The Man of Sin is a Person and Not Just a Collective Force
There are some who are of the notion that the man of sin is not, nor will be, an individual person.
However, Scripture certainly points out differently, as I will cite those examples below.
Now to be sure, there is the “spirit of Antichrist” that certainly is prevalent today, and has been, and will continue to be, seen in our world.
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time,” 1 John 2:18.
And yet as we see in Thessalonians 2, and throughout much of Daniel 11 we see a definite ONE who opposes HIMSELF above everything that would be called God.
He is not WE, or US, or THEY, but is indeed a PERSON.
I write these things in lieu of some who are of the opinion that these things are not true.
We are told to look at the context of those scriptures that would speak of these things, and here I have done so.
I have certainly not exhausted this study, as there are many others who have and will perhaps, explore this subject in greater detail than I have. But hopefully I have looked at it through the lens of properly handling the truth as found in Scripture.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that “MAN” of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing HIMSELF THAT HE is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness,” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 emphasis added.
“And the king shall do according to HIS will; and HE shall exalt HIMSELF, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall HE regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for HE shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall HE honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall HE do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and HE shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain,” Daniel 11:36-39 emphasis added.
On Daniel 11:36 —
There is a gap here in the prophetic revelation, as in chapter eight, which moves from the type of this figure (Antiochus IV) to the anti-type (the Man of Sin.)
The shift is made obvious by the fact that Antiochus was one of the “kings of the North.” While the Man of Sin is attacked by the kings of the North and the South (Daniel 11:40).
Also, his voicing of blasphemies against God is also a characteristic of the Antichrist (Daniel 11:36, 77:8, 20, 25).
Finally, Daniel 12:1 identifies the time of his activity as the “time of distress: known as the Great Tribulation” (Isaiah 26:20; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19.)
What is also plain when reading throughout the Book of Daniel 11, one sees how each of the prophecies given to Daniel spoke of a particular leader and person.
We see this as it describes Alexander, Ptolemy, Selecus II, Ptolemy III, Ptolemy III, and finally Antiochus IV. With this in mind and in context, it is plain to see that the corresponding one to be mentioned, would also be a person, (ie, the MAN OF SIN.)
While many continue to conjecture who this elusive figure may be, we can be assured that HE is a person and not merely a collective force.
Again however, I am not dismissing the validity that there is the “spirit of the Antichrist” which is prevalent throughout the globe.
We are to be aware of this spirit that lives among us and how it continues to manifest itself.
“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book,” Daniel 12:1.
Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson
Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?
Amen.
Amen and amen!