Jack Hibbs: Signs Of The Coming Antichrist

Pastor Jack Hibbs unpacks the Bible’s warnings about the coming Antichrist—who he is, how he’ll rise to power, and the signs believers should watch for. Drawing from Daniel, 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation, Jack explains the Antichrist’s deception, global reach, and persecution, and how Christians can respond with discernment and hope. Watch to strengthen your biblical worldview, recognize counterfeits, and live ready for Jesus’ return.

Signs Of The Coming Antichrist

We’ve got a program for you today that’s quite controversial. The message is titled “Signs of the Coming Antichrist.” As we look around at the world, many people sense—deep down—that something is shifting. You see it in the global economy, the direction of our nation, and the ongoing discussions about currency, governments, and leaders. The Bible speaks to all of this.

You might ask, “Pastor Jack, why talk about the Antichrist and the signs of his coming if, according to Scripture, believers won’t even see him?” Because we’re already seeing the conditions for his arrival taking shape. It’s as though the stage is being set. I believe it is. The world scenario is unfolding in a way that prepares for the revelation of the Antichrist—not Jesus Christ; that comes later. According to the Bible, the world will be in peril and trouble. So who is he? What will he do? What is his role in Satan’s plan for the world? It may sound wild, but it’s in the Bible.

We’re going to look closely at the signs of the coming Antichrist because, if those signs are being set up now, how much closer are we to the imminent rapture of Jesus Christ—that He could come for the church at any time? Grab your Bible, a notepad, and let’s study God’s Word on the signs of the coming Antichrist.

Bible scholars differ, but roughly 27–33% of Scripture is prophetic. That discipline is called eschatology—the study of the future things of God revealed in the Bible. Over a quarter of the Bible addresses events that have yet to take place. Why does that matter? Because God says in both the Old and New Testaments that He tells us things in advance so that when they happen, we’ll know He is God. The religions of the world cannot do that. Most don’t even try; a few offer false prophecies, but they avoid true prediction because it exposes them.

You don’t need to doubt God’s Word if you study Bible prophecy. As our friend Dr. Ed Hindson used to say, “God gave us prophecy not to scare us, but to prepare us.” You’re meant to know these things. Don’t fall for the lie that you shouldn’t. Jesus warned that false teachers and false prophets would arise, even from among us, to deceive many. If you’re not equipped, you’ll be deceived and not even realize it.

A little background: when Paul went to Thessalonica (one of the oldest cities in the world), he started a Bible study. He always began at the synagogue, opening the Old Testament to preach Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection. He showed that Zechariah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Micah—and even Genesis 3:15—spoke of the One who would come against Satan for the souls of men. Jews believed, then Gentiles believed, and Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians—five chapters, each containing a promise about the rapture of the church for those watching and waiting for Christ’s return.

After Paul left, some came in and said, “Paul was mistaken.” They pointed to rising persecution in the Roman Empire and told believers, “We’re already in the tribulation—you missed the rapture.” The believers were troubled, and Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to calm them, giving clear last-days doctrine—2,000 years ago. If your church never talks about this, ask why. The early church did, and we’re closer now than they were then.

We use the term Antichrist, though the New Testament references him by many titles. John calls him “Antichrist,” but he’s also revealed as “the Beast.” This is how God describes global empires and leaders—often as beasts (see Daniel and Revelation). Humanity may call them “great,” but God labels them as He sees them.

Revelation 11:7 says of the two witnesses (two Jewish prophets who testify for three and a half years during the tribulation, one certainly Elijah), “the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.” Think of a glove and a hand: the “beast” is the man; the “dragon” (Satan) is the hand that fills the glove—Satan personally possesses this man.

Revelation 13:1–4: John sees “a beast rising up out of the sea” (the “sea” symbolizing the mass of humanity), with seven heads and ten horns (ten kings; seven dominant authorities). The dragon (Satan) gives the beast his power, throne, and great authority. One of the heads appears mortally wounded, yet healed, and the whole world marvels and follows the beast, even worshiping the dragon who empowers him.

A leader will rise on the world stage. From Daniel and Revelation, you learn he doesn’t appear as the “beast” at first. There are ten kings (horns), and then an eleventh—“a little horn”—emerges seemingly from obscurity and quickly ascends. Consider how rapidly unknown figures can rise. In a moment of global crisis—economic, military, or political—someone with a compelling “solution” will be catapulted forward.

Daniel 7:8: “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one… before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots; and there… were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” He is human (eyes of a man) but speaks with arrogant, blasphemous authority.

Daniel 8:23 calls him “a king of fierce countenance” who “understands sinister schemes.” He’s intimidating, brilliant, and able to “untie the knots” of the world’s problems. The world will love him for it. The timing marker is sobering: “when the transgressors have reached their fullness”—when sin reaches its brim, God says, “That’s it.” Look around: evil parades itself as virtue. If you call out wickedness—like the mutilation of children—you’re labeled the problem. This inversion is exactly what Scripture said would come.

Friends, 46 years ago when I came to Christ, I never imagined seeing what we’re seeing now—global moral decay, collapsing economies, unparalleled debt, talk of a single global currency, government, health system, and even a global religion. Do we panic? No. As Christians, we go straight to God’s Word, which tells us what we’re seeing and what’s coming next.

Deception is rampant; many seem inoculated against the truth. Don’t let that be you. Get into your Bible and read it. That’s why we’re here at Real Life—to help you anchor in Scripture. Visit jackhibbs.com for more content, and stay connected. Most of all, know what’s coming and live ready.