The term Antichrist occurs five times in four verses in John’s epistles and the word may be taken as opposed to Jesus Christ or may take the place of Christ.
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The term Antichrist occurs five times in four verses in John’s epistles (1 John 2:18 & 22, 1 John 4:3 and 2 John 7).
The Greek preposition “anti” that serves as a prefix on the word Antichrist means “in opposition to” or “in the place of”. Thus the Antichrist may be opposed to Christ or may take the place of Christ.
The rise of the Antichrist
1. Revelation 13:1-4 says that the Antichrist will further Satan’s cause. The Antichrist will use Satan’s power to lead the world away from God through miracles, signs, and even force.
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders. And in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9 and 10)
Paul warns us that a superhuman person will utilize supernatural means of “miracles, signs, and wonders.” These remarkable phenomena will be redirected to the purposes of deceit. They will be “counterfeit” in the sense that they produce false impressions, deluding people to the point of accepting the lie as truth. Satan is the root of all these deceptions.
Satan usually does not use the direct approach. He cunningly uses false messiahs, false teachers, false religions, and false doctrines that ultimately lead people to worship him. Believers must be vigilant and not take part in anything or support anyone who works against Christ or his Church, no matter how good and attractive they may seem on the surface. Do not take any teaching for granted even if it comes from someone of international repute.
2. Revelation 13:5-6 implies that the Antichrist apparently will be given the gift of oratory. Some evil leaders of the past used their speaking ability to gain popular support.
“For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they are themselves slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:18 and 19)
Believers should reject any teaching that is contrary to the Scriptures and lessens the sovereignty, holiness, and majesty of our Lord Jesus.
3. Revelation 13:7-17 goes on to tell us that the Antichrist will persecute believers. Not only will the Antichrist make war against believers, but he will conquer them. John encouraged us to exercise endurance and faithfulness in the face of persecution and martyrdom. Believers need to realize that martyrdom, which the world considers a victory for the Antichrist, is actually a victory for believers.
All political, economic, and religious powers of the world will acknowledge the authority of the Antichrist. Only those who are saved will discern the true nature of the Antichrist and refuse to worship him.
The False Prophet
Another beast who will serve the Antichrist is the false prophet. The false prophet will exercise power on behalf of the Antichrist and force the world to worship the Antichrist. The unholy trinity of Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet will deceive the world through miracles, signs, and wonders. Believers should not be surprised or alarmed at the success and power of the Antichrist. They only need to be alert against any organization, group, or individual who does not present Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Saviour of mankind.
The End of the Antichrist
I. Revelation 19:6-9: Christ will return to claim His people. The long-awaited Wedding Day will come, and Jesus Christ, the groom, will receive His bride, the believers.
II. Revelation 19:11-16: The first coming of Jesus was to save, but His second coming will be to judge. Upon His second coming, Christ will assert His authority as King of kings and Lord of lords. Satan, the beast, or Antichrist, and the false prophet made war against God’s people. But now it is Christ who comes to wage war against the enemies of God.
III. Revelation 19:19-20: The beast and all satanic leaders of the world will gather their army to fight against the Lord Jesus Christ, but they will be destroyed. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be thrown into the fiery lake.
The Final Judgement and the Doom of Satan
John, in his vision, saw thrones, and seated on them were God’s people. They were given authority to judge, a function of kings and rulers.
John’s vision included the souls of those who were martyred for their faith. They did not worship the Antichrist and they did not receive his mark upon their bodies. The believers remained steadfast in their faith and gave their lives for Christ’s sake. Later, they came to life and reigned with God for a thousand years.
Satan is bound with a great chain and thrown into the “bottomless pit” by an angel. When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released. For the second time, Satan will be vanquished. This time not even an angel is used; only the fire of God.
When Satan is sent to his eternal punishment of torment, God will judge the dead. John saw a great white throne and seated on the throne was the Lord himself. Standing before the Judge will be all kinds of people who will wait their turn at God’s justice.
Everyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life will be sent to the lake of fire and will remain there throughout eternity.
Selie Visa