Appendix
A Quick Snapshot Look at the Antichrist
He will initially be known as a peacemaker (see Revelation 6:1–2), this individual will likely be engaged in political activities prior to the Rapture. Initially, he will emerge as a peaceful political leader who unites ten nations into a formidable alliance (see Revelation 17:12–13). Subsequently, he will assume the role of the rider on a white horse, mirroring Christ (see Revelation 19:11-21). This individual will achieve victory through peaceful means and usher in a brief period of global tranquility (see 1 Thessalonians 5:1–3) before the commencement of the Tribulation period.
In Daniel’s Seventy Weeks prophecy, two individuals are involved: 1) the Messiah (see Daniel 9:25) and 2) the Antichrist, being “the prince who is to come” (see Daniel 9:26). And “the people of the prince who is to come” are believed by many to be the Romans, as they destroyed the city and the temple in 70 A.D. Therefore they believe that the Antichrist will come from a region or nation that was formally part of the Roman Empire. The seventieth week will begin with the arrival of the Antichrist when he establishes a seven-year covenant with Israel that allows them to reconstruct the temple. Through diplomacy he will temporarily resolve tension in the Middle East. Israel will rebuild the temple during what they believe are peaceful times. It is the signing of this covenant, not the Rapture, that starts the clock at the beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week, a seven-year period known as the Day of the Lord.
In Daniel 9:27, it is prophesied that after three and one-half years, the Antichrist will breach his covenant with the Jewish people and seize control of the temple. This event, known as “the falling away” or "the rebellion" (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3), marks a significant turning point. Prior to this moment, the Antichrist had assumed the role of a peacemaking leader of ten European nations, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding Israel. However, his true nature is revealed when he assumes control of the Jewish temple and demands global worship (see Revelation 13). As the man of sin he will oppose any religious belief system, regardless of its authenticity. He will establish a global church that, through its worship of him, which will indirectly be Satan worship.
Jesus foresaw this apostasy, He referred to it as “the abomination of desolation” (see Matthew 24:15), a direct reference to Daniel 9:27. The world will be astounded by this formidable leader, who, with Satan’s influence, will perform extraordinary signs and wonders, ultimately deceiving the nations. This abomination of desolation will occur three and one-half years after the Antichrist made his covenant with the Jews, “and for half of the week” (see Daniel 9:27). This will begin a period of intense persecution, the tribulation. Jesus said, “For then there will be a great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21b, ESV). Satan will release his wrath against Israel and will control the world’s economic system requiring citizens to bear “the mark of the beast” in order to buy and sell anything (see Revelation 13:15–17).
This conflict will end when Jesus returns with His angels and all of the believers (see Revelation 19:11-19) and then battle the inhabitants of earth (also known as Armageddon) which ends quickly. Jesus then throws the Antichrist and the False Prophet in to the Lake of Fire (see Revelation 19:20-21), but binds Satan while Jesus reigns on earth during His Millennial Kingdom (see Revelation 20:4-6) at the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released and allowed to raise a rebellion of which again is quickly terminated, followed by him being thrown in the Lake of Fire as well (see Revelation 20:1-3, 7-11).