Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism, and the De-Evolution of Democracy Prophecy Focus Ministries – ProphecyFocus.org
Richard R. Schmidt, D.Min, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION[1]
There is an undeniable movement, both domestically and internationally, to propel humanity towards a new advanced level of existence. Our culture has embraced the digital information age to the point where virtually everyone suffers emotional and functional paralysis if their smartphone is not in their hand or within easy reach. Social media plays a major role in millions of people’s lives. People not only want to see what their friends are doing in real time, but they also want information on every possible subject within a matter of seconds. However, even with the massive amount of information available through cell phones, computers, and other such devices, people are still not satisfied with their ability to compete, succeed, and advance in society.
Those seeking to change the culture of society are on a rapid trajectory, aggressively touting the extremely powerful capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and the wonders of transhumanism. These rapidly developing technologies are gaining massive acceptance on a global scale. AI and transhumanism already produce results that virtually no one would oppose, and both arguably do benefit society. However, there are many significant cautions and subsequent moral, ethical, and biblical issues to ponder when considering the expanding implementation of AI and transhumanism.
Some of the world’s elite ultrawealthy and highly intelligent individuals desire to move the populace towards a new level of superintelligence with superhuman abilities. Artificial Intelligence and transhumanism provide the expected means whereby those invested in developing these incredibly powerful technologies have the ultimate goal of gaining immortality and becoming gods. That goal will never be achieved, as it is antithetical to the sovereign plan of God. However, there is no doubt that significant technological advances will change the abilities of many people, and society as a whole.
The Scriptures reveal that a cosmic battle has been in play ever since God created the first two humans on earth, Adam and Eve (Gen. 3). Satan, whom God created as a perfect angel, rebelled against his Creator (Ez. 28:11-19), and subsequently, Satan and his demonic army of fallen angels have been at war with God and all His creation. Satan, the great deceiver, is preparing to carry out his plan to control the entire world by creating his own one-world government, economy, and religion (Rev. 13). The prophetic Scriptures confirm that Satan will in fact accomplish this catastrophic goal at a future time known as the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21). Satan will incorporate every possible means to accomplish his diabolical mission, including the use of technology and science, to deceive the whole world into embracing his anti-God and antibiblical plan to become the true god of this world.
Now the serpent (Satan) was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman (Eve), “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:1–5)
Satan won his first major battle by deceiving Adam and Eve and tempting them to eat from the forbidden tree. That fateful act resulted in sin entering the world, and God’s subsequent pronouncements of punishment (Gen. 3:1-19). Satan became self-empowered to continue his assault on God and His creation, which will continue until God finally claims victory over Satan and his demonic followers, and casts them into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone for eternity (Rev. 20:10). However, until that day, which will not come to fruition for a considerable length of time,[2] Satan and his demonic army will continue to use every means possible including AI and transhumanism to corrupt, attack, and deceive humankind.
Satan’s ultimate plan is to completely control the world; therefore, he must gain the support of world leaders, and determine how to remove opposition leaders from their positions. Multiple globalist groups are already in place preparing the platform for a one-world leader, as mandated by biblical prophecy (Dan. 2:41-43, 7:19-22; Rev. 13, 17:7-18).
America has changed dramatically since the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States. A socialist, liberal agenda was in play during several previous presidents, but nothing in the history of America comes close to the massive policy changes that have occurred since Joe Biden took office. The domestic and international changes that took place during the Covid-19 pandemic were unprecedented in world history. The changes involved energy independence, climate change hysteria, inflation, out-of-control government spending, and lawlessness resulting in massive catastrophic property damage, riots, serious injuries, and death There is also the propagation of the LGBTQI+ agenda and the proliferation of propaganda in the media, public schools, and libraries aggressively promoting transgender ideology to children, which has resulted in an increased demand for puberty suppression drugs, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment surgery. Left-wing policies are eroding the very foundations of America, which the founding fathers undeniably formed on biblical principles. The current trends in society are clearly moving toward the de-evolution of democracy. Unless a tidal wave of change takes place in America, and yes, the world, in very short order, the global picture will become more and more anti-God, and the pace towards the Antichrist’s one-world government, economy, and religion (Rev. 13) will be accelerated.
The United States of America recently moved from being a very strong principled nation, founded on biblical principles, to one that is rapidly embracing a socialist, anti-God, anti-biblical worldview and agenda. Early in his administration, President Biden strongly proclaimed his concern regarding an alleged attack on democracy, specifically by conservatives, and more specifically by MAGA (Make America Great Again) conservatives, which are those who embraced the policies of former President Donald Trump.
I totally agree with being concerned about the deterioration of democracy, yet for a polar opposite reason. The moral, ethical, constitutional, and once biblically principled United States of America is now facing the de-evolution of democracy. Britannica defines democracy as: “literally, rule by the people. The term is derived from the Greek DĒMOKRATIA, which was coined from DĒMOS (“people”) and KRATOS (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century BCE to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens.”[3]
Mirriam Webster defines democracy as:
Democracy, noun: 1a government by the people, especially : rule of the majority 1b: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections 2: a political unit that has a democratic government 3: the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S. from emancipation Republicanism to New Deal DEMOCRACY—C. M. Roberts 4: the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority 5: the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges.
Is the United States a democracy or a republic?
The United States is both a democracy and a republic. Democracies and republics are both forms of government in which supreme power resides in the citizens. The word republic refers specifically to a government in which those citizens elect representatives who govern according to the law. The word democracy can refer to this same kind of representational government, or it can refer instead to what is also called a direct democracy, in which the citizens themselves participate in the act of governing directly.
What is the basic meaning of democracy?
The word democracy most often refers to a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting.
What is a democratic system of government?
A democratic system of government is a form of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic free elections. [4]
Conservatives, and Christian conservatives specifically, challenge the movement of society and government towards a socialist, big government agenda. The mantra of the conservative American populace is “We the people are not being heard.” The massive challenge facing the conservative populace regards the liberal, anti-God, anti-Bible, anti-Christian worldview populace that appears to have surpassed the literal number of conservatives living in America. As a result, there is greater social pressure to “cancel” (rid the media and social media of) ideas associated with the conservative agenda, and exclusively propagate ideas associated with the liberal agenda.
Society is rapidly accelerating towards a cataclysmic moral and ethical explosion, that will result in the ruination of what once stood as the major superpower of the world, the United States of America. A focus of conservatives, both secular and Christian, over the past several decades, has been to guard against and fight the infiltration of socialism, Marxism, and ultimately communism into our society and government. On a smaller scale, Christian conservatives have fought valiantly to preserve and propagate a biblical worldview, which includes the complete acceptance of a lifestyle that personifies New Testament principles and standards. However, the onslaught of liberal politicians, anti-conservative people, and the mainstream media have so dominated the narrative as to reduce the conservative constitutional patriots of We the People into a declining minority, barely able to find a voice in the current society.
The rapid acceptance of artificial intelligence and transhumanism alerts us to the challenges we face on a global scale for the potential of more deception, and manipulation of the eight billion people currently inhabiting the earth. The purpose of this presentation is to examine the benefits and dangers of AI and transhumanism on an international and domestic level, and to motivate you riptureto critically analyze the issues, and subsequently determine how you will shape your own thinking, and use your influence to shape those under your direct influence, and society. The world is moving toward a very critical tipping point that will determine if the biblical worldview will have a resurgence, or if that position will be altogether canceled. Will conservatives stand in the shadows and simply wait for the Antichrist to come on the scene and use his satanically empowered position to form the catastrophic one-world government, economy, and religion?
The next major event on God’s prophetic calendar is the removal of the Church-Age saints in an event known as the Rapture, which could occur at any moment. Christians who are living when Jesus Christ comes in the air at the onetime Rapture event, will not experience death, but will, in the twinkling of an eye (a nanosecond) receive their glorified eternal body as Jesus Christ Himself ushers them into heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:50-54). Shortly after that event, the world will rapidly change to an overarching hatred for God and everything He represents. May you strongly consider challenging all of those under your influence, first, to turn to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and second, to critically analyze what is taking place domestically and internationally, and fight the good fight for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Understanding current events in the light of Bible prophecy will not only provide you with the wisdom and understanding needed to navigate these perilous times, but will also enable you to help others understand why technology and the rapid changes taking place internationally and domestically are a signal that Satan and his demonic army are accelerating their efforts to form the Antichrist’s one-world government, economy, and religion (Rev. 13). Time is short, very short.
Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet[5]
The False Prophet’s Description
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. (Revelation 13:11)
The beast, referred to in other passages as the “false prophet” (Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10), is the third member of the satanic trinity. Together, Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet will produce the most terrifying one-world religious, economic, and political system that has ever existed.
This apocalyptic text uses symbolic language to describe the second beast, “he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon” (Rev. 13:11). The “lamb” suggests a sweet, calm, cuddly, endearing persona. However, the two horns on its head speak to its authority and power. This apparently sedate lamb has more of a personality than one might suspect.
Surprisingly, this lamb speaks with the voice of a dragon. The charismatic personality of the false prophet has a fierce, powerful, dictatorial side that is not to be trifled with. Jesus warned of false prophets when He stated, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). The Lord’s use of “ravenous wolves” perfectly describes the false prophet, who will cause the deaths of an untold number of people who refuse to worship the Antichrist (Rev. 13:15).
Grant Osborne provides an excellent summary of the work of the second beast.
Like the Antichrist, the false prophet is the agent of the dragon and speaks with his voice. This is another parody of Christ, who speaks with the voice of the Father (John 5:25-30; 7:16-18). The “voice like a dragon” probably also refers to the same deceptive, lying words that the “ancient serpent” uses to lead the world astray (Rev. 12:9). The Antichrist was given “a mouth to speak blasphemies, and ”¦ opened his mouth in order to blaspheme God and to slander His name (Rev. 13:5-6). The second beast will speak with the same voice.[6]
The False Prophet’s Mission
And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. (Rev. 13:12)
The false prophet will possess the same supernatural satanic power as the Antichrist. The importance of this passage should never be underestimated, as it provides one of the most powerful texts on the horrific environment that will exist during the Great Tribulation. The student of prophecy should be awestruck by the reality of this critical prophecy. The world controlled by Satan, and his two possessed workers, having global power and authority is an absolutely distressing thought. Those who come to faith in Jesus Christ during the Tribulation will face violent persecution and a probable martyr’s death. The Scriptures reveal that a group of Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus Christ will survive the Tribulation. Zechariah specifically states that one- third of the Jewish people will survive (Zech. 13:8-9). Matthew reveals that an unknown number of Gentile believers will also survive the Tribulation judgments and enter into the millennial kingdom in human bodies (Matt. 25:31-46).
There are very few people on earth who embrace the thought of death, much less a violent death. I have spoken with many an aged Christian who longs for the Rapture, and even death. Their bodies are suffering from the effects of age, and death offers the wonderful hope of being absent from the old sin-sick, deteriorating body, and being present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). However, most people, including Christians, are not looking forward to the experience of death. Humans have a desire to live and survive. What happens to a person who is forced to live in a dictatorial environment with the constant threat of punishment or death? Think about that question and allow the gravity of it to sink deep into your mind.
Life under the rule of the satanic trinity will be characterized by fear, desperation, and a constant state of panic. Revelation 13 accentuates the need for God’s people today to actively tell others the greatest news ever given, that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). The apostle Paul speaks to the important position that every Christian has in Christ. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
The Rapture of the Church Age saints could happen at any moment (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:50-54). Those left behind will face the atrocities and horrors of a world in utter chaos for the seven-year Tribulation. Those who ultimately trust Jesus Christ as their personal Savior will suffer persecution and probable martyrdom, but the good news is they will immediately go into the presence of the Lord at death. Those who refuse to place their faith in the Lord Jesus will live in a world of hunger, violence, and chaos, and face the strong probability of a terrifying death (Rev. 4-18).
The False Prophet’s Methodology
Wonders & Miracles
He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Rev. 13:13–15)
The Old and New Testaments both record periods of signs, wonders, and miracles. The purpose of supernatural events was to authenticate those God chose to speak on His behalf. God will allow the satanic trinity to perform miraculous, supernatural signs to gain the attention of all people and nations. God will accomplish His sovereign will in allowing satanic deception to occur, resulting in judgment upon those who refuse to trust in Him and His Son.
Jesus addressed the issue of deception in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24:5, 11, 24; Mark 13:6, 22). The supernatural signs of the Antichrist and the false prophet will be so convincing that even the believers in Jesus Christ, referred to as the elect (Matt. 24:24), will be nearly deceived into believing in the satanic duo.
The apostle John provides insight into the marvelously deceptive signs that the satanic trinity will perform. First, the false prophet will bring “fire down from heaven” (Rev. 13:13). Grant Osborne provides an excellent summary of the false prophet’s miraculous signs.
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 and 2 Thess. 2:9 speak to the counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders that typify false teachers and prophets throughout history but especially the work of this paragon of evil at the end of history”¦ In particular, the false prophet parodies Elijah, who called down fire from heaven both at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39) and with the soldiers sent to arrest him (2 Kings 1:10-14). In Revelation this miracle is performed both by the two witnesses (11:5) and by God himself at the destruction of Satan’s army (20:9). However, the false prophet calls down fire from heaven (”¦in front of the people), which the NIV rightly translates “in full view of men.” It is not a religious act but a public-relations performance intended to enhance the worship of the false trinity.[7]
Second, the false prophet will perform other unnamed spectacular miracles, which will gain the approval of the world’s populace. Satan can empower his prophets with the ability to perform miracles. Though the scope of the miracles is not specified in this passage, Scripture is replete with the deceptive wonders and miracles that Satan has empowered others to perform (Rev. 16:14; 19:20; Deut. 13:1-5; Matt. 7:22; 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thess. 2:9).[8]
Third, the false prophet’s opening miracles, which deceive the entire world, will be followed by his building an image of the Antichrist that will have supernatural abilities. David Levy provides an instructional summary regarding the image of the beast.
The image erected by the people will seem to take on life: “And he [the false prophet] hath power [lit., was given power] to give life unto the image” (v. 15). Commentators are divided on whether this image actually will have life or only the appearance of life. Some believe that God will allow the false prophet to give life to the image because of its ability to speak and cause the death of those not worshipping it. Others believe that the word life (lit., breath or spirit) refers only to an appearance of life, similar to a computerized figure, and not to life itself. It has been documented that trickery, magic, and ventriloquism were used in the first century to gain a following and worship by pseudo-religionists (Acts 13:6-12; 16:16; 19:13-20).[9]
Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to the First Five Levels of Artificial Intelligence
Revelation 13:15 states that the image of the beast, more specifically the image of the Antichrist, will have breath, inferring that it will have life, the ability to speak, and finally, the image will have the ability to kill all of those on a world-wide basis who do not worship the beast. Scholars of the past could only explain this scenario as something that Satan would have the ability to do with some supernatural ability. However, technology is developing at an extremely fast pace, and the recent developments in artificial intelligence provide a feasible methodology whereby the Antichrist could literally know on a world-wide basis who is embracing his mandates, and who is rejecting his one-world government, religion and economy. As unbelievable as it may seem, the Antichrist will have the ability to kill all of those who refuse to follow his leadership.
Artificial intelligence (AI), though currently extremely powerful, is still in its infancy. There is a massive amount of growth potential in a variety of areas for AI based on scientific projections. We will examine AI’s current capabilities and then we will uncover the astonishing capabilities that specialists predict AI will achieve in the near future. Some researchers and developers expect AI to evolve through ten distinct levels. If their predictions are correct, and based on the incredible abilities of the False Prophet’s image of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:11-15), there is little doubt that AI will play a major role in his one-world government, economy, and religion. The alleged top level of AI involves humans and AI systems becoming like gods, with characteristics such as immortality and omnipotence. AI can become a global force like never before seen and never thought possible outside of the realm of science fiction.[10]
Level One: Artificial Intelligence
Developers cite the first level of AI as a one-rule or knowledge-based system. This level of AI consists of algorithms pre-programmed to perform a specific task. The term algorithm appears many times in this book, and gaining a basic understanding of the term will be helpful. Webster defines an algorithm as:
A procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation. Broadly: a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end. There are several search engines, with Google, Yahoo, and Bing being the biggest players. Each search engine has its own proprietary computation (an "algorithm") that ranks websites for each keyword or combination of keywords.
The current term of choice for a problem-solving procedure, algorithm, is commonly used nowadays for the set of rules a machine (and especially a computer) follows to achieve a particular goal”¦.
Algorithm is often paired with words specifying the activity for which a set of rules have been designed. A search algorithm, for example, is a procedure that determines what kind of information is retrieved from a large mass of data. An encryption algorithm is a set of rules by which information or messages are encoded so that unauthorized persons cannot read them.[11]
Level one AI cannot learn or adapt to new conditions. Developers are only able at the present time to program AI-controlled devices for a single subject. However, AI developers believe AI will futuristically gain the ability to master and incorporate multiple tasks at one time of a significantly wider scope. Rule-based AI applications are used in digital appliances, smart devices for personal and business use, and business software applications. The basic level of AI can control the temperature in a building, manage inventory, and perform other such single subject matter tasks.
Level Two: Context-Based Artificial Intelligence
At level two, AI moves beyond the basic abilities of level one, to a system that considers the context of the data. Therefore, developers refer to level two as context-based AI. Level two AI currently exists, and it incorporates user behavior, real-time data inputs, historical data, and the environment in formulating its response. This advanced level of AI manages to evaluate all this information and deliver an accurate personalized response.
Context-based AI systems include smart application assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The AI system analyzes the historical data from previous users and then customizes its response for an individual user. The advanced effectiveness of level two AI regards its ability to retain data, and then use that data as a pattern to understand the context of a particular user. Knowing the previous questions an individual posed to a smart AI application assistant, allows the computer to contextually understand various data points, and subsequently provide answers specific to the user’s computer-generated personality profile.
Online shopping provides the perfect example of level two context-based AI. When a user visits an internet shopping site and starts to examine products, every click of the mouse provides the computer with important personalized data. The user’s digital inputs are stored in the AI system that then provides the seller with the user’s profile, and what products interest that potential customer.
Therefore, AI software formulates a customized list of products that the individual user might consider for purchase. Every time the user goes online, the AI context-based system sends individualized advertisements to the user, with the goal of making a sale.
Keep in mind that context-based AI is a basic level of AI that is setting the stage for a much more advanced level of AI, that predictably can analyze the behavior of individual users. Based on that scenario, AI may provide sensitive, personal data to government entities, or nefarious undetected monitors to determine the user’s alignment with political, social, and religious agendas. Personalized data in the hands of the wrong people or agencies could effectively result in the control of people in society by restricting their ability to buy and sell, freezing their financial assets, and even incarcerating them for alleged anti-government behavior or worse.
AI’s current and future abilities raise serious concerns regarding the privacy and safety of users both domestically and internationally. Are these mere conspiracy theories and conjectures? As we examine the current use of AI in subsequent sections of this book, you will learn that AI is being used in real-time to surveil people in different countries, resulting in harsh sanctions for those whose profile does not match the profile desired by the government leadership. These documented activities are providing the platform for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled (Rev. 13:15).
Level Three: Narrow Domain or Expert Artificial Intelligence
Level three AI currently exists. It is called narrow domain or expert AI. Narrow domain AI is designed to replicate and exceed human expertise in a specific domain. Narrow AI, which is extremely powerful, has the ability to synthesize data and evaluate information. Advanced AI systems are currently used in domains such as gaming, linguistics, medicine, finance, translation software, and others. Narrow AI goes beyond simply providing basic data in response to specific user inputs. This level of AI is able to consume large amounts of domain-specific data, enabling the system to not only analyze the data but provide extremely accurate responses.
Narrow domain AI delivers specialized outputs that outperform humans in specific areas, enabling AI to provide valuable conclusions to various individuals, corporations, and industries. This third-level AI system must as in the first two levels of AI remain confined to specific subject matter, and therefore, does not have the ability to handle multiple disciplines.
When using narrow AI, every subject matter or topic must utilize individualized discipline- specific AI software to analyze a narrow scope of subject-specific data. This principle is extremely important in understanding the current limitations of level three AI. Developers may design a narrow AI system to accept large amounts of data, for example, in the medical field. This system uses algorithms capable of analyzing the data and then providing a recommended diagnosis for a particular person’s symptoms. Developers are not able to use that same narrow AI system to accept data regarding financial planning and suggest how to put together a robust portfolio. Developers currently must build a separate AI system for financial planning.
Narrow AI is already extremely powerful and used in many disciplines to analyze data and provide statistical and diagnostic outputs, one discipline at a time. The shortcoming of narrow AI is, as its name implies, that it is narrow in scope. AI developers desire to see the AI of the future with a vastly increased capacity, not only to excel in analyzing one subject accurately but to mimic the human capacity to understand multiple disciplines. The human brain has the ability to learn a multitude of facts on a wide variety of subjects, which far exceeds what narrow AI can do.
Level Four: Rational Artificial Intelligence
When you take narrow AI or expert AI to its highest potential, you reach level four, rational AI. Two systems cited as possessing this level of AI sophistication include IBM’s Watson and Deep Minds AlphaGo.[12] Level four involves the development of extremely complicated systems that, like the human brain, can reason and make decisions based on the input of complex data. Rational AI can analyze data from multiple sources and provide intelligent predictions and subsequent recommendations.
This level of AI uses what is termed machine learning. Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence, which is broadly defined as the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior. Artificial intelligence systems are used to perform complex tasks in a way that is similar to how humans solve problems.
Machine learning starts with data ”” numbers, photos, or text, like bank transactions, pictures of people or even bakery items, repair records, time series data from sensors, or sales reports. The data is gathered and prepared to be used as training data, or the information the machine learning model will be trained on. The more data, the better the program. From there, programmers choose a machine learning model to use, supply the data, and let the computer model train itself to find patterns or make predictions. Over time the human programmer can also tweak the model, including changing its parameters, to help push it toward more accurate results.
Machine learning is behind chatbots and predictive text, language translation apps, the shows Netflix suggests to you, and how your social media feeds are presented. It powers autonomous vehicles and machines that can diagnose medical conditions based on images.
Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence that gives computers the ability to learn without explicitly being programmed.
“In just the last five or 10 years, machine learning has become a critical way, arguably the most important way, most parts of AI are done,” said MIT Sloan professor Thomas W. Malone, the founding director of the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence. “So that's why some people use the terms AI and machine learning almost as synonymous ... most of the current advances in AI have involved machine learning.
A 2020 Deloitte survey found that 67% of companies are using machine learning, and 97% are using or planning to use it in the next year.
From manufacturing to retail and banking to bakeries, even legacy companies are using machine learning to unlock new value or boost efficiency. “Machine learning is changing, or will change, every industry, and leaders need to understand the basic principles, the potential, and the limitations,” said MIT computer science professor Aleksander Madry, director of the MIT Center for Deployable Machine Learning[13]
There are four levels of machine learning that are worth noting.
- Supervised learning: In this type of machine learning, data scientists supply algorithms with labeled training data and define the variables they want the algorithm to assess for correlations. Both the input and the output of the algorithm are specified.
- Unsupervised learning: This type of machine learning involves algorithms that train on unlabeled data. The algorithm scans through data sets looking for any meaningful connection. The data that algorithms train on as well as the predictions or recommendations they output are predetermined.
- Semi-supervised learning: This approach to machine learning involves a mix of the two preceding types. Data scientists may feed an algorithm mostly labeled training data, but the model is free to explore the data on its own and develop its own understanding of the data set.
- Reinforcement learning: Data scientists typically use reinforcement learning to teach a machine to complete a multi-step process for which there are clearly defined rules. Data scientists program an algorithm to complete a task and give it positive or negative cues as it works out how to complete a task. But for the most part, the algorithm decides on its own what steps to take along the way.[14]
The following are other areas where rational AI is currently used:
- Game-playing AI, such as AlphaGo, makes decisions based on the game's rules and the board's current state to maximize the chances of winning.
- Virtual personal assistants, such as Siri or Alexa, understand natural language commands and take appropriate actions based on the user’s request.
- Stock trading algorithms make buy and sell decisions based on market data and predictions about future performance.
- Robotics, such as industrial robots, perform tasks based on programmed instructions and sensor inputs.[15]
Level Five: Self-Aware Artificial Intelligence
AI level five is currently futuristic. Every level beyond level four incorporates new concepts to increase AI’s ability to move beyond its current ability, with the goal that humans with AI will one day possess god-like abilities (such as immortality and omnipotence). Though advanced levels of AI may possess abilities that potentially would benefit society, the very concept of using AI to reach a “god-like” status is highly unlikely. History shows that secular people, who do not have a biblical worldview, have often desired and even pursued various theories to try and gain immortality. Past generations searched for the fountain of youth, which would provide drinkers with an ageless body. Others pursued witchcraft, Satan worship, and even mythical concepts of becoming a so-called vampire to avoid the unavoidable, which is death.
Though some of the ultra-rich and those who possess genius-level minds continue their quest for immortality through AI, transhumanism, and other futile endeavors, God’s Word, the Bible clearly states, “It is appointed for men to die once” (Heb. 9:27). Since Adam willfully sinned against God in the Garden of Eden by eating from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, all humankind, which includes every single person ever born, with the one exception of the sinless virgin-born Savior, Jesus Christ, will experience physical death. The only exception to this biblical mandate is one generation of believers in Jesus Christ, who will escape death, at a yet-to-occur event known as the Rapture[16] of the Church-Age saints.
The Bible reveals that Satan is currently the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), and he is the great deceiver (John 8:44). God allows Satan a tremendous amount of latitude during this current period. However, the Scriptures reveal that Satan will form a diabolical false trinity in the future that will lead the global system, which will control the one-world government, economy, and religion (Rev. 13), which in all probability will incorporate the highest level of developed AI.
Level five AI incorporates self-aware systems. This yet futuristic AI sounds impossible to achieve. How can a machine gain a level of self-consciousness that allows it to understand itself, and how to respond to other substances in the world? This intriguing concept would allow AI to possess a level of consciousness and self-awareness that would allow whatever device that used this level of AI to understand its own existence, internal state, and its relationship to the external world. The concept of self-aware AI revolves around endowing machines with the ability to perceive, comprehend, and reflect upon their own internal states and cognitive processes. Again, as incredible as level five AI sounds, developers find the sophistication at this level the next achievable concept.
This level anticipates the ability to express preferences and emotions, translating to the device demonstrating signs of consciousness. Level five AI would achieve self-awareness, which up to the current time of this writing, the average person would consider unattainable. However, consider once again, the biblical scenario found in Revelation 13. The prophecy specifically states that the false prophet “was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Rev. 13:15). How can an inanimate object possess not only humanlike qualities but also superhuman qualities?
Consider the moral and ethical challenges for humans interacting with machines on a personal level. AI-enhanced robots are currently used to interact with individuals who are lonely and need someone or something to talk to. This scenario is not unusual. Have you ever caught yourself talking to a picture, someone on TV, or some inanimate object that was near and dear to someone you loved, and you felt like you could connect with that person simply by talking to an object? Now consider an attractive bot, either generated through AI on your computer, or a well- designed robot that was sitting next to you, that listened to you, and responded in a way you found enjoyable. It would certainly not be out of the realm of probability for a person to become thoroughly engaged in a machine that mimicked to the smallest detail a rational human being.
Let us go one step further down the road of interacting with machines. How many people, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged adults, and even senior citizens are addicted to their cell phones? How many young people rarely use their cellphones for literal phone calls, and instead, interact with others almost exclusively through text messages, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok chats and posts? Two fully functioning people, with all their senses intact, can be in the same room, and instead of talking, start a text conversation with one another. Interacting with and through machines is already extremely common. It does not take a great deal of imagination to realize that this stage of AI has already been set for normal human interaction with machines.
Level five AI opens the door to achieving the scenario in Revelation 13, but if AI reaches beyond level five, there can be no doubt that the biblical scenario is absolutely attainable. The question remains, is AI the actual way that the false prophet brings the image of the beast to apparent life? Does the concept of transhumanism contribute to the abilities of the image of the beast? God will unequivocally answer these questions during the tribulation period as He fulfills every aspect of His Word.
Mandatory Worship
He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Rev. 13:15)
This text is one of the most sobering and outright horrifying statements in the prophetic Scriptures. The false prophet’s mission is to do whatever it takes to get all of humanity to worship the Antichrist. The false prophet has an image of the beast made, and through supernatural power or potentially through technological means, gives the image the ability to speak.
The text is implicitly clear and emphatic, that all people must worship the image of the beast. The punishment for those who refuse to worship the image of the beast is death (Rev. 7:9, 14;13:15; 20:4). There will be a great number of people who will refuse to worship the false satanic trinity and the image of the beast. Those who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation will choose a martyr’s death over denying their faith and potentially saving their life (Rev. 20:4).
The gravity of the situation at the midpoint of the Tribulation should not be underestimated. The satanic trinity will do everything possible to stop God’s sovereign plan of preserving a Jewish remnant. However, the Lord will not allow Satan to annihilate His chosen people, and certainly not through the false prophet’s scheme to force all people to worship the image of the beast. The apostle John reveals that God will miraculously take a Jewish remnant to the wilderness, where God will feed the people for “a thousand two hundred and sixty days” (Rev. 12:6, 14). The prophet Zechariah specifically states that God will protect and provide for one-third of the Jewish people during the Great Tribulation. “And it shall come to pass in all the land,” Says the LORD, “That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, But one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” (Zech. 13:8-9).
Mandatory Mark
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Rev. 13:16–17)
Prophecy reveals that a one-world economic system is on the horizon. Those paying attention to the current economic situation from a global and local perspective are acutely aware of the serious issues. People pay attention to their money, and when they lack the funds to enjoy a pleasant lifestyle, they become disgruntled. When the populace faces severe economic depression, the propensity for outrage against the government and violence in the streets, dramatically increases. One has only to watch the contemporary crime trends to conclude that the highest rates of crime have a direct correlation to poverty. The most basic instinct in every person is survival.
The apostle John provides details regarding the future need for a worldwide ruler to come on the scene to bring order to a world that is in economic chaos. The Scriptures reveal that during the first half of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will unleash on the world six seal judgments (Rev. 6), which leads to severely depressed global economic conditions. The seal judgments include, first, the coming of the Antichrist, who brings a strong political presence to a world already inundated with wars and violence, and economic woes (Rev. 6:1-2). The second seal discloses that violence will greatly increase resulting in people killing each other (Rev. 6:3-4). The third seal is extremely important in understanding the tremendous negativity in the world that will occur during the first part of the Tribulation. There will be a severe global famine (Rev. 6:5-6). People must eat, and when they are deprived of food, they will turn to violence to survive, guaranteed. The fourth seal is one of the most devastating judgments in Scripture, only paling to the worldwide Flood in Genesis 6-8. The apostle John states that one-fourth of the world’s population will die from violence, famine, plagues, and wild beasts. There are currently 8 billion people on the earth. If the world’s population is similar at the beginning of the Tribulation, 2 billion people will die during the first three and one-half years of the Tribulation. The impact of such devastation is incomprehensible. The fifth seal reveals that persecution will be severe against those who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ during the Tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11). The Antichrist will demand compliance with the one-world religion (Rev. 17). The sixth seal unleashes catastrophic events in nature. There will be massive earthquakes, the sun will be darkened, the moon will turn red, and stars will fall to the earth (Rev. 6:12-19). Great fear, violence, and death will prevail during the entire Tribulation period.
When the student of prophecy understands the horrific conditions on earth, commencing with the start of the Tribulation, it makes perfect sense that the Antichrist will have the perfect opportunity, as a powerful and apparently accepted political leader, to force a global economic system. People will beg for help to survive, and that is exactly what the Antichrist will provide.
The satanic trinity will have the infrastructure in place at the midpoint of the Tribulation to control virtually everyone on earth, except those who somehow manage to hide in an “underground” dwelling and avoid detection by the one-world government. The satanic trinity will force the masses, including the “small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive an identifying mark on their right hand or forehead (Rev. 13:16). The purpose of the mark is to control the individual’s ability to buy or sell anything (Rev. 13:17).
The exact technology used to place a mark on an individual’s forehead or right hand is not specifically stated in Scripture. However, there is current technology that certainly fits the scenario described in Revelation 13:16-17. In March 2018, Business Insider reported that over 3,000 people in Sweden had small microchips, the size of a grain of rice, implanted in their body for the purpose of identification. The chips give users access to locked machines and office and gym doors. The SJ rail line in Sweden started using microchip technology for riders several years ago. Business Insider states that there is no reason why the microchip technology could not be used just like a credit card. A Wisconsin vending machine company, Three Square Market, offered their employees the opportunity to have microchips implanted in their hands for the purpose of giving them access to vending machines, their work computers, and photocopiers. Fifty employees volunteered for the implants.[17]
Microchip technology raises serious concerns for the Christian community. Some question whether the Tribulation period has started. Others question if those who already have the microchips embedded in their body have received the “mark of the beast,” and are forever doomed. The apostle John gave a strict warning regarding those who receive the mark of the beast.
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Rev. 14:9-11).
The Revelation 13:16-18 and 14:9-11 scenario does not apply to people who currently have the microchip technology embedded in their bodies. God’s prophetic timeline is key to understanding this issue. The current age, rightly called the Church Age, is distinct from the yet future Tribulation period when the satanic trinity will exercise their reign on earth. The Church Age is not a part of the Old Testament prophetic calendar (Dan. 9:24-27), but it is a mystery period inserted by God (Rom. 16:25-26; Eph. 3:1-7; Col. 1:24-29) causing a pause in the Jewish prophetic calendar between Daniel 9:26 and Daniel 9:27. The next event on God’s calendar is the removal of the Church Age saints (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-53). Shortly after the Rapture of the saints, the Antichrist will become known, as he will confirm a covenant with Israel, which starts the clock on the seven-year Tribulation. The mark of the beast will not occur until the midpoint of the Tribulation. Therefore, anyone embedding a microchip in his or her body during the current Church Age is not part of the Revelation 13-14 scenario.
The current microchip technology provides a valid possibility, however, as to how the future one-world government could apply a “mark” to each individual. While the technology may change before the Tribulation begins, the fact remains that people will be forced to receive the mark of the beast, or they will not be able to buy or sell (Rev. 13:15-18).
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is currently playing a major technological role on a worldwide basis, and is advancing into most every area of life imaginable. When examining the significant role AI plays in government, specifically security and surveillance, China comes into view with their massive surveillance system. China has already implemented a massive facial recognition system using thousands of cameras and AI technology that surveils their citizens as they traverse through their cities.“ To put into context how heavy surveillance is in China, it is essential to know that the country has over 700 million surveillance cameras, according to online data. That means there is one lens for every two citizens.”[18] The world stage is currently being set for the execution of the diabolical satanic one-world government, religion and economy, and there should be no doubt that artificial intelligence will play a major role in accomplishing the mandate of Revelation 13:15, “He (false prophet) was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast (Antichrist), that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” Here we stand, we cannot, we must not be moved!
ENDNOTES
1 Richard R. Schmidt, Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism & The De-Evolution of Democracy (Prophecy Focus Ministries, Franklin, WI., 2023) XII-XVIII.
2 God’s prophetic calendar provides for a minimum of 1,007 years that must transpire before Satan is bound and cast into the lake of fire for eternity. Scripture demands a seven-year tribulation period (Dan. 9:27), followed by a 1,000-year period where Jesus Christ will return to the earth to inaugurate His kingdom, which will exist for 1,000 years (Rev. 19:11-20:10).
3 Robert A. Dahl, David Froomkin, and Ian Shapiro, “History and Society Democracy,” Encyclopedia Britannica, June 30, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy, accessed July 13, 2023.,
4 “Democracy.” MERRIAM-WEBSTER.COM DICTIONARY, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy. Accessed 13 Jul. 2023.
5 Richard R. Schmidt, Globalism – The Great World Consumption (Prophecy Focus Ministries, Franklin, WI. 2022), 81-90.
6 Grant R. Osborne, Revelation in Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Academic, 2006), 512.
7 Osborne, 513-514.
8 Alan F. Johnson, Revelation, in vol. 12. of The Expositors Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 530.
9 Levy, 157.
10 The ten levels of AI discussed in this chapter are all mentioned in an excellent YouTube video: Unveiling the Ten Stages of AI: What You Need To Know Now!, AI TechXplorer, https://youtu.be/AK5EwG62hx8, accessed July 31, 2023. Other sources that provide useful details and explanations are cited throughout the chapter.
11 “Algorithm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algorithm. Accessed 4 Aug. 2023.
12 Unveiling the Ten Stages of AI: What You Need To Know Now!, AI TechXplorer, https://youtu.be/AK5EwG62hx8, accessed July 31, 2023.
13 Sara Brown, “Machine Learning, Explained,” MIT Management Sloan School, April 21, 2021, https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/machine-learning-explained, accessed August 4, 2023.
14 Ed Burns, “Machine Learning,” TechTarget, https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/machine-learning-ML?Offer=abt_pubpro_AI-Insider, accessed August 4, 2024.
15 Simplilearn, “Rational Agent in AI: Intelligent Agents in Artificial Intelligence” February 13, 2023, https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/artificial-intelligence-tutorial/rational-agent-in-ai#examples_of_rational_agents_in_ai, Accessed August 4, 2023.
16 Rapture is from the Latin word rapturo, which means to be caught up or snatched away, as used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
17 Business Insider, “Thousands of People in Sweden are Embedding Microchips Under Their Skin to Replace ID Cards,” Alexandra MA, May 14, 2018, 8:09 AM ET, https://businessinsider.com/swedish-people-embed-microchips-under-skin-to-replace-id-cards-2018-5, accessed January 16, 2019.
18 Technology News | TechHQ | Latest Technology News & Analysis, August 14, 2023 https://techhq.com/2023/08/why-is-china-is-changing-its-stance-on-facial-recognition-after-decades-of- surveillance/, accessed December 3, 2024