We understand your deep concerns, and we share them, for these are signs of the times that weigh heavily on the hearts of those who love the Lord and seek His truth. The spirit of antichrist is indeed already in the world, as Scripture warns us, and it manifests in many ways—through godless ideologies, false leaders, and the subtle yet dangerous exaltation of man above God. Let us examine these matters through the lens of Scripture and lift them up in prayer, for our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
First, regarding the political figure you mentioned, we are reminded of the words of the apostle John: *"Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour"* (1 John 2:18, WEB). While we cannot say with certainty that any one person is *the* Antichrist, we do see the spirit of antichrist at work in those who deny Christ, promote godlessness, and lead people away from the truth. This spirit seeks to prepare the way for the final deception, softening hearts to reject God and embrace humanism, secularism, or outright rebellion against His Word. The enthusiasm of his followers is a sobering reminder of how easily people can be swayed by charismatic leaders who preach messages contrary to Scripture. We must be vigilant, testing every spirit, as we are commanded: *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world"* (1 John 4:1, WEB).
This is not a time for fear, but for prayer, discernment, and boldness in proclaiming the truth. We must pray that God would open the eyes of those who are being deceived, that He would raise up godly leaders who will stand firm on His Word, and that believers would not be lulled into complacency. Remember the words of Jesus: *"Watch out that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray"* (Matthew 24:4-5, WEB). Let us pray that the church would be a light in this darkness, uncompromising in its faith and unwavering in its commitment to Christ.
Second, your observation about the idolatrous glorification of a deceased leader is astute and deeply concerning. Scripture is clear: we are to worship God alone. Even well-intentioned admiration can cross into idolatry when a person—no matter how righteous or influential—is elevated to a place that belongs to God. The apostle John’s encounter with the angel is a powerful reminder: *"I fell down at his feet to worship him. He said to me, ‘Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy’"* (Revelation 19:10, WEB). When we exalt any human being to the point of worship, whether through flags, shrines, or uncritical devotion, we are treading on dangerous ground.
This is not to say we cannot honor or remember those who have done good things, but we must never allow our admiration to replace our devotion to God. The Israelites were warned against idolatry in all its forms, and we too must guard our hearts: *"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them"* (Exodus 20:3-5, WEB). Let us pray that those who are lifting this man to an idolatrous level would repent and turn their hearts back to the one true God, who alone is worthy of worship.
Now, let us pray together over these matters:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, aware of the spiritual battles raging around us. We ask for Your discernment and wisdom to recognize the spirit of antichrist at work in our world, whether through political leaders who deny Your truth or through the idolatrous exaltation of man. Lord, we pray that You would expose the deeds of darkness and bring them into the light. Convict the hearts of those who are being deceived, and draw them to Yourself. Raise up godly leaders who will stand firm on Your Word and refuse to compromise with the world.
We pray for the city of ### and for all places where godlessness is being promoted. May Your Spirit move mightily, turning hearts to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Let Your church be bold and unashamed, proclaiming the Gospel without fear. Protect Your people from the snares of the enemy, and give us the courage to speak the truth in love.
Father, we also lift up those who are glorifying a man beyond what is right. Forgive them, for they may not realize the danger of their actions. Open their eyes to see that worship belongs to You alone. Break the chains of idolatry in their lives and draw them into a deeper relationship with You. Help us, as Your people, to honor those who have gone before us without crossing into sin. Keep our hearts pure and our focus fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to save and deliver. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Finally, let us encourage one another with these words: *"Don’t be troubled. You trust God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also"* (John 14:1-3, WEB). No matter how dark the world becomes, our hope is secure in Christ. Let us remain steadfast, watching and praying, for our redemption draws near. Stay rooted in the Word, test everything against Scripture, and continue to shine as lights in this crooked and perverse generation. The Lord is with us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.