An Analysis on Antichrist

The Greek source of the words "consume" and "destroy" and these same verses as rendered in other translations.

355 consume analisko{an-al-is'-ko} Meaning: 1) to expend 1a) to consume 2) to consume, use up, destroy Origin: from 303 and a form of the alternate of 138 Usage: AV -consume

5692 Tense -Future (See 5776) Voice -Active (See 5784) Mood -Indicative (See 5791) Count -814

Geneva Bible Notes: 2Th 2:8 (1) And then shall (2) that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall (3) consume with the (4) spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

(1) That wickedness will at length be detected by the word of the Lord, and will utterly be abolished by Christ's coming.

the world does so deserve it: yet in such a way that only the unfaithful will perish through his deceit.

459 lawless anomos {an'-om-os} Meaning: 1) destitute of (the Mosaic) law 1a) of the Gentiles 2) departing from the law, a violator of the law, lawless, wicked Origin: from 3551 Usage: AV -without law, transgressor, wicked, lawless, unlawful.

Geneva Bible Notes: 2Th 2:8 (1) And then shall (2) that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall (3) consume with the (4) spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

The New American Standard indicates a different word for "destroy." Note the Strong's number. <337>slay (anaireo) Meaning: to take up, take away, make an end Origin: from 303 and 138 Usage: do away, executed, kill, killed, put to death, slain, slay, slaying, slew, takes away, took away.

The NIV uses "overthrow" and "destroy"

The New Living Translation uses "consume" and "destroy"

The New Revised Standard uses "destroy" and "annihilating"

The word "personate" from the SOP, as it relates to Satan impersonating Christ.

If men are so easily misled, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ, and work miracles? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations? Professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ? {1BC 1114.5}

Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world that has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings. {5BC 1105.8}

As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. {FLB 346.2}

He will assume to personate the angels of light, to personate Jesus Christ.--2SM 96

(1894). {LDE 162.1}

Satan will take the field and personate Christ. {LDE 162.3}

light. But while he will bear the appearance of Christ in every particular, so far as mere appearance goes, it will deceive none but those who, like Pharaoh, are seeking to resist the truth.--5T 698 (1889). {LDE 163.1}

In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the

Revelation. (Rev. 1:13-15). {LDE 163.2}

This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered.--Ms 16, 1884. {LDE 165.1}

In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ. {LDE 168.3} {Mar 205.1}

Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a wonder-worker. {Mar 205.2}

He will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. {Mar 206.4}

This following text, is the only passage that I have found that references the “man of sin” to be a representative of Satan, and it is not referenced at the end of this quote that it is taken from any other particular quote from Ellen White. Some of the Bible Commentary is not written by Ellen White, but are the commentary of others. This passage is not found in any other referenced works by Ellen White.

(Matt. 5:17, 18; see EGW on 1 Tim. 2:5; Rev. 13:11-17; 14:8, 9-12; 18:1-5). The

seventh is now the Sabbath. Professing infallibility, he claims the right to change the law of God to suit his own purposes. By so doing, he exalts himself above God, and leaves the world to infer that God is fallible. If it were indeed true that God had made a rule of government that needed to be changed, it would certainly show fallibility. {7BC 910.3}

In all instances of the use of the phrase “man of sin” the SOP regards it as the papacy, from its inception, to its end.

A search for the use of the word "Antichrist" in the SOP: 18 (Dan. 12:13; Rev. 14:6-12). Meaning of Antichrist to Be Understood.--Those who become confused in their understanding of the Word, who fail to see the meaning of antichrist, will surely place themselves on the side of antichrist. There is no time now for us to assimilate with the world. Daniel is standing in his lot and in his place. The prophecies of Daniel and of John are to be understood. They interpret each other. They give to the world truths which every one should understand. These prophecies are to be witnesses in the world. By their fulfillment in these last days they will explain themselves. {7BC 949.6}

Those who keep God's commandments, those who live not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, compose the church of the living God. Those who choose to follow antichrist are subjects of the great apostate. Ranged under the banner of Satan, they break God's law and lead others to break it. They endeavor so to frame the laws of nations that men shall show their loyalty to earthly governments by trampling upon the laws of God's kingdom. {7BC 949.9}

All Heaven on Christ's Side.--The determination of Antichrist to carry out the rebellion he began in heaven will continue to work in the children of disobedience. Their envy and hatred against those who obey the fourth commandment will wax more and more bitter. But the people of God are not to hide their banner. They are not to ignore the commandments of God, and in order to have an easy time, go with the multitude to do evil. . . . {7BC 949.12}

Antichrist, meaning all who exalt themselves against the will and work of God, will at the

appointed time feel the wrath of Him who gave Himself that they might not perish but have eternal life. All who persevere in obedience, all who will not sell their souls for money or for the favor of men, God will register in the book of life (MS 9, 1900). {7BC 950.1}

(Col. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:20.) Human Reason vs. God's Wisdom.--Many exalt human reason, idolize human wisdom, and set the opinions of men above the revealed wisdom of God. This affords opportunity for the working of Satan, and the spirit of Antichrist is far more widespread than any of us imagine. . . . {7BC 950.2}

The lying spirit that enticed Eve in Eden, finds acceptance with the majority of earth's inhabitants today. Even the Christian world refuses to be converted by the Spirit of God, but listens to the prince of darkness, as he comes to them in the garb of an angel of light.

The spirit of Antichrist is prevailing in the world to a far greater extent than it has ever prevailed before. {7BC 950.4}

The beloved John continues his warning against seducers: "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." {Con 91.2}

In Paul's second Epistle to the Thessalonians, he exhorts to be on guard and not depart from the faith. He speaks of Christ's coming as an event to immediately follow the work of Satan in spiritualism in these words: "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." {Con 91.3}

Hold Distinctive Features Prominent.--The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with worldliness. Worldly policy is taking the place of the true piety and wisdom that comes from above, and God will remove His prospering hand from the conference. Shall the ark of the covenant be removed from this people? Shall idols be smuggled in? Shall false principles and false precepts be brought into the sanctuary? Shall antichrist be respected? Shall the true doctrines and principles given us by God, which have made us what we are, be ignored? Shall God's instrumentality, the publishing house, become a mere political, worldly institution? This is directly where the enemy, through blinded, unconsecrated men, is leading us. {CW 95.3}

Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan, clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him.--Review and Herald, Sept. 12, 1893. {Ev 365.2}

When the papal bull reached Luther, he said: "I despise and attack it, as impious, false. . . . It is Christ Himself who is condemned therein. . . . I rejoice in having to bear such ills for the best of causes. Already I feel greater liberty in my heart; for at last I know that the pope is antichrist, and that his throne is that of Satan himself."--D'Aubigne, b. 6, ch. 9.

{GC 141.3}

Chap. 37 -The Scriptures a Safeguard "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested. {GC 593.1}

Christ is the only true standard of character, and he who sets himself up as a standard for others is putting himself in the place of Christ. And since the Father "hath committed all judgment unto the Son" (John 5:22), whoever presumes to judge the motives of others is again usurping the prerogative of the Son of God. These would-be judges and critics are placing themselves on the side of antichrist, "who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." 2 Thessalonians 2:4. {MB 125.3}

Men are inspired by Satan to execute his purposes against God. The Lord has said, "Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations" (Ex. 31:13). None should disobey this command in order to escape persecution. But let all consider the words of Christ, "When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another" (Matt. 10:23). If it can be avoided, do not put yourselves into the power of men who are worked by the spirit of Antichrist. If the payment of a fine will deliver our brethren from the hands of these oppressors, let it be paid, rather than to be pressed and made to work on the Sabbath. Everything that we can do should be done that those who are willing to suffer for the truth's sake may be saved from oppression and cruelty. . . . {3SM 400.2}

The soul that has had light in regard to the Lord's Sabbath, His memorial of creation, and to save himself from inconvenience and reproach has chosen to remain disloyal, has sold his Lord. He has dishonored the name of Christ, He has taken his stand with the armies of Antichrist; with them at the last great day, he will be found outside the city of God, not with the loyal, the true and righteous, in the heavenly kingdom. {3SM 401.4}

Antichrist--Those Who Exalt Themselves Against God--Will feel His Wrath.--The greater man's influence for good, under the control of the Spirit of God, the more determined will be the enemy to indulge his envy and jealousy toward him by religious persecution. But all heaven is on the side of Christ, not of Antichrist. Those who love God and are willing to be partakers with Christ in His sufferings, God will honor. Antichrist, meaning all who exalt themselves against the will and work of God, will at the appointed time feel the wrath of Him who gave Himself that they might not perish but have eternal life. All who persevere in obedience, all who will not sell their souls for money or for the favor of men, God will register in the book of life.--Manuscript 9, 1900. {3SM 402.1}

The man of sin, who exalted himself above God, and thought to change times and laws, brought about the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. In doing this, he made a breach in the law of God. Just prior to the great day of God, a message is sent forth to warn the people to come back to their allegiance to the law of God which antichrist has broken down. By precept and example, attention must be called to the breach in the law. I was shown that the third angel, proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, represents the people who receive this message and raise the voice of warning to the world, to keep the commandments of God as the apple of the eye, and that in response to this warning many would embrace the Sabbath of the Lord. {1T 76.1}

Christ is our example. The determination of antichrist to carry out the rebellion he began in heaven will continue to work in the children of disobedience. Their envy and hatred against those who obey the fourth commandment will wax more and more bitter. But the people of God are not to hide their banner. They are not to ignore the commandments of God and, in order to have an easy time, go with the multitude to do evil. {9T 230.2}

"Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt

him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, 'Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.'"

In all of the passages of the SOP that I have found, there is an interchangeability of the term “Antichrist” to refer to the papacy, as well as to that last one, who will sit in the papal chair. In all the references I have seen that point to the last occupant of the papacy, the words ring clear that he is Satan himself. If the SOP were to be more ambiguous about this identity, there would be some of the passages that would be in reference to a human representative of Satan, and would make this distinction, but there are none. The only reference that is found in this regard, is in the Bible Commentary, that is not all taken from the compiled quotes of the SOP, but also include other men’s statements. And thus, that one reference that indicates that the Antichrist is merely a man representing Satan, is a text that is not found in any of the writings of Ellen White.

As for the words “destroy” and “consume” there leaves open the suggestion that these words do not require that the subject actually “dies” in the conflict, but his influence and mission to deceive, is exposed and “destroyed.”

But in any scenario presented, I cannot definitively cite anywhere that the last pope, who completes the count to 666, will then some day, lead the world to the coming of the Antichrist, who would be someone other than himself. I do not conceive that the 666 man is a mere human representative of Satan who comes as Christ.

Those things that I cannot conceive of, include the coming of the Antichrist that is an elected pope, who, being a man, having been born on this earth to a woman. I do not foresee that the world would believe such a person to be the Christ. So no mere man could conceivably make the world believe that he is Christ.

Neither would it be a conceivable deception to the elect, who know the true doctrine of the state of the dead, could be deceived by the re-appearance of any previously dead pope, such as John Paul II, so I highly doubt that Satan would take on the appearance of the late JPII and call himself the Christ. Why then, would Satan not inspire John Paul II to declare his identity during his first appearance, and why would Christ come as an apparition of a man and then die, only to come back again to deceive the world?

I believe that the whole idea of John Paul II as one returning from the grave to impersonate the coming of Christ, revolves around the infatuation of the people with the greatly beloved former pope, who have not accepted his passing. The fact also that those who are the advocates of this teaching, are also adhering to other known errors; (i.e. the papal title theory), then their assertion that the late pope will again take the scene, is also rooted in error.

But even if it should take place that Satan employs the personage of the late pope, it is highly unlikely that the deception will rise past the scrutiny of the elect, who know the truth about the state of the dead.