JUL 31

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
Memorise Ezra 3:1-6
“sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God”

WILL THEY REALLY WORSHIP THE ANTICHRIST?

In light of the abominations that this Antichrist will commit, is it really possible that he would be universally acclaimed as God in this modern unbelieving world? Well, 2 Thessalonians 2:4 describes what the antichrist will do: “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God”. This shows that not only will the antichrist be called God, but he will be worshipped above the living God!

First of all, biblical history is replete with examples where Israel worshipped false gods above the living God. Possibly the worst form of such worship was the sacrifice of infants to Molech in the valley of Gehenna. One can only imagine the depth of worship of Molech that drove parents to willingly sacrifice their children. Not for nothing God calls idols idols: it is almost a natural instinct for man to idolize something, be it a statue or an actual human being. Little wonder Romans 1:25 talks of those “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever”.

Secondly, see what 2 Thessalonians 2:9 tells us about the antichrist: “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders”. Think about the millions in the world today who are already fooled by the false miracles of Charismatism, and the signs and wonders movement. Moreover, the antichrist will deceive the world into believing he is God by curing even the mortally wounded! (Revelation 13:12).

Thirdly, considering that those who do not worship the antichrist will be killed (Revelation 13:15), mortal men who fear death most of all will choose to worship the antichrist instead. Perhaps this will be the most compelling factor of all.

For all these reasons, dear teen, the antichrist will be acclaimed as God himself. While we praise God that we who are born again would not be around to witness this tragic deception, may we all never fall prey to Satan’s deceptions which are already working in the world right now.

Thought: Deception is a very powerful tool of Satan.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be discerning and never fall prey to the wiles of the Devil.