Text: Daniel 9:20-27

Dear Young People,

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ANTI-CHRIST?
It is amazing, is it not, that Daniel should have a prophetic word from the Lord concerning the Anti-Christ. What do you know about the Anti-Christ?

Daniel was not given full knowledge about the Anti-Christ. His knowledge was therefore incomplete. That however, does not mean that his knowledge is unimportant. God's revelation has always been progressively given. He would add one piece of information upon another till all that is necessary has been given.

Let us consider what Daniel was told concerning the Anti-Christ. Let us try and discover what the Scriptures reveal about this person called the Anti-Christ.

"And the people of the prince who is to come
shall destroy the city and the sanctuary…"
Daniel 9:26

1. He will be like a "Prince"

a) He will imitate the true Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) He will lead "a people". He will have followers.

2. He will be a Deceiver and a Destroyer

a) Somehow he leads people to believe in him, perhaps as a deliverer.

b) He ends up being a destroyer instead. He will destroy both the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary, the Temple.

MORE ABOUT THE ANTI-CHRIST
Daniel's vision included another word about the Anti-Christ.

"Then he shall confirm a covenant with many
for one week;
But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end
To sacrifice and offering;
And on the wing of abominations shall be one
Who makes desolate, even until the consummation,
Which is determined, is poured out on the desolate."
Daniel 9:27

This awesome vision must have troubled Daniel greatly. What in effect it was saying that the Anti-Christ would "succeed" in his evil plans against Israel. He would break his covenant promise to Israel half way. He would cause the worship system of the Jews to cease. He would cause his evil plans to triumph!

For all wants and purposes, it would appear as if evil had triumphed! How difficult are the deep plans of God to comprehend.

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 9th June 2002, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore