In this matter of Antichrist we have made this progress:—First, That he arose upon and by a falling away from, the ancient pure state of Christianity. Secondly, That the Holy Ghost points him out by his names and titles, which are two:—‘the man of sin,' wherein he is resembled to Antiochus; and ‘the son of perdition,' wherein he is resembled to Judas.
As Antiochus, he is one that by force and power should change the laws and ordinances, and compel men to his abominations.
As Judas, he should betray Christ by a kiss for worldly gain, and be one that is in pretence an apostle, but indeed a real adversary to Christ.
Now, after the apostle had pointed at him by his names and titles, he describeth him by his practices, wherein his names and titles are verified; for here he proveth that he should be as Antiochus, by his exalting himself above all that is called God, which is said of Antiochus, Dan. xi. 36, ‘And the king shall do according to his will, and he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods;'—and as Judas, one sitting in the temple of God; that is, he sitteth there as exercising a public ecclesiastical office, yea, challenging the highest seat in it.
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