The Antichrist is a biblical figure who is mentioned, even discussed, amongst those who do not claim to be Christians. He is the theme of many “apocalyptic”- type movies and music. However, when the truth is told about the Antichrist, it is not entertaining in the least.
Over twenty plus times in the book of Revelation there is reference to the Antichrist by the depiction, “the beast”. The description given of the beast in Revelation 13:1 is from God’s perspective. God reveals this individual as a savage creature.
The word “antichrist” is a combination of two words, “anti” and “Christ”. The term anti can mean both in opposition to and in replacement of. So this Antichrist, empowered by the dragon (Revelation 12:9, 13:2), is Satan’s Messiah! Not only is he against Jesus, but he mimics Him by trying to pass himself off as the anointed Savior of the world!
The apostle John tells us that the spirit of antichrist is already in the world (1 John 2:18). In fact, the entire world system lies in the power of this wicked one (1 John 5:19). Thus, the Holy Spirit gives us the admonition to not love the world (1 John 2:15-17). We also learn that this spirit of antichrist incorporates a belief system that denies the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22, 23), rejecting the foundational doctrines of the Incarnation and the visible Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 4:1-3). God clearly identifies this “belief” system as demonic deception (2 John 7).
It goes without saying that the child of God is to steer himself or herself clear of everything and anything that would seek to embrace this spirit. The devil has many christs (Matthew 24:4,5, 23-25), but Scripture declares God’s true Christ (Psalm 2:2-3; Acts 2:22-36).
Though every child of God should indeed be aware of the reality of the antichrist, no child of God need fear this evil spirit, because the power in this dying world is no match for the indwelling might of our omnipotent God (John 14:12,16-18,23; 1 John 4:4)!
