Now that we have looked at the major passages in Scripture that refer to an apostate religious system, let's put all the characteristics together to see if we can identify the great false Church today. Daniel 7, Revelation 12 and 13, 2 Thessalonians 2, and 1 & 2 John all speak of the development of a wicked religious system that would oppose God and the true believers, and teach false doctrines. According to these passages of Scripture, the false religion and its leader will:

1. Arise out of the Roman Empire, Daniel's fourth beast (Daniel 7:7-27; Revelation 13:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:7).
2. Be a world power for 1260 years (Daniel 7: 19-25; Revelation 13:7-8).
3. Take his seat in the temple of God and proclaim himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
4. Blaspheme God (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).
5. Teach that Jesus did not come in the flesh (1 John 4:1-4; 2 John 7).
6. Persecute the true believers (Daniel 7:21,25; Revelation 13:7).
7. Be overthrown by Christ (Daniel 7:22,26-27; 2 Thessalonians 3:8).