When will the antichrist gain absolute world control?
The antichrist will not attain absolute world control during the first three and a half years; he gains that position at the midpoint of the tribulation. At that middle point he moves into the Jerusalem temple, turns against the Jews, and Satan is cast out of heaven.
Les explains that the antichrist is empowered by Satan, so he will have tremendous power and speak great things and blasphemy. Satan is not to be underestimated; in the temptation of Jesus, Satan claimed the kingdoms of the world were his to give. Yet God limits the antichrist. During the first three and a half years of the seven, he is making his points and coming on the scene, but he does not attain absolute world control until the middle of the tribulation. At that midpoint he moves into the temple in Jerusalem, turns on the Jew, and Satan is cast out of heaven. The limit given is forty-two months, or three and a half years.