Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 12

Last time we were looking at some of the things the follower of Christ will have to face during the 70th Week of Daniel (aka "The Tribulation") I've already made a case - a case that will be reiterated and strengthened over time - for the believer entering the 70th Week of Daniel. A believer's view of this is extremely important because it will affect his/her preparation. For example, if you believe that you will be raptured before the 70th week, you will probably have little more than a passing curiosity about the person known as the Antichrist.




Over the centuries, there have been several theological positions developed concerning this time in history, adding to the confusion. Alan Kurschner, of the Pre-wrath Institute (http://www.prewrathrapture.com/) gives a brief summary of these positions and how they affect ones view of the Antichrist.




Pretribulationalism: The Antichrist is a literal future man, but this view sees the Church being raptured before he is revealed and begins his persecution of Israel and Christians.

Preterism: The Antichrist was fulfilled in the first century, so there is no future Antichrist.

Historicism: The Antichrist is manifested in oppressive leaders throughout church history, so there is no future Antichrist.

Spiritualism: The Antichrist is not literal, instead, he is symbolic of an evil principle in the church age, so there is no future Antichrist.

Skepticism: God doesn't want us to know if the church will encounter the Antichrist, therefore, don't teach about it.
Prewrath: The church will enter the 70th Week of Daniel and will encounter the Antichrist and his persecution. This is the position of Encouragement for End-Times Endurance. It is the only view which is supported by a natural reading of Paul's words:

"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you brothers not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the Day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion (apostasy) occurs and the man of lawlessness (Antichrist) is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called god or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4)


Thus we see the church being warned that the Rapture (our being gathered to the Lord) followed by the Day of the Lord (time of God's wrath) both taking place after the Antichrist is revealed when he commits the act known as "the abomination of desolation" by setting up an image of himself in the rebuilt Jewish Temple. Daniel speaks of this (Daniel 9:27); Jesus speaks of this (Matthew 24:15); and John speaks of this (Revelation 13:11-15. Both Jesus and Paul speak of this event as clearly taking place prior to the Rapture.


In closing for today, please be reminded that Paul made his point in the 2 Thessalonian passage above. Jesus makes the point in that Matthew 24:15 precedes the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:16-26) which precedes the passage about cosmic disturbances (Matthew 24:27-29) which precedes the Rapture (Matthew 24:30-31). Jesus summarizes all the signs leading up to His coming, and then reiterates that His coming will still not be known as to the day and hour (Matthew 24:36-39); making clear that it is the rapture about which He speaks (Matthew 24:40-41).


Know that all of these warnings are given so that the Church, the Bride of Christ will be keeping watch (Matthew 25:13); constantly being about the Master's business in "this day" so that on "that day" we will hear Him say"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21). There are only two days guaranteed to any of us: "this day" and "that day."