Discussion of the Antichrist
Lesallan Bostron
BIB3560 Revelation (ONLSP23)
Ohio Christian University
Pastor Alexander Soultz
May 4, 2023
Discussion of the Antichrist
The specific term “antichrist” is used only four times in the Christian English Standard Version of the Bible (1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7, ESV). The word “antichrist” is derived from the Greek word “antichristos,” which means “one who opposes Christ” or “an opponent of the Messiah” (Strong’s Concordance, 1890). The term “antichrist” in Christian theology, at times, can refer to a personal opponent of Christ that is expected to appear before the end of the world. This opponent may be seen as a person or force that opposes Christ or the Christian church, any person or thing regarded as supremely evil, or as a fundamental enemy or opponent (Mosbey, 2020). The Bible does not explicitly state this; however, there are as mentioned several verses that mention the Antichrist.
Many today contend that the title of Antichrist is not any individual but an office. Many Protestant reformers, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Cotton Mather, and William Tyndale, have considered the office of the papacy to be the Antichrist (Carter, 2012). However, when the term Antichrist is studied from the Christian perspective, there are still different meanings and interpretations as to who or what the Antichrist is today. Many consider the Antichrist a person or power who opposes Christ and will appear before the world’s end. Others believe that the Antichrist is not a single person, but many combined people or forces already active in the world yet still denying or resisting Christ.
Depending on how the term “Antichrist” is understood, there are many ways that people try to recognize and identify the Antichrist. The Antichrist will first deny that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one of God and that Jesus is the Son of God and God Himself. Next, the Antichrist will claim to be God or demand worship from people and will exalt himself over everything that is called God. Third, he (the Antichrist) will oppose God’s laws and promote lawlessness and sin among people. Fourth, the Antichrist will continue the persecution and killing of Christians and Jews, and anyone who does not follow him. Fifth, the Antichrist will try to gain followers by performing false miracles and deceiving people with his lies and charisma. Finally, the Antichrist will have a number or a mark identifying him and his followers and will control the world’s economy and political systems. This list is not a definitive or exhaustive list of criteria that can be used to identify or recognize the Antichrist, as many interpretations of the Biblical prophecies exist. For Christians, the best way to recognize the Antichrist is to know Christ and His truth and to follow Him faithfully. The Bible tells us that those who belong to Christ have His Spirit in them, and they can discern the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (1 John 4:1-6). Christians are also taught that those who love God and keep His commandments will not be deceived by the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
Found through study is that there is no definitive answer of exactly who or whom the Antichrist is in today’s world. Different Christians have many different views and criteria for determining and trying to identify the Antichrist. Some point to historical figures, such as Roman emperors or dictators, who persecuted Christians or claimed to be divine. Then some Christians point to the contemporary figures in the world today, such as political leaders or religious movements, who are seen as enemies of Christianity or promoters of evil. Then we have those Christians that believe that the Antichrist is not yet revealed or does not exist in the world today. The Bible warns Christians to be alert and discerning about the Antichrist and his deception, as Christians know Christ has already defeated him and his master, Satan. What should be focused on is Christ and His return, rather than on speculation or fear of the Antichrist.
References:
Book of 1 John – ESV – Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.com. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/1-john/
Book of 2 John – ESV – Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.com. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/2-john/
Book of 2 Thessalonians – ESV – Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.com. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/2-thessalonians/
Carter, J. (2012, November 16). The 7 Most Popular Contenders for the Title “Antichrist.” The Gospel Coalition; The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-7-most-popular-contenders-for-the-antichrist/
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
Mosbey, J. (2020). Alexander Dugin: Geopolitics at the Confluence of Theology, Tradition, and Eurasia.
STRONG’S CONCORDANCE. (1890). Www.kingjamesbibleonline.org. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/strongs-concordance/
Watson, D. F. (1997). “Antichrist.” In Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments, edited by Ralph P. Martin and Peter H. Davids, 50–53. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity, 1997.
