Dear Tim,

Most Biblical Scholars indicate two sides of the same person: 1.the antichrist and 2.the beast.

 The antichrist is purely a man who comes to power(having said that, he may not realize who he is). Let me compare him to Adolf Hitler. Adolf was simply a man, born of humble origins in Austria.. Adolf then wormed his way to power and created his own evil world. He definitely did not grow up at an early age thinking he was going to start World War II and be responsible for the death of millions of people. He definitely chose to become the monster he was. Even though we know Hitler was an evil person, he never saw himself other than as a savior of the German people. I believe the antichrist will be very similar. Scripture tells us the antichrist will charm his way to power and become the ruler of the world government. This does not mean his was born evil. He may simply become the dictator he will turn out to be thinking he is doing something beneficial.

The beast refers to the demonic possessed antichrist. Scripture seems to indicate the antichrist will be wounded in the head. The wound will be fatal. The body of the antichrist will be resurrected (probably in three days to mock Christ’s resurrection)by satan. This possessed body will become the beast. This version of the antichrist is evil. This event occurs around the mid point of the tribulation. People will marvel at how this man recovered from such as fatal wound. They will see him as a God and the beast will encourage this belief. This is when he causes the abomination of desolation (where he abominates the temple with his undead, possessed body and sets himself up as God to be worshipped. He also begins his purge of the Jews and Christians, sending his soldiers out to kill everyone they can find.

Although everything written here are only opinions and thoughts, I do not believe antichrist (the man) will be necessarily born evil, but may simply develop into an evil person during his reign. I also believe he may not be aware of who he is. He may simply be a misguided politician who sets things into motion for the endtime.

Yours in Christ,

Tracy K.