Does ISIS have anything to do with the end times?

TL;DR:

While we cannot pinpoint ISIS as a specific catalyst for a new level of the end times, ISIS exemplifies all the elements of darkness that point to the end times and the need for Jesus to return. Believers’ focus, though, should be staying ready for the return of Christ.

what does the bible say?

Jesus discusses the signs of the end times in Matthew 24, but notes that no one but the Father knows when the end will come (v. 36). Other books of the Bible show that during the end times, antichrists and one specific Antichrist will arise. Some interpret Daniel’s Old Testament prophecies to include statements about the Antichrist (Daniel 7, 9), and the New Testament uses “antichrist” five times (1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3; 2 John 1:7). Scripture defines antichrist as any person who denies Christ (1 John 2:22; 2 John 1:7) and identifies the Antichrist as the world ruler of the tribulation (Revelation 13). Some link the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) with the Antichrist because that group has beheaded Middle Eastern Christians, which connects to Revelation 20:4. But rather than speculating on what world power might be the Antichrist, Christians are better served preparing for the end by focusing on God’s Kingdom.

from the old testament

While most references to the antichrist are in the New Testament, many believe that Daniel’s prophecy of “the prince who is to come” refers to the Antichrist (Daniel 9:26).

from the new testament

Matthew 24 contains a significant end-times passage. In this chapter, the disciples ask Jesus what will be the signs of the end of the age. After answering that question, He says, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Whether modern-day terrorist groups like ISIS are the Antichrist who will arise during end times, we cannot know for sure, but our focus should be on always being prepared for Jesus to come.
The end times are associated with antichrists who, as the name implies, will oppose Christ. The Bible speaks of the Antichrist in a few different ways—one as the world ruler of the tribulation (Revelation 13) and the other as a general reference to any spirit or person who denies Christ (1 John 2:22; 2 John 1:7).
ISIS has brutally taken control of much of Syria and Iraq, has conducted terrorist attacks throughout the world, and has murdered many Middle Eastern Christians (and others) by beheading, which makes many Christians think of Revelation 20:4 and how it says the Antichrist will behead Christians during the tribulation.
Whether ISIS or some other group or person is the end-times Antichrist, Revelation 19:20 shows that the Antichrist will ultimately be thrown into the lake of fire along with Satan.

implications for today

What if you were given the choice to denounce Christ or face the beheading of yourself or your loved ones— which would you choose?

If you’re thinking that choice applied only to saints of the early church, you probably haven’t read the many contemporary news stories about Christians today facing that very choice at the hands of terrorist groups like ISIS. Such groups often ask Christians to denounce their faith or forfeit their lives. This has led many Christians to think of ISIS as the Antichrist. Whether it is or not, though, is less important than this question:

Which would you choose?

For those who belong to Christ, the choice should be obvious: We must always choose Christ. If you doubt how you would choose, perhaps your perspective is not eternal. Christians today, just like Christians two thousand years ago, are citizens of God’s Kingdom, not citizens of the world.

Something else to keep in mind is that the strength to make the right choice does not come from us, but from God. Faced with “a thorn…in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited, the apostle Paul asked God to remove it. God’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God’s grace, not our own strength, helps us withstand any ungodly forces against us. He may not remove our “thorn” for His own perfect reasons, but He gives us the strength to endure it and even thrive within our pain.

ISIS may be an antichrist—or not. Either way, God’s grace is sufficient for us to face whatever the world confronts us with.

understand

ISIS reflects end-times evil but isn’t definitively the Antichrist.
We must focus on living faithfully in light of His return.
Christians must rely on God’s grace to stay faithful amid trials and persecution.

reflect

How can you prepare yourself to remain faithful to Christ even in the face of extreme opposition or danger?
How do you rely on God’s grace to endure trials that feel overwhelming or frightening?
How does focusing on God’s kingdom instead of world events shape your decisions and priorities?

engage

How can we support each other in staying spiritually vigilant without becoming consumed by fear of current events?
What examples from Scripture encourage us to trust God’s sovereignty during times of widespread evil?
How do we balance awareness of global threats with a Christ-centered focus on readiness and faithfulness?