Could Amillennialism Actually Set Up the Great Deception?
The True Israel and the Return of the King
Today’s Verse and Thought
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”(2 Thessalonians 2:7-11)
The Doomsday clock (source)
So far, as we have studied the 4 basic end-times systems, and we understand that each system can be “proven” by scripture.
Today I’m going to set up a possible scenario showing how Amillennialism could actually be part of the end-times deception.
First I will lay the foundation of an Amillennialist beliefs, and then show you how this view may set people up to be deceived.
The Wrath of God
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.”(1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)
The wrath of God in Amillennialism is not something reserved for a “future tribulation” period. Instead, it’s understood as an ongoing, ever-present reality, shaped by the idea that God's judgment is already being revealed in the world and will be fully realized at Christ's return when the unrighteous will be condemned.
As an Amillennialist, you believe the wrath of God can be seen in the spiritual blindness and hard-heartedness of those who reject Christ and in the natural consequences of sin and rebellion against God throughout history.
You believe that the world will keep on going as it is. People will suffer various trials - earthquakes, poverty, war, tornados, floods, job loss, illness, death. There is no end to human suffering and you expect it to only grow worse.
Satan
“And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years…”(Revelation 20:2)
You believe that Satan is already "bound" in the sense that he can no longer prevent the spread of the gospel or maintain total domination over the world. Satan's power to deceive the nations has been restrained during this age. However, he is still active in some manner in the world, and evil persists - in a limited way - until Jesus second coming.
You believe that the 1000 year reign of Christ is a spiritual concept that began when Jesus ascended into heaven.
The Man of Lawlessness - the Antichrist
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
You interpret “the man of lawlessness" as symbolic. You reject the idea of a future "Antichrist" who will appear at the end of time to bring about the great tribulation.
Instead, "Antichrist” to you is seen in any person, group, or system that actively opposes Christ and His teachings. This could refer to false teachers, corrupt rulers, or even entire political and religious systems that stand against Christ's authority, but not a man that will appear at the end to deceive the nations.
The Mark of the Beast - 666
“And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.”(Revelation 13:15-17)
You believe that the Mark of the Beast is also symbolic rather than a literal, future mark or system that will be imposed during the “Great Tribulation” period.
To you, the Mark of the Beast symbolizes allegiance to Satan and idolatry. In Revelation 13, the Beast represents forces of evil, such as false political or religious powers that have opposed God and His people throughout history. The Mark is a “spiritual sign” that symbolizes the loyalty and submission of people to these evil systems, but it isn’t an actual mark like an implant or other physical element.
The number 666 is also interpreted as a spiritual symbol of fallen man or the human systems that are in opposition to God. The difficulty of buying and selling without the Mark, is symbolically pointing to the economic pressures or social alienation that believers may face when they refuse to conform to the world's systems.
Watch?
“While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.”(1 Thessalonians 5:3-5)
Unlike Dispensationalism and Premillennialism that predict a series of literal events that have been prophesied to occur before Christ’s return, you believe that Christ’s return will be sudden and unexpected, without any warning. There will be no precise "signs” to watch for that indicate the season of His coming. The return of Christ will be a surprise to everyone, but you are still told to stay awake and watch.
How Amillennialism might deceive people
“This king [Antichrist] will make a seven-year treaty with the people [Israel], but after half that time, he will break his pledge and stop the Jews from all their sacrifices and their offerings; then, as a climax to all his terrible deeds, the Enemy shall utterly defile the sanctuary of God. But in God’s time and plan, his judgment will be poured out upon this Evil One.”(Daniel 9:27)
It’s all Centered on Israel - If Dispensationalists are Correct
If Dispensationalists have correctly interpreted the end-times scenario, Amillennialism could actually help to deceive people.
Dispensationalists teach that believers will be taken to meet the Lord in the air (rapture) before the Great Tribulation. They teach that we aren’t subject to suffering the wrath of God, but instead will escape it.
“…and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”(1 Thessalonians 1:10)
They teach that in the very beginning of the Tribulation, National Israel will enter into a “peace treaty” with the Antichrist. This will give the appearance of peace and safety as it was prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
The teaching of Amillennialism could be the perfect set up that will help trick the Jews into believing the greatest deception of all.
To be continued…
Today’s Question
Verses to Explore
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”(Romans 15:13)
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…”(1 Timothy 4:1)
“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”(2 Timothy 2:10)
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”(Matthew 24:24)
Today’s Prayer
Father my prayer today is that we keep our eyes on you. You are faithful and your Word is truth. In you there is no deception. We need your wisdom Father. Whatever we are going through today, whatever trial or tribulation, your Word assures us that because of Christ we can overcome; the gates of Hell can’t beat us. There are days when it seems we can’t take one more step and life has caused our strength to fade. In these days of evil, I pray that your Holy Spirit surrounds those you love and lift them up. I pray that we are kept for your purpose. I pray that we focus on storing up our treasures in your kingdom, not the temporal things of earth. Fill us today with the joy that gives us strength.Help us live an honest, moral life that reflects your character. For we are your ambassadors. Please lift us up and bless us. Let the whole world see how you care for your sheep. We belong to you and not the world. Today we hold fast to you and your salvation. Thank you so much for loving us. Thank you for providing for us. May all glory and honor be yours. Amen❤️