Identifying the Antichrist from ancient Bible prophecies prepared by Nolan McFadden
Never before in the history of humanity have conditions been more prepared for the rise of the global leader identified in the Scriptures as the Antichrist. Global problems have led many to believe there is need for “change” to a “new global civilization.” But where will this “change” lead humanity? In the Holy Bible we find the answers. The move toward “global oneness” and a “new global order” have helped prepare the necessary spiritual and political conditions for the rise of the Devil’s “ultimate ascended master.” He is a false messiah who will deceive most of the world’s population in the last days. In this Bible study we will explore Scriptures to locate identifying characteristics that will enable us create a Bible prophesy composite picture of the Antichrist. I. Titles A. Antichrist - The term “antichrist” is found in I John 2:18. This word is translated from the Koine Greek word αντίχριστος. It means in place of Christ or in covert opposition to Christ - See definition of Antichrist in Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Spiros Zodhiates noted, “Antichristos; antichrist, from anti (473), instead of or against. It may mean substitution or opposition. The term antichristos is peculiar to Johns Epistles (I John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). It occurs nowhere else in the NT. Pauls references to the same person include the man of sin, son of perdition, wicked one (anomos 459) as in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8. He is the one opposing (antikeimenos 480) as in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. He will attempt to assert the fulfillment of God’s Word in himself and will seek to establish his own throne. See pseudochristos (5580), false Christ. (Hebrew Greek Key Study Bible, 1690).” In I John 2:18 the apostle John distinguishes between “many antichrists” and the one person identified as the “antichrist.” Also, the “spirit of antichrist” referred to in I John 4:3 is associated in the same text with false prophets, false teachings and a spirit of error. We find in I John 4:1-6 that a person can have the spirit of antichrist by embracing false teachings about Christ. Thus, the Scriptures indicate a person can have the spirit of antichrist and thereby be one of many antichrists (plural). However, the singular usage of “antichrist” refers to the coming false global messiah described in Daniel 7-8 and Revelation 13:1-10. B. Man of sin (II Thessalonians 2:3) – This title implies the Antichrist will take pleasure in, rationalize and promote sin. He will seek to turn others away from obedience to the Scriptures (Daniel 8:23; 11:32). Merrill Unger observed, “As a man of lawlessness, the anti-Christ will be the consummation of human opposition to God’s will and God’s rule (688).” C. Son of perdition (II Thessalonians 2:3) – In this biblical title the apostle Paul used the Hebrew expression “son of” before the word perdition. By using these words Paul is pointing out the eternal destiny of the Antichrist. At the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Antichrist and the false prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire. See Revelation 19:20. D. Wicked (one) – Found in II Thessalonians 2:8, the title refers to the evil moral and spiritual character of the Antichrist. The word meaning carries with it being malicious. E. The Beast (Revelation 13:1-10) – In Revelation 13:1-10 the Antichrist is referred to as “the beast.” The word beast is translated from the Koine Greek word θηρίον which means a wild beast. Here the apostle John is speaking figuratively but purposely. He chose to use the Greek word for a wild animal rather than a domestic beast. In a number of Old Testament passages wild “beasts” are pictured as coming to devour their prey. Note Jeremiah 12:9 and Ezekiel 33:27; 34:5-8; 34:28; 39:4. Likewise, “the fourth beast” in Daniel 7:23-24 refers to the final global kingdom that will “…devour the whole earth,…” Therefore, the usage of the word “beast” seems to describe the brutal, devouring nature of the Antichrist and his global agenda in the end times.