“I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment. That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:4-11 (KJB)
antichrist
Eternal Life
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:21-25 (KJB)
Eternal life is only through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Any who deny the incarnation of Deity of Christ is a liar, and antichrist.
The Earth Dwellers will Worship
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:1-10 (KJV)
The devil is a showman and desires the attention of mankind, and in this chapter, we will be able to see his mode of entertainment, and his seeming attempt to overthrow the Kingdom of God and His Son, and no matter how vicious it may be, he will come up short.
Some translations of the Bible read, “And he stood” referring to the dragon. It really does no harm to the text to read it either way. If this is a reference to John then he is referring to what he is seeing in the revelation; while, if to the dragon, standing so would place him among the people of earth; them that dwell upon the earth”.
The description given of the beast would imply a great empire. It would be the Roman Empire revived and empowered by the dragon (Revelation 11:7; 17:8). Daniel speaks of these same beasts (Daniel 7:1-8) only he refers to seeing four – the fourth being indescribable. Daniel mentions a lion, a bear, a leopard, and the fourth beast being “Dreadful and terrible”. John sees the leopard, the bear, and the lion; and the fourth must be the dragon.
Let’s look at these as Daniel has them interpreted to him (7:17):
- The lion would be Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar the king;
- The bear would be Medo-Persia – Darius the king;
- The leopard would be the Alexandrian empire – Alexander the Great being the king.
Each of these kingdoms were “Swallowed up” by the one following it. All three of these are swallowed up by the “Indescribable beast” or the Roman empire.
Why are these likened to these beasts? Babylon had majesty and power likened to the lion. The Medo-Persian empire had strength and tenacity like the bear. The Alexandrian empire moved swiftly like the leopard (Daniel 8:5 “…touched not the ground”).
If you will note John sees and writes of these in reverse to Daniel. Daniel is seeing these in the future tense. John is seeing them in the past tense.
The seven heads and ten horns probably refer to the remnants of the Confederacy that formed the Roman empire in the beginning. In Scripture, the horn is symbolic of power. Ten nations of which three were overthrown by the “…little horn” of Daniel 7:8. The ten crowns referring to the symbols of governmental authority. The kings of these confederacies exalted themselves as gods, thus having the “name of blasphemy”.
If we look at this in the light of the other Scriptures the head “…wounded to death” would be one of the Confederacy, probably the Roman empire itself. Since the empire fell many of the confederate nations have risen and fallen silent, but the Roman empire is dead. Of course, the empire is represented by an emperor. For a period of time, the dragon [Satan] will be given the power to deceive. It seems he may even give the appearance of raising an individual from death. It would be so much like him to counterfeit what God has done.
Because of this “resurrection” “…all the world” will follow him. Worship will be directed to the dragon. The dragon giving power to this resurrected beast could be Satan himself possessing this one who has yielded himself to Satan’s will (11:7; 17:8). This individual would probably be the ruler of the revived Roman empire, promising peace to Jerusalem and the world.
It is quite possible that the resurrected beast is a form of government represented by an emperor. The renewed life is the “resurrected” nation able by satanic influence to deceive people and nations.
Here we even see Satan’s counterfeiting the Holy Trinity. The dragon, and he within the anti-christ. The third being the second beast “…out of earth” a messenger of the anti-christ. Antichrist not only means “Against Christ”, but also, “In place of”, or “Instead of”.
This ruler is probably only over the Roman empire until the last three and one-half years of Daniel’s seventieth week. He makes peace with Israel, only to be slain in the midst of the week, raised up in Satan’s power of deceit, then, breaks the covenant with Israel, and becomes the world ruler.
His mouth to speak, is against God and His saints (Daniel 7:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), calling himself god, blasphemes the name of God Most High. In this state of satanic power, he is given 42 months to rule (1260 days or 3.5 years).
The dragon’s purpose instilled in the antichrist will be to attack all that is holy and of God (Daniel 7:21). All those on earth “…whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb” will worship the beast. Only those redeemed by the blood of Jesus will not worship this beast. These are those who have been won to Christ by the 144,000 Hebrew witnesses of Revelation 7. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12. They are not exempt from worshiping the beast. They will give their lives (6:11). “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). This is where this verse fits into the interpretation of Scripture.
An appeal, maybe even an invitation or warning is given us in verse nine. Listen up! John appeals for us to hear and heed the awfulness that is about to come upon the earth. Verse 8 is quite clear in showing a great ecumenical peace will come at last. A world religion where all give up their beliefs to join one religion. The worship of Satan. Some today promote peace at any price. There can only be peace through the Prince of peace, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice this plea is similar to the ending statements of the letters to the seven churches. The only difference being, this one does not end with “Unto the churches”. This tends to give support to the teaching of the absence of the Church because it has been raptured out at this time. It is also a word to those who profess Christ as their Savior today, but their lives bear no evidence, no fruit of the Spirit, and no Holy Spirit within (Romans 8:9). If you are without Christ you could find yourself at this time worshiping the Beast.
Divine retribution is the topic of verse 10. Those who persecute these saints will be tormented likewise. The faith and patience of the saints, of all ages, is in the fact that that “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay’, saith the Lord”.
Trust the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 36).
Who is Jesus Christ?
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:7-9 (KJV)
It does matter how we see Jesus. If you see Jesus as a good teacher, a prophet, or a good man, and deny His teachings – such as – “My Father and I are One” (John 10:30). Then how do you believe He was a good teacher, a prophet, or a good man? If He lied about the things He teaches of Himself, then He was a liar. “Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). If Jesus is the Son of God as He said then He is Divine and is Incarnate God.
There is one thing that identifies the fellowship of Christ from other so called fellowships. The love that has Jesus Christ as its basis, its standard, and foundation.
Some teachers and teachings declare that Jesus was only a spirit being – similar to the angels that appear as men. If that was true then there was no actual body that died on the cross, and no resurrection. The Scriptures say, “… He took not on Him the nature of angels: but He took on Him the seed of Abraham” (Hebrews 2:16). He became flesh. To deny Jesus became flesh [God Incarnate] is to deny the truth.
Those who teach a different Jesus are deceivers, even antichrists. Paul writes, “…Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). The fact must be stressed over and over again that false teaching is harmful and deadly to the individual Christian, and to the whole body of Christ [the Church] if it is allowed in our churches and lives.
There are many religions that profess to be “Christian”. If they deny that Jesus Christ is God in flesh they are a deceiver and liars. If they declare His deity, yet claim that it is something all mankind can attain as well (that is deity, and that we can all become gods), then that robs the glory that belongs only to Jesus, and that is reserved solely for Him; and those who teach such are “antichrist” deceivers.
“The doctrine of Christ” (v. 9) is the pure Bible doctrine [teaching] that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, God become flesh (John 1:1, 14), and God the Son. Anyone or any group denying this doctrine, or equating Godhood to any other is a liar and antichrist. He or they are not of God. They are not to be accepted in the fellowship of Christ or His Church.
In the following verses of 2 John 1:10-11 the apostle John warns followers of Jesus Christ not even to allow the teachers of the antichrist doctrine into their homes; neither to tell them “Goodbye”. To tell them “Goodbye” is to tell them “Godspeed” or “God bless you”.
It really does make a difference what you believe about Jesus Christ the Son of God, God the Son.
Keep Your Eyes Open – Watch
“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. 19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” Mark 13:14-23 (KJV)
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN – WATCH
Daniel speaks of this in his prophecies (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled partly in Antiochus Epiphanes in the second century B.C. when he sacrificed a pig on the temple altar. That was before Jesus was born, so this prophecy must be of another day. The destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. did not involve an “Abomination of Desolation”. Since Jesus was speaking of a future day, there must be a future one yet to come. Daniel’s prophecy covered both events – that of Antiochus Epiphanes and the yet future “Antichrist”.
When this final one appears it will be following a time of peace – three and one half years – then this “Judas” will set himself up as God on the throne in Jerusalem and demand the worship of the Hebrews (2 Thes. 2:1-4). At this time Jesus tells these people to “…Flee to the mountains”, and “…not go back to get his clothes…”. He tells that it will be a time of great sorrow, unlike anything known to mankind (v. 19). This will be a time when material possessions will not matter for protection, security, or safety.
Fleeing from the evil one to live in the hills, woods, and caves will be far better. However, those of us who are presently “in Christ Jesus” do not need to fear this dark time – “we are not of the darkness” but of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5). We will be removed from the earth in order that God might deal with His people the Hebrews, and call them back to Himself. Jeremiah the prophet calls this “…the time of Jacob’s trouble…” (Jeremiah 30:7).
Salvation is of our Lord. Jesus Christ died for our sins; on the cross; was buried, and rose again. He promised to come again and receive us unto Himself. Call on the name of the Lord and you too will be saved from your sins and the wrath to come.
The “Elect” (v. 20) must surely refer to the nation of Israel, and/or those who have received Jesus as their Savior during this time. There will be “False christ’s”, and “false prophets” who will be able to do mysterious deeds, and wonders and try to deceive the populace, and even, “If possible, even the elect.” It will be a time for them that they must have their senses sharpened, and their eyes wide open. Of course that is a good thought for all of us in our day.
Christian; Keep Your Eyes Open – Watch.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Fruit or No Fruit???
“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 12-13 (NKJV).
“…Late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots…“ This of course, speaking of trees which have had the leaves boasting of something to give; having leaves all season long, but never producing fruit. If you will remember the time when Jesus cursed the fig tree (Matthew 21; Mark 11). The leaves on the tree boasted of having fruit, but it was barren.
That is the case for these apostate heretics. It seems in the day we live it is unpopular to call certain teachings heresy, but that is exactly what much of that we see on some so called “Christian Television” stations is proclaiming. Sadly, it is being proclaimed in many pulpits of the nation as well. It is mostly so in the United States of America.
The disciple of Jesus Christ is one who will bear fruit. The individual who has come to Christ by grace through faith will have an almost immediate change in their lives. They will notice the change. It will be a change for the better. They will love God, His Son Jesus. They will love God’s Word, and desire to grow in Him. They will also desire to tell others of what God has done for them.
The apostate will boast of a power they do not have. They will also boast of “Liberty” or “Freedom” in Christ which they have not experienced and will lead others into the bondage of sinful living an antinomian, antichrist like lifestyle. They will lead others into seeking the material things of the world, rather than the glory of Jesus Christ and the eternal life to come in His presence. They will lead others into believing that all the blessings of the Bible are material, ie., health, wealth, etc…
Christian friend; stand your guard. Guard your heart. Guard what you read. Guard what you hear from “Christian Television” and from the pulpits of the churches of your land. If they are not magnifying the Lord Jesus, His cross, death, burial and resurrection and the promise of His soon coming, then they know not Jesus Christ; or at the least are desperately deceived. They are fruitless rebels, in need of Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Read the Word of God. Study it, and let it study you. Pray, pray, and pray. Stand your guard.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 