Ques. Is Antichrist a system which seems even now to be forming in opposition to all that is of Christ, or is there to be a person of this character?
Ans. There can be no doubt that Antichrist is a person, and not a system, though many systems may be antichristian. He is the willful king (Dan. 11:36-38). He is the man of sin, or lawless one; the terrible heading up of all that now is working among men (2 Thess. 2:3, 4); the wicked one (v. 8); the very climax of lying and deceitfulness (vv. 9, 10). And withal he assumes a religious character, as connected with the dragon and the beast, or restored head of the Roman earth; has great power, and doeth great wonders.
What is called boycotting by men is one distinct mark of Antichrist (Rev. 13:11, 17). Thus the principles of Antichrist are already working. He will be cast into the lake of fire, and will remain alive there (Rev. 19:20; 20:10).
Ques. How does the kingdom of heaven suffer violence? Who are the violent? What does the verse mean? (Matt. 11:12.)
Ans. The violent are those who are strong enough in faith to enter the kingdom in spite of all obstacles. To become a citizen of the kingdom of heaven which was spiritual, required an energy and determination to which citizens of the Jewish monarchy were quite unaccustomed. The word "suffereth violence" is rendered "presseth" in Luke 16:16.
Ques. We read of our Lord being "weary," "hungry," and of His weeping. Would these in any sense be termed infirmities?
Ans. The bodily suffering and weakness that Christ felt were a part of the perfection of His sinless humanity. In a sense they may be called infirmities, but the modern use of the word rather implies disease, or some physical, or mental deficiency. Hence we would rather say, Our Savior had all the feelings proper to a perfect, sinless humanity.
Ques. What is meant in Matt. 5:22 by the one who calls his brother a fool being in danger of hell-fire?
Ans. The Lord is here showing that murder does not begin with the outward act, but with the heart. The law took no cognizance of the latter; but God here shows that murder may exist in the heart, the only outward sign being the words "thou fool." Hence the danger of hell-fire, for murder in the heart is as bad in God's sight as the real act.