The Bible speaks extensively about the end times and the rise of a one-world religion led by the Antichrist. This one-world religion will emerge after the Rapture of the Church and during a time known as the Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). Here is an overview from Scripture of what the end times one-world religion will look like:
Apostasy
The end times will be characterized by widespread apostasy, or falling away from the faith. Scripture says many will abandon sound doctrine and the true faith, and fall prey to deceiving spirits (1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). There will be a growing indifference and hostility toward biblical truth.
Rise of False Teachers
Accompanying this apostasy will be a proliferation of false teachers propagating heresy and leading many astray (2 Peter 2:1). These deceptive teachers will tickle people’s ears, telling them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). But their teachings will spread like gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17) if not confronted and stopped.
One-World Religion
This falling away from truth sets the stage for the emergence of a one-world, end times false religious system. This harlot church is depicted in Revelation 17 as a woman (a church) sitting on a scarlet beast (the Antichrist). This church will unite all the world’s pagan religions, mystical New Age elements, and apostate Christianity into one mega “church.”
The Antichrist will use his influence to facilitate the formation of this coming one-world religion. Scripture says the whole world will follow the beast (Revelation 13:3), giving their allegiance to this political and religious leader. He will be Satan’s instrument to deceive the world and rule over this end times false religious system.
Characteristics
The book of Revelation describes some key characteristics of this coming one-world religion:
- It will be connected to a new world order and the Antichrist’s kingdom (Revelation 13:7-8).
- It will persecute and seek to destroy those who refuse to join it (Revelation 17:6).
- It will be full of abominations and falsehoods (Revelation 17:4-5).
- Its influence will be worldwide (Revelation 13:7).
- It will be quite wealthy and self-indulgent (Revelation 17:4, 18:9).
The Antichrist’s Role
The Bible indicates that the Antichrist will play a lead role in this end times one-world religion. Consider the following about his relationship to this religious system:
- He will empower and authorize the harlot church’s operations (Revelation 13:4, 17:3).
- He will orchestrate a peace covenant between Israel and other nations that helps give rise to the harlot church (Daniel 9:27).
- His early reign will appear to be peaceful and beneficent (Daniel 8:25).
- He will later exert total dominating control over the harlot church (Revelation 17:16-17).
- He will declare himself God and demand the world’s worship (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
The book of Daniel notes that the Antichrist will exalt himself above all gods (Daniel 11:36-37). He will display no regard for any god, but will magnify himself. Yet at the outset of his rise to power, he will facilitate the emergence of this new world religion.
Why a One-World Religion is Attractive
Why are people going to embrace and follow this end times global religion? Consider several likely motivations:
- Syncretism – Many people today argue that all religions essentially believe the same thing and only superficially differ. This perspective makes the idea of uniting all faiths more appealing.
- Tolerance – In the name of tolerance, people set aside key theological differences in order to join together.
- Relativism – The view that absolute truth doesn’t exist lowers the barriers between conflicting belief systems.
- Ecumenism – Some prominent evangelical leaders have signed ecumenical agreements with Catholics, liberalizing churches, etc. This breakdown of discernment sets the stage for greater apostasy.
- Globalism – Moving toward a one-world government demands an accompanying one-world religion.
- Deception – Many will simply be deceived into thinking this end times church representsGod’s will (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
These influences and others will pave the way for the coming one-world religion centered on the Antichrist. This spiritual harlotry will emerge from today’s growing apostasy, mysticism, and rejection of sound doctrine.
Mark of the Beast
The book of Revelation also mentions the Mark of the Beast that the Antichrist will require people to take in order to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17). This Mark will identify those who worship the Beast and are a part of his system. It may be an actual visible mark, or it could refer to the allegiance people give to him. In any case, refusal to take the Mark will result in great persecution (Revelation 13:15). But Scripture exhorts believers to patiently endure and stand firm under this persecution (Revelation 14:12).
God’sWarnings and Promises
God provides serious warnings about this coming false religious system. He desires to spare people from the judgment that this harlot church and the Antichrist’s rule will face. Here are some of the warnings and promises God gives us in Scripture:
- He will judge severely those who align with the harlot church and the Antichrist (Revelation 14:8-11).
- He will punish this religious and political Babylon when Christ returns (Revelation 17:15-18).
- Believers must not compromise or partner with this coming apostate church (Revelation 18:4-5).
- True peace only comes from Christ, not globalism or syncretism (John 14:27).
- God will keep and protect those who refuse to join this false religious system (Revelation 3:10).
- All deception will be exposed when Christ reigns (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
- God will avenge those persecuted for their faith (Revelation 6:9-11).
So while vast deception is coming upon the world, God provides grace and power to overcome. Believers must stand firm no matter the cost and avoid partnering with this coming religious deception.
The Demise of the Harlot Church
For a time, the harlot church will wield immense influence over the world. But its days are numbered. The book of Revelation details the judgment that will come on both the one-world religion and the Antichrist’s empire.
Several key things will contribute to the demise of this apostate religious system:
- Rising rebellion – Even amid deception, many will rebel against worship of the Beast (Revelation 13:4, Daniel 11:32-36).
- Divine judgments – God will pour out judgments to deal with this religious and political system (Revelation 16-18).
- Political domination – The Antichrist will exert total control over the harlot church (Revelation 17:16-17).
- Expose of deception – Christ’s return will expose the harlot church’s deceptions (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
- Overthrow by Christ – The Lord will defeat the Antichrist and the false prophet (Revelation 19:19-20).
The book of Revelation depicts the harlot church’s stunning downfall as God judges this religious and political Babylon. In a moment, the richly adorned harlot church will become a desolate wasteland (Revelation 18:10, 17-19). So while many will be deceived for a time, this false religious system will ultimately be destroyed.
How Should Believers Respond?
Faced with widespread apostasy and the rise of a coming one-world religion, how should believers in Christ respond? Here are some key ways Scripture exhorts us to react:
- Expose falsehood – We must confront and refute erroneous teachings (Titus 1:9).
- Preach the word – Proclaim sound doctrine; warn of false teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).
- Watch for deception – Be on guard; test the spirits (1 John 4:1).
- Shun heresy – Avoid false teachers and their lies (Romans 16:17).
- Reject syncretism – Don’t join with unbelievers spiritually (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).
- Stand firm – Persevere under trial and testing of our faith (1 Peter 4:12-13).
- Trust God – Seek the Lord; rely on His grace and power (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Pray – Intercede for the lost and for God’s kingdom to come (Luke 18:1).
Times of growing deception call for biblical vigilance and boldness. The Bible exhorts believers to detect heresy, expose it, avoid it, and stick to the truth we’ve been given. Persecution may come, but God will grant grace and help. Spiritual victory comes not by compromise but by standing firm no matter the cost.
The Triumph of Jesus Christ
The book of Revelation provides great hope that after the Tribulation period, Jesus Christ will return in glory to defeat His enemies and establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth (Revelation 19:11-20:6). All deception will be swept away. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
During the Millennium, there will be no false religions allowed (Zechariah 14:9). The Lord Himself with reign from Jerusalem. The one true faith will prevail across the world. All people will worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
So while a time of growing apostasy and religious deception is coming, this harlot church will ultimately be judged. And the Lamb of God will rule and reign forever. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!