What Attributes Characterize the Antichrist?

Read Daniel 8:23-27

We have considered the names of the Antichrist.  Before considering his attributes, which are repeated in the various scripture passages that speak of him, we should note one additional source of information about this evil world ruler.  

Daniel 11:29-39 speaks of an evil Syrian king, from one of the four kingdoms that were established after the death of Alexander the Great.  History knows him as Antiochus Epiphanes Epiphanes means the manifest god.  He dominated Israel in what is referred to as the inter-testamental period (the time between Malachi and Matthew), a time better known as the times of the Gentiles.  He demanded to be worshiped as “god” (like the AC, Rev. 13), even desecrating the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar and then erecting an altar to Zeus (the abomination of desolation, Dan. 11:31).  He sought to impose Hellenistic culture on the Jews of that time (11:32).  The Maccabean revolt served to deter Antiochus although the persecution of the Jews continued. There are references to him in the following list as he is a type (pre-figuring) of the Antichrist.  

Today’s passage also refers to this ruler as a king … having fierce features (Dan. 8:23).  From these and other passages we see that the Antichrist will be …

·        A gentile (non-Jew, Rev. 13:1; Dan. 9:26; 11:37).  He arises out of the sea (from the mass of humanity) and is connected with the Roman Empire. 

·        Mighty in power (Rev. 13:1, symbolized by the horns).

·        Blasphemous (Rev. 13:1,5-6; Dan. 11:36; 2 Thess. 2:4).

·        A great orator (Rev. 13:5; Dan. 7:8,20,58; 11:36).

·        Proud (Dan. 11:36).

·        A military genius (Dan. 11:38-45; 7:8).

·        Greedy (Dan. 11:38-39; 7:8).

·        Intelligent (Dan. 7:8).

·        “Peace loving” (Dan. 8:25) and yet …

·        Deceitful (Dan. 8:25; 2 Thess. 2:9-12).  His rise to power is with counterfeit signs, wonders and miracles.

If you stop to consider, this evil man is truly the anti-Christ.  He is a total contradiction of our Lord Jesus.  That thought leads us to an important point of application with respect to the Antichrist.  From Scripture people should be able to identify him as events unfold.  But in no way are we told to watch for him.  Our eyes are to be on the One who is holy and righteous.  We await the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-14). We set our hope fully on the grace to be given when Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:13-14).  It is this hope of seeing Him as He is that purifies us as He is pure (1 John 3:2-3).  Be wise about the times and be forewarned.  But keep your mind and heart set on the One whose return will destroy the evil world ruler.  More on this next week.