There have been many books written, sermons preached and lessons taught concerning the identification of the individual man who will be the anti-Christ of prophecy. Whenever there is a major international political and/or military crisis, many Futurists prophecy teachers make a rush to judgment in their attempt to identify this last day supreme evil one. With the increase of the various means of modern communication, prophecy 'experts' can quickly raise the expectations of millions of gullible Christians that their anti-Christ has finally been found. Such was the case during the first Persian Gulf War in the early 1990's, when the 'experts' were exuberant that Saddam Hussein was their 'man.' This false euphoria only lasted until Hussein was overthrown, tried and executed.
This example of a false interpretation of Bible prophecy has been previously repeated several times during the twentieth century starting with President Woodrow Wilson. As each so-called "anti-Christ" dies, the Futurist 'anti-Christ' hunters immediately begin looking for a new one. Mussolini once became the likely candidate, but he failed to live up to their expectations. Surely, Hitler had to be the 'man' due to his extreme evil nature and behavior. Again, the 'experts' had to find another 'anti-Christ' after Hitler shot himself. The prophecy 'experts' never learn, as they are still chasing a modern man to fulfill their Futurist prophetic perspective.
As shown on the chart, "Will the Real 'Anti-Christ' Please Stand up?" many men have been named as being the Anti-Christ throughout history. Each man on the chart and many more not on the chart have exhibited characteristics of being against Christ and His followers. Taking into consideration all the identification marks of the real "anti-Christ" of Scripture, the only likely and logical choise would not be just one man, but a dynasty or succession of men known as the popes of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Greek connotation of the word "anti" does not mean an open and avowed foe of Jesus Christ, but one posing as a vice Christ or a substitute of Christ. Even the Papal title of their office is indicative of its deceptive nature being "the Vicar of Christ."
For a more complete explanation of the Biblical description of the "Anti-Christ" please order the 32 page booklet, "Anti-Christ Revealed in History and Prophecy" by Alan Campbell, from Truth In History, P.O. Box 808, Owasso, OK 74055
WHAT GREAT CHURCHMEN BELIEVED ABOUT ANTI-CHRIST
JOHN WYCLIFFE – MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION: This great saint of God who gave us the Bible in the English tongue branded the Pope of Rome as the Anti-Christ.
MARTIN LUTHER – In his treatise on "the Babylonian captivity of the church" also branded the Papacy as the "Kingdom of Babylon and Anti-Christ". Replying to the Papal Bull in 1520 he entitled his answer "Martin Luther against the Bull of Anti-Christ."
MELANCHTON – Luther's friend and colleague stated: "the Roman Pontiff with his whole order and Kingdom is the very Anti-Christ."
JOHN KNOX – The great Scottish Reformer stated: "The Pope is the Head of the Kirk of Anti-Christ. . .the Roman Church is the Synagogue of Satan and the head thereof called the Pope the Man of sin of whom the Apostle speaketh."
THOMAS CRANMER – The first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury declared: "As for the Pope, I refuse him as Christ's enemy and Anti-Christ with all his false doctrines."
BISHOP RIDLEY – The great English Reformer burned at the stake said: "The Seat of Rome is the Seat of Satan. . .and the Bishop thereof is Anti-Christ himself indeed."
JOHN CALVIN – Speaking of the Roman Pontiff this great Reformer declared: "I deny him to be the Vicar of Christ who. . .demonstrates by his conduct that he is Anti-Christ."
WILLIAM TYNDALE – The saintly and martyred translator of our English Bible said of the Popes of Rome that: "They be right Anti-Christ's for they. . .deprive the Son of all the power and glory the Father gave Him."
JOHN WESLEY – The founder of Methodism in his Comments on the New Testament clearly stated: "The Pope is the Beast" and "The whole succession of Popes from Gregory VII are undoubtedly Anti-Christ." From: ANTI-CHRIST REVEALED IN HISTORY AND PROPHECY by Alan Campbell