...The sound of thunder is pronounced - Jesus is about to open the first seal - events begin to transpire back on earth. The sudden departure of a large group of people has occurred from every nation, tribe, language and people; undoubtedly a worldwide dilemma and possibly panic is created. It must certainly be something the rest of the world needs to solve together since it affects all of them. Maybe it was aliens from another planet...scientists have been studying that possibility for many years. All they know is that a major worldwide crisis has developed. John sees the problem solved:
“I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory.”
The Dragon has his opportunity to install his Anti-Christ into power – he has been waiting a long time for this opening. After all, the world has just experienced a traumatic event…he can help. Riding a white horse, he gallantly enters the “world scene” as the “prince who is to come” that was spoken of by Daniel. He is handsome, intelligent, clever, and a very persistent self-assured politician…the world has been looking for him. By his great oratory skills, he will establish himself as the earth dwellers dream leader, the one they had hoped for through the centuries. As the great Christ imitator, he comes on his white horse just as Jesus will come seven years later to reign on the earth at His second coming. This Anti-Christ carries his bow with no arrows. Daniel explains about him:
“His power will be great…He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the powerful along with the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper through his cunning and influence; in his own mind, he will make himself great. In [a time of] peace, he will destroy many…”
However, his power and throne will not come from God or humanity but from the Dragon, Satan, himself. Being healed of a mortal wound and exhibiting fantastic miracles, assures him of the earth dwellers allegiance:
“They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.”
Who has ever been like him and who can possibly make war with him? In addition, the entire time he is magnifying himself in his own heart; he is the ultimate braggart!
The three leading religions of the world will welcome him. The false Christian church is looking for the gentle Jesus coming to earth on his white horse to bring good cheer and peace to all. They have rid the earth of those people who have a negative view of the world scene. The Jesus who will reign with a “rod of iron” does not exist as those individuals taught. They disbelieve what God said in Scripture regarding His Son and His ruler-ship one day on this earth:
“You will break them with a rod of iron; You will shatter them like pottery.”
Further, they have rejected the Gospel of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus that the Apostle Paul taught to Jews and Gentiles alike:
“I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
That absurd belief in the rapture of the church was pure nonsense. They are deluded into believing the “Great Lie.” Paul wrote: “For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe what is false.”
The Anti-Christ, in his deceit, pleases this deluded false church by giving them a false hope of peace. In disguise, he comes galloping onto the world scene on his white horse promising to bring peace to a chaotic world…he will give them their temporary peace. The false church is thrilled to see him come – they had been preparing for him. Now they say, “We can have real peace on earth!” Little do they know that death is at their doorstep!
The Jews as well are looking for him. They believe the “mashiach” (Messiah) will be an ancestor of David filled with charisma leading the Jews as a skilled politician, and masterful military man. As a military man, he will protect the Jews by winning many battles on their behalf. Further, this Messiah will arrive exhibiting great wisdom. His entrance to the world, they believe, will come either when the world becomes utterly filled with sin or because the world has become so good – that belief depends on their teacher. The Anti-Christ is just who they are looking for as he shows up on the world scene. It will be just as Jesus predicted:
“Your approval means nothing to me, because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them.”
They will finally find the peace they have been looking to obtain. On his white horse, he comes in his own name; he will take special care of them…so they think!
In addition, the Muslims look for the Twelfth-Iman, their Messiah. The Shiites believe he will forever end the struggle between good and evil in the last days...
