Revelation: The Counterfeit Christ

Revelation 13:1-10

Who will the Antichrist be? Over the centuries, people have gone so far as to assign numbers to letters to try to identify him. Many early believers thought that the Roman emperor Nero was the Antichrist. Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler have also been considered candidates. The truth is—we have no idea. He could be alive today—an adult, teenager, or child—or he may have yet to be born. While we don’t know who he is, today’s passage describes the Antichrist's characteristics. 

Let’s set the context. 

In Revelation 12, we are reminded of Satan's hatred for God and all who follow him. First, Satan tried to destroy Jesus at his birth. Second, he tried to take over heaven. Finally, he seeks to destroy the believing community on earth during the tribulation. In these three attempts, we see God’s sovereign power and protection of his Son and those who trust in him. 

After three failures, Revelation 13 shows that Satan empowers two figures to execute his plans. In this chapter, we encounter two beasts—one emerging from the sea and the other from the land. These are commonly referred to as the Antichrist and the False Prophet. 

It is important to note that the title “Antichrist” does not appear in Revelation; however, John uses it four times in his first two epistles, 1 and 2 John. John said, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour” (1 John 2:18).

The title “Antichrist” has two meanings. The Greek prefix “anti” refers to someone who opposes Christ and someone who acts as a substitute for God. We would assume that the Antichrist will oppose Jesus, but he will also share some of Jesus' characteristics. Jesus gives this direct warning: 

Matthew 24:23-25
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.

The day of the Antichrist will arrive...according to the Lord’s timetable. Believers should be prepared and watchful. Here are the traits of the beast from the sea. 

1. He will be a political leader (Rev. 13:1).
   John saw the beast coming from the sea “with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads” (Rev. 13:1). Revelation 17 provides insight here. In that chapter, we learn that the seven heads represent seven mountains (Rev. 17:9). Rome was built on and around seven hills, so many believe this refers to a renewed Roman Empire. The ten horns represent ten kings, possibly ten nations that will unite (Rev. 17:12-13). 
   
   Remember, this will be a chaotic time with judgments being poured out and people longing for peace. The Antichrist will establish a one-world government and promise protection and stability. He will “confirm a covenant with many” (Dan. 9:27 NIV).
   
   
2. He will be a powerful leader (Rev. 13:2).
   John said that the beast looked similar to a leopard, a bear, and a lion. These three are listed in Daniel 7. The lion symbolized Babylon. The bear represented the Medo-Persian empire. The leopard refers to the Greek empire under Alexander the Great. The Antichrist adopts the power of these ancient empires. Additionally, he will receive “his power and his throne and great authority” from Satan (Rev. 13:2). The Antichrist will wage war against believers from “every tribe and people and language and nation” (Rev. 13:7). 
   
   
3. He will be a “Christ-like” figure (Rev. 13:3).
   Earlier, we read Jesus' warning that false christs will come and deceive many. One thing the Antichrist will try to imitate is Jesus’ death and resurrection. John says, “One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast” (Rev. 13:3). So, the Antichrist will be one who was seemingly killed or close to death and miraculously recovered (see Rev. 13:12, 14).
   
   The way this prophecy is fulfilled is heavily debated. Some think it describes a revived empire, possibly the Roman Empire. Others believe it refers to a person who was severely wounded and survives.
   
   
4. He will accept and expect worship (Rev. 13:4).
   John says that people “worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” (Rev. 13:4). The apostle Paul wrote that the Antichrist would proclaim himself to be God (2 Thess. 2:3-4). There will be consequences for those who refuse to bow down. All who live on the earth will worship the beast except those whose names have “been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain” (Rev. 13:8).
   
   True believers will not bow. They may die, but they will not worship the beast (Rev. 13:9-10). John says, “Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints” (Rev. 13:10).
   
5. He will blaspheme God (Rev. 13:5-6).
   The Antichrist will speak “haughty and blasphemous words” during his forty-two-month reign (Rev. 13:5). He will “utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling” (Rev. 13:6).

Who will this Antichrist be? Who will have these characteristics? We can't be sure, but this person will be covered worldwide by the media. Satan is behind it all, and he has an assistant we’ll meet next time. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 13:1-10. Review the characteristics of the Antichrist.

Talking to God: How does knowing the world will one day be deceived remind you of the importance of remaining rooted in God’s Word today?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist you as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

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