Article: Were You Waiting for the Anti-Christ? You Missed Him!

Having seen “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Omen” series and various other horror movies combined with much of what I was taught in Christian Churches I have been patiently waiting for the so called “anti-Christ” (son of perdition) to be revealed. I have noticed, however,

that many things have happened, such as the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, the re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 (after nearly two thousand years), the more recent establishment of a European Union (an on-going development started in 1948, but taking prominence in 1993) entertaining the prospect of a world market, and various other developments that have raised the question in me, “Shouldn’t this ‘son of perdition’ be here now?” Let’s take a closer look at the prophetic scriptures that point in this direction.

The apostle Paul prophesied to the church at Thessalonica when he said;

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

Jesus (Yehoshua) earlier said,

“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to get the things out that are in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to get his cloak.” “…for then there will be a great tribulation, such has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall.”

Jesus was referencing the prophet Daniel who was the first to speak of such things.

“Then after sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. And he will make a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”

Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes and is documented in the Apocryphal books of the Macabees (1 Macabees Chapter 1; also 2:7; 4:36-61 the story of “Hanukkah,” or in English “Dedication”] see John 10:22).

What all this means is that if Jesus (Yehoshua) and/or the apostle Paul had not mentioned it again no one would have looked beyond Antiochus Epiphanes. But alas, they did mention it, so then clearly there is a fuller manifestation to follow the earthly life of Jesus and Paul. Let us now consider, however, that in the nearly two-thousand years that have passed since Jesus ascended into heaven, the manifestation of this “abomination of desolation” may have already occurred and possibly in completion. Hundreds of world leaders have come and gone, and we know that many were evil, but this one stands out because he “exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4) Since the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. we might assume that it is impossible for this prophecy to be fulfilled until the temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt. Looking more carefully at this scripture (2 Thessalonians 2:4), the word Paul chose for “temple” is translated from the Greek word “Naos.” Another place where “naos” is translated this way is where Jesus said “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19-21 [also referred to in Mark 14:58]). In other places where Paul is clearly referring to the stone temple (physical) he uses the Greek word “hieros” (1 Corinthians 9:13). “Naos” in John 2:19-21 clearly is speaking of His body as the “temple” and not the stone building. So then, this one who is seated “in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” is not seated in the stone temple in Jerusalem but as the spiritual “head” of the body of Christ (the Messiah). This was fully realized by the Roman Emperor Constantine at the council of Nicea in 325 A.D.

“What?” you say! You’ve never heard that before? There is good reason. The Catholic Church and derivative Protestant denominations all hail “Constantine the Great” as the “Savior of Christendom.” Constantine’s predecessors are the ones who fed Christians to the lions and filleted them in public squares, so when Constantine overthrew Maxentius (his brother-in-law) and structured his government with the Christian Church as the “spine” of his kingdom almost everyone rejoiced (and they still do) without discerning the possibility that Satan would infiltrate the church through compromise.

The Church handled persecution; it was acceptance that threw them into a dither. The assumption of Christendom was that when Constantine had his vision and placed the “Chi” (Christ) and “Rho” (Rex [king]) on the shields of his soldiers that he had converted from Roman paganism to Christianity. Eusebius identified in his account that “he saw with his own eyes in the heavens a trophy of the cross arising from the light of the sun, carrying the message, In Hoc Signo Vinces or “In this sign, you will conquer.” He goes on to tell of a dream Constantine had the following night where Christ appeared to Constantine with the same heavenly sign and told him to make a standard (labarum – a flag like object hailed above the troops) for his army in the same form (Chi and Rho).

Few, if any, put this under the microscope of scripture. Jesus said,

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

The apostle Paul later more clearly identifies the role of Jesus’ followers in “spiritual” warfare and not “physical” warfare:

“For our struggle (battle) is not against flesh and blood (physical), but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Two hundred years earlier John wrote “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared…” (1 John 2:18) This “Christ” that appeared to Constantine should have been questioned and his identity verified, but Eusebius gives no account of anyone ‘testing the spirit to see whether it was from God.’ (1 John 4:1) It is evident that by this time Gnostic thought has been widely accepted in Christianity, thus if it is a spiritual apparition it must be of God, a practice currently continued in many “sensationalistic” charismatic congregations.

Constantine’s battle against Maxentius (precluded by his vision) occurred in October of
312 A.D. In February of 313 Constantine met with Licinius and they developed the “Edict of Milan.” In it he exonerated Christians, which removed the penalties for professing Christianity (i.e. no more martyrdom) and returned the confiscated church properties. Everyone was elated, but a controversy soon arose within the church. Arius of Alexandria (north Africa) said, “If the Father begat the Son, he that was begotten had a beginning of existence: and from this it is evident, that there was a time when the Son was not.” Unbiblical as his thinking was, it caused a huge division among the churches known as the “Arian Controversy.” Constantine saw the power-base of his empire crumbling, so he called together the council of Nicea. He invited all the church leaders from all over the empire (all expenses paid) to attend, and they did. Eusebius identified that:

“the emperor, therefore, finding the quiet of the Church was not a little disturbed by these two evils, assembled (by the advice of some of the prelates, according to Rufinus,) a general council, inviting, by letter, all the bishops to meet at Nice (Nicea), in Bithynia, and furnishing them with the means of conveyance. In consequence, a great number of them, not less than three hundred eighteen, arrived from various cities and territories.” (Eusebius Pamphilus – Ecclesiastical History – Council of Nicea, page 9)

Eusebius also identified that there were “heathen philosophers” at the council who were anxious to take part in the dispute (Eusebius Pamphilus – Ecclesiastical History – Council of Nicea, page 12). How much of an apostasy has already occurred in the “Church” if heathen philosophers have been invited to participate in the council? No wonder some two hundred years earlier the apostle Paul said:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

The account goes on to identify Constantine’s entrance:

“On the arrival of that day, all those who were to be present at the council assembled in an apartment in the centre of the palace, which was larger than any of the others. Many benches were disposed on each side, and everyone took his proper place. When all were seated with suitable decorum, they awaited the coming of the emperor. First one, then another, then a third of his attendants entered the hall. Others also preceded, not armed men, nor any of his usual guard, but only his particular friends. At the signal which announced the entrance of the emperor, all arose, and he appeared in the midst of them, his purple robe, resplendent with gold and precious stones, dazzling the eyes of the beholders. That his mind was impressed with religious awe was evident in his downcast eyes, his blushing countenance, and his modest step and movement. He was taller than any of those, by whom he was surrounded. Nor was he in stature only, but also in elegance of form, and robustness of frame, superior to others.”

Seeing Christianity as the power base of his empire, Constantine made it very clear to them that he was very upset over their division when he said:

united

An internal sedition in the church is, in my apprehension, more dangerous and formidable than any war, in which I can be engaged

So this Constantine seated himself as the head of the Christian Church and the head of the entire Roman Empire at the same time.

But wait a minute, also in 313 Constantine struck a gold coin bearing his image next to that of “Sol Invictus” or the sun god (whose birthday happens to be the 25th of December). Roman citizens recognized in it Apollo’s patronage. Christians chose not to complain about it since it was promoting “monotheism.” Back in 310, after he had defeated his wife’s father, Maximian, Constantine stopped at the pagan temple in Autun. Eusebius wrote:

“O Constantine, you saw, I believe, your protector Apollo, in company with Victory, offering you laurel crowns . . . You really saw the god and recognized yourself in the appearance of one to whom the prophecies of poets have declared that the rule of the whole world should belong.” (James Carroll – Constantine’s Sword – page 180)

It seems Constantine had a few apparitions. Being a shrewd politician, apparently they were more for political gain than for truth. In 326 Constantine seized and executed his oldest son, Crispus. Later in the same year he did likewise with his wife. No reason for either execution was ever stated. In fact, his life’s journey shows no evidence of a crucified life; quite to the contrary. He was baptized (as a ritual) before his death, an event he postponed all his life thinking he had to confess his entire lifetime of sin all together at the same time. Although this is strange thinking for most of us it is not unlike “Mardi Gras,” where many Catholics sin wickedly before Ash Wednesday so that they have something for which to repent. It was also politically expedient to not be exclusively in the “Christian camp” when dealing with those who were not so committed to the religion. It is easy to see much of who he was in the character of most of our popular politicians; chameleons who are whatever they need to be for the situation at hand. Constantine was unconscious for that baptism and never regained consciousness.

In the council, Constantine repeatedly promoted peace and harmony among the churches.

Constantine said:

“But I shall consider the object of my prayers and labors as fully obtained, when I shall behold you united in the purpose of promoting harmony and concord; which, as persons consecrated to God, it is your duty to preach, and to inculcate on others.” (Eusebius Pamphilus – Ecclesiastical History – Council of Nicea, page 17)

Did Jesus say this? Jesus said,

“Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.”

Taking a stand for the character of God and His righteousness always means conflict. Rather than just presenting the scriptural truth, the council of Nicea, under the oversight of the emperor Constantine, “excommunicated” Arius and all his followers. The council of Nicea, under the oversight of the emperor Constantine, redefined the God of the church as an unbiblically defined god-head; co-equal and consubstantial rather than their defined postures of authority (see 1 Corinthians 15:23-28). The council of Nicea, under the oversight of the emperor Constantine, rejected Passover (identity with Israel) and implemented Easter (identity in a new “world” religion). The council of Nicea, under the oversight of the emperor Constantine, changed the focus and defined purpose of the church from what Jesus taught to what Constantine felt was important for his empire; peace and harmony in the community. Church members wearing their “Sunday best” began under Constantine’s rule, since no one knew when the King (Emperor) was going to show up for church.

In conclusion, the apostasy (a total desertion of or departure from one’s religion, principles, party, cause, etc.) is not only here, but has been here since 325 A.D. Clearly Constantine took his seat in the temple of God (the body of Christ [Messiah]), displaying himself as being God, ruler over the Church and the Roman Empire (seemingly the entire earth). Could history repeat itself? Of course, but is that necessary for the fulfillment of bible prophecy? No! Some years ago I was impressed with a Presbyterian Minister who said that ‘God is not sitting on His throne sweating profusely hoping you will not learn something about Him that He doesn’t want you to know.’ Although he was right, the god of “Constantinian Christianity” (a demonic principality) is sitting on his throne sweating profusely hoping you will not read and understand this article. The god of “Constantinian Christianity” is an impostor “Jesus” (the son of perdition-filled with the spirit of antichrist) whose real name is Constantine. If you are a real believer, Jesus gave you instructions:

“let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to get the things out that are in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to get his cloak.”

Flee institutional Christianity and be assembled by His hand into a congregation He has assembled. In Him you can be a functional member of His body through which He will work to hasten His coming Kingdom.

*******

This article was written by James F. Wingerter, Minister of Music at Fellowship Church in Winter Springs, Florida

Reader Interactions