Beth-El Baptist Church

08/24/2008

Greg Tomlinson

Has the Anti-Christ been born yet?

Many people are looking for the signs of Jesus' return by looking for the appearing of the anti-Christ. Due to the current status of righteousness in our culture, people anticipate that the ultimate end is really near and the the anti-Christ is here now closing this period of history.

1. Who is the anti-Christ?

According to the scriptures, the anti-Christ is anyone who works contrary to the work of Jesus Christ. It includes those who are blatantly against religion, faith and especially against faith in Jesus Christ. It also includes those who deny both the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ.

2. What do we know about a personal anti-Christ?

The last days are signaled by an individual who apostatizes the scriptures and the person of Jesus Christ. He will identify himself as being the divine God of history and deserves to be worshiped. In history, there have been many people claiming to be the divine Messiah, Jesus Christ, either directly or indirectly. Several has specifically stated that they are Jesus Christ. Others imply such as doing things that only Jesus can do, such as open the seals of the book of history in the hands of God sitting on the throne. From a timing perspective, every generation believes that Jesus will be returning in their lifetime. Even Paul claims that Jesus will be coming in his lifetime.

3. What are we supposed to be doing?

The call of all Christians is to keep our focus on the heavenly things and not get distracted with the worldly things. Many Christians spend so much time looking for fulfilled prophecy in the news paper that they do not bother looking for Jesus in the every day. We have been called to serve. At the same time, we need to be mindful of what the book of Revelation does point out. There will be great difficulties in the future, what Jesus calls a great tribulation, so that we are not surprised by the actions of men in being adamantly against all things Christian.

4. What does it look like to focus on the things above?

We need to continue in a relationship of 'fearing God' and 'keeping His commandments'. This includes evangelism, discipleship, discipling, and seeking direction and guidance from God on what we are to be doing. While we do need to be content with what God has given us, we also need to looking for and pursing ways to improve our situation here. We are not to be in a place of such 'contentment' that we reject or ignore potential for improvement.