The End Times

The End Times, otherwise known as the time which the Antichrist comes to reign. This has been a source of fascination and intrigue for thousands of years. This mysterious being will be at the center of End Time Bible prophecy and will be responsible for the infamous mark of the beast. There's no need to guess about this diabolical power. We will go directly to the Bible to prove exactly who the antichrist is.

Numerous theories have swarmed about who the antichrist truly is. We will provide no speculation or rumors but will now go right to the Bible to identify this antichrist power. Speaking of the apocalyptic book of Revelation, the Bible says, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place... Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. -Revelation 1:1,3" 

While the message of the antichrist is a solemn warning, it is also a message of love from Jesus. He wants us to know the truth so we can be protected and saved. Revelation 14, contains the three angels' messages - God's final warning to the world. The third angel specifically warns about the "Beast", another name for the antichrist, and its mark. (Then a third angel followed them,  saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark, shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God..." Revelation 14:9-10). The greatest judgments in human history, are prepared for those who worship this antichrist beast and receive its mark.

As you may know, the book of Revelation is full of symbolism. In order for us to identify the symbols, we must let the Bible interpret itself. So according to the Bible, what does a beast represent?... "The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth... Daniel 7:23". The Bible reveals that a "beast" represents a kingdom in apocalyptic prophesying. Brace yourselves, this mysterious beast or kingdom that will enforce the mark of the beast is vividly described in Revelation 13... (and I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Revelation 13:1). We will now consider this beast of Revelation 13 in some identifying characteristics that describe it in detail. Before we positively identify this antichrist power, God provides multiple characteristics of the beast because he wants us to have no doubt about its identity. As we consider these characteristics, begin to ask yourself who this power is. You, students of history, may most likely recognize it before it is revealed.

• The Antichrist Rises Out Of The Sea:

    "Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea". According to the Bible, a "sea" represents a heavily populated area... "The waters which you saw... are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Revelation 17:15". So this beast power would arise from a heavily populated area.

•  The Antichrist Receives Its throne, power, and authority from the dragon:

    "The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. Revelation 13:2". This beast would receive its power, authority, and even its capital city or seat from the dragon. Who or what is the dragon? We know from the Bible that the dragon represents Satan. However, the Bible is actually more specific about who this dragon is in verse 2 "And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads... And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron... Revelation 12:3-5". This passage refers to the birth of Jesus Christ and how Satan tried to destroy Christ at his birth. Which power did Satan work through to try and accomplish this? It was Rome. Herod, the king of the pagan Roman empire, tried to destroy Jesus at his birth. So, according to Revelation, Rome would give this antichrist beast its power, throne, and capital city. Some of you may be starting to see which historical power matches these descriptions.

• The Antichrist Becomes A Worldwide Power:

    "...all the world marveled and followed the beast... And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. Revelation 13:3,7". Clearly, this antichrist would have worldwide power and influence.

• The Antichrist Is Guilty Of Blasphemy:

    "...on his heads a blasphemous name. And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies...Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. Revelation 13:1,5,6". The Bible defines blasphemy in two ways: Claiming the power to forgive sins (Luke 5:21), and Claiming to be God Himself (Luke 10:33). This beast power would be guilty of both forms of blasphemy. Which organization could this be referring to? We will soon find out.

• The Antichrist Rules For 42 Prophetic Months:

    "...he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Revelation 13:5". In Bible prophecy, 1 prophetic day = 1 literal year. We see this principle in Numbers 14:34 and also Ezekiel 4:6... "I have appointed thee each day for a year. Ezekiel 4:6 {KJV}". So,  this antichrist power would rule for 42 prophetic months, which is 1260 prophetic days in the Hebrew calendar. Which amounts to 1260 literal years. Interestingly, this 1260 year reign for the antichrist is referenced seven times in the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation.

• The Antichrist Receives A Deadly Wound That Is Later Healed:

    "And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed... Revelation 13:3". The Bible speaks of this beast power receiving a deadly wound which will later be healed. We will shortly reveal how this very thing happened to the antichrist.

• The Antichrist Receives Worship:

    "...they worshipped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" Revelation 13:4". Clearly, this beast power is different from other nations, as it receives worship. The antichrist would be some sort of a religious-political power.

• The Antichrist Persecutes God's People:

    "It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Revelation 13:7". The antichrist would be guilty of mass bloodshed against God's very own people. In just a moment, we will pull back the curtain on this blasphemous opponent of God and His saints.

• The Antichrist Has A Man As Its Leader:

    "...for it is the number of a man... Revelation 13:18". Revelation refers to a man who represents this antichrist power. Daniel chapter 7 describes the little horn power, which is a parallel prophecy of the antichrist... (And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words. Daniel 7:8). This beast power would have a single man who serves as its representative and leader. We will soon reveal who this is.

• The Antichrist Has The Number 666:

    "Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number is 666. Revelation 13:18". Notice that 666 is not the mark of the beast, but rather it is the number of a man. The mysterious number would identify the leader of the antichrist power.

So, who is the Antichrist? Based on these characteristics, some of you may have identified it already. There's only one organization in human history that matches all of these characteristics with perfect accuracy. The antichrist is none other than the papacy - the Roman Catholic church/state union. We'll see how this institution perfectly fits each of these characteristics. But let us be clear, there are sincere, loving Christians in the Catholic church, who are doing the best they know. This Biblical Antichrist warning is not about the people in the Catholic church, but it's about a false system that has set itself against God. Once again, God gives this solemn warning for our blessing and safety. Make sure that you pay close attention to the following proofs to see how the papacy perfectly matches these Biblical descriptions in a way that no other power can. But first, we must realize that this teaching of the Catholic Church/State Union being the antichrist is nothing new. The majority of Christian churches today started out by believing and teaching this. In fact, the leaders of the protestant reformation taught this very truth. Consider the words of Martin Luther, the most well-known of the reformers and the founder of the Lutheran church: ("We here are of the conviction that the papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist."). John Calvin, another prominent reformer and theologian, agreed with Luther on this issue: ("Some persons think us too serve and censorious when we call the Roman pontiff Antichrist... I shall briefly show that (Paul's words in II Thess. 2) are not capable of any other interpretation than that which applies them to the Papacy"). The famous Baptist pastor Charles Spurgeon, possibly the most renowned preacher and theologian in modern Christianity, proclaimed "It is the duty of every Christian to pray against Antichrist, and as to what Antichrist is no sane man ought to raise a question. If it is not the Popery in the Church of Rome and in the Church of England, there is nothing in the world that can be called by that name". The word protestant has its root, the word "protest". 

The reformation was a protest against the abuses and false teachings of the Catholic church. Sadly, most protestant churches today have forgotten what they are protesting against. It is no longer politically correct to teach this Biblical truth about the antichrist. 

But we are committed to sharing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. We want you to avoid deception, and be prepared for Jesus' soon return. We will now reveal the proofs of the antichrist!

Proof 1 - The Papacy Rose Out Of A Well Populated Area:

    The Bible prophesied that the antichrist power would arise out of the sea, which we learned represents peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. The papacy fulfils this point perfectly, as it arose in Western Europe -  the centre of world civilization at that time.

Proof 2 - The Papacy Received Its Throne, Power, And Authority From Rome:

    As we examine history, there is no doubt that Pagan Rome transferred its power, throne, and even its capital city directly to papal Rome- the Catholic church/state. The capital of the empire was transferred from Rome to Constantinople, allowing the papacy to be the chief power in western Europe. History tells us "The Roman church... pushed itself into the place of the Roman World-Empire, of which it is the actual continuation... The Pope, who calls himself 'King' and 'Pontifex Maximus', is Caesars's successor". Clearly, the catholic church matches this second characteristic.

Proof 3 - The Papacy Is A Worldwide Power:

    No one would argue that the Catholic Church now has worldwide influence. Leaders of the most powerful nations in the world flock to pay homage to the pope. The power and influence the papacy had during the middle ages and has in the present day is undeniable. In fact, the very word "Catholic" means "universal". There's no doubt that this proof matches the Catholic church.

Proof 4 - The Papacy Claims To Be God On Earth And To Forgive Sins:

    As we learned, the Bible defines blasphemy as claiming to be God and claiming the power to forgive sins. The papacy indeed matches this perfectly. Brace yourselves, as we consider this startling quote taken directly from the Catholic catechism: "Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ". The entire Catholic confessional system is a man-made counterfeit of God's plan of salvation. Only God can forgive sins. Not only does the papacy claim to forgive sins, but they believe the pope to be equal to God Himself. In 1903, Pope Leo XXIII states "But the supreme teacher in the Church is the Roman Pontiff (Pope). Union of minds, therefore, requires... complete submission and obedience of will to the Church and to the Roman Pontiff, as to God Himself". Consider this shocking quote by the same pope: "We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty". These statements are nothing short of blasphemy.

Proof 5 - The Papacy Reigned For Exactly 1260 Years:

    We have seen that a day in Bible prophecy is equivalent to a year. It was prophesied that the antichrist would reign for 42 months, equating to 1260 literal years. (42 prophetic months = 1260 days = 1260 literal years). Let's see if this was the case. Papal Rome received full supremacy in Europe in 538 AD. On this date, there was no longer opposition to Emperor Justinian's decree giving the pope control and power. The papacy enjoyed absolute power over the nations of Europe throughout the dark ages, when the people were kept in spiritual and intellectual darkness. Then, in the year 1798, the papacy received what came to be known as a "deadly wound" when the pope was taken captive by the French General, Berthier. This event marked the end of the papacy's dominance in Europe. How many years passed between 538 AD,and 1798 AD? Let's do the math: (1798 - 538 = 1260) exactly 1260 years - perfect fulfillment of prophecy! Yes, this is yet another specific proof that the papacy is the antichrist, a title that no one else can claim.

Proof 6 - The Papacy Received A Deadly Wound Which Is Now Healed:

    Once again, the papacy received this deadly wound in 1798. Napoleon's general Berthier took the pope captive, showing the vulnerability and weakness of the papacy, effectively ending their 1260 year reign. However, the Bible prophesied that this deadly wound would someday be healed. (...and his deadly wound was healed... Revelation 13:3). No one will argue, the universal power, influence, and prestige the papacy now has. In fact, the ecumenical movement has the goal of uniting all Christian faiths together and putting an end to the protest that once helped define the protestant faith. Notice these words from Bishop Tony Palmer who was invited by the prominent televangelist Kenneth Copeland, to speak in at an ecumenical assembly of church leaders across the country: "The protest is over. The protest is over." Not only does Palmer claim that the protest against the papacy is over, but he boldly states the following: "If there is no more protest, how can there be a protestant church?". A movement is underway to undermine the protestant faith and reunite with Rome. The pope himself spoke, via video, at this same event: "...of a simple man amongst the people, who once said this... I've never seen God begin a miracle without Him finishing it well. He will complete this miracle of unity". As you can see, the pope's appeal for unity is embraced by Kenneth Copeland and the roomful of protestant leaders. The Vatican is at the center of pushing for this one-world religion, and protestants are beginning to embrace it. But friend, don't fall for it. The Bible reveals that this unity will lead to widespread deception, and eventually the Mark of the Beast. Unity is a good thing, but never at the expense of truth. But the Bible reveals that the deadly wound would be healed - and prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes.

Proof 7 - The Papacy Receives Worship:

    A beast in Bible prophecy represents a nation. However, this beast of Revelation 13, the antichrist, would be unique from others, in that it would be both a nation, and a religious power that receives worship. There's no doubt that the papacy matches this proof as well. We all know that the papacy is a religious power, but did you know that Vatican city, the headquarters of the papacy, is actually a nation? In fact, the Vatican is the world's smallest country, taking up just 0.2 square miles inside of Rome, Italy. Despite its minuscule size, the Vatican is one of the most powerful nations in the world, and receives worship from across the world, with over 1 billion followers.

Proof 8 - The Papacy Has Persecuted God's People:

    The Bible prophesied that this antichrist power would shed the blood of God's people, the saints. The fact that the papacy matches this proof better than any other organization in history simply cannot be denied. "That the church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history". Historians estimate that over 50 million lives were destroyed by the papacy during the dark ages, over matters of religion. To his credit, Pope John Paul II admitted to and apologized for these mass murders, but this cannot undo these horrible atrocities. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, boldly stated, referring to the papacy, "He is in an emphatical sense, the Man of Sin, as he increases all manner of sin above measure. And he is, too, properly styled the Son of Perdition as he has caused the death of numberless multitudes, both of his opposers and followers... He it is... that exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped... claiming the highest power, and highest honour... claiming the prerogatives which belong to God alone". Considering how heavily involved the papacy has been with God's people over the years, it'd be shocking if they were not prophesied in the Bible.

Proof 9 - The Papacy Has A Man As Its Leader:

    The Roman Catholic church-state fulfils this proof as well. The pope is widely known as the visible head of this worldwide power. Roger Williams, the founder of the 1st Baptist church in America, says this about the pope: "the pretended Vicar of Christ on earth, who sits as God over the Temple of God, exalting himself not only above all that is called God, but over the souls and consciences of all his vessels, yea over the Spirit of Christ, over the Holy Spirit, yea, and God himself... speaking against the God of heaven, thinking to change times and laws; but he is the son of perdition (II Thess. 2).

Proof 10 - The Papacy Has The Number 666:

    The Number 666 has been the source of great fear and intrigue for many, but there need not be any doubt on the meaning of this number. Many have mistakenly believed it to be the Mark of The Beast, but the Bible says: (Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. Revelation 13:18). So, 666 is the number of the beast, and of a specific man in that organization. Who could this man be? Could it be the pope, the recognized leader of the beast power? One of the names often given to the pope is "Vicarius Filii Dei", which is Latin for Vicar of the Son of God or substitute for the Son of God. We have already seen that this is a position that the papacy claims. Notice what happens when you add up the Roman Numeral values for this name: These numbers add up exactly to, you guessed it, 666 - the number of the beast, and the number of a man, just as the Bible prophesied. God wants us to have no doubt about the identity of this beast power.

We have seen 10 distinct proofs, all perfectly fulfilled by the papacy. And this knowledge is essential because it will be this antichrist beast power, who will inflict the infamous Mark of the Beast throughout all the world. Once again, this warning about the antichrist is not an attack on our precious friends in the Catholic church, but against Satan himself and a counterfeit system of worship that opposes itself against God. It is a message of warning and love from Jesus Himself, who wants all of us, including Catholics, to be saved in His kingdom. Stay woke!