The Daily Word of Righteousness

Antichrist—the Worship of Self, continued

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (II Thessalonians 2:4—NIV)

The Bible says Antichrist will worship no god except himself.

We see in America today the tremendous emphasis on the human being as god. From the earliest years in school the student is taught that his rights are more important than anything else. He is to be in control. He is to map out his life and do what he feels is significant and enjoyable. He is to be allowed to express himself without hindrance. Any kind of discipline that would prevent his personal liberty is to be regarded with suspicion.

Unless this kind of teaching is reversed our nation is doomed.

We observe the symptoms today as employees who are fired return and kill their employers. Children in school kill their teacher or classmates if they have been offended in some manner. Drivers on the highway kill one another if they feel they have not been treated courteously. Young people kill one another if one feels the other has been disrespectful.

Yet we do not think about the meaning and the end of all this; we cannot perceive it. This is because self-will blinds us to reality.We would rather "rule in the cardboard shacks of Hell than serve in Heaven," as someone said.

It is this blindness that has us attempting to peddle our "marvelous" way of life to other governments.

It is the blindness of people who value personal liberty above all else that will cause the world to cry "peace and safety" when all around them is the desolation that always is produced when people worship themselves.

We say democracy gives us religious freedom. No government or person can give us religious freedom except God Himself. Americans and Europeans are somewhat politically free to carry on their religious endeavors. But spiritually they are bound with many demons of lust, covetousness, and violence.

The slave of Jesus Christ is the only truly free individual.

The Bible says Antichrist will overcome the saints in the last days.

He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.  (Daniel 7:25—NIV)

The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time.  When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed." (Daniel 12:7—NIV)

Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. (Revelation 11:7—NIV)

He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. (Revelation 13:7—NIV)

One may wonder, "Why would God give Antichrist the ability to overcome the saints?" It is because when the saints are bearing witness victoriously, being anointed by the Holy Spirit and full of revelation and power, they do not gain the iron of God's righteousness in their character.

To be continued.