As if everyone didn't have enough on their plates as it is, apparently, the Antichrist is about to make an appearance.
According to this Roman Catholic priest, the current contentious state of the world has given the embodiment of evil the perfect opportunity to waltz in and take over.
Father Chad Ripperger reckons that the 'stage is set' for the ominous character to appear - which could mean it's curtains for the lot of us.
For those who don't know, the Antichrist is essentially the polar opposite of Jesus Christ and the Bible warns that he will rock up and start ruling before Judgement Day rolls around.
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You might think you would spot a sinister figure like this a mile off and believe that you'll be immune to his charms...however, Father Chad has warned that it's not that simple.
During a recent appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, he reminded people that the scripture suggests the Antichrist 'will be so charismatic', it will be near impossible not to be swayed.
"Unless a person has specific graces from God, you're going to easily get sucked into what he teaches and what he professes," the priest said.
Father Chad - who is a theologian, philosopher, and exorcist who serves in the Archdiocese of Denver - sat down with podcaster and former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan to discuss the impending 'spiritual evil' he sees coming.
"The Antichrist has to be able to rule the world," he chillingly said. "He's not going to rule through governance. He's going to rule it through economies."
The priest claimed that the Antichrist 'will set himself up as the messiah', but as per the Bible, he's actually a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Referring to past teachings, Father Chad pointed out that it is believed that the Antichrist will appear when there has been a 'worldwide implosion of people's morality', which is something he says has already begun.
"That's happened since the 1950's," the man of the cloth said. "There's been an implosion, where people just aren't following the laws of God and of the natural law in any sense of the term."
The priest suggested that the Antichrist will be able to carry out his hostile takeover by manipulating the political system. Seizing control of the 'worldwide economy' will also supposedly be another trick up his sleeve.
"That's why they talk about the mark of the beast," Father Chad said. "Well, we're almost there...where they could literally just decide, look, unless you're going to sign off on certain things, you're not going to have access to the digital currency that we're going to enact worldwide. That's how they'll be able to basically starve people out if they're unwilling to sign off on the Antichrist's rule."
The only hope humanity has are the two prophets that are in heaven - Elijah and Enoch - who could hopefully help Jesus Christ's mission to destroy the evil force.
According to the Book of Revelation, these 'two witnesses' will return to Earth when the Antichrist turns up to oppose him and 'preach against him', although they will ultimately be martyred.
The priest believes one of the ways that the Antichrist will exert his control 'is through digital currencies'. So, there's another reminder that cash is king.
Explaining the tough choice people would face if the false prophet does descend, Father Chad added: "You have to be willing to sacrifice the lesser good in order to achieve the greater good.
"You have to be willing to follow Christ regardless of the personal cost. Now, God will also often provide for people..."
Still, the priest urged people not to panic just yet - sort of.
"I don't think that he's just immediately around the corner," Father Chad added. "But I could be wrong in that." Let's hope so, lads.
Topics: Politics, Religion, World News, Money
Olivia Burke