Is Gog the Anti-Christ?

Dr. Couch, could Gog be the anti-christ in Ezekiel 38?

ANSWER: No, not really. First, he is only over the land of Magog (and he is also the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal) and not the entire world, or the Roman empire, as all believe he will be, from what is said in Revelation. The description of him does not match up with Revelation 13 or any other thing describing him in Revelation. In Ezekiel 38 his description is too limited. The event of Gog and Magog is confined and is not universal as played out in Revelation.
Thanks for asking.
--Dr. Mal Couch (9/11)

Image of the Beast

Dr. Couch, did the religious beast make an image of the beast in Revelation?

ANSWER: We all get a little confused about this issue because of 13:14-15. It is the people who construct an image of the beast but the verses say: "There was given to the (religious) beast to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed." And "he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead."

So while the religious beast does not build the image of the beast he still causes apparent "miracles" to happen through it that fools the people of the earth! We sometimes have a slip of the tongue in how we speak of the image. The bottom line, the people build the image—the religious beast manipulates it and deceives the people.

Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (7/11)

The Antichrist Granted

Dr. Couch, Revelation 6:4 seems to say that the antichrist "is given, granted" to take peace from the earth. Is that "granting" coming from God or someone else?

ANSWER: Those of us who are able to read the Bible (and especially from the Greek text) note carefully the fact that the Lord is absolutely sovereign in all things. The word "given" is a Passive Voice from the verb "to give" (didomi). The force of the giving comes from an outside source, and that source is God!

I have always known that because I've translated almost the entire book of Revelation. But I checked out the best commentary on the subject of Revelation written by Dr. Robert L. Thomas. And he says the same thing. He writes:

"The best opinion is that [was given] carries the connotation 'granted by God' as it does throughout the book of Revelation (cf. 6:4, 8; 7:2; 9:5). God allows the beast to blaspheme for a limited time, but will still hold him accountable. One of the great lessons in Daniel from which John draws so heavily is the sovereignty of God over the world's governments (cf. Dan. 4:17, 25, 32). The future will be no different.

"There is a durative force in the passage. 'a mouth that continues speaking great things.'"

"The beast's God-permitted authority was given' over every lineage, nation, language group, and racial group is explicitly worldwide in its extent ("the whole earth")."

The beast and Satan have authority for a period but in the end God sends them to the lake of fire forever. "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are also, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Rev. 20:10).

Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)

The Olivet Discourse and the Fall of Jerusalem

Dr. Couch, is the Luke 21:5-36 passage the Olivet Discourse that we find in Matthew and Mark? Dr. Fruchtenbaum seems to think that the Luke narration of Christ's words is to the apostles before the fall of Jerusalem. What do you think? ANSWER:  I would have to see Dr. Fruchtenbaum's statement in order to confirm what you are saying. I now have the Olivet Discourse figured out. All three Gospels are talking about the events before, and with, the fall of the temple in 70 AD. But also, of course, they are about the end times when the antichrist comes.    Luke is somewhat difficult to get a hold of, but I've found the secret of how these passages work. The Luke narration starts out with the issue of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. We know that clearly from 21:5-6. "There will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down." But then it speaks about the tribulation days in verses 7-11. "There will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines ..."    But then, there is the shift to the discussion back to 70 AD in verse 12, which reads: "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, ..." The key is BEFORE ALL THESE THINGS! The 70 AD passage then ends with verse 24, and the issue of the future wrath of God, the tribulation.    Verse 25 starts with "AND THERE WILL BE SIGNS in sun and moon and stars ..." Here, Christ returns to His discussion of the events of the far-future and the tribulation! We know this is so because of verse 32: "This generation will not pass away until all things take place." This clearly has to do with the tribulation. The generation that enters the tribulation will still be around, unless they are martyred, at the end of that time of wrath.    The key to what Christ is doing, speaking about far-future events, and the 70 AD events, is made clear with verse 12: "But before all these things ..." By the way, this 70 AD section speaks of the "vengeance" in verse 22. And that vengeance is upon the generation that comes after Christ up to 70 AD. They are the ones who denied the Lord and face a vengeance because of that rejection.    You need my commentary on Luke.    Hope this helps.    Dr. Mal Couch (Mar., 10)

Apostasy and Signs of the Rapture

Dr. Couch, you have convinced me that we are now in the period of the apostasy of the church, but if so, does this not take away the idea that there are no signs for the rapture of the church? ANSWER:  Not in my opinion because of what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-7. He speaks of the apostasy coming before the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" (v. 3). This is of course referring to the antichrist, and remember, he comes at the very beginning of the tribulation, the start of the Day of the Lord, the Wrath of God. But Paul goes on and writes that "the mystery of lawlessness is already here" (v. 7). He does not say that the tribulation is here or that the man of lawlessness has arrived. He gives no thought that the seven year tribulation has begun. In other words, apostasy has been around for some time but even Paul did not know if that apostasy is the final stage of the "rebellion." He did not know if THE prophesied apostasy of the last days had started! I believe we can say it is now here!    If you want the most thorough study of the rapture of the church, you need to read my "Biblical Study of the Rapture" of the church in my award winning volume "Dictionary of Premillennial Theology." That chapter has been so appreciated it has been included, and re-published in national publications, in three other volumes of Bible study. The book, by the way, was given the Silver Medallion Award from the Christian Booksellers Association in 1996.    A key to Paul's argument for the coming of the rapture for the church saints is the fact that in almost every rapture passage he uses the pronouns "You, We, Us." In other words, Paul is telling us that the rapture will come to remove the church saints to glory. It could have happened in Paul's day, and it could have taken place at any time while he was alive! That is why he is including himself (We, Us) in his argument.    We are nearing the time of the End, the time for the rapture. And, we are now entering the period of the apostasy, that takes place before the rapture. All indicators would let us know that. Yet, we cannot be dogmatic about the time frame.    I always wonder why people want to argue over this issue of the rapture, and my conclusion is that they are frightened rabbits. They do not want to be at the end of all things! So they come up with arguments to try to get rid of the rapture for our generation. The Bible is plain on the subject. And the Greek text makes the subject even more understandable, but most objectors are not good scholars!    By the way, Paul is so dogmatic about the fact that the rapture has to do with this dispensation of the church, he uses the technical expression: of those "in Jesus" (1 Thess. 4:14) and "in Christ" (v. 16). In introducing the idea of the rapture he writes "For this we say to YOU by the word of the Lord, that WE who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, ..." (v. 15). That is as plain as vanilla pudding!    Putting world events together, and looking at the fact that we are moving into the predicted apostasy, I believe I could come up with about 100 arguments that would show how close we are to (1) the advent of the rapture, (2) the seven year tribulation, and (3) the return of Christ to reign over the throne of David from Jerusalem. That would really help folks get it all together as to what is happening even in our day!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (Feb., 10)

Abomination of Desolation and the Issue of Antiochus

Dr. Couch, is there confusion about Matthew 24:15 and the Abomination of Desolation, and the issue of Antiochus in Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11? ANSWER:  Not really if one reads carefully and slowly, and looks closely to the contexts. Remember the rules: context, context, context, and, observe, observe, observe! Even the amillennialists basically agree on this issue. Daniel 9:27 and 12:11 has to do with the future when the antichrist enters the temple and proclaims himself as God. This is repeated in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5. However, even amil. Ellicott gets it straight, though he becomes somewhat confused on 12:11 in regard to Antiochus.    Ellicott gets 2 Thess. 2:3-on correct and assigns it to the antichrist.    For those who want to get it all straight, you need Dr. Paul Benware's great commentary on Daniel "Things to Come" which Scofield produced.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Today's Events Tied with The Tribulation

Dr. Couch, could what is happening now in our world be tied to events in the tribulation? ANSWER:  Absolutely! It has been reported that some of the so-called "elite" want the world population to be reduced to a sustainable number of, say, between five hundred million and one billion. The way to do that is control, control, and control, of everyone on the planet! And the way to do that is destroy democracy and place all nations into a crisis. And that is just what is happening now!    As written by Frank Rich in the New York Times, "What disturbs Americans of all ideological persuasions is the fear that almost everything, not just government, is fixed or manipulated by some powerful hidden hand." Some say that Barack Hussein Obama tapped into the idea of a Great Recession. This gave the people a sinking sensation that the American game is rigged.    While there may not be card carrying socialists about, there is a conspiracy of communism and socialism that many have bought into. And they were fed this by our government run public schools and state universities where the brainwashing just continues to go on and on!    To the question: Yes, what is taking place certainly has "tribulation" written all over it. "Many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many, and because lawlessness will increase most people's love will grow cold" (Matt. 24:11-12). And, "Unless those days will have been cut short, no life will be saved; but for the sake of the elect (Jews & Gentiles in the tribulation) those days shall be cut short" (v. 22).    Remember, the anti-Christ is called "the son of destruction" and "the man of lawlessness" (2 Thess. 2:3). He will have tremendous power seating himself in the reconstructed temple "displaying himself as being God" (v. 4). Presently, he is being restrained but that will not last forever (vv. 6-9). Satan is the one who is working behind the scenes and behind the anti-Christ, "with all power and signs and false wonders" (v. 9). It will seem that he is unstoppable.    He will blaspheme God and magnify himself above every god, and will speak monstrous things against the god of gods (Dan. 11:36). He will honor a god of fortresses (war) and accumulate wealth (v. 38). He will come against the Holy Land and take over "many countries" (v. 41). And, he will plant his military headquarters near Jerusalem, the Holy Mountain (v. 45).    The anti-Christ will be a failed leader. During the height of his power there will be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matt. 24:6), and "it will be granted him to take peace from the earth, and that men should kill one another; [thus] a great sword will be given to him (Rev. 6:4). "Though he will become world ruler, the hatred of him will manifest itself many times and in many ways, even though for some time, few will have success in defeating him. Many millions will die because of all of the confusion he brings upon the earth!    Unger well writes:    "Those to whom the Anti-Christ 'will give great honor' and to whom he will 'parcel out land for a price' (or reward) are those who apostatize and bow to him and his utterly, blasphemous cult (Rev. 13:11-18). Foreshadowed in that prophetic portrait of the Anti-Christ appears the final form of apostate religion. ... That religious monstrosity will be a combination of gross materialism, unbridled militarism, and the worship of that ominous, self-deified ruler. Present-day movements of ecumenicalism that are aiming at a world church, communism with its godless philosophic materialism, and the contemporary trend toward world government can discern their ultimate fruition in him who is to be Satan's nomination for king of kings and lord of lords, a title that rightfully belongs to Christ, but which the Anti-Christ, ... will attempt to arrogate for himself."    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Contradiction of 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 7

Dr. Couch, I understand from 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 that the lost will believe a lie during the tribulation period. But then in Revelation 7, it speaks of the Gentiles coming to Christ during the tribulation period. Is there a contradiction? ANSWER:  No this is not a contradiction. It is a both/and not a neither/nor! Revelation 7 reads, "I saw a great multitude, … from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, … crying saying: 'Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb'" (vv. 9-10). Who are these folks? "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (v. 14).    Many multitudes during the tribulation will believe the lie of the anti-Christ who is driven by the lie of Satan (2 Thess. 2:9-12). They are deceived and "do not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved" (v. 10). Thus, God sends them a deluding ("leading astray") spirit so that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness" (vv. 10-12).    Yet, thousands will believe the truth during the tribulation! Not all are deceived. Those who come to Christ during this terrible tribulation period will suffer, and die as martyrs. But many survive and enter the messianic kingdom when Christ comes.    Those who believe in Christ during the tribulation ("those who are beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus," Rev. 20:4), will "come to life and reign with Christ for a thousand years" (v. 5). They are the ones who are "Blessed and holy and who have a part in the first resurrection" (v. 6). This "first resurrection" is the resurrection that takes place as the kingdom period begins. These resurrected ones are the tribulation believers and martyrs. They "will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years" (v. 6b).    Who are "the rest of the dead" who do not come back to life until the thousand years are completed" (v. 5)? They are the unbelieving dead who are resurrected for the Great White Throne judgment. The lost are resurrected and "judged from the things which were written in the books (scrolls) according to their works" (v. 12). "The dead were judged every one of them according to their works" (v. 13). "They are thrown into the lake of fire, anyone whose name was not written in the book of life" (v. 15).    It is not difficult to get all of this straight, that is, if one studies by context and takes the Bible at face value. Don't dump all of the Bible verses into one big bucket and mix everything together. Keep things where they belong!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (August 2009)

The Final Judgment

Dr. Couch, I have heard some say that the seven year tribulation is the final period of judgment of the Jews and a final judgment that ends the dispensation of the Law. Is this so? ANSWER:  There is some validity for this argument because there is no question that the last "week" of the Seventy Weeks of Daniel is a judgment against the Jewish people. The antichrist will "make a firm covenant with the many (the Jews) for one week (one seven year period), but in the middle of the week (three and a half years) he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering …" (Dan. 9:27). It is clear that this is yet future. The book of Revelation continually makes reference to the seven year tribulation by dividing it into "three and a half … and three and a half years, etc." This is referred to about five times throughout the book of Revelation. Also, the antichrist, as Paul reminds us, enters the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and "exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God" (2 Thess. 2:4).    One could argue that Christ presented Himself as Israel's King. They rejected Him, and with that rejection, the dispensation of the church began. It must be remembered that the dispensation of the church was not prophesied or spoken of in the OT. It was a mystery, which means "something not before revealed." Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 3. He wrote of:    "My insight into the mystery of Christ which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit" (Eph. 3:4b-5). That is "that the Gentiles are (to be) fellow heirs and fellow members of the body …" (v. 6). And "to bring to light what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God … according to the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord" (vv. 9-10). Even the angels in glory did not know about the church age. Paul goes on and writes: "In order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenlies" (v. 10).    Thus, in the mind of the Lord, the seven year tribulation is the close of God's judgment dealing with Israel before the establishment of the Christ's one thousand year Kingdom reign! The church is but a parenthesis, and it is taken home in the rapture before the terrible tribulation period begins on earth!    Some argue that the idea of the mystery of the church does not mean that the church is not mentioned in the OT, but this is not so. The most comprehensive and complete Greek commentary on Ephesians is written by Dr. Harold Hoehner. (It took him twenty years to write the 900 pages) He has an excellent treatment on "mystery" and writes:      Paul clarifies exactly when and to whom this mystery first became known. … In other generations it was not made known to people. … The mystery was made know to him by revelation, and he continues by saying that it was not made known in other generation. … The revelation is made known to all people, even the heavenly powers (vv. 2-4, 9-10). … It was not known by any person in past generations. … Paul discloses that this mystery, which was not known in past generations has now been revealed. … This corresponds with Rom. 16:25-26 where Paul states that the mystery was kept secret for ages but now has been manifest. … The revelation is some hidden thing or a mystery of God that is unveiled in God and cannot be discovered by human investigation. In the present context, it is the uncovering of a mystery that has been hidden in God throughout the ages (vv. 5, 9). (pp. 437-441)    Conclusion: It is possible then that the seven year tribulation period, which is a judgment upon the Jews (and also a judgment upon the Gentile nations), is indeed the final work with the Jews before the Kingdom is established on earth. Remember, the church is gone in the rapture before the beginning of the tribulation (1 Thess. 4)!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Unholy Trinity

Dr. Couch, do you see an "unholy" trinity with Satan and the antichrist in Revelation 13? ANSWER: Yes, and many others have also. Satan would be the counterfeit of God, the Beast would represent Christ, and the "other Beast" would be something like the Holy Spirit. Hindson in his commentary notes: "The Bible predicts the rise of a counterfeit messiah in the Last Days. While many of his titles and descriptions emphasize the diabolical character of his rule, we must remember that he is ultimately a deceiver who promises to bring world peace. The meaning of 'antichrist' also means 'in place of.' Thus the Antichrist will rise to power brilliantly. He will oppose the Messiah by pretending to be Him." Satan will empower the Beast. In 13:3 we read: "And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed." I write in my Handbook of Revelation (Kregel), "One of the Beast's heads, not necessarily the Beast himself, will receive a fatal wound. Since the Beast will be the ruler of a ten-empire confederacy, this one head would simply be one of his leaders who represent an empire." Walvoord adds: "It is significant that one of the heads is wounded to death but that the beast itself is not said to be dead. It is questionable whether Satan has the power to restore to life one who has died, even though his power is great." The "as if had been slain" is important. Thomas adds: "This is all part of the dragon's attempt to counterfeit the death and resurrection of Christ." The Greek text reads: "hos esphagmenan eis thanaton." The "hos" implies in Greek "something appearing like being slain into death." The "slain" is a Perfect Passive Participle. "It had at that point appeared as having been slain." Humanity will believe that a resurrection had occurred. Verse 4 reads: And men "worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast." I write: "God gave His authority to His Son, and so Satan will give his authority to the Beast." The apparent miracle will fool the entire world! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Where Do You Start The Antichrist In Daniel 11?

Dr. Couch, where do you start the antichrist in Daniel 11? Most seem to say that he is first mentioned in verse 36 and on. ANSWER: You sent me a very complicated question about where I think we begin seeing him in prophecy, in that chapter. The best scholars I know say the reference to him does indeed begin with verse 36. It must be remembered that whether one is looking for information in chapter 11 about Antiochus Epiphanes or the antichrist, most of what is said has to do with events that we know, or will know, little about in terms of details. So it is difficult to be dogmatic as to all that is going on in this chapter. In some ways, chapter 11 is one of the toughest chapters in the OT, because it gives to us extremely detailed information and prophecies. Christ, and then Paul, refers back to Daniel 9 and 11 when predicting the coming of the antichrist. And of course so does the apostle John in the book of Revelation. The Lord refers to the antichrist and the Abomination of Desolation "standing in the holy place spoken of through Daniel the prophet" (Matt. 24:15). Paul also speaks of him in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-on. Scofield Ministries produced Paul Benware's excellent commentary on Daniel. Those reading this really need this great volume. Dr. Benware handles with meaning detail, as much as can be known, the issues of Daniel 11. After going through all of the twists and turns on chapter 11, Benware concludes: "It seems best, therefore, to see 11:36-45 as referring to the coming Antichrist who will appear at the end of the ages and completely fulfill these predictions of Daniel. Dr. John Walvoord observed that 'many students of Scripture have recognized from antiquity that another king must be in view' and many of these (such as Jerome and Luther) identified him with the Antichrist of the New Testament. We are, therefore, in good company when we identify this king as the 'man of sin', 'the beast', 'the Antichrist'." Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Nationality of the Antichrist

Dr. Couch, what will be the nationality of the antichrist? There seems to be some confusion on this issue.

ANSWER: I believe the antichrist could be around today but he will not be revealed as to who he is until the seven year tribulation begins. In Daniel 9:27 we read: he is the prince who "will make a firm covenant with the many for one week (a seven year period—the tribulation and wrath). Actually, it best reads "He will confirm (higbir), make a strong agreement (make a covenant to prevail) with many …" Benware writes: "The covenant made between the Roman Prince (Antichrist) and the people of Israel requires that Israel will be at least partially restored to the land."

11:37 says "he will show no regard for the gods (Elohim) of his fathers …" Most translate this as gods but if it should read "God" then there would be an indication that he could be Jewish. I lean this way because he will convince the orthodox Jews that he is the Messiah, and they somehow buy into that, maybe on the evidence that he is Jewish.

No one can say for sure.

You need to get Dr. Paul Benware's commentary on Daniel produced by Scofield Ministries. Great commentary!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

Does Revelation Mention the 7 Year Covenant with the Antichrist?

Dr. Couch, the book of Revelation does not mention the making of the seven year covenant with the antichrist. Or does it? ANSWER: The book of Revelation does not have to mention the making of the seven year covenant (Dan. 9:27). It is assumed because the book is clearly dealing with the Prince, the Beast, the antichrist, and that covenant is there by the reference to the half-life of the covenant. For example, 11:2 says, "the temple (the rebuilt one standing at the time of the tribulation) … has been given over to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months (or three and a half years)." It is stated again by days in 11:3: "twelve hundred and sixty days" and in 12:6: "one thousand two hundred and sixty days." This is repeated in 13:5. This ties in with the desecration of the temple as spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:15: "the Abomination of desolation which was spoke of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (the temple)." And it ties in with what Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: "The man of lawlessness … who takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God." This would connect with what Daniel says in 9:27: "the Prince (the antichrist) will make a firm covenant with the man for one week (seven years) and in the middle of the week (3 and ½ years) he will put an end to sacrifice." Three and a half years is also mentioned in Revelation 12:14 as "times and time and half a time." This is directly quoted from Daniel 7:25 and 12:7. Daniel 12 closes the book of Daniel and speaks of the distress coming upon the Jews, God's people (v. 1). At the end of "a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they (the enemy) finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed." In conclusion Revelation focuses down on the final 3 ½ years of the tribulation and quotes directly time passages in Daniel to prove that these events are the same. One does not have to have a seven year covenant mentioned in Revelation in order to make the obvious connection. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Is The Antichrist Really Brought Back to Life?

Dr. Couch, it is good to know that there is at least one good dispensational "Bible Answer Man." My question, is the antichrist brought back to life or just appears to have died, but really did not (Rev. 13:3). 

 

     ANSWER:  Good scholars have mixed opinions on Revelation 13:3. Some refer to 5:6 where a vision of Christ the Lamb is given "as if slain." Now we know He was indeed killed as a sacrificial lamb, and the same Greek construction is used of the antichrist in 13:3. 5:6 reads: hos esphagmenon (perf. Pass. Part.)," as having been slain." 13:3 reads in the Greek kai mian ek ton kephalon autou hos esphagmenon eis thanaton (perf. Pass. Part). In 5:6 "into death" is left out. With the participial constructions in both passages, I see something that may make a difference. In 5:6 John sees Christ as a Lamb that now is alive, though bearing the appearance, even though living, with some image or sign that He had indeed died! There is some visual reminder to John that "as if slain" He now is living! 

    In both passages (5:6, 13:3) there is the comparative language word hos translated as if, if, something like, as, it seemed to be, etc. The NAS rightly translates 13:3 about the antichrist with "as if it had been slain." Walvoord takes the view that:

"it is significant that one of the heads is wounded to death but that the beast itself is not said to be dead. It is questionable whether Satan has the power to restore to life one who has died, even though his power is great."

    I lean to the position that this is an "appearance of death" but that he does not actually die. 

    Thanks for asking.

    Dr. Mal Couch

Is Revelation 13:3 a Reference to the Antichrist or to the Restoration of the Roman Empire?

Dr. Couch, is Revelation 13:3 a reference to the Antichrist or to the restoration of the Roman Empire? 

 

    ANSWER:  The Antichrist is the “beast” in this passage, but he will be the instrument in restoring the Roman Empire. Note in verse 3 he “appears” to have been slain and to have come back from the dead. This is a counterfeit of the actual death and resurrection of Christ. We are now seeing the progressive construction of the Roman Empire taking place in Europe. There is the European parliament, common money, open borders, a common European taxation, and open trade between countries. 

    We premillennialists and dispensationalists are continually being proven correct in our normal, literal interpretation of Scripture. I don’t know what the poor allegorist/covenant/amillennial guys are going to do! They have no biblical and prophetic answers as to what we see in history that matches up with Scripture. I sometimes watch Dr. Kenney on television. He never can speak of international issues. His audience is going to sleep, and they rarely have a Bible in their laps. Covenant theology is a dead end and can not speak to the issues of the rapture, the tribulation, and the coming earthly reign of Christ in Jerusalem! Poor fellows! 

    To show how demented the covenant guys are in reference to prophecy, we look to Ellicott’s commentary on Revelation. He says, “The beast of Rev. 13 is always the figure of the kingdoms of this world today.” And, “the wild beast (the Antichrist) broke forth when Christianity seemed to have put fetters on the Roman empire.” What??? What sick interpretation. 

  Thanks for asking,

  Dr. Mal Couch

Is The Pope The Antichrist?

Dr. Couch, in your view do you believe the Pope is the Antichrist? The Reformers and the Puritans thought so. What is your opinion?

    ANSWER:   Your question had an IS in it. When we discuss the revealing of the Antichrist we’re talking about the period of the seven year tribulation. The Reformed folks are wrong in that they do not study well the projection of Daniel 9 that shows there is still seven years to go in God’s final dealing with Israel and the world. That is the period of the wrath and the tribulation. It is at that time that the Antichrist will be revealed.

    Thus the revelation of the Antichrist is yet future. He will be a false prophet and a worldwide religious leader. If the rapture took place today and the world was thrown into the tribulation, what great world religious leader might be that personality? You made mention that today the Pope and Catholicism in general stands against abortion, homosexuality, etc., but the issue is about the future. In the terror of the tribulation there will be compromise, accommodation, evil pragmatism, etc.

    It must be stated too, that it is speculation to say the religious beast, as he is called in Revelation, could be some future Pope. When I speculate or say, “It could be,” I am not being dogmatic but simply saying, “It seems it could play out this way!” In fact, every good and well-trained prophecy teacher I know does that. It is just that the opposition elects not to hear that disclaimer!

   Thanks for asking,

   Dr. Mal Couch