Global Crisis = anti-Christ’s Coming?

The economic woes now felt in America are not an isolated condition - even though it is rather obvious now that the nation’s leadership allowed, and even caused much of the devastating situation. But the stark reality is that much of the world’s markets are following suit. This can be seen particularly in Europe and in some Asian countries as well.

For example, European stocks added to their line of losses amid worries that governments were struggling to figure out how help the banking sector get back on its feet, which is widely considered necessary before an economic recovery can begin. In Japan the spreading nervousness sent the Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo to 7,268 points, only about 100 points above a 26-year low. The intensifying concern about the state of the economy and stock market caused the country’s finance minister to say that the government was studying measures to support the market — including suggestions that the government actually buy shares.

The expanding global trend sees governments getting heavily involved in rescue plans. And growing numbers worldwide are voicing the need for a possible world-wide solution as they see no clear way out otherwise.

The Bible has given signs concerning the return of Christ – one primary key being the re-establishing of Israel as a nation as seen in Luke 21:24. “And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” The general and fearful climate of entire world is also addressed in the passage in verses 25-26. “And on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” From the current “signs of the times” it would appear that the Lord’s long awaited return is very near!

But it is also beyond interesting and coincidence that the scene is quickly being set for the arrival of the one most know simply as “anti-Christ”. This charismatic and demonically controlled leader will offer a false peace followed by a reign of terror the likes of which the world has never known. And when considering that the entire world is beginning to scramble for anyone who can rescue, and perhaps fully control, the faltering global monetary system, Revelation 11:16 has taken on a whole new meaning – one that might not have gelled before the current crisis. Verse 16 reads, “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

As troubling as the world’s worries have become, Christians can and should have a different view on it all. While those who do not know Christ as their Savior may be wondering about their future or even fearing the predicted ‘man of sin’, believers are to set their sites on their returning and victorious king. They are to take comfort in Luke 21:28. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

But beyond the supernatural peace of God in these end times and turbulent days, followers of Christ need to answer and respond to the question offered up in 2 Peter 3. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”

Bill Breckenridge