Thy Strong Word — Free-Text First Friday: Is the Pope the Antichrist?

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“He opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God…” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). For centuries, these words have ignited fierce debate—who is this figure, this Man of Lawlessness? The Reformers had no doubt: the papacy itself bore the mark of Antichrist, not because of personal corruption, but because it placed human authority above the gospel of Christ. Lutherans continue to confess this today, but do we fully understand the implications of this doctrine? Is the Antichrist a single, future tyrant, a system of deception, or something far more subtle—an enemy of Christ present in every age? Perhaps it’s all of the above.

Rev. Dr. Charles A. Gieschen, provost and professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the doctrine of Antichrist.