Dear Corey,

          Thank you for your kind words.  I liked your comment about praying for those in authority.  As Christians, we are required to do this – and not just for the leaders that we like.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4.  At the time that Paul made this comment to Timothy, Christians were being persecuted by those in authority.

          Yes, Christians should be aware of what is going on in the world.  But they should also act in accordance to their faith.  “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”  Matthew 10:16.  What we do and how we live should not be affected by whether or not we believe BO is the Antichrist.  If we are grounded in Scripture, we will not be taken by surprise if we are still here when the Antichrist is revealed.

          Before Christians accuse anyone of being the Antichrist (prior to his revealing), they should remember how Jesus handled a similar situation.  Did you know that there are only two people in the Bible who are called the “son of perdition?”  They are Judas Iscariot and the Antichrist.

          “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that scripture might be fulfilled.”  John 17:12.  (KJV)

          Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”  2 Thessalonians 2:3. (KJV)

          Remember that Jesus did know for a fact that Judas was the son of perdition – no offense to those who rely upon their dreams and visions concerning the identity of BO.  However, He still chose Judas to be one of the 12 Disciples, and lived with him for 3 ½ years, and even ate with him up until the Last Supper.  It was only at the point when Judas allowed Satan to enter him – when he actually became the son of perdition – that the relationship was ended.  (See John 13:27.)

          We must remember that Christians are the Lord’s representatives and that the world watches what we say and do.  No, we are not supposed to be willfully ignorant of evil.  But I would be wary of calling anyone the Antichrist prior to his revealing.  If Jesus was willing to give Judas the opportunity (and mercy) to get to know Him, then I think that the least we can do is to pray for the salvation of BO and all the leaders of the world.  We should do this as an act of obedience and in acknowledgment of the mercy that was first shown to us by God.

          Maranatha. 

                    – Lisa Taylor