The characteristics of the antichrist are well known and published in both the Old and New Testaments. When we are considering whether our world is on the precipice of the Rapture described by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4, and the beginning of the seven year Tribulation, we must understand that this would mean that the antichrist is already here and amongst us.

According to 2 Thessalonians, he cannot make himself known as the world ruler until “that which now hinders him is taken out of the way.” For many who study these events, we imagine this restraining force as the Holy Spirit, who will step out of the way once the Rapture takes place and gives permission for the antichrist to start his reign.

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him…that Day will not come unless…the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining him…only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. ~2 Thessalonians 2:1-7

Are There Any Candidates For Antichrist At The Present Time?

When we consider who the antichrist might be, we must understand that he would necessarily have to be one who is amongst the most powerful on the planet right now. He would be a world leader and one who is likely the most powerful man in the world today.

When we examine the temperament of the antichrist, this may help us to understand better who may fit these requirements.

A Man Of Fierce Features

Daniel used a few words and phrases to help us identify the one who will be known as the antichrist or the beast. It is interesting to me that Daniel said he will be a man of “fierce features.” In other words, the antichrist will have a face that looks as though he is angry and is quite intimidating. He will also be a conniving, planning, devious man. Daniel records that this man will derive his power from satan, not from men.

A king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty. ~Daniel 8:22-23

Is there anyone who is a world leader today who has the face of a fierce ruler who is full of pride and boasts of his own power and accomplishments?

1 Thessalonians 2 describes this world ruler who will emerge onto the world scene not long after the Rapture, in similar terms to Daniel 11, a man of immense pride and arrogance.

“Exalts and magnifies himself above God.”

The man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. ~2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.

He will likely begin as one who shows favor to the God of the Bible and those who worship God, but later turn against God and exalt himself as God. The statement, “desire of women,” is from the Old Testament description of women who desired that they might be chosen to bear the promised Messiah. The antichrist/beast, will not regard Jesus as the Messiah, nor give honor or worship to Him.

He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. ~Daniel 11:37

When the Rapture occurs, the beast will turn against God and exalt himself as God, hating Jesus, the Messiah.

The next description of Daniel refers to the antichrist as a leader who exalts military might. Who in the world today commands the greatest military forces on the planet?

But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. ~Daniel 11:38-39

There are other descriptions of the coming antichrist, but these are sufficient to give us an idea for who he could be.

Let us imagine that just prior to the Rapture, the beast is under tremendous oppression by his enemies, stirring his wrath each day. At one point where his immense ego can no longer withstand false accusations and the many lies being told about him, he explodes in anger. It may be at this moment that the world will see him for who he really is.

Although the events pushing the beast to anger will likely take place before the event of the Rapture, the final and unrestrained explosion of his wrath, will not likely happen until after the Rapture takes place and the Holy Spirit who is now restraining the beast, will step aside and allow him to enter the world scene.

If the arrival of Jesus for His church is very near, and as some have asserted, may take place during the Feast of Trumpets, we could be days from the Rapture and the world knowing who the beast is.

Bear in mind that I am speculating and only guessing with this scenario, although the scriptures are clear that the beast is an angry, prideful man who exalts military might. He must be a world leader and likely the most powerful man in the world. There is only one today who meets all of these descriptions.

We Will Have To Wait And See

The Feast of Trumpets begins in the Western United States at 8 am on Sunday morning, September, 29, 2019, and ends at 8 am on October 1, 2019. These times correspond to the arrival of the Feast of Trumpets in Jerusalem, at 6 pm on Sunday, September 29, 2019, from where the Feast-time and its beginning is counted from. You can make your own adjustments depending upon where you live. According to the Feast of Trumpets, the Lord could come anytime during the 48 hour period of the Feast, September 29-October 1. We will wait in great anticipation to see if this is the year and the time of Jesus return for all those who love Him. I am not setting a date for Jesus’ return but simply pointing to a time when we would expect He may return, during the Feast of Trumpets.

The Prophetic Fulfillment of the Seven Feasts of Israel by Jesus

With all of the events taking place in the world today; the rise in rebellion against God, the Bible, and those who love Jesus; the increase in rebellion, government chaos, and the massive pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and sexual perversion and immorality all over the earth, this is a year when we could expect that Jesus may come for us.

We may already have a world ruler today who fits the characteristics described by scriptures, as the beast, who will emerge right after the Rapture takes place.

See All The Articles That Describe The Rapture, Tribulation, And Return Of Christ

Categories: Believers Removed before Tribulation, Believers saved during the Tribulation, Fulfilling Daniel's Chapter 9, Messianic Prophecies, Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus, Rapture during Rosh Hashanah, Robert Clifton Robinson, Rosh Hashanah and the Rapture, The Battle of Armageddon, The Time and Season of Jesus Return, The Tribulation Period

Tags: Antichrist revealed, Donald Trump the antichrist, Pre Tribulation Rapture