Want a quick, plain-spoken walk-through of Revelation 13 without the spooky movie vibe? Greg Laurie asks a simple, loaded question—“Who is the Antichrist?”—and then makes the case that the Bible paints a picture that’s both shocking and surprisingly practical. Not to scare us. To wake us up. And to point us toward Jesus, not headlines. Watch and listen now.

The Beast of Revelation 13 (and why the symbols matter)

John sees a “beast” rising from the sea with seven heads and ten horns—wild imagery, but Laurie reminds us it’s symbolic. The key idea: the dragon (Satan) gives this leader power, a throne, and authority. People admire him. They even worship him. He speaks bold blasphemies, wages war on believers, and is given global sway for forty-two months (three and a half years). In short, “Who is the Antichrist?” Biblically, he’s a counterfeit messiah energized by Satan, not a cartoon villain in a cape.

Daniel’s preview: empires wrapped into one

Laurie connects Revelation 13 to Daniel 7. Daniel saw four beasts pointing to historic empires—Babylon (lion), Medo-Persia (bear), Greece (leopard), and Rome (terrifying beast). Revelation’s beast blends these traits, suggesting the Antichrist inherits and concentrates past imperial power—speed, strength, cruelty, reach. Think of him as the ultimate political “remix” with demonic backing.

What he’s like (and why people will cheer)

He won’t look evil. More likely: smart, persuasive, charismatic. A “man of peace” who seems to solve impossible problems—Middle East peace, global stability, economic calm. Laurie says he’ll even help Israel move toward temple worship again. He brings a one-world vibe—government, economy, and eventually religion. And then the mask slips. He blasphemes God, persecutes the saints, and demands worship.

The false prophet and deceptive “miracles”

Revelation also introduces a “false prophet”—a religious partner who performs signs, even calling down fire. Together with Satan, they form a kind of unholy trinity: Satan (counterfeit Father), Antichrist (counterfeit Christ), false prophet (counterfeit Spirit). They’re big on counterfeit miracles, even a staged “resurrection” after what looks like an assassination attempt. Point is, signs alone don’t prove truth. Scripture does.

When does he appear? And will Christians see him?

Laurie’s view: the church won’t identify the Antichrist because 2 Thessalonians 2 says the “restrainer” (the Holy Spirit’s restraining work through the church) must be removed first. Then the “lawless one” is revealed. Translation: believers should look for Jesus Christ, not hunt for the Antichrist. If his arrival seems near, the Lord’s return for His church is nearer.

A personal turn: are we acting “anti-Christ”?

Laurie flips the question. Don’t just ask, “Who is the Antichrist?” Ask, “Am I anti-Christ in my life?” 1 John says anyone who denies Jesus as the Christ or replaces Him with something else is acting in the spirit of antichrist. It’s not only about a final world ruler; it’s about daily loyalties. Who rules my heart—Christ, or anything but Christ?

So what do we do now?

Three simple takeaways:

• Stay grounded in Scripture. Novelty and spiritual hype will be huge in the last days. The antidote isn’t louder signs—it’s clearer Bible.
• Expect cultural pressure. A one-world religious tolerance that welcomes everything except biblical Christianity is part of the drift. Don’t be shocked by pushback.
• Choose your King. Revelation says those not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will worship the Beast. Laurie ends with the gospel: before the foundation of the world, God purposed to send Jesus—the Lamb—to die and rise for us. Put your trust in Him. That’s how your name is written. That’s how fear loses its power.

In short, “Who is the Antichrist?” The Bible’s final counterfeit—slick, spiritual-sounding, globally admired. But not the main character. Christ is. Keep your eyes there.