Tribulation Network

Speculation on the Antichrist

Chapter 11 – In Search of the Last Days Church

Dene McGriff

The election is over. The long campaign finally ended with the astounding win by a relative newcomer, Barack Obama, who is one of the greatest and inspiring communicators since JFK. Before the voting began, speculation was rampant that he could be THE ONE. I received anywhere from 10 to 30 emails every day, mainly from Christians on Obama, warning about this or that aspect of his background. Frankly, it was embarrassing to be counted among them. You will notice that we said little or nothing about the election. We never took sides but spoofed both sides.

Frankly, I think there is no quicker way for a Christian or a ministry to lose credibility than to make absolute predictions about the identity of the Antichrist or give dates for things to happen. Sadly, they do it all the time and are never held accountable. As a prophetic ministry and “prophetic” Christians, we need to be careful. People are watching us—I hesitate to sound arrogant, but immediately after the election our statistics went off the chart…sorry to disappoint. So when it comes to major events and players of our time, I would suggest that we spend more time in the Bible than on Fox News or CNN. The Bible is the most incredible prophetic book the world has ever seen, and if you have an open heart and mind, God will use it to reveal things you need to know.

“But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and knowledge [of God's purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great” (Daniel 12:4 – Amplified Version)

I will never forget the day about 25 years ago when a couple of friends presented me with a thick binder cryptically titled “The ‘R’ File.” It was full of news clippings and articles. What did the “R” stand for? Ronald Reagan! To be precise: Ronald (6 letters) Wilson (6 letters) Reagan (6 letters) = 666! There were a thousand and one reasons – proof positive that Reagan was the Antichrist! Now unless he can raise from the dead and be healed of his Alzheimer’s head wound, I doubt it very much. Just about every president has also been so labeled:

John F. Kennedy – Here is a website that still thinks he will recover from his head wound and appear – a Roman Catholic with Kissinger as his sidekick.

George H. W. Bush – Some thought he might be when he announced the New World Order.

Bill Clinton – Here is someone who wrote a book about it!

George W. Bush – He is probably one of the favorite candidates and reportedly, even the Pope thinks so. Here is a book dedicated to the subject. Here is a website. He claimed to be a Christian, a friend and supporter of Israel, etc.

Now we move on to the latest candidate – Barack Hussein Obama. Just Google “Barack Obama Antichrist” and you will see what I mean. You will find over 500 articles, websites and books on the subject. Many speculate that he is a Muslim (of course, hiding his true identity), a Manchurian Candidate (just Google the subject and you will find over 120 articles), a communist, a socialist, etc., etc. Friends – brothers and sisters in Christ — this is why people look at Christians and are appalled, befuddled and outraged over our absurd claims of Antichrist now revealed!

I would urge caution. About all we know is that the Antichrist will be very popular, claim to be Christian (deceiving many or most Christians); and, according to Scripture, he appears to be epitome of Western Man – Civilized Man and at the head of Gentile world Powers. But we won’t really know his identity until a head of state signs a DEFENSE PACT or Treaty with the modern state of Israel, regathered in their land and now under constant vigilance of impending attack from Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria-Iran and a host of lesser terrorist-style luminaries. Doug’s series on Antichrist is Not a Jew, the Pope, Islam nor a New Age Joke – along with his entire series on Antichrist, Reflections on the Desolation – is perhaps one of the most exhaustive works since Arthur Pink on this nefarious, yet-to-be-revealed imposter but he’s never gone out on the limb to suggest that so-and-so is the Antichrist, not even to suggest that Javier Solana of the European Union is the “man of the hour.” For all Doug knew he thought Rudi Giuliani would have made an excellent prospect—but then Doug had to sheepishly head for his cage – good thing he didn’t go public about it…so, I guess, it’s O.K. to harbor suspicions (Note: Doug’s editing this piece and actually included this little ditty about his stupidity!)

We have been at this many years and are in contact with many Christians of all persuasions. There are many that are convinced that the Antichrist will come from Russia. Others are sure he is either the Pope or related to the Vatican (perhaps the False Prophet). Still others believe he is Iraqi and many were sure it was Saddam Hussein (another in need of healing of a head or at least a neck wound). Others think he is/was and shall be, Adolf Hitler (although a tad old, 119 years old as of 2008 – but anything is possible; perhaps German scientists froze him for a final appearance).

I would encourage you to forget all of these vain speculations and focus on the Bible and what it says. The problem is that people, especially Christians begin with a premise which they have usually heard from someone else and then proceed to prove it from the Bible… rather than looking at the Bible and then the world situation. Again, Doug Krieger has written two e-books which are on our website on the subject of the Antichrist and the Gog-Magog War. In every generation, there is a tendency to want to fit the powers that be, e.g. the existing/living leaders into the prophecy. This is frankly distracting.

THE PRINCE WHO IS TO COME – HE SHALL CONFIRM A COVENANT WITH THE MANY FOR ONE WEEK

We will know soon enough. The one who signs the defense pact with Israel, who then tears down the walls so Jews can live in their guaranteed peace is the One! As I have pointed out many times, the problem with this is that Christians have been programmed to support the leader who blesses Israel so they will most likely be cheering in the streets when the infamous “Treaty of Hell and Death” is instituted between Antichrist and Israel…just as the majority of the Israelis will be deceived (especially, if they are given the green light to rebuild their Third Temple) by this newly-discovered Man of Peace whose identity in Revelation 6 as the Rider on the White Horse goes forth conquering and to conquer with no arrow, only a bow.

Christians – the majority of whom are advocates of the pre-tribulational rapture theory, allegedly won’t even be around at the signing of the Treaty so one might conjecture: “Hey, we’re still here, so this can’t be the signing of the treaty – and, after all, doesn’t the Scripture state: “I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curses thee (Israel) and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed!” Furthermore, the “apostate church” will be so bereft of spiritual insight into the real prophetic unfolding, so invested in this world’s cares and affairs – that they’ll just be relieved that “peace in our time” has come to Israel at last and to the world – but then “peace, peace – then comes sudden destruction!”

Meanwhile, a huge group of believers who think, like Hank Hanegraaff that the 70th Week of Daniel was fulfilled around the time of Jesus’ earthly visitation and that the future Antichrist is pure hogwash, with Jesus’ return occurring some 400 years into the future – if then, will be out in front of the parade celebrating the new reign of righteousness being established by the Man of Sin himself!

The name of the game in the last days is deception. Unless you are living in the Spirit, and are enlightened by the Word of God, the chances are you will be easily deceived. If you are waiting for the rapture, but instead see a great world leader signing that treaty with Israel, you may not get it. You may think this is wonderful when in fact it is the beginning of the end.

If you have been reading our material, you know by now that I believe that America is prophetic Babylon. The head of that Babylonian state who signs the Treaty of Hell and Death with Israel is the Antichrist. But we don’t know if that person is Obama, Biden or one to come that arises out of the people. It may be. But the thing we have to be concentrated on is not any one individual, but the event that will tell us who it is. Clinton got very close to signing a treaty. Bush didn’t even get close—and now Secretary of State Rice wholly admits to the failure. We just have to be watchful to see what happens. What we know is that the Antichrist will be deceptive. He will be popular, exceedingly charismatic, an apparent lover of Israel and he will sign the treaty. Meanwhile, let’s be careful to not draw conclusions until the treaty is signed.

And for those who suggest that Christians like us are hanging around here waiting for the Antichrist, and not Jesus Christ – double hogwash. The injunction of Scriptures throughout both testaments demand that we be alert to the signs of the times and live accordingly. I’ve never been more excited about the coming of the Lord, the Blessed Hope of His appearing. The Church awaits her finest hour and we may as well get with it now in sharing Christ with all our friends, associates and the lost in general. The world’s looking for real answers – if you’re going go “neutral” and embrace “pantribulationalism” (i.e., it’ll all work out in the end and no bother about prophecy) – well, just as the Church in China about that number. Get ready for the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy – it’s time to testify, to prophecy, to witness to our faith in Him.

If you’re involved in the “great escape” (the secret pre-tribulational rapture) – you most likely will be caught off guard – and, frankly, there’s little reason to prepare for anything because you won’t be here in any case. No, got has not destined us to wrath – His wrath, the wrath of the Lamb – but He has destined us to testify in the Street of the Great City (Revelation 11) and sure sounds like and looks like someone’s going to have to pay a price for their faith!




	Speculation on the Antichrist Chapter 11 – In Search of the Last Days Church by Dene McGriff The election is over. The long campaign finally ended with the astounding win by a relative newcomer, Barack Obama, who is one of the greatest and inspiring communicators since JFK. Before the voting began, speculation was rampant that he could be THE ONE. I received anywhere from 10 to 30 emails every day, mainly from Christians on Obama, warning about this or that aspect of his background. Frankly, it was embarrassing to be counted among them. You will notice that we said little or nothing about the election. We never took sides but spoofed both sides. Frankly, I think there is no quicker way for a Christian or a ministry to lose credibility than to make absolute predictions about the identity of the Antichrist or give dates for things to happen. Sadly, they do it all the time and are never held accountable. As a prophetic ministry and “prophetic” Christians, we need to be careful. People are watching us—I hesitate to sound arrogant, but immediately after the election our statistics went off the chart…sorry to disappoint. So when it comes to major events and players of our time, I would suggest that we spend more time in the Bible than on Fox News or CNN. The Bible is the most incredible prophetic book the world has ever seen, and if you have an open heart and mind, God will use it to reveal things you need to know. “But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and knowledge [of God's purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great” (Daniel 12:4 – Amplified Version) I will never forget the day about 25 years ago when a couple of friends presented me with a thick binder cryptically titled “The ‘R’ File.” It was full of news clippings and articles. What did the “R” stand for? Ronald Reagan! To be precise: Ronald (6 letters) Wilson (6 letters) Reagan (6 letters) = 666! There were a thousand and one reasons – proof positive that Reagan was the Antichrist! Now unless he can raise from the dead and be healed of his Alzheimer’s head wound, I doubt it very much. Just about every president has also been so labeled: John F. Kennedy – Here is a website that still thinks he will recover from his head wound and appear – a Roman Catholic with Kissinger as his sidekick. George H. W. Bush – Some thought he might be when he announced the New World Order. Bill Clinton – Here is someone who wrote a book about it! George W. Bush – He is probably one of the favorite candidates and reportedly, even the Pope thinks so. Here is a book dedicated to the subject. Here is a website. He claimed to be a Christian, a friend and supporter of Israel, etc. Now we move on to the latest candidate – Barack Hussein Obama. Just Google “Barack Obama Antichrist” and you will see what I mean. You will find over 500 articles, websites and books on the subject. Many speculate that he is a Muslim (of course, hiding his true identity), a Manchurian Candidate (just Google the subject and you will find over 120 articles), a communist, a socialist, etc., etc. Friends – brothers and sisters in Christ — this is why people look at Christians and are appalled, befuddled and outraged over our absurd claims of Antichrist now revealed! I would urge caution. About all we know is that the Antichrist will be very popular, claim to be Christian (deceiving many or most Christians); and, according to Scripture, he appears to be epitome of Western Man – Civilized Man and at the head of Gentile world Powers. But we won’t really know his identity until a head of state signs a DEFENSE PACT or Treaty with the modern state of Israel, regathered in their land and now under constant vigilance of impending attack from Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria-Iran and a host of lesser terrorist-style luminaries. Doug’s series on Antichrist is Not a Jew, the Pope, Islam nor a New Age Joke – along with his entire series on Antichrist, Reflections on the Desolation – is perhaps one of the most exhaustive works since Arthur Pink on this nefarious, yet-to-be-revealed imposter but he’s never gone out on the limb to suggest that so-and-so is the Antichrist, not even to suggest that Javier Solana of the European Union is the “man of the hour.” For all Doug knew he thought Rudi Giuliani would have made an excellent prospect—but then Doug had to sheepishly head for his cage – good thing he didn’t go public about it…so, I guess, it’s O.K. to harbor suspicions (Note: Doug’s editing this piece and actually included this little ditty about his stupidity!) We have been at this many years and are in contact with many Christians of all persuasions. There are many that are convinced that the Antichrist will come from Russia. Others are sure he is either the Pope or related to the Vatican (perhaps the False Prophet). Still others believe he is Iraqi and many were sure it was Saddam Hussein (another in need of healing of a head or at least a neck wound). Others think he is/was and shall be, Adolf Hitler (although a tad old, 119 years old as of 2008 – but anything is possible; perhaps German scientists froze him for a final appearance). I would encourage you to forget all of these vain speculations and focus on the Bible and what it says. The problem is that people, especially Christians begin with a premise which they have usually heard from someone else and then proceed to prove it from the Bible… rather than looking at the Bible and then the world situation. Again, Doug Krieger has written two e-books which are on our website on the subject of the Antichrist and the Gog-Magog War. In every generation, there is a tendency to want to fit the powers that be, e.g. the existing/living leaders into the prophecy. This is frankly distracting. THE PRINCE WHO IS TO COME – HE SHALL CONFIRM A COVENANT WITH THE MANY FOR ONE WEEK We will know soon enough. The one who signs the defense pact with Israel, who then tears down the walls so Jews can live in their guaranteed peace is the One! As I have pointed out many times, the problem with this is that Christians have been programmed to support the leader who blesses Israel so they will most likely be cheering in the streets when the infamous “Treaty of Hell and Death” is instituted between Antichrist and Israel…just as the majority of the Israelis will be deceived (especially, if they are given the green light to rebuild their Third Temple) by this newly-discovered Man of Peace whose identity in Revelation 6 as the Rider on the White Horse goes forth conquering and to conquer with no arrow, only a bow. Christians – the majority of whom are advocates of the pre-tribulational rapture theory, allegedly won’t even be around at the signing of the Treaty so one might conjecture: “Hey, we’re still here, so this can’t be the signing of the treaty – and, after all, doesn’t the Scripture state: “I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curses thee (Israel) and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed!” Furthermore, the “apostate church” will be so bereft of spiritual insight into the real prophetic unfolding, so invested in this world’s cares and affairs – that they’ll just be relieved that “peace in our time” has come to Israel at last and to the world – but then “peace, peace – then comes sudden destruction!” Meanwhile, a huge group of believers who think, like Hank Hanegraaff that the 70th Week of Daniel was fulfilled around the time of Jesus’ earthly visitation and that the future Antichrist is pure hogwash, with Jesus’ return occurring some 400 years into the future – if then, will be out in front of the parade celebrating the new reign of righteousness being established by the Man of Sin himself! The name of the game in the last days is *deception*. Unless you are living in the Spirit, and are enlightened by the Word of God, the chances are you will be easily deceived. If you are waiting for the rapture, but instead see a great world leader signing that treaty with Israel, you may not get it. You may think this is wonderful when in fact it is the beginning of the end. If you have been reading our material, you know by now that I believe that America is prophetic Babylon. The head of that Babylonian state who signs the Treaty of Hell and Death with Israel is the Antichrist. But we don’t know if that person is Obama, Biden or one to come that arises out of the people. It may be. But the thing we have to be concentrated on is not any one individual, but the event that will tell us who it is. Clinton got very close to signing a treaty. Bush didn’t even get close—and now Secretary of State Rice wholly admits to the failure. We just have to be watchful to see what happens. What we know is that the Antichrist will be deceptive. He will be popular, exceedingly charismatic, an apparent lover of Israel and he will sign the treaty. Meanwhile, let’s be careful to not draw conclusions until the treaty is signed. And for those who suggest that Christians like us are hanging around here waiting for the Antichrist, and not Jesus Christ – double hogwash. The injunction of Scriptures throughout both testaments demand that we be alert to the signs of the times and live accordingly. I’ve never been more excited about the coming of the Lord, the Blessed Hope of His appearing. The Church awaits her finest hour and we may as well get with it now in sharing Christ with all our friends, associates and the lost in general. The world’s looking for real answers – if you’re going go “neutral” and embrace “pantribulationalism” (i.e., it’ll all work out in the end and no bother about prophecy) – well, just as the Church in China about that number. Get ready for the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy – it’s time to testify, to prophecy, to witness to our faith in Him. If you’re involved in the “great escape” (the secret pre-tribulational rapture) – you most likely will be caught off guard – and, frankly, there’s little reason to prepare for anything because you won’t be here in any case. No, got has not destined us to wrath – His wrath, the wrath of the Lamb – but He has destined us to testify in the Street of the Great City (Revelation 11) and sure sounds like and looks like someone’s going to have to pay a price for their faith!