Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in a biblical context, refers to an overstepping of bounds, often characterized by arrogance and a disregard for divine authority. This trait is notably associated with the figure of the Antichrist, who embodies opposition to God and His ordained order.Biblical Foundation The concept of presumption is woven throughout Scripture, often linked with pride and rebellion against God. In the Old Testament, presumption is condemned as a sin that leads to downfall. For instance, in Deuteronomy 18:20, the Lord warns against presumptuous prophets: "But the prophet who dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death." Antichrist and Presumption The New Testament provides a clearer depiction of the Antichrist, a figure who epitomizes presumption by exalting himself above God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 , the Apostle Paul describes the "man of lawlessness," a term often associated with the Antichrist: "Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." This passage highlights the Antichrist's presumptuous nature, as he not only rejects God's authority but also seeks to usurp it, positioning himself as an object of worship. Daniel's Vision The Book of Daniel also provides insight into the presumptuous character of the Antichrist. In Daniel 7:25 , the "little horn" is described as speaking "words against the Most High and oppressing the saints of the Most High, intending to change appointed times and laws." This imagery underscores the Antichrist's audacity in challenging divine decrees and attempting to alter God's established order. Revelation's Portrayal The Book of Revelation further elaborates on the Antichrist's presumption. Revelation 13:5-6 states, "The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for forty-two months. And the beast opened its mouth to blaspheme against God and slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven." Here, the Antichrist's blasphemous speech and actions reflect a profound presumption, as he openly defies and maligns the divine. Implications for Believers The presumption of the Antichrist serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. Scripture consistently admonishes the faithful to remain humble and obedient to God's will, recognizing that presumption leads to spiritual ruin. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" In understanding the presumptuous nature of the Antichrist, Christians are called to vigilance and discernment, ensuring that they do not fall prey to similar attitudes that oppose God's sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Thessalonians 2:4Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on the Gospel of John. Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... Introduction. The Five Books Against Marcion Book vi. It is with a Full Knowledge of the Dangers and Passions ... General Index. The First Epistle of St. Peter Extracts No. X. Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Footnotes Resources What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |