Dan. 11:21-39, Christ and Antichrist: No Comparison

In thinking about the political situation of the last days we should pay some attention to the “Antichrist.”  Again, we have done this in some detail previously (cf. our Blog, Saturdays between Feb. 20-Mar. 19, 2016).  So here, let’s take an approach that encourages us to worship our Lord, the true Christ, God’s Anointed.  The descriptions of the Antichrist come from today’s passage which is speaking of Antiochus Epiphanes, a Biblical “antichrist” during the intertestamental time. 

Antichrist	Christ
Gentile	Jew

Some hold that the AC (not “air conditioner”) must be a Jew to be so accepted by the Jews.  Antiochus shows that not to be true.  Many Jews opposed him but many joined with him.  I have a friend who believe the AC might be a professing Christian, thus making him acceptable to the apostate Church of the last days.

Mighty	Almighty (Deity)
Blasphemes God	Honors God
A great orator	All authority

The AC is given authority, eventually, by the kings of the earth.  But the one thing he doesn’t have is Divine authority.  Jesus has it because God promised it to his Son (Ps. 2:6-9) and Jesus “qualified” for it by his death and resurrection (Mt. 28:18).  What He does to the world gathered under the AC is the exercise of His authority, not the attaining of His authority.

Proud

Humble

The Biblical principle, which Jesus also taught, Jesus exemplified that the greatest among you is the servant!

Military genius	All-knowing
Greedy	Became poor

The AC, united with the False Prophet and the Devil in a trinity of evil, builds his power on the foundation of the world system (hedonism, materialism, pride).

Intelligent	Wise
Speaks peace when war is his way	Gives true peace, speaks peace through the gospel.
Deceitful	Truth

Think on these things.  Praise God for His Son at His right hand, who will come in power and great glory.  Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming (2 Thess. 2:8).  There is another thing to think about.  We should not forget that there will be many antichrists (1 Jn. 2:18).  Jesus predicted this and warned us to be on the alert (Matt. 24:4-5).  We must be careful, especially in our politics, when candidates are always trying to sell themselves to us (Ps. 146, esp. vs. 3-4,10.  Men are mere men.  The Man Christ Jesus rules and reigns forever!