We have been looking at seven events that may happen between the Rapture and the Tribulation. The first two were the setting up of a global government and a global religion.  Here is the third event: the rise of the Antichrist. Of course, all this is just my opinion—what I think is logical.

The Antichrist is somewhat of a mystery man. At this present time nobody really knows who he is. And even during the time between the Rapture and the Tribulation, I don’t think people will know this man as the Antichrist, only that he is a great and popular leader. It won’t be revealed who he is until the midpoint of the Tribulation when Satan enters into him and God removes his restraints to do evil (2 Thess 2:6-7).

I suppose a general description of him from his earlier life is that he will grow up loving the military and war. And then, out of his great popularity and giftedness he will also be elected to a high government position in the EU—and eventually will become a world leader (Dan. 11:37-38). But, through it all, I believe he will be controlled by demons. Everything he does will be Satan inspired.

 Now, as for his world influence and how he rises to power, ten leaders of the EU will rise up first, and then he will rise up after them and among them (Dan 7:24). And he will very soon gain popularity and power over them all. And I think it will be due mainly to his great emphasis on world peace.

Also, we see in Scripture that he will work closely with the harlot (the new global religion). At first she will have control over him; she will use him to help her build the false religion. Later he will control her, using her to help him control the people so that they will serve him and do His will. In fact, she will help him to get rid of the Christians—to kill them (Rev. 17:6).

Now, at the middle of the Tribulation to the end, when God removes his restraints to do evil, a number of terrible things will happen.

• Satan’s power is unleashed through him so that he becomes known as the lawless on (2 Thess. 2:6-8).
• He breaks the covenant of peace with Israel (Rev. 9:27).
• He exalts himself in the temple as God (2 Thess. 2:4).
• A fatal wound of his is healed and the world is amazed, but is deceived (Rev. 13:3-4).
• He and the ten kings destroy the harlot (Rev. 17:16-17).
• He is aided by the false prophet to do evil works (Rev. 13:11-18).
• He wages war on the world—but in the end he dies in battle (Dan. 11:40-45; Rev. 13:7).4

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4 Ibid., pp. 103-125.