The Altar and the Anti-Christ

You need make for me only an altar of earth and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your offerings of well-being, your sheep, and your oxen; in every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. Exodus 20:24.

The Temple Mount Institute has started construction on the stone altar. This construction began on the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av, 2009. The 9th of Av is very significant in Jewish history (though it is also a sad event in their history), for it commemorates the destruction of the first temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C. Albeit, it is a reminder of the destruction of the second temple in 70 AD. The building of the altar that the Temple Mount Institute is constructing is momentous since we are living in the end times. This altar was foretold in the book of Daniel.

This altar should have a prophetic impact on the Christian world as well as wake us up spiritually. In nature, we are witnessing political events, and world events, which are beginning to line up with the Bible. However, there are two Judaic organizations Jehovah has raised up for the end of days. They are the Temple Mount Faithful, and the Temple Institute. It is important to note that these two organizations are dedicated to rebuilding the third temple.

The Temple Institute has recreated all of the sacred vessels and have made things such as David’s harp, the priestly robes, and a copper vessel that will be used in preparation for the meal offering. In addition, the Temple Mount Faithful has successfully created two cornerstones both weighing 13 tons (26,000 pounds).

Over the years they have purposely tried to position the cornerstones at the Temple Mount so they can start rebuilding the temple.(Then, Jews believe this will usher in the Messiah Ben David). This altar they are currently constructing will be smaller than the previous two altars. Multimedia director of the the Temple Institute, Yitzchak Reuven, mentions that the “base of the altar will be three and a half meters wide, the height of it three and a half meters wide, and the ramp ten and a half meters long.” The organization purposely created it small for the mere fact that it would be easily transportable to the third temple.

The Messianic publication Yavoh is Hebrew for “He Is Coming.”
Monte Judah, founder, director, and editor, describes the size of this altar in Yavoh. “It is six meters square at a height of four meters. It will have a ramp extending some thirty-six feet.

In imperial measurements this altar will rise more than twelve in the air and sit on a base nearly twenty feet by twenty feet.” The Lord made a commandment to Moses and the children of Israel about building the altar. The God of Moses stressed about not using any type of tools that could chip or chisel or break away any part of His stone altar.

Deuteronomy 27:5, “There you are to erect an altar to Adonai your God, an altar made of stones. You are not to use any iron tool on them, but are to build the altar of Adonai your God of uncut (unhewn) stones; and you are to offer burnt offerings on it to Adonai our God.”

In adhering to God’s direct order, the Israelites were to collect stones for the altar that would please YHWH. For inasmuch as, no iron tool or any iron tool of warfare was permitted to touch these stones. For, He knew iron tools have been used for warfare and for killing people. Therefore, any iron tool touching the altar stones would invalidate those stones. A similar correlation would be the inspection of the Passover lamb.

Any blemish would disqualify it for being the perfect corban (gift). In the Mishnah, a New Translation by Jacob Neusner, on page 879, it states, “For iron is created to shorten man’s days, and the altar is created to lengthen man’s days.”

Our next phase of writing will shed some light about the future anti-messiah, and the altar. Prophecy, in the book of Daniel, reveals to us that the Jewish Temple will be properly functioning. For it has to be fully functional for the anti-Christ to stop the burnt offerings and to commit the utter blasphemy against the holy stone altar. The anti-Messiah will then pledge his allegiance to Satan and claim that he is God in the Third Jewish Temple.

Paul reveals to us the character and evil nature of Satan’s anti-Christ. However, the extremity of his true character and his evil nature takes its apparent form once the three years of peace (false peace) has ended. After the three years expire, that will begin the days of Jacob’s Trouble. There are many theories out there explaining the ethnicity of the anti-Christ. Some scholars and pastors say he has to be Jewish since Jewish people will only accept a Jewish savior, and others believe that he will be of Muslim origin.

For now, until the time comes, it is difficult to be absolute about his ethnicity, whether he (anti-Christ) will be a Jew or Muslim. Many Jews have rejected Judaism and turned to Islam. Therefore, there is a chance for the anti-Christ to have Jewish origin, and his religion be that of Islamic nature.

For me, I am leaning towards the possibility of the anti-Christ being Muslim, with Jewish origin, just for the fact that the book of Revelation tells us that there will be many beheadings of innocent people who rejected the mark of the beast or who did not worship the beast. (In Islam we can truly see this prophecy coming to pass about the anti-Christ).

Paul tells us in Revelation 20:4, “ Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands.”

From the historical figure of Antiochus Epiphanes, God has given us clues about the upcoming anti-Christ. Epiphanes was a despicable person who was basically a blueprint for the anti-Christ. The anti-Messiah will have similar spiritual components as Antiochus Epiphanes. God reveals that both of their natures are destructive, rebellious, murderous, and anti-God. Below is a list that reveals the anti-Christ’s nature. They are compared to Antiochus Epiphanes in 1 Maccabees, chapter 1 verse 10, 37, 44 through 47.

1.Antiochus came out of a wicked root. 1 Maccabees 1:10
2.The Anti-Christ will come from a wicked root.(Satan will possess the anti-Christ).
3.Antiochus shed innocent blood. 1 Maccabees 1:24
4.The Anti-Christ will shed innocent blood.Revelation 20:4
5.Antiochus changed the seasons and laws,and profaned the temple Sabbaths. 1Maccabees 1:49
6.The Anti-Christ will change the sacred seasons and the law. Daniel 7:25
7.Antiochus stopped the grain offerings and the altar.
1 Maccabees1:59 8.The Anti-Christ will stop the grain offerings and the
altar sacrifice. Daniel 9:27
9. They erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering. 1 Maccabees1:54 10. The Anti-Christ will set up the abomination
that desolates. Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 11:31
11. Deceitfully, Antiochus spoke peaceable words to them,
and they believed him; but he suddenly fell upon the
city, dealt it a severe blow and destroyed many people
of Israel. 1 Maccabees 1:30
12. He (Anti-Christ) shall make a strong covenant (False
Covenant) with many for one week. Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 20:4

Whenever the Bible talks about Satan possessing the anti-Christ, it reminds me of when Judas Iscariot was briefly possessed by Satan. The author of John 13:27, gives us clues about Satan entering into Judas Iscariot. “After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him.” However, once Satan enters into the anti-Messiah, it will not be as brief. It will be a longer duration, that is, until Satan and his anti-Christ completes the prophecies which are spoken of in the Bible.

Then, they will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever and ever. In Revelation 20:10, Paul tells us this important fact, “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

The book of Matthew speaks of the anti-Christ standing in the holy place. Then, after this, disaster will strike Jerusalem, especially in Judea, where sweeping persecutions will take place. It will be so devastating that Matthew 24:21-22, warns us, “For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

So, when all of the people of Judea and Israel see or hear that the anti-Christ is now standing in the holy place (Holy of Holies), they are to immediately flee into the mountains away from their houses. They are not even to grab any clothes or any supplies that are in their homes. In Matthew 24:19-20, “Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.” The author of Matthew gives us an expedient warning (to flee now).

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must have given the apostle John a glimpse of the future. It seems God had given him an urgency that quickened his spirit to write what he did as an emergency plan for the people of the future who will witness the incumbent anti-Messiah. The emergency plan is to flee from your homes and businesses, synagogues, and churches and buildings of any type.

Where will the Israelites flee? Common knowledge says they will escape to the mountains of Petra and Bozrah for safety. During the hard times of the anti-Christ’s rule, the Jewish people who believe in Jesus Christ as their Jewish Messiah will be fleeing to these two ancient cities.

Their travel from Judea to Petra will be approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers). Unfortunately, no one will be using vehicles as a means to escape the anti-Christ and his forces. They will be fleeing by foot to Petra and Bozrah.

An important fact to consider is during the wintertime in Jordan the temperatures can get down into the thirties and even colder at times. This is possibly one of the many reasons why the author of Matthew has said, “Pray that your flight may not be in winter.”

It would be physically challenging for everyone, especially for pregnant and nursing woman walking this long, treacherous journey to Petra and Bozrah during the wintertime. Matthew 24:19, “Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days!”.

Typically, their winters last from December through January. I believe the author of Matthew was actually alluding to something more serious than the temperature of wintertime; though, it will have an effect on the people who have to actually traverse to these two places during those days.

The anti-Christ’s takeover of the Third Temple would be especially tragic if it occurred on the important Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the 25th of Kislev. Hanukkah is a time of rededication of the temple. It is called the Festival of Rededication and the Festival of Lights.

Here is a brief but very important history lesson about the Maccabees. A wonderful website: Written by Les Turvey. I will paste his website below. http://www.biblestudy.org/question/what-is-hanukkah-and-can-christians-celebrate-it.html(All words in Italics are from Les Turvey).

“Antiochus IV Epiphanes became ruler of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire in 175 B.C. In an effort to unify the Greek elements of his empire he initiated a campaign to FORCE the Greek culture upon those living in Judea. In 167 B.C. Antiochus orders an altar to the Greek god Zeus be erected in Jerusalem's Temple. Pigs (a Biblically unclean animal) are brought in the Temple and sacrificed on the altar of Zeus. In the same year the altar is erected a Jewish priest named Mattathias starts a revolt against the Seleucid overlords by refusing to worship the Greek gods imposed on them.

Mattathias dies about a year after he started the revolt. One of his sons named Judas, however, becomes the military chief of the rebellion. As a recognition of his ferocity in battle, Judas is referred to as Judas Maccabaeus (or Judah the Maccabee), which when translated means ‘Judah the Hammer.’ Judas Maccabeus leads an army of Jewish dissidents to victory over the Seleucids. After his victory he enters Jerusalem in triumph and religiously cleanses the Temple (which was profaned by the pagan Seleucids).

The temple is rededicated in 165 B.C. on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish month of Kislev. According to tradition, although there was only one day's supply of oil for the Temple's menorah (which was required to burn throughout the night every night), it miraculously burned for eight days. Eight days was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh oil for use in the Temple.”

Here, God gives the Jewish community and the Christian community a blueprint from the very words of the Maccabees found in the Apocrypha. He shows us what might possibly take place again, history repeating itself. God is basically saying His words very clearly as He reveals them to the remaining believers of the Messianic community and the Christian community fleeing Judea. They need to take His words to their very heart. “Pray that your flight may not be in winter.” When we see these events forming and taking shape before our eyes, we ought to look up for our redeemer is seven years away from rapturing the remaining believers up unto Him..

Written by Michael Jones

Jesus and the Red Heifer Connection

Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and I shall
Purify you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
A new heart will I give you, a new spirit will I put within you;
and I will remove the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I
will give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26


Jesus and the Red Heifer Connection

Prophecy

In order for the upcoming Jewish Temple to be constructed, there is a missing ingredient of prophecy waiting for its broadcast over all the nations. The controversial Red Heifer is this potent ingredient to begin the construction of the Temple. But why is this so very important? In the book of Numbers, God has laid out some special commandments to Aaron and Moses, concerning the Red Heifer.

These unique dictates were not to be taken lightly. The God of Moses and Aaron wanted them to strictly follow His words. Before I explain further in detail about the question above, there are some detailed processes that must initially be followed before we get closer to our question. Here I will write them in order from the Bible, so we will have clarity of God’s word.

Qualifications of the red heifer:

Numbers 19:2

A. Female: you shall give her to Eleazar the priest (verse 3)
B. Red Heifer: speak to the children of Israel that they bring you red heifer
(verse 2)
C. No Blemish: in which there is no blemish (verse 2)
D. Unyoked: and upon which never came yoke (verse 2)

Now after the red heifer passes all of its qualification tests, it’s time for the heifer to be sacrificed outside the camp. The book of Numbers chapter 19, demonstrates the need for a sacrifice of a holy cow and its relevancy. Why the red heifer needed to be holy was because they used its ashes and mixed them with water, for purification of sin corporally as a nation. In Exodus, chapter 19:9, it illustrates to us: “And a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and lay them outside the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for all the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of sprinkling, because it is a purification for sin.”

Jewish sages announce to us that from the time of Moses through the destruction of the second temple, there were nine red heifers in the entire Jewish history. Also, most excitingly, in this generation there have been several prophecies coming to pass and have come into being: the advent of the Sanhedrin in 2004, and breaking ground earlier this year on the new training temple to prepare the Levitical priests.

The Temple Mount Faithful is an organization that has created a couple of corner- stones for the new Jewish temple. Their heart’s desire and goal is for the temple to be rebuilt in our lifetime. Also, of course, there is The Temple Institute. They are in the process of recreating many instruments and vessels, including David’s harp. They are also in the process of building the Altar for animal sacrifices.

A big prophecy the Temple Institute is focusing on concerns the Red Heifer. Rabbi Chaim Richman, who is the director of building the Temple, claims they have more than one Kosher Red Heifer (as believers this should not only send shockwaves through our spirits, but it should make us realize how close we are unto His second coming). The most engaging prophecy is by Maimonides(Rambam), under Hilchos Para Adumah 3-4, he mentions: The red heifer was a unique entity, the only one of its kind in existence at the time. (There have only been nine of them in all of history, and the tenth will come in Mashiach’s time.)

What Maimonides has alleged is that the tenth heifer will usher in the Messianic Era. In reexamination of the kosher heifer, we are approaching precisely the mitzvah (commandment), which the Lord gave to the Jewish people. The red heifer is a sign from God to establish the temple. They kill the heifer and burn its body to retrieve the ashes. What is the purpose of obtaining the ashes? There are several crucial reasons for the function of the red heifer’s ashes. I will arrange them in order so it can be easily understood.

Importance of the ashes:

A. They were to burn the Heifer outside the camp (verse 3)
B.Purifying the temple
C.Purifying the priest (verse 4)
D.Purifying the altar (verse 4)
E.Purifying all people who are defiled (verses 11-22)
F.A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and lay them outside the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for all the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of sprinkling, because it is purification for sin. (verse 9)

In accordance with Numbers chapter 19, the red heifer ashes were used in other circumstances for impurity and defilement. You can read further for your own understanding in chapter 19, verses 11-22.

After explaining in detail about the kosher heifer and its prophecy, let us move on to yet another compelling prophecy of how Jesus Christ (Yeshua Hamashiach) is related with the kosher red heifer in accordance with Scripture. There are three different materials used while burning the red heifer.

Types of elements used:

Numbers 19:6

A. Cedar-wood (verse 6)
B. Hyssop (note other translations mention Oregano) (verse 6)
C. Scarlet material (verse 6)

When the red heifer is going to be sacrificed, it was lead outside the city gates to be killed. In Numbers 19:3, “And you shall give her to Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth outside the camp, and one shall slaughter her in his sight.” Another good reference is Hebrew 13:12, “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify his people with his own blood, suffered outside the city.” Why was it important for the heifer to be outside the camp? It would cause defilement and render the sacrifice ineffective. What would be a similar passage in our Inspired Scriptures, which we possess?

During the Passover the paschal lamb was lead out of the city to be sacrificed. In Matthew 27:32, “And as they were going out, they found a man of Cyrene, whose name was Simon, whom they compelled to carry his cross (Jesus Christ). And they came to a place which is called Golgotha, which is interpreted The Skull.” These are perfect examples of the Messiah being our perfect sacrifice. The red heifer and our Passover lamb both were, sent outside of Jerusalem.

The burning of the heifer reveals an image that represents that of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. What do I mean? Lets look what Scriptures will reveal to us. First of all, let’s look at the following passage closer. In Numbers chapter 19:5, “And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin and her blood and her flesh, with her dung, shall he burn.” The consuming of the heifer by fire is a representation of the Messiah’s death and suffering. The Suffering Servant chapters in Isaiah 53:1-12 are a great example how our Lord was consumed through suffering and death.

I will post some passages so we can see the similarities.

Typology:

Isaiah Chapter 53

A.He was slain for our sins (verse 5)
B.He was afflicted for our iniquities (verse 5)
C.He was led as a lamb to the slaughter (verse 7)
D.Yes it pleased the Lord to afflict him (verse 10)
E.He has put him to grief; he laid down his life as an offering for sin (verse 10)
F.He has poured out his life to death (verse 12)
G.And he bore the sins of many and died the death of transgressors
(verse 12)

There are three important elements thrown in during the consuming of the cow.

Here they are in order: cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet. What do these items symbolize about Jesus Christ?

Meaning of the three materials:

John 19:23

A.Cedar wood: A Roman cross (verse 20)
B.Hyssop: I thirst so they filled a sponge with vinegar and put it on the point of a reed and placed it on His mouth (verse 29)
C.Scarlet: Matthew chapter 27, And put on Him a scarlet robe (verse 28)

All three elements used in Numbers 19, were also practiced during the crucifixion of the Messiah. In the book of Matthew 27:28, it points to the scarlet robe, “and they removed his clothes and put on him a scarlet robe.” How should we view the scarlet robe in light of Scripture? In the book of Isaiah 1:8, God’s view of humankind’s sins is exposed. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be like wool.”

There is one more view on the scarlet robe that will shed more light upon it. In Genesis chapter 37, it announces a man named Joseph. We are all familiar with his story, so I will not tread there. However, I do want to make an important observation about what Joseph was wearing. First of all, the men named Jesus Christ and Joseph were very similar. Both of them wore a robe and secondly, they were both kings.

But what kind of robe did they both wear? From my studies, they were both very similar in appearance. Most translations, when speaking about Joseph’s coat, mention that it was a coat of many colours, which is an incorrect translation of it.

In the Bible of the RSV, The New Oxford Annotated Bible, and the Holy Bible from the ancient eastern text translation from the Aramaic of the Peshitta, the correct terminology of the robe is distinguished in all three Bibles. “A long robe with sleeves.” However, this long robe with sleeves for Joseph was a royal garment that most likely was scarlet. I say this with confidence because scarlet was a sign of royalty among kings.

How does this correlate with Jesus Christ and the robe that He wore? In Matthew 27:28, it says, “and they removed his clothes and put on him a scarlet robe.” Just like Joseph, the Messiah was also a king. In Matthew 37:37, “This is Jesus The King Of The Jews.” The two together complement each other, for the robes mentioned in Genesis chapter 37:3 and in Matthew 27:28 are actually tailored. You may ask what this implies. It implies that these tailored robes were worn by kings; they were in a position of authority.

It is important to understand that the kosher heifer was a burnt offering. The priest threw cedar wood into the burning carcass. Numbers 19:6, “And the priest shall take cedar wood....and cast them into the midst of the burning of the heifer.”

It really is amazing to see the patterns in our topic; the cedar wood symbolizes the cross for which our Messiah was burned on the Roman cross as the burnt offering (see Isaiah 53 up above). Just as Eleazar had thrown the cedar wood into the midst of the heifer, Matthew 27:32 mentions, “And as they were going out, they found a man of Cyrene, whose name was Simon, whom they compelled to carry his cross.”

This will be our final subject matter, and as we close out on this last topic, let us remember everything that Christ did on the cross for us. Eleazar had thrown the hyssop into the fire. Numbers 19:6, “And the priest shall take hyssop...and cast them into the midst of the burning of the heifer.” Does anyone remember the verbal action of Jesus Christ when he was on the cross? He said in John 19:28; “I thirst.”
Then back in Matthew 27:34, it say: “And they gave him to drink vinegar mixed with gall; and he tasted it, but he would not drink.”

This symbolism marks how bitter our sins are unto our Messiah. The sin of humankind is repulsive in His sight. Even the slightest of our sins are disgusting to Him. Our sins have caused wrath upon the Messiah’s body. This is why He became our burnt offering.

Written by Michael Jones

A Biblical Profile of the Antichrist

Written by Administrator

The Anti-Messiah is is the one who:

1.Ascends to power through conquest.

Three kings/kingdoms (horns) are removed to make room for him and his kingdom (horn). Daniel 7:8; 24. He shall advance against countries and pass through like a flood.

Daniel 11:40.

2.Is different than historical leaders.

He is unlike (distinct from) former leaders. Daniel 7:24.

3.Looks and speaks arrogantly.

He has arrogant eyes and mouth, speaking great words against the Most High. Daniel 7:8; 24. There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against YHVH, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, those who dwell in heaven. Revelation 13:5-6.

4.Wars against the holy ones

He makes war with the holy ones and overpowers them (wears them out) until Messiah comes. Daniel 7:21; 24.

It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Revelation 13:7.

5.Attempts to change Torah observance.

He shall attempt to change the holy feast days and the Torah, and seem to be successful for a time, two times and half a time. Daniel 7:25.

6.Has a strong/fierce appearance.

A king of strong/fierce countenance, shall stand up. Daniel 8:23.

7.Has cunning knowledge of language.

He understands puzzling sentences. Daniel 8:23.

8.Makes a strong treaty with many.

He will make a strong treaty with many for one week. Daniel 9:27.
9.Sets up abomination of desolation in the Temple.

For half of the week he shall make sacrifice and offering cease, and instead there will be an abomination that causes desolation. Daniel 9:27; Mattityahu 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4.

10.Seduces the transgressors of God's Covenant.

He shall seduce with intrigue those who violate the (holy) covenant.

Daniel 11:32.

11.Acts only according to his own will.

(He) will act as he pleases. Daniel 11:36.

12.Exalts himself as G-d.

He will exalt himself and consider himself greater than any god, and shall speak horrendous things against the G-d of gods. He shall pay no respect to the demon-gods of his ancestors, or to the one beloved by women.

He shall pay no respect to any other god, for he shall consider himself greater than all. He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these; a god whom his ancestors did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god. Daniel 11:36-39; 2 Thess 2:4.
13.Makes loyal ones wealthy.

Those who acknowledge him he will make more wealthy, and shall appoint them as rulers over many, and shall distribute the land for a price. He will prosper until the period of wrath is fulfilled. Daniel 11:36, 39.
14.Rules over all wealth.

He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the riches of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall follow in his train. Daniel 11:43.

15.Brings destruction to many.

He shall go out with great fury to bring ruin and complete destruction to many. Daniel 11:44.

16.Headquarters in the land of Israel.

He shall set up his government dwellings between the (Mediterranean) Sea and the beautiful holy mountain (Jerusalem, Zion). Daniel 11:45.
17.Produces signs and false miracles.

(He is) the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish.

2 Thess 2:9.

18.Is wounded then healed.

One of his heads (attributes) was as if it was killed, but his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed at the beast. Revelation 13:3. The beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet lived.

Revelation 13:14.

19.Rules over every govenrment on earth.

Authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. Revelation 13:7.

20.Has the doomed worship him.

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. Revelation 13:8.

21.Controls all commerce through a mark.

Also he causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. Revelation 13:16-17.

Copyright © 1998 - 2008 David M. Hargis. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Will the Antichrist be Jewish?

Last Updated on Monday, 06 April 2009 16:10 Written by Administrator

Dr. Jerry Falwell recently apologized and asked forgiveness for stating that the "antichrist" is to be Jewish, because Jesus, the Christ, was Jewish. We are glad to hear this! The following is not ment to personally attack Dr. Falwell. Rather, it is a response to those who may have agreed with or been confused by what was thought he said.

There has been the belief, held by many fundamental theologians, that the antichrist will be Jewish. This idea is not new, but remains a patently anti-Semitic sentiment. The belief is also completely false and ignorant from several angles.

1.It is false scripturally. No place in the entire Bible is it stated that the one called the antichrist is to be a Jew. For Bible believers this alone should end the matter. No amount of pasting together disjointed scriptures, then making conjectures based on self-made interpretations, can be honestly put forth as "the Bible says."

2.It is false theologically. G-d raised up the Jewish people to bring forth Messiah. He was careful to protect the line of descendancy to Messiah. Under no theological system can one argue that G-d was or is working to assure that the anti-Messiah will be a Jew.

3.It is false logically. Since the Messiah of Israel must be Jewish, and the anti-Messiah is the opposite of Messiah, then it would follow that the anti-Messiah would be the opposite of Jewish. It seems logic would dictate it to be impossible for the anti-Messiah to be Jewish.

4.It is false historically. Historical figures have acted in a directly "anti-Messiah" way. Yeshua said (circa 24 AD) that the anti-Messiah would commit the abomination of desolation by desecrating the Temple (Matt 24). Daniel first foretold this same act would be performed by a Greek ruler, which did happen by Antiochus Epiphanes (circa.168 BC). After Antiochus several other world rulers committed a similar desecration, including Emporer Pompei (circa 10 BC) and Emporer Tiberius (circa 70 AD), both of Rome. Therefore, it is best assumed from an historical perspective, that the anti-Messiah to come will be a world ruler from a Gentile nation, who will desecrate the Temple as an abomination of desolation.

Some reason that the antichrist must be Jewish, because the Jewish people will not receive someone as Messiah who is not Jewish. This belief presumes that the Jewish people will be fooled to believe that the antichrist is the true Messiah. Only twisted reasoning would conclude that. The Bible surely never says it, and the Book of Revelation emphasizes that "all the inhabitants of the earth will worship him [antichrist]," (Rev. 13:8). To my mind, and according to history, this dooms any thought that the antichrist is Jewish. The world has never accepted Jewish leadership, even rejecting a Jewish Yeshua of Nazareth, by making Him out to be not truly Jewish, in order to accommodate their hatred of the Jews.

Conclusion

Since there is no biblical or logical basis for the idea that the anti-Messiah will be a Jew, one can only assume that the original idea itself is anti-Messianic in nature. What's more, the expression of the concept serves no conceivable good purpose. It seems that only by the spirit of "antichrist" can one hold to the view that this future monster must be, or is likely to be, Jewish. It is a view which excuses and promotes continued persecution of the Jewish people. It plays into the hands of the hate-mongers.

To say that the antichrist will be Jewish is much more than a lack of sensitivity. It is most dangerously, an exalting of one's wretched and unfounded opinion to the rank of G-d's Word itself. Such an opinion is unholy to the core. It is contrary to the very nature of Yeshua to say such a thing (In fact, Yeshua never even implied such a thing.). It was Yeshua who said that a tree is known by its fruit (what's spoken from the mouth). Those who claim to walk after Yeshua, yet do not know Him or recognize His Jewishness, neither obey the whole of G-d's Word, neither love His people Israel, those are the true antichrists. One day they will come face to face with the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.