THE ANTICHRIST SET HIMSELF in Babylon as the ruler of the world, but it was still not enough for him. One prize still eluded him. How could he be the god of all, so long as Christians and Jews continued to worship Jehovah? And how long could his reign endure if there was a time-honored outpost anywhere in the world belonging to his enemy?

Israel had accepted his peace treaty. Nevertheless, it maintained an internal system of finance that was beyond the reach of Tauriq Haddad. All of that must be changed, the leader announced. The Antichrist’s emissaries traveled to Jerusalem to arrange an official visit for the president. He was to be accompanied by a large entourage. Some drove into Israel in advance of his arrival. Others went by private jet or by helicopter. He flew into Lod Airport in his personal jet, then took a jet helicopter directly to the Temple Mount.

Accompanied by the prime minister of Israel and his own officials, Mark Beaulieu walked to the place directly above the Holy of Holies at the Temple of Solomon. A large stage with a podium had been set up there, from which he was to deliver an address to the world. Banners snapped in the wind, military jets flew a respectful salute overhead. Television cameras from news organizations on every continent were covering the event.

After the perfunctory greetings by several local dignitaries, the leader began his address. “I greet you, citizens of Israel, in the name of the Union for Peace. I have struggled to bring peace to this world, and I’ve accomplished this task. My associate has brought a crime-free, drug-free financial system to the world. Because of his work, illegal sale of narcotics has been put to an end.

“Today, however, I stand before you in celebration of the crowning achievement of my life. For I have come in peace, to declare before you all that I am your messiah. I am the anointed one of Israel. I am, as it has already been declared by the prophets before me, god come in the flesh. As you honor me with your worship, I vow to shower on your nation the promised blessing that has so long eluded you. Centuries of insult, humiliation, death, and dishonor have plagued your people. Today, that bondage of despair is broken as I declare to you the heritage you have so earnestly desired. Although I cannot live here with you in Jerusalem, I have brought my statue to be set up at this holy place. When you come here, you will be able to see it and worship it in my place. It is the very likeness of your god and leader. It will impart my wisdom to you.”