By Sonny Iroche
Introduction
As a Christian, I affirm the supremacy of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I also embrace the biblical truth that humanity was created in God’s image. Reflecting on my days studying Zoology at the University of Nigeria, I recall a professor who, though a devout Catholic, taught the Theory of Evolution with academic rigor while maintaining his faith in God’s creation. His example taught me that science and faith, when rightly understood, need not be in conflict.
In the same way, as a Christian and a postgraduate professional in Artificial Intelligence (AI), I see no contradiction between the supremacy of God and the development of AI. At the inaugural AI conference in Dartmouth, Pennsylvania, USA, in the summer of 1956, John McCarthy introduced the term “Artificial Intelligence,” stressing that it is artificial, a human invention. Since God created humans and humans created AI, the two cannot be equated. AI remains a product of human ingenuity, confined to the artificial realm, at least for now, and subject to human use, whether for good or for ill.
Throughout history, every generation has wrestled with the signs of the End Times foretold in Scripture. From wars and plagues to natural disasters, Christians have asked: “Are these indicators of Christ’s return?”
Today, one of the most transformative forces shaping our world is AI. Machines capable of reasoning, speaking, and even creating raise not only technological and social questions, but also profound theological ones. Could AI itself be one of the “signs and wonders” mentioned in Scripture? Might it serve as an instrument through which prophecies in Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation find fulfillment?
Knowledge Shall Increase: Daniel’s Prophecy
In Daniel 12:4, the angel told the prophet:
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
Scholars often interpret this as pointing to the unprecedented expansion of knowledge in modern times. Within a single century, humanity advanced from horse-drawn carriages to space travel, from handwritten letters to instant global communication, from simple counting devices to supercomputers.
AI stands at the forefront of this surge. Never before have we processed such vast data or relied on machines to detect patterns beyond human comprehension. In Daniel’s words, knowledge has not merely increased; it has multiplied at a pace that suggests we are indeed approaching the “time of the end.”
Signs, Wonders, and Deception
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24:
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Revelation echoes this theme, describing a beast that performs “great wonders” and deceives the nations (Revelation 13:13–14).
AI has the power to create such deceptive wonders. Deepfakes, synthetic voices, and lifelike avatars can make the dead appear to speak, blur the line between truth and illusion, and deceive entire populations. What was once unimaginable now lies within reach, fulfilling, with chilling precision, the warnings of Scripture.
The Image of the Beast
Revelation 13:14–15 describes an image that is given breath so that it can speak and enforce worship:
“…telling them to make an image to the beast… it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and cause those who would not worship it to be slain.”
For centuries, interpreters puzzled over how a lifeless image could speak. Today, the answer is no longer speculative. AI animates humanoid robots, digital avatars, and holograms that “breathe life” into images once inert. Combined with AI-driven surveillance and automated enforcement, this prophecy feels strikingly within reach.
Commerce and the Mark
The same chapter warns that no one may buy or sell without the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:16–17). What seemed impossible in the first century is plausible today.
AI underpins biometric identification, blockchain, digital currencies, and predictive economic models, all capable of enabling global economic control. In some countries, AI-powered “social credit systems” already restrict travel, property rights, and access to services. The infrastructure of Revelation’s prophecy is, in many ways, already here.
A Modern Tower of Babel
Genesis 11:4–6 recounts humanity’s attempt to build a tower to the heavens. God scattered them, humbling their pride.
AI is a modern Babel. By striving to create intelligence in our image, humanity seeks to cross into the divine. The pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), machines that think and act like humans in every respect, reveals our desire for godlike knowledge and power.
This echoes 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, describing the “man of lawlessness” who exalts himself above God. AI is not the Antichrist, but it could become an instrument magnifying human arrogance, deception, and rebellion.
Worshiping the Creation Instead of the Creator
Paul’s words in Romans 1:22–23 remain relevant:
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image…”
AI is often spoken of with awe, as if it were a divine oracle. Some futurists dream of merging with machines to achieve immortality, an imitation of the eternal life promised by Christ. In this way, AI risks becoming an idol, drawing people to worship human creation rather than the Creator.
Should Christians Fear AI?
AI, like any tool, is morally neutral. Fire can warm or destroy; so too can AI heal or harm. In medicine, it diagnoses diseases earlier than ever. In agriculture, it improves yields. In education, it personalizes learning. Used wisely, these are blessings.
The danger lies in AI’s misuse, for deception, oppression, or idolatry. The Bible calls believers to discernment, testing the spirits, and grounding their hope in Christ, not in technology.
As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Christians, therefore, need not panic at every innovation but must remain vigilant and rooted in Scripture.
The Context of Hope
Though the Bible speaks soberly of End Times deception, it always directs us toward hope. The return of Christ is not defeat but victory. Prophecies of control, false wonders, and rebellion culminate in Christ’s judgment of the nations and His eternal reign.
Thus, AI may indeed serve as a sign of the approaching end. But rather than sow despair, it should awaken us to vigilance, deepen our faith, and spur us to share the Gospel.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, yet many End Time prophecies align with what AI makes possible today:
• Daniel foresaw an explosion of knowledge. AI epitomizes this.
• Matthew and Revelation warn of deceptive wonders. AI enables them.
• The “image of the beast” could be realized through AI avatars and robots.
• The “mark of the beast” aligns with AI-driven global commerce.
• The pride of Babel is mirrored in humanity’s pursuit of godlike intelligence.
Whether AI is itself prophecy fulfilled or simply a precursor, one truth stands firm: Christ remains sovereign. AI is not the final word. Jesus is.
As Revelation 22:20 proclaims:
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Note: Sonny Iroche worships at Victoria Fellowship Church. Lagos, and holds a Post Graduate Degree in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Oxford, UK
He also holds a Bachelor of Science (Bsc) degree in Zoology and a Masters in Business Admin.(MBA)
He was a Senior Academic Fellow; University of Oxford.
Member of UNESCO Technical Working Group on AI Readiness Assessment Methodology.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sonnyiroche
