Why won't believers see the Antichrist's seven-year treaty with Israel?
Believers will not see the Antichrist's seven-year treaty with Israel because it cannot occur until after they are gone. That covenant is the triggering event that reveals who the Antichrist really is, but according to the prophetic program it must await the removal of believers before it can be signed.
Les teaches that the Antichrist, described in Daniel as the prince to come, a vile person, and a king of fierce countenance, will come with a platform of peace and prosperity and overwhelm people with his charismatic personality. The revealing trigger is his signing of a seven-year covenant with the nation of Israel. Because that event cannot happen until after believers are gone, Les maintains believers will not see it. He points to Daniel 9:27, where the man of sin confirms the covenant with many, namely the nation of Israel, for one week. Daniel's prophecy was a 490-year period; 483 years were fulfilled just before the crucifixion, probably on Palm Sunday, and the final seven years complete the period. Though the Old Testament did not indicate that the interval would be stretched out over almost 2,000 years, those years will still be fulfilled.
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
More Questions
What will Israel initially think about the Antichrist when the tribulation begins?
In the opening days of the seven-year tribulation, Israel will almost think the Antichrist is the Messiah.