Antichrist

<<false or imitation Christ>>

Through all the generations, there have been those who are against Christ; they oppose Him and propagate evil, turning people away from the Christian faith. Others, through deception, try to imitate and take His place so another term is false or ‘pseudo Christ’. The son of God, the real Christ, said He would not be visibly seen on earth until His second coming, so don’t be deceived by false claims (Mt 24:4,23-26). Antichrists do not believe Jesus came in the flesh and deny the Father and Son (1 Jn 2:22, 4:2,3,13).

Just prior to Christ’s second coming the ultimate Antichrist (also called the beast) will arise – a completely evil person “the man of sin”, whom Satan will completely control. Such a person is not just against Christ, but will

Although he is powerful, God is all powerful

substitute himself in Christ’s place. In the Book of Revelation, he is called the beast and is assisted by the false prophet. He will assert total control over the whole earth and will require everyone to accept his mark on their forehead or right hand (Rev 13:16-18, 14:9-12). He will work many signs and wonders resulting in being worshipped as God but will be overthrown and destroyed (2 Thes 2:3,4,8,9; Rev 20:10). Although there is considerable speculation as to who this person is, the important thing is be warned of his coming and recognise all who posses his ungodly spirit. We are not to fear what is to take place, our responsibility as children of God is to walk close to Jesus and guard against what wants to take His place in our lives.

Satan not only empowers the Antichrist, there is a third member of this unholy trinity that Satan also controls, this is the false prophet (Rev 13:11-15). He is also referred to as the 'second beast'. His mission on earth is to force humanity to worship the Antichrist (Rev 12:12, 13:5-8). He uses miraculous signs and powerful speech and people may worship both of them through adoration of their power and message rather than being coerced to give homage. Because of the widespread deception and apostasy an image of the Antichrist (image of the beast) will be set up and worshipped. Those who refuse to bow the knee will be put to death (Rev 12:14, 13:15). All who worship the image of the Antichrist will be subject to God's wrath and doomed to the lake of fire as are the unholy trio – Satan, the antichrist (the beast), and the false prophet (Rev 14:9-11, 20:10).