Papacy as the Antichrist

The go-to section of the Bible for the teaching of the Antichrist is 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Here are some of the clues Paul shares to help his readers identify and be on guard against this “man of lawlessness/sin,” widely interpreted by Lutherans and other Protestants to be the office of the papacy in the Roman Catholic church:

• The last day “will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed.” The word “rebellion” means a falling away or desertion.
• “He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” Apparently “worshipped” in New Testament times referred to those holding the highest honor in family, government, and religion. According to the People’s Bible, “the exaltation of the papacy over every one of God’s earthly representatives in the family, state, and church was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303): ‘It is altogether necessary to salvation for every human being to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.’ This proclamation still stands as the official position of the papacy.” Also, the pope is considered to be the “vicar of Christ,” or one who stands in the place of Christ on earth.
• The Antichrist had its start at the time of the apostles already and would continue until Jesus returns. “And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” “What is holding him back” refers to the love of God’s Word. As long as people were faithful to his Word they were able to keep false teaching out. However, even at the time of the apostles works righteousness was already working its way in (think of the message of Galatians). When the love of the Word had grown cold among many, Jesus stepped out of the way and the Antichrist grew in power, teaching that the work righteous traditions of the Catholic church were equal to or even above the actual Word of God.
• “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the works of Satan in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.” One example of these “miracles” is the Catholic teaching that before someone can be declared a saint it must be proven that the person has done three miracles. This process is currently taking place to declare the sainthood of former Pope John Paul II.

From the People’s Bible: “Scripture says that adding anything to what Christ has done separates completely from Christ and causes a complete loss of God’s grace. ‘You who are trying to be justified by law,’ writes Paul in Galatians 5:4, ‘have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.’ The way of self-righteousness is the way of unrighteousness or wickedness. Our good works and good intentions are never sufficient, because they are always tainted with sin. Only Christ’s perfect life can satisfy God, who is perfect and demands perfection.”

I share here a brief (?) summary of the doctrine of the Antichrist based on this section of Scripture, however if you still have any questions I highly recommend reading the entire commentary offered in the People’s Bible. The WELS Web site also offers helpful information about this teaching.