
Ekkehardt Mueller
Retired, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute
The author’s thesis and starting point is that the papal system identifies itself as the antichrist. Basically this short book is an exposition of Daniel 7-9 focusing especially on the little horns. It deals with the characteristics of the little horns, discusses the time spans involved and the year-day-principle, explains the sanctuary and the judgment, and rejects preterist and futurist interpretations of these prophecies. It includes sections dealing with church history, Adventist history, and the interpretation of passages of the Book of Revelation. In order to support his main thesis the author predominantly uses older sources, although he also employs a more recent book by Malachi Martin.
The book consists of seven chapters and an appendix. The appendix contains the text of Daniel 7-9 in its entirety. The author uses footnotes as well as endnotes at the end of each chapter. The footnotes contain short explanations, whereas the endnotes list the sources which the author has used. He seems to be familiar with the literature on this topic.
“Open Secrets of the Antichrist” supports the traditional Adventist understanding of endtime prophecy and ends with a reassuring note. It strengthens Adventist identity without falling into the trap of triumphalism.