Looking for the anti-Christ overlooks what we really ought to be watching for.

Due to current events, many are looking for the anti-Christ. Recently, I was talking with a friend about how when we were young, we’d hear about major world [tragic] events happening just once a year or two. If I were to ask my parents, they would say they’d only hear about things like that only once every few years when they were children. But time has progressed, and so has prophecy.

Nowadays, we can all agree that not a day goes by where we aren’t hearing or seeing newsworthy international headlines. It’s like “BAM BAM BAM”, in your face! Leaving us to wonder, “Good grief! What’s next?” But oh, touché!

Plagues, viruses, bombings, riots, unusual weather patterns, the acceptance and normalcy of abominations, pride, greed, the devaluing of human life, the list could go on. These are only but a few disheartening things that seem to be left as the dust settles. So much so that much of the world seems to be looking for the anti-Christ.

We’ve been living in the End Times for 2,000 years, and on the brink since 1948—once Israel regained its nationhood. But as of our current day, I believe we’re not only in the End Times but, the Last Days!

What are The Last Days? The Apostle Paul clearly lays out what the Last Days will look like:

“Know this: In the last days, perilous times will come. 

Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers, unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good,  traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from such people.”

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Has there ever been a period in our life when all of the things stated above were globally relevant? This is a strong indication that the anti-Christ spirit is in full effect with no signs of slowing down!

But my question is this: Why would anyone be looking for the anti-Christ? I mean, I can honestly say that I’ve been guilty of this, solely out of speculation. I had to ask myself the same question, “Why on earth am I looking for this dude?!”

We’ve been guessing for ages who he could be based on his political views, morals, actions, and power status. To be honest, it appears that satan’s had an anti-Christ in place throughout every era since the ascension of Jesus Christ (so he’d always be ready). Nero and Adolf Hitler fit the profile, but they weren’t it. They fit the profile like a mitten, not a glove!

The word “look” is mentioned 355 times in the King James Version (KJV) Bible, and not once does it mention to look for the anti-Christ. On the contrary, it does instruct us to look for Jesus Christ! We are instructed that when we see certain events taking place, to look up, for our redemption draws nigh (Luke 21:28). When referring to looking up, the Word pertains to meeting Jesus in the clouds:

“For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

The Bible clearly explains that the man of lawlessness cannot be revealed until the Restrainer is lifted (2 Thess. 2: 1-12). Many believe the restrainer is the Holy Spirit, as do I.

Since the Holy Spirit lives in those who are born-again, we are holding the anti-Christ back! Yet, with everything the man of lawlessness will put those left behind through, they’re going to miss us when we’re gone. The prayers and presence of the church are what prevent the engulfing of hell on earth.

We are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13). Salt preserves. With its absence, things spoil and go to waste. Those left behind will miss us, whether they believe it now, or not.

Jesus will return for His bride in the twinkling of an eye, without notice! Are you ready?

Our main focus needs to be making sure we appear blameless before God (Phil. 2:14-16), winning souls for Christ, and looking for Jesus in the clouds. If you don’t believe you’ll be here during his reign, what’s the point of looking for the anti-Christ? We’ll know when we get to heaven.

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