The Bible predicts there is a false Christ coming. In 1 John 2:18, he is called the Antichrist. Many typically think the Antichrist is somebody who’s against Jesus. But the prefix anti- can just as easily mean instead of. It seems from Scripture that this Antichrist will pose as a substitute Christ—and it’s quite possible he is alive at this moment.

Now, I’d much rather talk about Jesus Christ than the Antichrist. But in studying this person, it just makes Jesus even more wonderful. Here’s a quick comparison between the two: the Antichrist is called “the man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3), whereas Jesus is the sinless man. In the Old Testament, the Antichrist is called “the idol shepherd” (Zechariah 11:17, KJV); in John 10, Jesus called Himself “the good shepherd” (v. 11).

The Antichrist is depicted in Revelation 13:1 as a beast. And throughout the book, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb. Do you want to follow a beast, or do you want to follow the Lamb? The Antichrist’s supposed death (see Revelation 13:3) will be meant to deceive people; Jesus Christ’s death was to save people. Vastly different.

And here’s a haunting verse about the Antichrist: “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Listen, it’s going to be so compelling for the world to worship the Antichrist. The Bible says, “God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

If you are reading this as an unbeliever and you’re thinking you’ll avoid the tribulation by buying gold and guns and living out in the wild rather than accepting Christ, remember that verse says, “All…will worship him whose names have not been written in the Book of Life” (Revelation 13:8).

But Christ offers to write your name in that Book. He told believers, “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). And that thought continues in verse 36, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things.” That escape is what we call the rapture.

Is your name written in the Book of Life? I don’t want my name in lights; I want it in the Lamb’s Book of Life. And if yours is not there, or if you’re not sure, be sure today. Make the decision to follow Christ. Don’t wait another day or another week. Say yes to Jesus now.

With recent world events, we can see how things can quickly turn so people feel there’s no way out. They are perplexed and confused. They need an answer so much that they would be ready to believe any government, official, or anyone who could promise and produce a level of anxiety-free, peaceful living.

So, we need to ready our hearts not only for what is coming, but especially for what will come to everyone unless Jesus comes back for us soon: death.

The Word says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). If you have not made that commitment yet or if you’ve wandered away from intimacy and closeness with God, remember that He seeks to satisfy the deepest needs of every longing heart. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus yet, I’m begging you, do it now.

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Skip Heitzig is an author, the host of the nationwide radio program “Connect with Skip Heitzig,” the senior pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque, and serves on several boards, including Samaritan’s Purse.