What is the false kingdom? It is the coming world order in which Antichrist and the False Prophet will work together to govern the world. The false day star, Satan, is already rising in the hearts of those who would imitate the Lord Jesus, who would seek His power ("two horns like a lamb") and attempt to imitate His love, joy, and peace, but who are not willing to die to their self-love so they may come into restful union with Him.

Who is Christ? Christ is the Son of God, the Lord of all. Christ is the true Day Star who rises in our heart announcing the true Day of the Lord, the true Kingdom of God.

What is the true Kingdom of God? The true Kingdom of God is God in Christ in the saints governing the world.

Who or what is Antichrist? Antichrist is the attempt of man to rule without God. Antichrist is found in the democratic-libertarian forms of government—government that is willing to remove all restraints on the lusts of the flesh, as we see today in the United States of America.

Who is the False Prophet? The False Prophet rises from the desire of religious people, particularly Christian people, to take the things of God, such as faith, the gifts of the Spirit, the wisdom of the Scriptures and so forth and attempt to employ them to govern secular society in the hope of creating a better world—better according to their own opinion.

There may be many groups and beliefs that feel the need for a unified world population and a single government. The New Age people, for example, have made it clear they are seeking a new world of peace and joy for all. At one time the Communist governments hoped to bring socialism to the masses of the earth.

None of these various groups and beliefs is a real danger to Christian people because they are easily recognized. They may cause much damage and suffering before they disappear but they are neither Antichrist nor the False Prophet.

Antichrist, the government system that finally will conquer the world, is democracy. One need only look at the fruit of democratic government to see the evil that is produced when a government seeks to rule by pleasing the people.

The problem is, people were not created by God with the ability or disposition to govern themselves according to God's desires. Left to themselves, people will "sit down to eat and drink and rise up to play." Sin and crime always will abound where there is no strong rulership. God instituted government for the purpose of punishing evildoers, making it possible for the righteous to live in peace and safety.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:3,4)

To be continued.