Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

END OF THE AGE SERIES VOLUME I

by Gordon Lindsay

Preface...... 5 Introduction—General Signs of the Second Coming of Christ...7 The Amazing Prophecies That Foretold Christ’s First Advent...... 7 Very Date of the Crucifixion Foretold...... 8 Christ Came the First Time in Fulfillment of the Prophecies; He Will Come the Second Time...... 9 When Will He Come? The Signs of His Coming...... 9 The Sign of the Jew...... 10 The Sign of Atomic Destruction...... 10 The Sign of Supernatural Revival...... 11 The Sign of Communism...... 12 The Coming of Christ...... 13 I Will Return...... 13 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist...... 17 Sign 1—The Jews Are Looking for an Earthly Deliverer...17 Sign 2—The Psychics Predict the Soon Appearance of a World Dictator...... 18 Sign 3—Bible Chronology Shows That the 6,000 Years of Man Are Nearly Completed...... 19 Sign 4—The Number 666 Sign...... 20 Sign 5—The Sign of the Antichrist's Forerunner...... 21 Sign 6—Many Lesser Antichrists Arise Before the Final Antichrist...... 22 Sign 7—The Flood of Deceiving Spirits...... 24 Sign 8—The Rise of Devil Worship...... 25 Sign 9—The Appearance of Great Signs and Lying Wonders ...... 27 Sign 10—The Rise of Violence Paves the Way for a Dictator...... 29 Sign 11—The Sign of Inflation...... 30 Sign 12—The Sign of the Accumulation of Wealth and the Uprising of the Underprivileged...... 32 Sign 13—The United Nations Sign...... 34 Sign 14—The Coming of the Computer...... 35 Sign 15—The Advent of Television...... 36 Preface

Jesus said to the Jews, “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). Here Jesus intimates that since the Jews had rejected Him, another would appear with the claims of the Messiah, and they would receive him. But the one who came in his own name would be a false christ or antichrist. That a pseudo-messiah would appear and put forth his claims to the Jews was common teaching in the Early Church. John the apostle in writing to his people said, “Ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists” (I John 2:18). That is, while there will be many who come in the antichrist spirit there will be one final antichrist that will exceed all others in power and influence and in his hatred of God’s people. Although people generally think of the antichrist as one individual, Revelation 13 shows that there are two personages. One beast rises up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. Another comes “up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon” (Verse 11). Most scholars consider the first beast the antichrist, and the second beast the one who presents himself to the Jews as their Messiah. Notwithstanding, popular usage has come to refer to either beast as the antichrist. Since Revelation 13:11-15 makes it clear that both beasts work hand-and-glove together, we shall not in this volume attempt to distinguish between the identities of the two beasts, but we shall follow the popular usage and refer to either of them merely as the antichrist, or the antichrist system. This volume proposes to show that present-day developments are preparing the way for the antichrist’s reign. If not this decade, surely the next will witness his preliminary activities. And by the advent of the 21st century their wicked careers in all likelihood will be fulfilled.

5 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

The signs of the coming of the antichrist are many: the rise of sorcery and spirit world activity, the advances of science which make it possible for a dictator to secure absolute control of the lives of men, recent events in the land of Israel, the rise of violence in the land, the appearance of false prophets and false christs, all indicate that the hour is at hand when the Man of Sin will make his appearance. Surely these things should be sufficient to drive the Christians to their knees in prayer. The purpose of this volume is to alert God’s people to the lateness of the hour and that the time of fulfillment is at hand.

6 Introduction—General Signs of the Second Coming of Christ

Dr. Billy Graham recently made a statement to the press which was widely publicized that Jesus Christ would soon return to this earth. According to a recent poll, Dr. Graham stands at the very top of the list of the most popular Americans. Therefore, when he as the recognized leading religious authority in America states that Christ is coming soon, it is a subject that warrants very serious attention. The following facts offer irrefutable evidence pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ. As never before, the question is being asked, “Is it true that Jesus Christ who lived in Palestine nearly 2,000 years ago will return to earth again?” It is generally conceded both by Christians as well as those who make no profession of Christianity, but who are familiar with history, that Christ’s first advent was the greatest event that has happened in this world. H. G. Wells, famous historian and agnostic, placed Jesus Christ at the head of the list of great men of all time. Practically all historians have done the same. The Amazing Prophecies That Foretold Christ’s First Advent The coming of Christ to the world stands out as a mountain peak above all other events. But His coming was not unheralded. The ancient prophecies boldly declared many centuries earlier long before the event took place that Christ would come to earth as a humble babe. “For unto us a child is borm, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

7 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

Micah the prophet told us that He would be born in Bethlehem: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2). This prophecy was given some 700 years before Christ was born. The prophet Isaiah also foretold the manner of His birth, that His mother would be a virgin: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). This same prophet Isaiah described in amazing detail the events and nature of His ministry (Isaiah 53). Jesus the Messiah was to grow up in obscurity; He was to be bruised for our iniquities and with His stripes we are healed. On Him the Lord laid the iniquity of us all. He was to be despised and rejected of men. He was to be cut off out of the land of the living and to make His grave with the wicked. But paramount above all, after three days and nights in the grave, He would rise again (Psalm 16:10). Very Date of the Crucifixion Foretold But more remarkable than anything else perhaps is that the date of His death on the cross was given. Read Daniel 9:25-26. Here a plain statement was made that from the time of the restoration of Jerusalem under Cyrus, there would be 69 weeks of years (483 years) until the Messiah would be cut off. This prophecy given five centuries earlier was accurately fulfilled. At the exact end of that period, a Person arose who exactly fulfilled all these prophecies. He gave His life on a cross that stood just outside Jerusalem, He was buried, and on the third day He arose again. And under the inspiration of this mighty event, a little group of men joined together in a crusade that has had the greatest impact upon the world of any event that has ever

8 Introduction—General Signs of the Second Coming of Christ happened since. Christ Came the First Time in Fulfillment of the Prophecies; He Will Come the Second Time In fulfillment of some 25 major prophecies, Jesus came to earth the first time at the place prophesied and exactly on time. But there are some 318 prophecies in the New Testament that tell us He will come the second time! The truth of the Second Coming is not a fairy tale nor an idle romance; it is backed up by the greatest array of evidence that it would be possible to amass. When Will He Come? The Signs of His Coming The question, therefore, is not whether Christ is coming— He will come. The question is, how soon will He come? Will there be special signs preceding the event? The disciples themselves were interested in this question, and they brought it to Him one day while He was on the Mt. of Olives: “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3). Jesus in answering their questions enumerated various events that would take place during the interval. He said false prophets would arise and deceive many. There would be earthquakes and pestilences, wars and rumors of wars. But these would not be the final signs. The last sign which would mark the end of the age would be the sign of preaching the gospel to all nations. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14). And so during the elapsed centuries, this great work has been going on. As the Scripture says, “God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name” (Acts 15: 14). During this time God is gathering to Himself a special

9 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist group of believers of all tongues and nations. When the number is completed, Christ will return. Therefore, His command to His disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). For centuries the work of evangelization proceeded slowly, but in recent years there has been a tremendous acceleration. God is now pouring out His Spirit in a special way. Literally millions have dedicated their lives to Him. Not all the world, however, will be converted. Not all will accept Christ, but it is His will that all be given a chance: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9).

The Sign of the Jew Perhaps the greatest sign of our day pointing to the soon coming of Christ has been the return of the Jews to Israel and the restoration of the city of Jerusalem into their hands. Because of the sins of the people, the Jews were scattered among all nations. But their dispersion was not to be forever—only until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled. Thus Jesus said the following a few days before His death: “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). Today after 1900 years of dispersion, we see Israel back in her own land. And in June, 1967, during the Six Day War, Jerusalem came into the hands of the Jews. And remarkably enough, since that event, many Jews are beginning to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The Sign of Atomic Destruction

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since

10 Introduction—General Signs of the Second Coming of Christ

the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matt. 24:21-22). There have always been wars and pestilences, but never has man had the power to destroy the human race utterly. In the disastrous World War I, some 10 million perished. During World War II it is estimated some 45 million died, including civilians. Still it scarcely slowed the population increase. However, in the closing hours of World War II a small atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Promptly 100,000 died in a moment of time—far more than all the casualties inflicted by Japan on America during the four years of war! But that was a baby bomb. The hydrogen bomb is 1,000 times as powerful. Estimates made by our own military men envision after the first 24 hours of a nuclear attack, three-fourths of the population of America would be dead! In other words, man now has the power to destroy all flesh on earth, just as Jesus said would be the case at the time of His coming. The facts are, that unless Jesus comes soon, man will destroy himself. The promise of His return to earth is the world’s one hope. Jesus gave this warning to the believer, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36).

The Sign of Supernatural Revival

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke” (Acts 2: 17:19).

11 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

The above Scripture speaks of signs in the heaven above and earth beneath, “blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke,” an allusion it would seem to nuclear warfare. However this may be, one of the signs to occur in the last days will be an outpouring of the Spirit in Pentecostal power (read Acts 2:1-4). That very thing is taking place in an amazing way. This revival knows no denominational barriers—it is reaching into the historic churches—the Methodist, the Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and of late it is making deep inroads into the Catholic Church. Recently a U.S. four-star general received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues just as it was on the day of Pentecost. My good friend Pat Boone and his wife have received. The list goes on indefinitely. In Munich, Germany, a thousand young people who have received the Holy Spirit witnessed to hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Olympics. God is pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh in these last days, just as He did on the day of Pentecost—another sign that Jesus is coming soon. The Sign of Communism Chapter 13 of Revelation speaks of a beast with the feet of a bear rising out of the sea at the end-time. This is a foreview of events during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 13:1-2). As everyone knows, a “bear” is the symbol of the Russian nation. Rev. 17:3 shows the beast as of a scarlet color. Red is the color of Soviet Russia. The dragon represents Satan, but is associated with communism, being also the symbol of China. The dragon gave the beast his great authority (Rev. 13:2). The beast makes war with the saints (Rev. 13:7). Russia has made war with the church and has practically destroyed it in that country. The beast was given power “over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Rev. 13:7). Communism is striving desperately to subvert and make communist every nation on the face of the earth. We do not say that communist Russia represents the whole

12 Introduction—General Signs of the Second Coming of Christ development of the beast or the antichrist. The beast is a dual power according to Daniel 2 and this other power will be headed up by the antichrist. All these things on the horizon are sure signs of the soon coming of Christ, who when He comes will destroy these evil systems. “And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (II Thes. 2:8).

The Coming of Christ The apostle Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 4:13-17 how the Lord will come for His people: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The great difference between Christianity and all the other religions is the hope of the resurrection of the dead. Other great religious leaders have died, but their bones are still in the tomb. Christ’s tomb alone is empty. He is not there—He is risen! And because He lives, we shall live also. I Will Return Jesus said He was coming back. What does this mean to the Christian? Those who remember the late war, recall the dark days when MacArthur and his men were caught in a trap at Corregidor in

13 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist the Philippines. President Franklin Roosevelt sent a secret message to the general for him to escape by sea at night so that he might rally and organize a new army and return. As the famous general made ready to take his departure, he spoke these simple words to his men, “I will return.” Somehow even in that dark hour, the men of Corregidor believed him. But many long days were to pass before the fulfillment of these words became possible. Those who survived were taken to a bleak prison camp to live on starvation rations. The only hope they had was the promise of their leader who had said, “I will return.” Then one day after many weary months, looking up into the skies, the prisoners saw signs in the heavens. There was a fleet of American war planes passing unchallenged in the sky. Then they knew the hour of liberation was at hand. MacArthur had indeed returned. His armies had secured a beachhead in the Philippines. They were still meeting desperate resistance, and the prison camp was many miles in the interior. As a matter of military expediency it might be months before they could be liberated by the main army, and by that time many of the prisoners might be dead. MacArthur disclosed his plan. That very night he would send out a strong detachment of armored trucks and tanks. They would knife through the enemy-held territory and reach the prison camp, and before their foes could collect their wits, they would release the prisoners and bring them back to hope and freedom. And so that night the American soldiers rolled swiftly through the country in their armored vehicles to their midnight rendezvous. When they finally reached the prison camp, the surprised guards made only token resistance. Throughout the prison the cry went up, “Our comrades are here; at last we live again.” It seemed almost too good to be true. Hearing the cries, all the prisoners awakened, rushed to the gates and with tears streaming down their cheeks embraced their liberators.

14 Introduction—General Signs of the Second Coming of Christ

The officer in command spoke briefly, “Our main army is yet many miles away. We have moved swiftly under cover of darkness, and the foe is not yet aware of what is happening. Our force, while strong, is not large enough to fight a major engagement; therefore, we must return at once.” The grizzled veterans of Corregidor needed no urging. They quickly climbed into the waiting trucks and were ready to go. There was nothing in the prison camp they wanted. By morning light, these men wasted by starvation, had the joy of seeing the face of their commander who had said, “I will return,” and who had kept his word. That night they slept in clean sheets, and the best that the U.S. Army had to offer was theirs. So Christ has said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” As MacArthur’s men saw signs in the sky telling them their chief was about to return for them, so the signs about the earth and sea and sky today tell us of the coming of Christ. And so Christ the Bridegroom is waiting for His Bride to be completed. Will you, my friend, accept His call to be among the select number when He comes? “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). But before Christ can come to earth and set up His kingdom, we are told that the Man of Sin will come. The Lord will first rapture or catch away those that are ready (Luke 21:36), then the antichrist will come; and his appearance will precipitate the Great Tribulation (II Thes. 2:1-4). Let us therefore consider those signs that surely indicate his time is near at hand. Let us be alert to these things, remembering the warning Jesus gave to the Pharisees and Sadducees: “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening,

15 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matt. 16:1-3).

16 1 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

Sign 1—The Jews Are Looking for an Earthly Deliverer

“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). Since the Jews have returned to their homeland, they have had constant trouble from neighboring countries. And although they have held the supremacy in warfare, they have had to keep a continuous, around-the-clock alert. Although their position is strong, they are, nevertheless, war-weary, and they long for peace. America has favored Israel, having guaranteed the security of the country from both Russian and Egyptian threats. Yet at the hour of crisis America failed. She guaranteed Israel innocent passage through the Tiran Strait, yet did nothing when Nasser blockaded it. The U.S. guaranteed that the Egyptians and Russians would not move their SAM’s up to the Suez should Israel accept a truce. But under the cloak of the truce, the first thing Egypt did was to move them up, a treacherous violation of their word. Aerial photographs provide absolute proof of their act. The U.S. of course was unable to get the Egyptians to remove them. Israel now asks, “Would Egypt or the Russians keep any promise they might make?” So Israel has looked in vain for someone to be protector and friend against her many enemies. In view of these things, supposing a strong man should emerge now on the world scene who would say, “I will protect you against your enemies. I will make a treaty with you, a covenant in which I promise to see that your rights are protected.” Suppose after a time he goes further than that and says, “I am your friend, your Messiah, that you

17 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist have waited for so long.” What would be the result? It is altogether likely that godly Jews would discern that the man’s claims were false and would reject him. On the other hand it is probable that many would accept his claims. The hour has come when Jews as never before are talking about the possibility of the Messiah’s imminent appearance. The chief Rabbi Goren cried at the Wailing Wall, “This is the age of the Messiah!” More and more Jews are beginning to see Jesus as their true Messiah. But many others who are looking for the Messiah envisage a mighty warrior who will subdue their enemies and give them peace. So the time is ripe for a warrior-messiah to appear. Jesus said that He came in His Father’s name, but another will come in his own name, and many will accept him. The fact that there is a deep longing in Israel for a great leader to appear and champion their cause shows that the hour of the antichrist is not far off. He will come and be accepted by the larger part of the populace. At the appointed time, however, he will break his promises and exalt himself. He will magnify his own name. Some will resist; this will bring on the Great Tribulation and the persecution Jesus refers to in Matthew 24:15-22, for the antichrist will spare none who opposes him. Indeed, he will finally kill the leaders of the opposition, the two witnesses of Revelation 11, on the streets of Jerusalem. Sign 2—The Psychics Predict the Soon Appearance of a World Dictator One of the most remarkable signs relative to the coming of the antichrist is that the sorcerers and the psychics are predicting the imminent appearance of a great world figure. They do not, of course, call him the antichrist, but they describe him as a man of great power and authority, a man with a magnetic personality who will appear in the midst of world chaos. His exploits will gain him favor with the masses, and they will turn to him for leadership believing he will bring the nations out of anarchy and confusion into an era of peace.

18 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

Because of the fame and popularity of the Washington, D.C. psychic Jeane Dixon, we shall note what she has to say about this man who she says is soon to appear on the world horizon: “A child born somewhere in the Middle East shortly after 7 A.M. February 5, 1962, will revolutionize the world. Before the close of the century he will bring together all mankind in one all-embracing faith. This will be the foundation of a new Christianity, with every sect and creed united through this man who will walk among the people to spread the wisdom of Almighty power. “ ... He is the answer to the prayers of a troubled world. Mankind will begin to feel the great force of this man in the early 1980’s and during the subsequent ten years the world as we know it will be reshaped and revamped into one without wars or suffering. His power will grow greatly until 1999, at which time the peoples of this earth will probably discover the full meaning of the vision.” This wisdom Jeane Dixon says came to her from the serpent! Much of what she says will come to pass, but this man is not a man of peace as she says; he is none other than the antichrist who will bring in the Great Tribulation. (Note: In a later book she concedes she might be wrong and he might be the antichrist.) Sign 3—Bible Chronology Shows That the 6,000 Years of Man Are Nearly Completed Bible chronology shows that approximately 4000 years elapsed from the time of the creation of Adam (not creation of the earth which was long before) to the birth of Christ. And some 1973 years (at date of writing) have elapsed since Christ— altogether almost 6000 years. Now God’s days are equated to a thousand years. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (II Pet. 3:8). In other words, man’s week of 6000 years has almost run its

19 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist course. The glorious millennium of a thousand years when Satan is bound, which will make up the complete week of 7000 years is just at hand. But before the millennial reign of Christ, the antichrist must first appear. Since his reign occupies at least three and one-half years, this indicates that a very short space of time remains. It seems probable that the antichrist is already living and is somewhere in the world. We should bear in mind that the antichrist will no doubt require a certain period of time in his rise to power. Therefore, we may see events occurring in a very short time which will identify him to those who know the Scriptures. Sign 4—The Number 666 Sign

“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Rev. 13:18). We shall note the appearance of the 666-day cycles in connection with the former League of Nations and the present United Nations. These remarkable cycles of 666 days appear in relation to other significant events. For example, two sets of 666 days following the attack of Pearl Harbor marked the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the ending of World War II. (See sign 13.) Another interesting circumstance in which the number six appears is the date of D-day at which time the allies invaded Europe at The 6th hour of The 6th day of The 6th month of The 6th year of the war (June 6, 1944). The purpose was to free Europe from the madman Hitler and to prevent any other tyrant from gaining control. Alas, the great campaign of liberation was marked by the fatal number 6. The antichrist’s number is 666.

20 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

The number 6 in its various multiples (especially 666) is appearing again and again in relation to world events which we cannot mention here. Since the number 666 is identified with the beast, or antichrist, we may be sure that the hour of his revelation to the world is near. Sign 5—The Sign of the Antichrist's Forerunner Even as there was a forerunner to Christ, so Adolph Hitler appears to be the forerunner of the antichrist. Notice the various ways that Hitler’s vile acts foreshadow those of the antichrist: 1. Hitler was marked by the number 666. Hitler joined with Russia precipitating World War II. At the end of 666 days he broke his treaty or covenant and went to war with Russia. 2. Hitler revived an empire which included the territory of the Holy Roman Empire. Germany for centuries was the heart of that Empire. As an interesting footnote when Hitler invaded Austria, he came into possession of the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. The empire lasted about 1000 years, and Hitler hoped to found the “new order” in which the Reich would last 1000 years. This was denied him, however. 3. From the time Hitler and Japan declared war on the U.S. until the time of Hitler’s death and the fall of Germany was 1260 days. The antichrist will wage war against humanity 1260 days. Like Hitler, he will at the first win great victories, but in the end even as was the case with Hitler, he will be destroyed. 4. Hitler sought to wipe out the Jews and succeeded in destroying six million of them. The antichrist after he breaks the covenant will try to destroy the Jews. 5. Hitler also thought to destroy Christianity, and he cast hundreds of preachers into prison. He never got far into this program however, for the war turned against him. 6. Hitler used as a symbol of Naziism, the broken or crooked cross—the swastika. The antichrist will claim to be the Christ, but he will distort and pervert all that the cross stands

21 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

for. 7. Hitler’s boyhood friend tells that Hitler’s power to hypnotize the crowds began on a night on a mountain when a mighty “anointing” of some kind—evidently from Satan— came upon him. Satan will possess the antichrist completely. He will be able to perform great exploits, but not by his own power. Thus did Daniel prophesy: “And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” (Dan. 8:24).

Sign 6—Many Lesser Antichrists Arise Before the Final Antichrist

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time ... Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 2:18; 4:1). The apostle John said, “Ye have heard that antichrist shall come,” indicating that it was common teaching in the early church that the antichrist would come. There were others who would also arise in the future. Jesus in His discussion of events which would occur just before and during the Great Tribulation spoke of false christs and false prophets arising that would show great signs and wonders “insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:21-25). So although the tribulation antichrist shall arise in his time, yet there was to be a succession of false prophets and antichrists. Some of these false christs are ridiculous in their claims, such as Charles Manson convicted as the leading spirit in the Tate murders. He informed his gullible flock that he was both Jesus Christ and the devil! Others have had a much larger following, as was the case of

22 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

Father Divine who claimed to be God Almighty. Although his concubines afterwards exposed him as a lecherous leader who was capable of any wickedness, for years he had thousands of people accepting his claims and giving him worship. Though he claimed to possess immortal life, his mind gradually deteriorated into senility until finally death claimed him, an event that apparently disillusioned most of his followers who at last awakened to the fact that they had been victims of a monstrous fraud. Father Divine cast a hypnotic spell on those who listened to him, and people unversed in the Scriptures fell for his enchantments. Still others appearing on the scene have put forth claims that they are the reincarnation of Christ. A few years ago flying saucer enthusiasts purported to have had conversation with visitors from other planets who, they said, had come to save the world from atomic destruction. These “visitors” seemed to favor rendezvous in the desert, although Christ gave a specific warning, “Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth” (Matt. 24:26). Certain of these false prophets do not go as far as to say that they are Christ, but they make extravagant claims identifying themselves with Elijah returned, or John the Baptist raised from the dead, or the seventh angel, or the messenger of the covenant. Some have started as true prophets, but the spirit of self- exaltation overtook them, and they became victims of their own delusions. They who are led away by these delusions rarely recover from them, and those who do usually become so disillusioned that they are no longer active in the work of the Lord. Surely this rise of false prophets and antichrists in increasing numbers with their false teachings, deceiving and being deceived, fulfills Christ’s warning, and this should alert God’s people that the hour of the Man of Sin is at hand.

23 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

Sign 7—The Flood of Deceiving Spirits

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:1-3). In the same epistle in which John declares that the antichrist will come, he also warns the believers that not every spirit is from God, but rather they should test these spirits. John also adds in the book of Revelation that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” It is clear from this criterion that many prophecies going the rounds are false, and their propagators are false prophets. Although there have always been false prophets, never has there been such a profusion of them as today. The only important change in their modus operandi is that in most cases they no longer use the terms “witch, wizard, magician, sorcerer,” but have adopted such names as have the ring of respectability or have a scientific facade. They call themselves psychics. But whatever name they assume, the source from which they draw their inspiration is the same—that of seducing spirits. The apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy called attention to the fact that the Spirit spoke expressly that false ministers under the guise of the Christian religion will give heed to seducing spirits. Although they give lip service to the Bible, their teachings are a sharp departure from the Christian faith: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron ...” (I Tim. 4:1- 2). A sad example of the fulfillment of this prophecy is the case of Bishop Pike. Once a preacher of the gospel and highly

24 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist respected, he turned to the seducing spirits of spiritism. His apostasy initiated the beginning of a long series of personal tragedies. First his son became a hippie and a drug addict. Then both the boy and his secretary committed suicide. Pike’s wife divorced him. Finally he met death himself when, with his new wife, he sought the “historical Christ” in the Judean wilderness. Ironically the medium who led him into spiritualism, Arthur Ford, was unable to give proper directions for searchers to locate the bishop, while he was still alive. The end of the age will be marked with increased demon activity. Great hordes of evil spirits will be released from the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1-2). Satan and his wicked angels will be cast down out of the heavenlies (Rev. 12: 7-12). Apparently we are in the forefront of this satanic invasion. The beast himself ascends out of the bottomless pit (Rev. 17:8). With the beast apparently are a great army of demon spirits who go forth to deceive the world (Rev. 16:14). Coming events cast their shadows before. The present flood of demon activity manifested in the revival of sorcery, witchcraft, the black arts, and a variety of psychic phenomena obviously represents the forefront of an avalanche of demon spirits which will deceive the nations during the reign of the antichrist, all of which evidently means that his hour is close at hand. Sign 8—The Rise of Devil Worship

“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Rev. 13:4). These words of the prophecy in Revelation 13 are a solemn warning indeed. It is a well-known fact that in dark Africa and in other areas of heathenism there are actual cults of devil worship. But that such worship should become widespread and even accepted by people in high position in our so-called Christian civilization seemed difficult to believe. But recent events prove

25 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist that this prophecy of devil worship is only too true, for it is already being fulfilled in the rituals and practices of various cults. One of these that has attracted considerable attention is that of Anton Szandor La Vey, of the Church of Satan, whose headquarters is located in San Francisco. The National Enquirer (Dec. 6, 1970), says concerning La Vey and his cult: “He defines Satan as the dark side of human nature. He believes that this side is the most powerful force in man and that it can be called forth through curses, hexes, charms, and spells ... The Church of Satan founded in San Francisco in the spring of 1966 uses a black-painted, 13-room mansion as its temple. It is recognized as a legitimate religious organization by the state of California and as such is tax free. La Vey stopped giving out membership figures when he reached 8,000 (early 1970). He believes that when a controversial organization reaches a certain size it becomes a target for attack from more orthodox groups.” The National Enquirer quotes La Vey as saying: “We have grottoes (congregations) in most major cities—New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit. We also have them in Kentucky, New Mexico, and Mississippi.” “What we advocate is what most Americans practice, whether they call it Satanism or not. We are the new establishment. We see materializing around us a chaotic state from which a greater order will emerge. We feel the new order will be a Satanic society. This will mean the end of spiritual, orthodox religions.” La Vey’s church does not welcome the weak, the feeble, the humble. “Cursed are the weak, for they shall inherit the yoke,” La Vey says. “With shaved head, beard, and hypnotic yellow eyes, the 40- year-old La Vey looks the part of an incarnate Satan. He explains that he was once a cage boy in the Clyde Beatty circus. He later worked as an organist in a burlesque house and in night clubs. He then pursued psychical research, the black arts, and clinical hypnosis. Eventually there developed a group of people

26 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist who were vitally interested in this field of the abnormal. It was this circle that formed the beginnings of the church of Satan and launched La Vey as the high priest of hell,” so reports the National Enquirer. Thus we see the worship of Satan is no longer an academic question. The church of hell has already been established and is rapidly growing. Its communicants are obviously sold out lock, stock, and barrel to evil and to Satan. While some other cults worship the devil covertly, those of the Satanist church not only do it openly, but boast of it. Surely this shocking and blasphemous development which is attracting so much attention is another sign that the day of the antichrist is at hand when great numbers of deluded people will openly worship the devil and his antichrist. Sign 9—The Appearance of Great Signs and Lying Wonders

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (II Thes. 2:8-9). The antichrist will deceive the people with his signs and lying wonders. It will be recalled that when Christ gave the Great Commission He declared that certain signs would follow believers—they would speak with new tongues; they would lay hands on the sick and they would recover (Mark 16:15-18). The devil, always an imitator, will have signs to follow the antichrist. But they will be lying wonders; in other words, wonders that will deceive the people. The way for this is being prepared today. While believers will have supernatural signs following them, those who would be true followers of Christ are required to repent of their sins and lead a life of holiness. The lying miracles and wonders of sorcery make no such demands. When Bishop Pike witnessed

27 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist the manifestations of spiritualism, he turned from the faith he once preached. Typical of his apostasy was his advocacy of adultery for mismatched couples. Sorcery is providing many kinds of preternatural phenomena today, and the masses are being drawn to it. Spiritualism, the work of impersonating spirits which feign to be the spirits of the dead, has captivated thousands of people. Seducing spirits which have had access to circumstances in the lives of departed persons, succeed in making people believe they are talking with their dead loved ones. While some practices of mediums are pure fraud, a considerable part of spiritism represents genuine demonic manifestation. Psychometrists such as Peter Hourkos are able after touching an article, such as that of clothing, to reveal secret information concerning the owner including his whereabouts and activities, whether he is alive or dead, etc. There is no doubt that advanced practitioners in spiritism are actually able to perform wonders of materialization and dematerialization. They can closely imitate certain of the miracles of God. Thus the sorcerers in Moses’ day were able to mimic the miracles of Moses and Aaron. There were limits, however, beyond which they could not go, and Moses’ power was superior to that of the magicians’ (Exod. 7:8-12). Sorcerers especially in heathen lands are able to produce many weird phenomena. The hexes and curses that they put on people are not all superstition. Several years ago when my daughter Carole and I were in Nigeria, Rev. S. G. Elton related to us some of the mysterious happenings caused by the juju witch doctors. In one case a man was bodily lifted from his bed and hurled out of the window. We talked with the man who had had this frightening experience. Carole listened, but being unfamiliar with the works of sorcery, was a little skeptical and thought that some of it must have been his imagination. She was soon undeceived, for one of these spirits followed her to her room, and she soon recognized that these evil powers were only too real. She called on us for assistance, and in the name of

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Jesus we cast the spirit out of the room and bound it so that it could not return. Christians who have spiritual discernment are able to distinguish readily the satanic manifestations from those of God. Not so the unconverted who often exhibit a strange fascination for psychic phenomena. Witness the large following of Jeane Dixon, whom we have mentioned. Sorcery has had an amazing growth in the past decade. Bookstores abound with volumes on magic, the black arts, necromancy, and all manner of so-called psychic phenomena. Ever-increasing numbers of people are coming to believe in the psychic powers and confounding them with the power of God. Thus we see the way prepared for the advent of the antichrist who by means of his signs and lying wonders will deceive many and lead them into gross delusions. Sign 10—The Rise of Violence Paves the Way for a Dictator The past decade has witnessed an enormous rise in crime— some 100 percent. This violence is not only in the streets and in the ghettoes, but it has spread into the colleges and even into the high schools. The fear of violence is resulting in radical changes in our society. For one thing in many of our cities women are afraid to walk outdoors at night, even near their homes. Churches have had to move to other areas of the city to avoid the dangers of violence to their parishioners. Over 30 percent of American householders keep guns in their homes for the purpose of protecting themselves from intruders. Due to the lenient rulings of the courts, the criminal is having a field day. Even though caught red-handed and arrested, the lawbreaker is often let out on bail to continue to prey on society. The revolutionaries openly advocate the burning of public buildings, the dynamiting of homes and offices of those who are

29 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist not in sympathy with their activities. Many civil rights advocates through giving lip service to law and order approve and encourage their followers to disobey laws they do not like. Where will all this anarchy lead? History shows us the direction in which it will go. People will stand violence only so long. When it comes home to them, when they are victims of crime, when their property is molested or destroyed, when it is no longer safe to send their children to school, they will rise up in anger and demand a strong man to take the helm of the ship of state. Courts have an important place in maintaining the balance of power. When they become corrupt and by their prejudicial decisions in favor of the criminal make a mockery of justice, then the people will demand a man who will if necessary overrule the courts and with a strong hand put down anarchy. That is what happened during the French Revolution. There was first an uprising among the Parisian rabble. Opportunists seized the occasion to get into power. The nation gravitated into a state of chaos. People cried for a strong man to reestablish law and order. They found him in Napoleon. At first Napoleon showed great skill not only as a general, but he enacted many equitable laws that made him the idol of the populace. He rose to absolute power and ultimately crowned himself as emperor. But by then ambition dominated him. He would conquer Europe, Asia, perhaps the world. And in his attempt which almost succeeded but finally failed, millions perished. The present world disorder and increasing chaos is even now calling for a strong man. The strong men of the former world wars are all dead. Mediocre men rule the nations. But out of these will rise a man of charm, of power, of great ability. He will appear as a saviour of the nations. But he is Satan’s man, the antichrist. He will throw off his feigned role of a man of peace and will lead the world to the bloody fields of Armageddon. Sign 11—The Sign of Inflation Because of the nature of our modern civilization, nothing

30 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist dislocates the economy more quickly than inflation. It is an unwritten law that when a government puts money in circulation at a faster rate than production warrants, inflation results. This effect may occur when the government prints large quantities of paper money or sells vast amounts of bonds to make up a deficit caused by spending more than it takes in. With an excess of money in circulation prices tend to rise as people bid against each other in buying. With prices rising, labor unions demand higher wages. Thus the spiral gathers momentum. During World War II the national debt rose to 200 billion. Since then it has risen to 450 billion. How is this great debt that continues to rise year by year being liquidated? By inflation. Some 150 billion in indebtedness has been absorbed by inflation. Who pays for inflation? Not those who own large tracts of land or have material wealth of some kind. Their wealth rises with inflation. Indeed rising land prices have made many people millionaires. But those who saved their dollars for old age or had their money in bonds, savings accounts, insurance policies, or pension plans have lost heavily because the purchasing power of their money has dwindled. Until 1967, inflation though troublesome, was still under control. Failure to go all-out in the Vietnam War has prolonged it until inflation has now doubled its pace. The new administration has made strong efforts to bring inflation under control. But the heated economy so far (1973) has not responded materially. Now what has this to do with the antichrist? Simply this. Uncontrolled inflation is the road to revolution. One illustration will suffice. After World War I Germany was almost bankrupt. To pay her bills she began printing large quantities of paper money. Two years after the war the mark had fallen to about one-twentieth of its previous value. By that time inflation was out of control and no remedy could stop it. One year later the mark was worth 7260 to the dollar. Within another year it was four billion to the dollar. All savings were wiped out. Insurance

31 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist policies were valueless. Pension funds were so much waste paper. The suffering of the German people was intense. The cry was for a strong man to save their country. Desperation caused them to listen to the nostrums proposed by a man named Hitler, who as we have seen fulfilled a role as forerunner of the antichrist. Therein is the danger of runaway inflation. If the present trend cannot be stopped, the savings of the American people will be wiped out. In their anger and frustration they will be willing to turn an ear to a man who will promise them a way out. Thus the way will be prepared for a dictatorship. Now the fact is that the Book of Revelation indicates that when the antichrist appears the world will be in a state of uncontrolled inflation. This is indicated in the words spoken concerning the third horseman of the apocalypse: “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine” (Rev. 6:5-6). The above description indicates that prices have skyrocketed and as a result conditions of famine exist. Strong measures will be called for that will set price controls with the severest penalties attached to those who fail to conform: “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Rev. 13:16-17).

Sign 12—The Sign of the Accumulation of Wealth and the Uprising of the Underprivileged

“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries

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that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth” (James 5:1-4). Ever and again history records the rich accumulating great wealth and oppressing the poor. This has often resulted in an uprising of street mobs and on occasion these have overthrown their masters and seized their properties. Unfortunately the chaos and anarchy that prevailed resulted in no permanent benefit to the poor. Unscrupulous leaders would seize control, and their ruthless use of power greatly aggravated their burdens. Indeed in the power struggles that follow, often the man least qualified to restore peace and tranquility to the country rises to the top and forces the nation into a dictatorship. “Power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts” is an adage more often true than otherwise. This is what happened, as we have seen, in the French Revolution. High taxes, inflation, with no hope of redress caused the uprising of the masses. The favored classes wished to hold onto their wealth and their privileges. It was the old story of the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer. It led to anarchy, and finally to a dictator—Napoleon. The same condition exists today throughout Latin America. The upper classes by oppressing the poor have obtained great wealth and live in luxury. The poor in their desperation are swinging toward communism, not because they are sure what the results will be, but in their hopelessness they are willing to listen to the panaceas of the Marxists who are ready to promise anything to achieve power. If the people of Latin America were aware of what really has happened in Cuba under the Castro dictatorship, they would think twice about placing their fate in the hands of communists. The Cubans have lived in extreme poverty since Castro’s takeover, and hundreds of thousands in

33 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist terror for their lives have fled to the U.S. mainland. But the poorer classes in these countries, unaware of all this, strike out blindly in their anger at the landed class who lives in luxury. They are willing to gamble away their liberty in the hope that they will find something better. Indeed a Marxist revolution has already taken place in Chile, which at the time of writing is in a state of chaos, and other Latin countries are teetering on the brink of having the same thing happening in their land. Thus the nations of the world are being prepared for the antichrist, who when he comes on the scene will promise anything. The poor in their desperation will accept him as a saviour. Alas, he will be anything but a saviour, and too late they will find themselves at the mercy of a man who is Satan-inspired and capable of the most fiendish deeds. They will have to line up and accept his dictums or be slain. Sign 13—The United Nations Sign

“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Rev. 13:7). The beast power will seek to extend its authority “over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” To a large extent he will succeed although the time he exercises this power will be comparatively short. His power over the earth will not be absolute, however, else there would be no nations left to come against him at Armageddon. The need of a world government was realized as the result of the terrible conflict of World War I in which many millions perished. It came into existence under the name of the League of Nations, January 10, 1920, just 3 sets of 666 days after World War I began—July 28-August 4, 1914. Hence it was marked with the number of the beast—666. But the League of Nations of which so much was expected miserably failed and with the advent of World War II it died a natural death.

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After World War II in April, 1946, a new world government was established, called the United Nations. Its success in curbing aggression has been just as limited as its forerunner the League of Nations. Notice how the 666-day cycles mark its history. Two times 666 days from the inception of the U.N., China fell victim to the communist masters. Four times 666 days from the inception of the U.N., North Korea became victim of the communist aggression. Six times 666 days from the inception of the United Nations the Common Market treaty entered into by six nations was signed in Rome. The United Nations will utterly fail just the same as did the League of Nations. It is a covenant which leaves God out and lets the devil in. The U.N. health organization (WHO) is appropriately represented by a serpent entwined on a staff! The cry for a world government with teeth in it is helping to prepare the way for the antichrist system which, once it gets control, will ruthlessly force the peoples of the nations to obey its will. Sign 14—The Coming of the Computer From time to time in history there have arisen men with the antichrist spirit. They have sought to exercise autocratic control over all their subjects. In this they were handicapped, as it required a greater army of subordinates than was available to keep tab on the people. Even during the days of the cruel Roman emperors who demanded worship, many Christians were able to hide away in the catacombs where they conducted their worship services. There was no way for the emperor to police such a vast number of people. But the development of the electronic “Big Brother” is changing all this. Suddenly comes the age of the computer which makes it possible to store information concerning every facet of the lives of the citizens of the nation. As Dr. Jerome B. Wiesner,

35 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

Dean of Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology observes, “The development of the computer is one of the turning points of history. The computer with its promise of a million-fold increase in man’s capacity to handle information will undoubtedly have the most far-reaching social consequences of any contemporary technical development. The potential for good in the computer and the danger of misuse exceeds our ability to imagine.” We have been told that in the not too far distant future the computer will be used to automatically write checks, pay monthly bills, be used by physicians to diagnose diseases, provide a lawyer with legal precedents. It is already being used by the FBI to keep check on millions of people guilty or suspected of committing crimes. The Internal Revenue department is using computers to check up on chiselers who fail to pay their full income tax. But although the computer has many excellent uses, the significant and sinister aspect of it is that in the hands of a ruthless dictator, utter control of the lives of all the citizens of the nation or nations may be obtained. A file of the family history, its religious affiliation, political allegiance, in fact all the pertinent information concerning the citizen can be stored in a master computer and be obtainable at the flick of a finger. New Haven, Connecticut, already has a master file of its citizens and no doubt many other cities are following suit. That the antichrist will have some such means at his command by which he can exercise absolute control over his subjects is revealed in Revelation 13:7-8, 16-17. Sign 15—The Advent of Television

“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and

36 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist

tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves” (Rev. 11:7-9). We are told that “the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit,” shall make war against the two witnesses and shall kill them. The witnesses will expose his satanic character and keep many from worshiping him. Therefore, his anger and fury knows no bounds, and though the witnesses are protected of God through the tribulation, the antichrist is at last permitted to take their lives. In his hellish hatred and contempt of the two witnesses and in an effort to degrade them before their followers, he leaves them dead in the streets of Jerusalem for three days and a half. Not satisfied with permitting the local population to view their dead bodies in a supreme act of contempt he shows them to the “people and kindreds and tongues and nations.” But here we pause. How could this have been explained a hundred or even forty years ago? Certainly the peoples of the nations could not be brought to Jerusalem to view these dead bodies. If the prophecy is true, there must be some means, unknown in past history by which this could be done. We of the present generation alone know the answer—television. Indeed, scarcely a week goes by without scenes of Israel and other Bible lands being shown. Often the scenes are live and are broadcast directly via satellite. Since satellite television has only been available the last few years, a literal fulfillment of the prophecy would have been impossible until now. In connection with the benefits and dangers of world wide television, David Sarnoff writing in Reader’s Digest (March, 1966). warns of the propaganda possibilities which such nations as Russia may use. He foresees that the Soviet Union may set up a competitive world-wide satellite complex that could broadcast to any home television set in the world. Thus communism would have a new means to transmit its deadly doctrine to any part of the world. General Sarnoff adds, “When a Soviet satellite can

37 Signs of the Coming of the Antichrist telecast directly into a Kansas farm, who will keep this form of communism from turning into a deadly weapon, an instrument for massive subversion and incitement of conflict?” Surely the advent of world-wide live television by satellite is a very significant indication that the antichrist is at hand. For by its means he can extend his personal magnetism and influence to all parts of the earth while sitting in his private chambers. What is the purpose of the signs of the times? Christ told the Jews that they could read the signs in the skies whether the weather would be fair or foul, but that they could not discern the signs of the times (Matt. 16:1-3). For this reason He foretold that Jerusalem would be destroyed and the Jews would go away into captivity because they knew not the time of visitation (Luke 19:41-44; 21:20-24). God grant that we read the signs occurring in the world that point to the sure and imminent return of Christ. However, with the Lord’s coming we are forewarned that the antichrist is also at hand. Jesus gave us a warning in Luke 21:34-36 to be ready for these events which are near to come. May we give them due heed: “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” How will the antichrist rise to power? This is the subject of our second volume, The Antichrist and His Forerunner.

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