Antichrist
“Against Christ, or in place of Christ”
Summary
A figure of supreme opposition to Christ prophesied in Scripture, who will arise in the last days to deceive many by false signs and wonders, exalt himself as God, and persecute the saints before being destroyed by Christ at His coming.
☩Meaning of the Term
The word 'Antichrist' (Greek antichristos) means both 'against Christ' and 'instead of Christ,' implying one who opposes Christ while claiming to be a substitute for Him. John uses the term in a twofold sense: there are 'many antichrists' already present who deny the Father and the Son, and there is 'the Antichrist' who is yet to come. Every spirit that denies that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of the spirit of antichrist. This broader usage encompasses all who corrupt doctrine and blaspheme the name of Christ, while pointing toward a final, personal manifestation of evil.
☩Old Testament Background
The Antichrist concept developed from Old Testament prophecies of a supreme adversary against God's people. Antiochus Epiphanes, the 'king of fierce countenance' who defiled the temple and persecuted the Jews, serves as a primary type. Daniel's 'little horn' that speaks great words against the Most High and wears out the saints prefigures this final enemy. Jewish tradition before Christ had developed a full Antichrist legend of a hostile counterpart of the Messiah who would make war against Him but whom the Messiah would finally overthrow.
☩Paul's 'Man of Sin'
Paul specifically personifies Antichrist as 'the man of sin, the son of perdition,' who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, sitting in the temple of God and showing himself that he is God. His coming is 'after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,' and he will deceive those who refused to love the truth. Something or someone currently restrains his revelation; when this restraint is removed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
☩The Beast of Revelation
The beasts of Revelation represent related aspects of anti-Christian power. The beast from the sea with ten horns receives authority from the dragon (Satan) and is worshipped by all whose names are not in the Lamb's book of life. The beast from the earth, also called the false prophet, works signs and compels worship of the first beast's image, marking all with the infamous number. Together with Satan, they form an unholy trinity of evil that will gather the kings of the earth to battle against God's people before being cast into the lake of fire.
☩Identification and Expectation
Many throughout church history have attempted to identify the Antichrist with contemporary figures or institutions. While Popery and various political powers have been proposed, the scriptural description points to a yet-future personal figure who will deny the Father and the Son in a way these systems do not. He will likely be received by Israel as their Messiah, making a covenant with them before breaking it. The spirit of antichrist is already working, preparing the way; but the personal Antichrist awaits the removal of the restraining power before his full manifestation.
Related Verses13 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Antichrist," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Antichrist," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.George Morrish, "Antichrist," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Antichrist," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Antichrist," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).