Love God’s Truth Series

III. THE ANTI-CHRIST, 9-10.

The activity of this lawless leader is described in more detail in verses 9-10. Verse 9 teaches us that Satan is the orchestrator behind the antichirst’s deceptive work and power. “[that is,] the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,”

His career will be empowered by Satan (Rev. 13:2b) and characterized by Satan’s method of counterfeiting. Satan’s desire to counterfeit and usurp God’s power and place in the world can be traced from Genesis through Revelation. Paul employed three terms to describe the supernatural power this man will demonstrate. Miracles (dynamei, power) emphasizes the supernatural power behind the works he will perform. Signs (sçmeiois) refers to the fact that they will have significance or authenticate of his claims for worship and obedience. Wonders (terasin) indicates the effect that they will evoke when people behold them- a sensation awe or awestruck. He will, in short, perform such powerful miracles that it will be evident to all that he has supernatural power, and people will stand in awe of him. He will be admired and treated with reverence and honor. [One such miracle and the people’s awe are mentioned in Revelation 13:2b-4 and 17:8.]

May the Lord help us to be cautious so we are not taken in by so-called signs and wonders even in this day. They indeed can be false. Christ performed miracles, signs, and wonders, and the lawless one will also. The difference is that the Antichrist's miracles and signs are designated as false (pseudous) [Like the signs of Pharaoh’s magicians were]. The Antichrist's miracles originate from the realm of falsehood and lies because they are empowered by the father of lies, Satan. Antichrist and Satan have no legitimate claim to authority and worship.

Signs and wonders do not produce faith (Hebrews 3:19). They only produce a craving for more signs and wonders. As we approach the final days, there will be an increase in signs and wonders, along with vulnerability even within the body of Christ to chase after, and to be intrigued by them. Jesus said signs and wonders shall follow those who believe (Mark 16:17). The problem today is that those who believe are following after signs and wonders. There’s a big difference. Miracles do not produce faith. Only the Word produces faith (Romans 10:17).

[The portrayal of the man of sin (Antichrist) has parallels to the Son of Man (Christ). Both have a coming and a revealing-when people become aware of what is already in their midst. One proclaims the truth and the other proclaims a lie. Both demonstrate power through signs, miracles, ami wonders-one from the truth and the other; a counterfeit. Each claims exclusive worship. Both are empowered-Christ by God and the Antichrist by Satan.]

Throughout history, it has been the desire of Satan to exalt himself above the throne of God and to be worshiped. This one who will come, “the lawless one,” is Satan’s man, the product of the working of Satan himself (vs. 9). So why hasn’t Satan been able to reveal his man before now? He has been restrained. Satan, as the arch enemy of God and man, is active night and day seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). This villainous creature would have long ago brought the kingdoms of this world to even greater ruin and raised up his own kingdom so that he might be worshiped if it were not for the sovereign restraint of God’s hand. He would devour you too, if not for the protection of God’s sovereign hand. That is why there is no safer place that in the center of God’s will. [Those who do not fully worship God in spirit & in truth leave themselves open to give worship to another.]