A Look At The Term "Antichrist"

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Over the past two generations, there have been many books written regarding “the” antichrist in order to generate the sale of books for various authors. However, a “specific” person designated as “the” antichrist, is foreign to New Testament writers.

Looking at the term “antichrist,” we see that it contains the prefix “anti,” which means “against” or “opposite of.” Thus, the term “antichrist,” refers to anyone who is “against” or “in opposition of” Christ.

The inspired writer John, speaks of the fact that during the time he penned his letter, there were already “many antichrists” in the world — not any specific individual (1 John 2:18; cf. 1 John 4:3 KJV), indicative of the “last hour” (the last dispensation of time — the Christian age — cf. Acts 2:17; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Peter 3:3).

The antichrist’s intention is to deny the deity of Jesus Christ, by not willingly confessing Him as God’s Son (1 John 2:22; 1 John 4:2-3; cf. Matthew 16:16-17).

Not only are these individuals classified by John as “deceivers” (2 John 1:7; 2 John 1:7) and “liars” (1 John 2:22), but their very attitude or “spirit” (1 John 4:3 KJV), is completely antagonistic toward Christ and God.

After analyzing all of the above inspired Scriptures, we can plainly see that the term “antichrist,” simply refers to those individuals who possess an “attitude” or disposition of mind, that is completely antagonistic towards Christ and His teachings (1 John 2:22-23; 2 John 1:9-10).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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