Question re: Antichrist's country of origin

[veterinarian]

I came across this article today. The author of the book "The Islamic Antichrist" believes that the Antichrist will be from a Muslim country, not from Rome.

Richardson believes the key error of many previous prophecy scholars involves the misinterpretation of a prediction by Daniel to Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel describes the rise and fall of empires of the future, leading to the endtimes. Western Christians have viewed one of those empires as Rome, when, claims Richardson, Rome never actually conquered Babylon and was thus disqualified as a possibility.

It had to be another empire that rose and fell and rose again that would lead to the rule by this "man of sin," as described in the Bible. That empire, he says, is the Islamic Empire, which did conquer Babylon and, in fact, rules over it even today

I have always thought, like many others, that the country that the Antichrist would be from included an area that fit the city of Rome the best.

So what does everyone think about this man's idea? Does he have a legitimate point?

[veterinarian]

Opps, I hope this is in the right place. I put it here because I felt that the question and answer involves Biblical passages. Feel free to move it, if needed!

[Keith]

Good morning Donna. The European Union is the 'revived Roman empire' and the organization from which the Antichrist will rise to power and eventually dominate the world. The prophet Daniel, under Holy Spirit inspiration stated:

"And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." (Daniel 9:26)

1. The "prince that shall come" is the Antichrist. The original Hebrew text uses the word "nawgheed" which means "commander, leader or ruler". Therefore the term Antichrist is not symbolically or allegorically referring to a 'mind set of evil' or a 'coalition of forces' but an actual human being.

2. The "people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary" is referring to the nationality of the people who destroyed Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. This was the Romans under the leadership of Titus (this event was also documented by secular Jewish historian and eyewitness Josephus).

Not since the old Roman Empire of two thousand years ago has Europe been united. But the 'revived Roman Empire' is rising under the name of the European Union.

Also, the Antichrist will force worship of himself, not Allah, which is forbidden in Islam. The Antichrist will not be a Muslim.

[veterinarian]

Excellent! Of course, I should have remembered that passage.

There is no doubt about this one; Islam was not even around when the Temple was destroyed.

[Murph]

If I am understanding what I am reading in Psalm 83 and about Psalm 83...that is just about going to finish Islam...the military action described in that Psalm.

The major problem with them...radical Islam that is, seems to be coming from outfits like Hamas, Hesbollah and the Taliban and such...

The Arab states seem to be putting them up to the dirty work, instigating and then stepping back a ways and letting the radical factions lob the bombs and blow themselves up in shopping centers and in front of hotels and such...

it appears to be those factions that Psalm 83 deals with...as well as a few of Israel's close neighbors.

Some of the close neighbors at present seem to be lining themselves up for a "piece of the action."

It is an oversimplification...but do I have it right?

The action they are lining up for is to wipe Israel and the Jews from the face of the earth.

We know God isn't going to let that happen. He said so.

[Murph]

If I am understanding that wrong would somebody kindly point me in the right direction, please?

[Keith]

Aug 10, 2009 14:25:35 GMT -6 Murph said:

If I am understanding what I am reading in Psalm 83 and about Psalm 83...that is just about going to finish Islam...the military action described in that Psalm.

Well, kinda'. When Israel enlarges her borders in the fulfillment of Psalm 83/Isaiah 17, it will infuriate the Muslim world to the extent that they will merge with Russia and the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy will be fulfilled.

Here's the timeline:

1. Israel's 'near enemies' attack;

2. Israel retaliates fulfilling Isaiah 17;

3. The Muslim world is so decimated that Israel enlarges her borders fulfilling Psalm 83;

4. After a period of reorganization, Israel's 'far enemies' incorporate with Russia and the Gog/Magog alliance;

5. That group attacks and Ezekiel 38-39 is fulfilled.

Or, I could be completely wrong... ;D