Daniel chapter 7 clearly and unmistakably identifies the antichrist.
The four beasts are four kingdoms and that is another study, but it is a repeat of Dan 2.
The Roman Empire, the fourth kingdom, is represented by a powerful monster with iron teeth and 10 horns (Daniel 7:7).
The 10 horns represent the 10 kings or kingdoms into which pagan Rome was eventually split (Dan 7 24). (These 10 kingdoms are the same as the 10 toes of the image described in Dan 2:41-44). Roving barbarian tribes swept in upon the Roman Empire and carved out land niches for their people. Seven of those 10 tribes developed into the countries of modern Western Europe, while three were “uprooted” and destroyed.
Visigoths – Spain Anglo-Saxons – England Franks - France
Alemani – Germany Burgundians – Switzerland Lombards - Italy
Suevi – Portugal Heruli - Rooted up Ostrogoths - Rooted up Vandals - Rooted up
“I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words” (Dan 7:8).
The “little horn” power appears next. We must identify it carefully because the biblical characteristics identify it as the antichrist of prophecy and history. There must be no mistake in making this identification.
If the Little horn is the Antichrist than God’s Word gives us nine characteristics of the antichrist in Daniel 7 so we can be certain of his identity. And even though some might find these truths painful, we must be honest enough to accept them as His revealed will.
A. The little horn would come “up among them”—that is, from among the 10 horns that were the kingdoms of Western Europe (Dan7:8). So it would be a little kingdom somewhere in Western Europe.
B. It would have a man at its head who could speak for it (7:8).
C. It would pluck out or uproot three kingdoms (ver 8).
D. It would be different from the other 10 kingdoms (Ver 24).
E. It would make war with and persecute the saints (Dan 7:21,25).
F. It would emerge from the pagan Roman Empire—the fourth kingdom (Ver 7,8).
G. God’s people (the saints) would “be given into his hand” for “a time and times and half a time” (Dan 7:25).
H. It would “speak great words against” or blaspheme God (Dan 7:25). In Rev 13:5, the Bible says the same power speaks “great things and blasphemies.”
I. It would “intend to change times and law” (ver 25).
Don’t forget—all these identification points come directly from the Bible. They are not some human opinion or speculation. Historians could tell you quickly what power is being described, because these points fit only one power—the papacy.
Lest anyone should think that i’m attacking fellow Christians by identifying the little horn power, please keep in mind that the prophecy is aimed at a system and not individuals. There are sincere, devout Christians in all churches, including the Catholic faith.
Prophetic Time:
Time = 1 year
Times = 2 years
½ time = ½ year
God’s people (the saints) would “be given into his hand” for “a time and times and half a time.”
Several things need clarification here:
1. A time is a year, times is two years, and half a time is half of a year. The Amplified Bible translates it: “Three and one-half years.”
2. This same time period is mentioned seven times in the books of Daniel and Revelation (Dan 7:25, 12:7, Rev 11:2,3, 12:6, 14, 13:5) three times as a “time, times, and half a time”; twice as 42 months; and twice as 1,260 days. Based on the 30-day calendar used by the Jews, these time periods are all the same amount of time: 3½ years = 42 months = 1,260 days.
3. One prophetic day equals one literal year (Eze 4:6, Num 14:34).
4. Thus, the little horn (antichrist) was to have power over the saints for 1,260 prophetic days; that is, 1,260 literal years.
5. The rule of the papacy began in ad 538, when the last of the three opposing Arian kingdoms was uprooted. Its rule continued until 1798 when Napoleon’s general, Berthier, took the pope captive with hopes of destroying both Pope Pius VI and the political power of the papacy. This period of time is an exact fulfillment of the 1,260-year prophecy. The blow was a deadly wound for the papacy, but that wound began to heal and continues healing today.
It would speak "pompous words" of blasphemy "against [God]."
Blasphemy has two definitions in Scripture:
1. Claiming to forgive sins (luke 5:21).
2. Claiming to be God (John 10:33).
Does this point fit the papacy? Yes. Let’s first look at the evidence for it claiming to forgive sins, taken directly from its own literature: “Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ.” The papacy further undermines Jesus by setting up a system of confession to an earthly priest, thus bypassing Jesus, our High Priest and only Mediator (1 Tim 2:5). Next, consider the evidence for it claiming to be God: “We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.”Here is more evidence: “The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ, Himself, hidden under the veil of flesh.” (sorry I didn’t find the quotes but they are official out there).
The link
Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Rev 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Rev 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
We usually consider the word “anti” to mean “against.” It can also mean “in the place of” or “instead of.” Antichrist is guilty of assuming the prerogatives of God. It claims:
Its priests can forgive sins—which only God can do (Luke 5:21).
To have changed God’s law by dropping out the second commandment
That is antichrist.