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Who is the end-times false prophet?

A false prophet is mentioned as a key evil leader in the end times in Revelation 13:11-18. He is also called the second beast (the Antichrist is the first beast). He will operate with the Antichrist and Satan to deceive many during the tribulation period.

The description of the false prophet says he will rise out of the earth, have two lamb's horns, and will speak like a dragon (likely meaning with deception like Satan) (13:11). It will have the Antichrist's authority and will cause people to worship the Antichrist (v. 12). The false prophet will perform signs, including fire from the sky, and will have an image of the Antichrist built (vv. 13-14). He will cause the image to appear alive and will kill those who reject the Antichrist (v. 15). Further, he will cause people to take the mark of the beast (vv. 16-18).

Another activity of the false prophet will be to help assemble people for the battle of Armageddon. Revelation 16:13-14 shares, "And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty."

The conclusion of the false prophet's work will be judgment. Revelation 19:20 prophesies, "And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur."

At the end of the millennial kingdom, Satan will be unbound for one final battle of God's enemies against Him. Revelation 20:10 provides the final judgment of the false prophet: "The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Though he may briefly escape, his doom will be eternal punishment.

We need not fear this false prophet now, but there are many other false prophets in existence today. Those who promote teachings contrary to the clear teachings of Scripture are to be rejected, knowing they will receive similar judgment in the end. As 2 Timothy 4:3-5 says: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

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