The dominant figure of the Tribulation will be the Antichrist, the “man of sin,” who will be revealed after the Bride has been taken out of the world. Initially, he will expand his empire through diplomatic ventures and subtle “peace” diplomacy. Only later will his true nature be revealed. His ascent to power will be rapid, and authority will be given to him from Satan. The Apostle John wrote of this man that “power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7). He will be a phenomenally persuasive and brilliant man, and also extremely wicked and diabolical. Scripture alludes to him as “the son of perdition” and also the “beast.” All who dwell upon the earth, whose names are not written in the Book of Life, will worship him (Revelation 13:8).As the Antichrist gains control of the world during the Tribulation period, those who follow him will receive an identifying mark. The mark or seal of the beast will be placed in the right hand or forehead of all his followers, and those who do not have the mark will not be allowed to buy or sell. “The mark of the beast” will be literal, and those who receive it will seal their own eternal damnation, for the Word says, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb” (Revelation 14:9-10).The Antichrist will come into power through flatteries, the promise of peace, and a certain measure of prosperity. He will change his tactics during the Tribulation; however, and will become the most cruel and despotic ruler this world has ever seen (Revelation 13:1-18).
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