Some Thoughts On The Term, "AntiChrist"

According to sincere religious folks who believe in Dispensationalism, "the Antichrist" is a man, presently living, who will soon rise to the position of a world-wide dictator. In fact, "The Late Great Planet Earth" author, Hal Lindsey, believes that the Antichrist will come in power during the present generation, just prior to the return of Christ.

However, Mr. Lindsey's view is foreign to the teaching of the New Testament. The Greek term, "antichristos" literally means, "an opponent of the Messiah" (Strong's No. 500), and is found five times in the New Testament (1 John 2:18,22: 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7 KJV).

In these passages, there is no one specific person deemed as "the antichrist." In fact, note John's present tense declaration, ".....even now are there many antichrists" (1 John 2:18 KJV) or "many deceivers" [antichrists] (2 John 1:7 KJV). A close analysis of John's references to the word, "antichrist," reveals that the term is a general designation of a prevailing attitude of unbelief which not only existed during the first century, but exists in the twenty-first century as well.

Note that in 1 John 2:19 KJV, we find the word "they" is the antecedent of the word, "antichrist" in 1 John 2:18 KJV. At one time, these "antichrists" were among the Lord's disciples. Note, "They went out from us" (1 John 2:19 KJV; cf. Deuteronomy 13:13 KJV), indicating they had become apostates from "the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27; cf. Hebrews 3:12; 2 Peter 2:1; Colossians 1:23).

Beloved, let us make certain that we "continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42), otherwise, we too will fall under the category of being an "antichrist."

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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