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Summary and conclusion of the "Man of Sin"
in the prophecies of Daniel |
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Introduction.
This study of the “antichrist” from the book of Daniel has been very fruitful. The prophecies of Daniel give facts concerning this man as to his character, origin, kingdom, activities, and ambition. A complete study of this man cannot be made from only Daniel, but other Prophets and the New Testament need to be included. Nevertheless, the foundations of other related prophecies are in this book. If there were no other prophecies given, Daniel would still be sufficient for our understanding of the end times with the exception of the earnest warning against taking the number of the beast as given in the book of Revelation.
Who exactly is the “antichrist” is yet unknown, nor can he be known until he is revealed or unveiled in his time (2 Thess 2:3). When he will appear is not precisely known, yet signs have been given of the “season” of his arrival. Since his arrival precedes that of Christ's next arrival, wisdom requires us to know the “signs.” Perhaps the most compelling sign is the “falling” (apostasy) from the truth. Those who are alive and “awake” will recognize both the time and the person as all the events unfold before them. If we are of that generation of the end and are “awake,” then we will know. But we can't watch for something if we don't know what we are to be watching. So it is needful for us to learn the “signs.” We are not to neglect, ignore, or be ignorant of what has been revealed to us by God about this man. So we study to learn.
You may have noticed that whenever the term antichrist occurs I have included it in quotes. The reason I have done this is because term “the antichrist” is not biblically accurate. “The Antichrist” is not the title or name of the “the man of sin.” He certainly will be “a” antichrist, but there is no “the antichrist” mentioned in the bible. It is a man made designation and universally accepted. Certainly it is clear in people’s mind what is meant when the antichrist is used. However, to keep to the accuracy of the language I have chosen not to use the term as authentic but as the essence of a common expression.
The terms “the man of sin,” and “the son of perdition” are titles only applied to him. His actual name we do not know. The fact that “the man of sin” is also titled “the son of perdition” has led some to conclude that he is Judas Iscariot. This is because the definite article, “the” is present with both of their titles (The Son of perdition). Granted that the title of “King of Kings” does not have the definite article, it is still a unique title given to Artaxerxes, Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus Christ. (It must be acknowledge that in the three New Testament occurrences of “King of Kings” the title “Lord of Lords” is always present.) King of Kings is a title and not the names of any of the three. The facts of the future “antichrist” do not give evidence that he is going to be a resurrected person from the past. If he is, who then resurrects him? Will it be God? Possible, but does not seem likely. Will it be Satan? Does he have power over death? All indications are that this is a man born into a nation not of the Jews. He has a family linage, which indicates a birth into a family. So the question goes even deeper than that of just a resurrection but an incarnation. That would certainly eliminate Satan’s powers. Incarnation gives rise to myriad controversies. If we accept that this is merely a title (such as The President of The United States) we see each man as unique and not being one and the same.
While we cannot at this time identify this man, we do know much about him. His character is plainly given. Many of his actions are foretold. There is good evidence as to his nationality, or country of origin. So, as we summarize the details found in Daniel, we attempt to put together the prophetic picture of him.
From where will he come?
There are two points of origin helpful in identifying this man, the geographical region from which he comes, and his nationality. Both points are suggested in Daniel.
The geographical location.
By referencing an atlas and maps of the territory of the four Empires we get the geographical setting. At the very heart of all these Empires (in the case of the Roman Empire in its initial conquests) is the Promised Land given by God to Abraham and his seed. Somewhere from within this common geographical territory of these four Empires the “antichrist” will come. The boundaries of this area are as follows: Egypt to the south (to be precise, the River of Egypt, not the Nile), Syria or Assyria to the north, the shore of the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and to the east a little beyond the Tigris River. Other prophets have recorded much about the kingdoms within these boundaries. I leave it to the student of God's word to search out these prophecies, for they have extensive information concerning these nations and God's dealings with them, in particular Egypt.
Taking into account the specific mention of Antiochus Epiphanes and the fact that he parallels the “antichrist,” we are led to the opinion that both are of the same location. The kingdom of Antiochus was Syria and included Judea. This is emphasized by the fact that the second “little horn” is identified with both the “antichrist” and Antiochus (Dan. 8:9,23). In chapter 7 a “little horn” rose up among the ten horns (kings and their kingdoms) at the last presence of the Roman Empire (the Ten Nation Federation). In chapter 8 the next mentioned “little horn” came forth out of one of the four horns (kings and kingdoms) of the Grecian Empire. The second revealing of a “little horn” narrows the area to be specifically Syria.
The nation.
Naturally knowing the geographical location of origin gives us an excellent indication of the “citizenship” of the “antichrist,” but it is not conclusive. Again, making the connection between Antiochus and the “antichrist” we conclude that he is a gentile and not a Jew. Antiochus himself was Greek, but the land, which he ruled is today Arabic, Ishmael's seed. So we are left with some doubt as to his exact nationality in this prophetic line. Going back to the “little horns,” neither of these references gives any indication of him being anything but a gentile. At no time did Israel, or any part of Israel, have a sovereign ruling status of any of the four Empires. It was just the reverse. They were the conquered ones, not of the conquerors. (At times they enjoyed a limited self rule, but always with the understanding that they were under subjugation to the prevailing Empire.) Finally we have the explicit identification of the “antichrist” being of the people who destroyed Jerusalem in A. D. 70 (Dan. 9:26). It was Titus' army of the Roman Empire who destroyed both the city and Herod's temple. So there is the conclusive evidence that this “coming prince” is a gentile. (Consolidating 9:26 with 9:27 the connection to the “antichrist” is made sure.) Whatever the exact nationality of the “antichrist” may be, it is clear that he is not a Jew, but a gentile.
His Rise to Power.
Several accounts of his coming to power are given. This is the order of their occurring.
The “little horn” mentioned with the ten of the final stage of the Roman Empire comes as the eleventh horn. Somehow he arises among these kings as another king, but initially as inferior. He is also described as different from the others. In what manner he is different we are not told. This new king uproots three of the other kings. In so doing, he utterly destroys them and any trace of them. They are totally eliminated and no remnant of them is left. He destroys the kings but not their kingdoms. Most likely their kingdoms (these nations) become a part of the kingdom of this “little horn.”
The “little horn” of the Grecian Empire comes from one of the four horns representing the divisions of the Grecian Empire. One of the four horns becomes the “little horn.” We are told that this king comes into a kingdom, which is his by succession. He expands his kingdom in three directions, south, east and west. It is clear that he eventually becomes the ruling power over Judea. He sets his army over the city and the temple. This king accumulates great wealth and power as he progresses in his rise to supremacy. But his power is not that of his own. His strength comes from outside himself, Satan.
The last reference to the “antichrist” and his assuming power to himself are in chapter 11. As stated in the notes of that chapter, exactly where the line between Antiochus and the “antichrist” is somewhat imprecise. I have chosen to be liberal instead of conservative in my interpretation of these issues. I would rather say too much about this man than to leave some things unsaid. The man in the prophecy initially is not given the honor of his kingdom (this might be considered that he was entitled to a “throne” but it was not given to him). He comes peaceably and obtains the kingdom by flatteries. He and his adversaries negotiate, but they are speaking lies to each other; neither side has any intention of keeping their commitments. He gives strongholds to those who align themselves with him. He bribes people by giving them honor, authority over many, and will divide the land among them for a price; he in turn accepts bribes from others. At some point two kings come against him, one from the north and one from the south. This is open warfare against him. But he has the power to devastate them and goes “through” them with little opposition. This king of the south is almost certainly of Egypt. Not all nations of that region will be under his control; Edom, Moab, and the “first portion of the sons of Ammon” will escape his domination. These people no longer exist, but of course, the territories still do and those areas are occupied today with other people. Libya, and Ethiopia will become his followers. At some time after the two kings have warred against him, he receives news from the north and east, which terrifies him. He goes with great fury and destroys many and makes many to become devoted, giving allegiance to him. Then it is said that he stations his palace home between the seas (freely interpreted, this could be Jerusalem/Judea).
These details are fascinating and certainly give us much to watch for in the rise of the “antichrist.” We can only hope we have a good understanding of them. Nearly all of these affairs will occur before he logically can make his covenant with Israel (if we understand the affairs correctly), thus beginning Daniel's seventieth week.
His Character.
Piecing together the information about him we have a fairly good concept of his character. He is a person of remarkable intelligence and great oratorical powers, having a mouth speaking great things. He is audacious, arrogant and persecuting. There is no fear in him of God, whom he has not seen, nor of Jesus Christ, who he will see. Without hesitation he blasphemes (speaks against) “The God of Gods” and everything that men have come to worship (both the true and the false). The man is an egomaniac, for he exalts himself and glorifies himself even to the ranking of being above God. In this aspiration he will cause others to exalt him.
He will be skillful in enigmas or mysteries, having great intelligence in perplexing, difficult things. He is cunning and knows how to make his deceit to prosper (will cause it to be believed). All that he sets his will to do will flourish and prosper. The man is ambitious and tenacious for he is very active and achieving, or performing (practicing) many things. His presence (apparently his personal demeanor) is ferocious, violent, and savage. His strength and power is awesome and supernatural. He will have single-mindedness in that he has a clear policy, aim or goal to accomplish.
He will not have any regard or desire for the god of his fathers (the god which his heritage has worshiped), for women (literally the delight of women, most probably of a sexual nature), nor for any god (this places him apart from any loyalty to any existing religion).
He is a vile, cruel person! Above all else the man is a through-and-through liar.
His Actions.
This man's rise to power is cunning and ruthless. It seems that he has some claim to the position of authority and power of his own country, but it has been denied him. Honor is not given to him, and hence it would appear that he has been slighted, and his claim to leadership is not offered but denied him. At first he comes peaceably and his attaining his throne is done through flatteries and deceitfulness. He and his adversary negotiate in lies. After becoming the “king” (we must not be dogmatic on the title “king,” for it could be a ruler of any title, such as president) of his nation he takes control of three other nations. The indication is that this is a vicious act on his part. The rulers of these three countries are “uprooted,” and when we think of that term we think of pulling weeds out by the roots - they will never grow back or come up again. Nothing is left of them, probably not even family members. Further evidence of his warlike manner is seen when he destroys a northern and a southern nation. Some time after that he conquers with military force two more nations, one in the east and the other in the north. (Possibly the two references of the “northern nation” could mean the same nation.) Finally, we have the declaration that he makes “war” with the saints and overcomes them. (The book of Revelation tells of the destruction of Babylon and the “Great Harlot.” There are differences of opinion as to who is responsible for those actions but, it may well be by his hands.)
His power is awesome but not absolute. Initially, it seems he appears in weakness since he resorts to his cunning to come to power. The power he eventually possesses is not his own but comes from an outside source, apart from him. It becomes clear that the source of power is Satan. (In John's vision, satanic miracles are performed. Also Paul tells that his, the “antichrist's,” coming is after the working of Satan.) He comes with the energy (lit. the inworking) of Satan and with signs and lying wonders. While it is said that he does all that he wills to do (for he grows exceedingly great), it is not to be inferred that he has no opposition. The three or four nations who come at him demonstrate their resistance. It is specified that the countries of Edom, Moab, and the “sons of Ammon” are never given into his hand.
As we have seen in his character, he is fierce, and his warfare is fierce. He destroys wonderful things and mighty ones. To observe how sly and crafty this man is, even after people have seen his true nature, they are still deceived by him and enter into peace with him. This peace, however, is called a “careless and false security.” A host, a large army, is given him and he destroys in an astonishing manner. His ultimate, final, war is against Jesus Christ at the battle of Armageddon, which is really no battle at all but a slaughter of him and his vast army.
His Policies.
During the course of his conquests he follows certain policies. Whether or not he purposely sets out in the beginning to destroy the nation of Israel is not clear, but he does adopt this policy at some time. Perhaps it occurs at the point when he and Satan become allied. He will think to change times and laws or at least will desire to do this. Through his policy he causes deceit to prosper in his hand. It is clear that his policy is deception and deceit. His deceit is a deceit of unrighteousness. In this policy he succeeds beyond the imagination. The reason is that there are three forces behind the deception - first, the man of sin himself possesses remarkable cunningness - second, the satanic miracles which enforce his lies, and - third, God sends strong delusion to men who are destroying themselves in unbelief and hatred of the truth, that they should believe the “falsehood.”
What is this falsehood, this great lie, this deceit? Some say it is that he presents himself to the Jews as their messiah and that they come to accept this. But there is never any mention of this in the Scriptures. True, they enter into a covenant with him, but they do not offer their worship, or the temple services to him. This he takes by force! So what is the lie? Well, let's see what he does. He exalts himself above every god and above “The God of Gods.” He glorifies himself and causes others to glorify him even to the measure of being a god. He has no regard for the god, which his forefathers have worshiped. He magnifies himself above all. He will cause the worship of God to cease in the Temple. He will cast down the truth, and in so doing speaks monstrous things against God. At the same time that he presents himself as god, he also sets the worship of another god. He coerces men to worship this god and himself. He practices all manners of evil and stimulates others to do the same. It becomes apparent that he does not represent himself as being any acknowledged deity, (Allah, Jehovah, the Messiah, etc.) but rather his aim is to supplant all gods with himself and Satan. This far exceeds any representation of himself as Christ to Christians, or the Messiah to the Jews. The picture is that Satan does not desire a secondhand worship through the name of another, but a direct worship of him in his own stead. In all this we see his purpose and his great deceit. It is to turn men from God to the worship of satanic workings, in reality Satan. His design is the same as Satan's. Together, their wills perfectly coincide. Everything that can be done they will attempt to do to bring about this end. There is no mercy, compassion, or limit to which they will go to accomplish their evil. They are prepared to destroy any and all who will not yield and give allegiance to this deceit. The lie, the deceit, is, “Here is Your god!” His claim is that he is greater than any God, which men may embrace. The ultimate goal is to remove all knowledge and influence of the true God from earth and defeat His Divine intentions.
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His Policy of Religion.
One of the actions this man of sin is the setting up of his own religion. His own perverted “godhood” develops into a religion of worship of a god that he recognizes. Satan is that “god.” The strength or power, which he has, comes from this supernatural source. He acknowledges the one empowering and behind the “energizing.” In recognizing this god he gives honor to him. Here is the quote, “In his domain, estate, (some translate, on his pedestal) he will honor the god of forces.” (Dan. 11:38) This god of forces was not known by his forefathers (whatever nationality the “antichrist” may be, this god will be a strange god to them). To this god he also gives offerings of gold, silver, precious stones and articles of delight. For the people who worship this god he gives strongholds (?). These followers receive from him authority over many, and they will be able to purchase from him portions of land, which he will divide. We know from the book of Revelation that a system of forced worship will be made to this god. To refuse will be punishable by destitution and or death. Thus, the kingdom of this man is a “church-state.” If popular interpretations are correct about the great whore in Revelation being the Catholic Church, then it is evident that he has a religious war as he vents his wrath upon her. At the heart of all religion is the matter of worship and he will not tolerate any worship other than what he dictates.
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His Policy with Israel.
At some point after he has established himself as sovereign over his own country, he establishes a relation with Israel. A seven-year covenant is made between him and Israel. Most likely it is a peace treaty, perhaps with concessions made concerning certain issues with Israel and her neighbors. In the middle of the seven-year covenant suddenly, abruptly, this false peace and security are shattered. There is a drastic reversal of conditions. It is not given the method, which is used, but somehow the “antichrist” enters Jerusalem and occupies the Temple. (Apparently during the first half of the “covenant,” three and one half years, the two witnesses of Revelation preach the truth and constantly warn the people of the crises they are in.) By force he occupies the Temple and sets an armed guard at the Temple to discontinue the worship and service to God. He sets himself up as god, to be worshiped as god in the Temple of God. This is the abomination that makes desolate. He will destroy many Jews. He will cause many of them to fall, and many of their leaders will apostate themselves. He will make faithfulness to God almost impossible. He ruins the Temple by the filth of his presence. If the prophecies of the “antichrist” are in keeping with those of Antiochus, segments of the Jews, from the priesthood and on, will be corrupted. Many will sell out for comfort, wealth, and to gain favor with the “antichrist.” It is declared that God has given the nation of Israel into his hands for this set prescribed time. The people, Jerusalem, and the Temple will all be trampled under his foot.
His Kingdom.
All that can be said here is that his kingdom, his nation will be essentially that of Satan. It has been definitely revealed that his kingdom will be the same as one of the four divisions of the Grecian Empire. We have seen that this is the same as Antiochus' kingdom. Also that from somewhere within the Ten-Nation Federation Empire (the final state of the ancient Roman Empire) his kingdom will arise. It will not replace one of the ten but will come up among the ten. When such conditions appear, the setting has been made for his revealing and coming to power. (The conditions meant here is the existence of the Ten Nation Federation.) It should be noted that initially his kingdom will be very minor but expands quickly to the dominant power in that area of the world.
His End.
The end of this man is made very clear and should not be misunderstood by anyone. His end and the end of his kingdom come from the personal hand of God, Christ. When he is destroyed, the complete image of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream will be broken into such small pieces that they cannot be found. There is total annihilation of all the Empires represented in that idol. It is the end of the age of the Gentiles. Never again will the gentiles ever distress Jerusalem or Israel. The rock not made with human hands will break the image and its power. No man or nation will destroy the “antichrist,” God will execute His own judgment against him. His destruction will come suddenly, overwhelmingly, and without pity or mercy. His destruction and all that he has amassed - the people, the kingdoms, the wealth, his worship, his power, his lawlessness, his persecution, etc. - will be accomplished by Jesus Christ when he simply speaks the word. Not all the powers of Satan or any other forces of evil will be able to mitigate in the very least the power of Christ in this total devastation. The final fate of the “antichrist” is that he will be cast alive into the “lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
So much prophetic detailed evidence has been given that it stands only second in its magnitude to the first advent of Christ. We have been told of the most terrible time in the existence of man. What are we to make of all knowledge? Just what is at the heart of all these things happening at the “end?” Are there deeper implications other than just a terrible persecution against God's people brought about by a man so wickedly that he has no parallel in history? By seeing the conclusion of what is coming (the destruction of satanic forces and the establishment of Christ's Kingdom on earth) we are able to reason that the issues far supercede that of merely man's interests. These things are not just about man, Jews or Gentiles, for they are simply caught up in a conflict of epic proportions between God's resolve to accomplish His objectives and Satan who has to be dedicated, for his own survival, to oppose Him.
Satan has demonstrated an understanding that if he can utterly destroy the children of Abraham then all of God's designs would be defeated. Why is this? Because of God’s decision was to accomplish His works through Abraham and his progeny. God decided on His course of action, which is blueprinted through these people. It was His sovereign choice. God elected this people to work through them for the good and redemption of all that He has created. The promise of a Savior was given in the garden to Adam, hence to all men. But it was not until Abraham that the descent (in human form) of the Savior was given. As part of the Abrahamic covenant not only was the “promised one” to be a savior but also an unparalleled King, coming from Abraham's heritage. David, the descendant of Abraham, was given a covenant to make his throne the throne of this Great King. The establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth will have Israel at its center.
"If Satan could have destroyed Israel before the arrival of the Messiah of Israel, then God's promises, His covenants, and His prophecies would have collapsed. So the power struggle became focused on the Jews. Consider the bondage of the children of Abraham in Egypt. While the ordeal was not to destroy them, it was determined to dominate and restrict them from any participation with God. The story of Haman in the book of Ruth presents what is perhaps the first genocidal persecution against the Jews. If Haman had succeeded in his plans, the lineage of Abraham, and David would have terminated. If that had happened then the prophecies and prophets would have been a sham. Also the promises that these people would have their king over them on earth and that they would be re-gathered from all the nations of the earth back to Judea would be meaningless.
It is not intended to limit God and His omnipotence by implying that God could not “resurrect” a whole other nation of Jews when needed. But this is not in keeping with the sense of the promises and prophecies He has made. Could it be justified in God's word that there could be a gap of time in which no decedents of Abraham (through Isaac) would exist? No, it can't be justified; all the scriptural evidence is against this.
The battle of the end of this “age” is nothing less than the battle over the Kingdom of God. The battleground is here on earth, centered on Israel. Satan desires to establish his king and hence his kingdom and in the process utterly destroy Israel. God, on the other hand, is about to establish His King and Kingdom (and will) at that time. The horrific battle of Armageddon is the final determination as to who achieves their resolve. Awesome “spiritual” forces, beings, and powers are involved, and men are caught in the middle. On both sides suffering, torment, and death will be meted out. It is good and evil, in its most intense conflict, colliding. But the victory belongs to God!
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” The Apostle Paul....
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This page last updated September 14, 2004 at 10:21am
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