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QUESTION 44
We hear much about the coming Antichrist, almost as much as the coming of Christ. When will he come?

ANSWER:
As to when the Antichrist will come nobody really knows since it is not clearly stated in the Bible. The Bible however does give us some light on when he will not come. He will not come during this dispensation of grace; that is, this period in time when God is dealing with mankind in grace. He offers to " whosoever" the free gift of salvation through repentance and faith in Christ. This time is now and mentioned in Ephesians 3:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:2. Since the coming of Antichrist is during a time of wrath and today is a time of grace, he cannot come until the day of grace is over.

The seven churches of Revelation 2 and Revelation 3 give us a clue; since they are not mentioned again in that book it strongly suggests that they are not here during the judgments under antichrist from Revelation 4 to Revelation l9. However, 2 Thessalonians 2, gives us the clearer picture of the rise of the antichrist.

The two characteristics of his time is seen in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7. A wide spread "falling away" (apostasy) departure from the faith and God. This is happening in some measure now 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Then in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 there is a "hinderer" that must be taken out of the way. This would have reference to the Holy Spirit and the believers that make up the true church of Christ. The rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 will open the door for the day of wrath and the antichrist to be revealed. Since this "rapture" could take place at any time, we can conclude that the antichrist could immediately follow. How important to be ready for the coming of Christ and not the antichrist.

There is only one way to be ready. Repent and believe the gospel Mark 1:15

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen