Unleashing the Beast

T HE B EAST K NOWN AS THE A NTICHRIST / 25

of acquiring for himself universal domain. And after conquering the remaining seven horns, he will at last being inflated by a strange and wicked spirit, to stir up war against the saints, and to persecute all everywhere, with the aim of being glorified by all, and being worshiped as God. There are many more church traditions concerning the Antichrist. Bishop Hippolytus said: "In the same manner also will the accuser come forth from an impure woman upon the earth, but shall be born of a virgin spuriously." These early traditions are interesting, and shed light on the subject. Yet, the Bible gives ample revelation and understanding concerning the Antichrist and his kingdom. The future Antichrist and his final kingdom are an important theme in the latter writings of the New Testament and in the thinking and records of the early church and early fathers. Biblical research indicates the Antichrist will form a final earthly kingdom cemented together with the support of 10 other world leaders, and will dominate the world scene for 42 months. This will be the kingdom of the Beast.