There are a wide range of beliefs about the Antichrist. Opinions differ on where he will come from, what religion he will ascribe to, and other aspects of his nature and character. However, there is one topic about the future dictator that many believers ask: “Will the Antichrist be resurrected?” Is this correct? Where does this belief come from? In this article, I will discuss the passage that leads many to believe that the Antichrist will come back from the dead. The result will be that the Antichrist will not die and be resurrected, and that the passage in question means something entirely different.
The Fatal Wound
Revelation 13 teaches us about the coming of the Antichrist. In this chapter, the Antichrist is symbolized by a ferocious beast with seven heads and ten horns (see my series on the Antichrist and where I believe he will come from). The verse in question is Revelation 13:3, which says, “One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed.” Many Christians believe that this verse teaches that the Antichrist will die and be resurrected. With this event, he will win the hearts and souls of billions of people. John MacArthur is one popular preacher who teaches this interpretation. He says:
“This statement [verse 3 above] could refer to one of the kingdoms that was destroyed and revived (i.e., the Roman Empire). But more likely, it refers to a fake death and resurrection enacted by the Antichrist, as part of his lying deception.”[1]
However, there are some problems with this interpretation. The beast with its seven heads and ten horns also appears in Revelation 17. This chapter teaches us about the woman who rides the beast. Both chapters describe the beast as having seven heads and ten horns. Chapter 17:9-10 tells us that the heads are also called “mountains” and “kings.”
In biblical prophecy, “mountains” symbolize kingdoms and empires.[2] They are also called “kings” because a king is the leader of a kingdom. The kings personify the kingdoms that the mountains and heads symbolize. Verse 10 continues that five of these kings have fallen; one is still in existence, and one is still to come.
This means that the head that is wounded is a kingdom, not an individual. This is especially important since verse 11 specifically says that the beast (Antichrist) is an eighth king. He is not one of the heads. This means that the kingdom of the Antichrist will be a revived empire, not a resurrected individual. Which head will be revived? I go into detail in another article where I argue that it is the seventh head, the one yet to come in John’s time.
It is quite clear, that when we study Revelation 13 and 17 in context that we come to the understanding that it is not the Antichrist himself, but his kingdom that will be revived in the end times. The Antichrist will not die and be resurrected. He will be the leader of a revived empire.
What do you think? Will the Antichrist die and come back to life? Leave a comment below.
[1] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005. Pg. 2018.
[2] Joel Richardson. Mideast Beast. Washington D.C.: WND Books, 2012. Pg. 150-151. Joseph A. Seiss. The Apocalypse. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1957. P. 391-394. Quoted in John F. Walvoord. The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Chicago: Moody Press, 1989. P. 251-254.
Michael Anderson
So as some know it, Russia was for a time a great power. They have died down for a time, till recently…… Know they are coming back with a roar?
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Duane
Seems like the 1st half of Rev 13 does refer to the beast as more of a kingdom and not as an individual, so that would support your theory that it is a revived kingdom and not an individual.
The 2nd half of Rev 13, verses 12 and 14 however, shift to a person as the context further elaborates. It is clear that this person had a fatal wound. Could also be paired with Zechariah 11:17 which refers to an arm and eye injury to the Antichrist as a result of the sword – both could stem from a brain injury, which ties into Rev 13 fatal wound by the sword.
I don’t see the clear reference to a “revived kingdom” in Revelation or Daniel. The text appears to refer to 8 kingdoms that are related, but not necessarily duplicated. Am I missing something?