In spite of what the popular media networks and social media platforms would like for the masses to believe, not to mention, sublimate their prohibitions on speech, expression, and thought, there is still a great deal of respect in America for freedom of thought, speech, and expression. The attempts to prohibit hate speech has been around for years. however, in recent years, it has expanded to include "alleged hate speech" and "thought crimes." Today, any statement against illegal immigration or a biblical sermon against sexual immorality and gender identity confused can be deemed as hate speech.
Historically, the Supreme Court, has not looked favorably on attempts to criminalize freedom of speech. It has ruled by majority in favor of free speech. Nevertheless, the proponents behind the campaign to criminalize speech that doesn't fit their agenda, have yet to give up.
In 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes added a new twist on prohibited speech, when he argued in Schenck v. United States that "falsely shouting fire in a crowded theater" was prohibited. While the primary purpose of preventing physical harm was retained, the overall circumstances for restricting speech were expanded. It was at that times Holmes established the “clear and present danger” standard for when restrictions on First Amendment freedom could be permitted. The First Amendment, states clearly that "Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press … ."
However, the First Amendment is not the only obstacle, there is what is called the "strict scrutiny" test of the law. Which the least restrictive means available should be used to pursue a certain end. And, when it comes to connecting intentions and actions, the law should focus on what can clearly be discerned. The problem today is that hate speech no longer focuses on the acts of individuals but on whole classes of people who were consider to be at fault, regardless of what individuals in each class might say or believe.
Former President Bill Clinton blurred the lines between speech and action when he attributed the Oklahoma City bombing to the "loud and angry voices of hate." Since the 1990's, hate speech was no longer about the explicit words of individuals intended to incite violence, but a general atmosphere of public opinion that could be construed to encourage violence against certain kinds of people. The issue with this is, what was once clearly an expression of political opinion can be literally be interpreted as offensive to anyone anywhere, even though there are no direct threats of harm intended.
I believe there is a huge difference between "hating" someone and criticizing their opinion or position. For example, a Christian who may object to gay marriage based on their traditional religious and biblical beliefs, does not mean they hate gay people. Anymore than a gay person’s objection to the traditional definition of biblical marriage means he hates all heterosexual people. To assume that all disagreements are grounded in hate is absolutely ludicrous. Just because someone disagrees with someone doesn't mean you hate them.
It is again my honor and great privilege to open the Word of God with you today. Open your Bibles with me to the book of Revelation chapter 13. Contrary to what the world believes, this is not some religious fairy tale or this is not a figment of someone's very vivid imagination. This is a prophet truth, a divine promise from God Himself.
Be assured, this man, the Antichrist will come. Daniel spoke about him. Jesus affirmed the reality of his coming. In fact, somewhere in the world there is someone, already alive, who will one day rise up to be the Antichrist. The world stage is already being set for his arrival. The world, including many Christians, is ready to worship a man. A cashless society is already in the works. Christians pastors are being arrested and silenced for "hate speech," by preaching the truth.
This false Christ will deceive the whole world, and the whole world will accept him. Make no mistake, he is Satan’s man and his agenda is to destroy the nation of Israel, and all who believe in Christ. He will massacre them all over the world. This is Satan’s final effort to stop the Kingdom of Christ.
It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints."
This is a very startling description of the Antichrist. Though a bit overwhelming, I believe you will see its significance. You will remember, in our last message, we look at what gives him his acclaim and that is one of his heads had been wounded as if it were slain and his fatal wound was healed.If you will remember, I mentioned that there are a number of ways to look at that and that was the Roman Empire being one of those seven heads. The Roman Empire dies, the sixth head, and then is revived Roman Empire which certainly is a possibility, we can see the signs of that reality today.
There has been much speculation on the subject, however, I believe that it will be a fake death or a fake resurrection.In the age in which we live, it's not hard to imagine some form of artificial intelligence being made to look like the Antichrist, to make the world believe he is still alive.It's even possible, he will try to convince the religious people of the day that it's really Christ’s spirit back again in him.
"There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him." Notice it says, "There was given to him," here the Lord reminds us that ultimately He is the sovereign God over all, and it is He who has ordained these sufferings. These horrible blasphemies of the beast demonstrate the anti-religious, anti-God element in the character of the beast.
His blasphemies against God and God’s people, however, are ultimately aimed at promoting the worship of the beast himself.As a footnote, the phrase "there was given to him," appears twice. God is the giver in both cases. God is establishing the limit of 42 months, and it is also God who gives him a mouth. For 42 months, God literally steps out of the way and lets him say whatever he wants. Pride is the sin that damned Satan in the first place. He is arrogant and prideful.This is what lead him to want to dethrone God and replace Him with himself. This unfettered Antichrist who will be free to say and do whatever he wants for this period of time to blaspheme continually.
By the way, this is not just talk. This is action.Verse 7 says "It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him." Notice "it was also given to him," here we are reminded that God never relinquishes His sovereignty. He will overcome them, physically, but not spiritually. Scripture is replete that saints will persevere in the faith.
Paul tells us in Philippians 1, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
This parallels with Daniel 7, "He will wear out the saints of the Highest One." He will destroy them. The Antichrist will lead a worldwide slaughter of unbelievers. Ultimately, we will triumph when he tries to turn his battle on Christ. In other words, there is nothing that can destroy their faith.
So far, we have seen his ancestry, his authority, his acclaim, his adoration, his arrogance, his activity. Now, in verse 8, we see his admirers. "All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain." The phrase "and all who dwell on the earth." refers to unbelievers. In other words, everybody but the elect.
The phrase "the foundation of the world," in the New Testament is a synonym for before time began or in eternity past. As a footnote, it is used seven times in the New Testament, where we have a description of believers having their "names being written in this book of life" in reference to a divine registry of those whom God has chosen in eternity past before the foundation of the world to reconcile unto Himself by His uninfluenced choice. By His grace, God secures and guarantees the final salvation of all true believers. I believe this is a tremendous statement about the elect. God inscribes the names of the elect in the book of life. The elect cannot be lost by virtue of the decree itself but also by virtue of the atoning work of Christ.
Then, in verse 9, "If anyone has an ear, let him hear." God always speaks to those who accept His invitation to listen. This is God's way of saying "Listen and pay attention. I want you to be aware of this." It’s a call to realize the direction the world is going. A faithful remnant of believers will listen and heed the Lord's voice. Tragically, there are some believers who think it is wise to join hearts and hands with the evil world system.
In Romans 12 Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, very clearly gave us the instruction "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
I would like to draw your attention to this verse however. It has already appeared seven times in the book of Revelation. Notice it doesn't include the normal ending "If anyone has an ear, let him hear, what the Spirit says to the churches." I believe that is because the church is no longer here. The church will be gone, but there will be a new group of believers being gathered during the Tribulation. And, they are going to be alive during this time.
That brings us to verse 10, where those who will constitute the saints need to hear and need to understand this direct instruction. "If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints." The point here is, if God has destined you for something, don't fight it. Accept it. This is a warning to submit without retaliation to the impending persecution at the hands of the Antichrist.
In Matthew 24, Jesus said, "They will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake." He told us this day was coming.
In Closing..
In our society today, there are a lot of militant Christians. If believers like that around in this period of time, I imagine they gather their own army to make war with the Antichrist. We need to understand, if you are imprisoned, if you are persecuted and suffer at the hands of the Antichrist, God has ordained it. You are not to retaliate, our weapons are spiritual.
Like Jesus, Who because of the joy that was set before Him, He willingly endured the cross. When He was reviled, He reviled not. We are called to endure, trusting that God is in control. I say today for those who are facing persecution for righteousness’ sake and for their faith of Christ. We don’t retaliate, we patiently endure, just like our Lord Jesus Christ.
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen