this prophecy to be fulfilled.
Future Events Regarding the Temple
- There is an ongoing movement among Orthodox Jews in Israel seeking to build this temple on land currently occupied by Islamic structures.
Spiritual Restraint Against Evil
- An invisible spiritual force is currently holding back evil until its appointed time; this force is identified as the Holy Spirit within believers.
Consequences Post-Rapture
- After the rapture occurs, there will be an overwhelming surge of evil in the world likened to a dam breaking. This period will see demonic manifestations and chaos leading up to Christ’s return.
Call for Salvation
New Life for the World Organization: 46 Years of Ministry
Overview of the Organization's Mission
- The New Life for the World organization, through Dusing Ministries, focuses on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and relies on donations to continue its mission.
- Celebrating 46 years of ministry, the organization has engaged in preaching, teaching, seminars, and Bible studies globally.
- Donations are crucial for supporting pastors, missionaries, projects, and television crews involved in their evangelistic efforts.
Organizational Structure and Values
- The organization operates without owning any property; this approach has been maintained for 46 years to prioritize evangelization and missions.