Research Project_Final Submission Assignment_Kion Bolden
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
630
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by MagistrateHawk10837
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Research Project: Final Submission Assignment
The Antichrist and Christian Apocalyptic Eschatology
Submitted to Dr. Michael Vlach
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
THEO 360 – B01
Eschatology
By
Kion D. Bolden
March 2, 2023
Contents
I.
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………..………...2
II.
What is the Antichrist?
a.
The Description
III. The Concept of the Antichrist
a.
Jewish Perspective
b.
Islamic Connotation
c.
Christianity and Antichrist
IV. The Antichrist’s Arrival
V.
Eschatology and the Antichrist
VI. The Identity of the Antichrist
a.
The Son of Satan
b.
Muhammad the Antichrist
c.
The Jewish Antichrist
d.
The Catholic Pope
e.
Ascribed to the Politician VII. Conclusion
VIII. Bibliography
Page 1
of 5
Introduction
In the New Testament, the concept of the Antichrist was first introduced in the apocalyptic first epistle of John, and repeated in his second epistle. Most scholars believe that the
Antichrist is an end-time world leader who opposes Christ but resembles him in a deceptive way.
Despite appearing to provide for the needs of the people, he will deny ultimate salvation. In 1 John, the Antichrist is mentioned three times, and in 2 John, it is mentioned once. Throughout history, the legend of the Antichrist has evolved from Jewish writings to modern western church philosophy. Religions such as Judaism and Islam have their own versions of an Antichrist that are similar, however differ in some ways. From the early church's earliest writings, western Christian views of the Antichrist have undergone much revision. According to world history, the concept of the Antichrist is an apocalyptic legend embedded in Christian theology.
Christians have been enthralled by the idea of the Antichrist since the inception of the church. Knowing who and what the Antichrist is crucial given its apocalyptic connotation. The Antichrist stands in for the greatest foe of Christ who will make an appearance in the final act of history to lead Satan's army in one last desperate struggle against God's army.
1
The term Antichrist appears in John's apocalyptic works in Daniel and Revelation. The faithful will be subjected to torment before Christ vanquishes the beast at the start of the long-awaited new age, according to these writings. Understanding what the Antichrist will be will need setting him or her in the perspective of the end of the world. The Antichrist would initially trick the masses into
believing in him by meeting their materialistic needs. The ultimate salvation that only comes from following Jesus Christ is ultimately denied to the Antichrist's entire following. The idea of the Antichrist has changed over time in religious doctrine. The idea that possibly the Antichrist 1
Robert C. Fuller. Naming the Antichrist the History of an American Obsession
. New York: Oxford University Press. 1996, 3.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
isn't just one individual but rather everyone who rejects Christ has been one significant development, nevertheless. This idea is not in conflict with the Bible; rather, it depends on how one reads the translation of the pertinent verses to establish whether the Antichrist is solitary or plural.
Apocalyptic and eschatological arguments surround the concept of the Antichrist and its relation to eschatology. Theological and scholarly readers of the Bible have disputed the idea of the antichrist’s origin, appearance, religion, and purpose, because identifying threats to Christianity is one of Christianity's greatest endeavors. Accordingly, this paper will argue that the Christian eschatological definition of the antichrist is someone who will act as Satan's chief agent on earth during a period of forging a one-world government through promises of peace by opposing Jesus Christ and standing in for him before the return of Jesus Christ. There will be an end to the antichrist when Christ exposes him as an impostor, and he will be defeated and Christians will be able to rule on earth for a thousand years with martyrs at their side.
What is the Antichrist?
Although many schools of thought view the concept of the antichrist as an evil and malicious force that will rule the earth one day and refute Christ's ideology, A.W. Pink claims, “The Antichrist is not a system of evil, nor an anti-Christian organization, but instead, a single individual being, a person yet to appear.”
2
This premise he supports employing the declaration Jesus made to the masses, “I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” (John 5:43 KJV
).
2
Arthur Pink. The Antichrist
. Wilder Publications, 2009, 18.
Page 1
of 5
Bibliography
Fuller, Robert C. Naming the Antichrist the History of an American Obsession
. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Pink, Arthur. The Antichrist
. Blacksburg, VA: Wilder Publications, 2009.
Page 2
of 5