Who is the Antichrist?
Who is the Antichrist? What defines an antichrist and how can one identify the great Antichrist? An antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ (one who saves). Antichrists also deny that Jesus has come in flesh and will come again in the flesh. Basically, an antichrist will deny the power of Jesus Christ and twist what God says in order to gain power. The Bible says that there will be many antichrists and one great Antichrist. In 2 Thessalonians, the Antichrist is described as a man of lawlessness. He leads a rebellion against God and will elevate himself above God. He will elevate himself in the church and even call himself God. When Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians, the Antichrist was active and hidden but would continue working to deceive people until Christ’s return. So, the great Antichrist is not a government or political position nor is he an individual since he continues to work from Jesus’ time till the last day. Paul also says in 2 Thessalonians that Satan will support the great Antichrist with counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive those who refuse to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Also, in Revelation 17, the great Antichrist is identified as the great prostitute who has great influence around the world (sits on many waters) and many kings agree with her which indicates false teaching of God’s Word. She is dressed in purple and scarlet which represents royalty. She is glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls, she holds a golden cup filled with filth which represents earthly treasures, power, and prestige. Only the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church fits this description of the great Antichrist.
For Christians, the end times will be one of perseverance as they will be persecuted for their faith, but God tells them through his word in Revelation that they will be saved by their faith in Him.
God’s word on the Antichrist: NIV, 2 Thess. 2: 3-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 1 Jn 2:18 & 22; 1 Jn 4:3; 2 Jn 1:7; Rev. 17: 1-18.