I’m sure most people, whether Christian or not, have heard the word “antichrist.”  Many people are also familiar with the number 666, even if they have no other association other than to think that it is related to something or someone bad.  Here are a couple of verses most who are Christians are familiar with:

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.  Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 1:7)

“This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for is the number of a man, and his number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)

I was interested to note as I was looking up “antichrist” in the concordance, that only four verses use that word—and it is not used in the book of Revelation.  However, the apostle John, who wrote Revelation through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is the only one who refers specifically to “antichrist”.

The other three verses:

“Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.  Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18)

“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?  This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:22)

“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.  This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” (1 John 4:2-3)

The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul describes the antichrist in reference to the return of Jesus:  “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

There has been much conjecture over the years about who the antichrist is, speculation about when he is going to show up, and curiosity about whether he is currently alive and being groomed for his role in history.  I don’t know.  And the focus of this post is not the antichrist (believe it or not!).

What I think is important for us to recognize (and the apostle John recognized centuries ago), is that the spirit of antichrist is actively at work in the world right now; and, even though there is one person specifically identified as THE Antichrist, there are also many others who are anti-Christ, working against the Spirit of Christ in the world—and have been for a very long time.

For instance, people operating in the spirit of antichrist are those professing to be “Christians”, yet turn around and bless abortion centers or who reject and misinterpret passages of scripture in order to condone what God calls impurity, “dishonorable passions”, and “shameless acts”.  I’ve also noticed a lot of politicians declaring their opinions about what they think Jesus would do, proclaiming a false compassion not founded in righteousness and justice as God defines them. 

Here is a good comparison to note between Christ and the spirit of antichrist:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Here are some other noteworthy characteristics of the spirit of the antichrist, already at work in the world.  The spirit of antichrist is cloaked in deception—and arrogance and pride (a “haughty” spirit) are open thresholds for the enemy to gain entry to one’s thoughts and attitudes, making them ripe for delusion.  “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) “Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) 

Jesus, not a doctrine or denomination, is the truth (John 14:6).

Lawlessness is a characteristic of the spirit of antichrist.  No doubt increased violence, murder, fraud, and growing disregard for the welfare of others point to the pervasiveness of lawlessness.  I also recognize that the manipulation of the laws and constitution of a country to benefit one political party or a system of government not intended in the formation and groundwork of that country is also lawlessness. 

Rebellion and anarchy are lawlessness—and they characterize satan and his relationship with God.  “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!  You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Interesting that one of satan’s schemes is to weaken nations!

I am astounded—yet shouldn’t be, because I have the Word of God and the many warnings within its pages—at the rampant manifestations of the spirit of anti-Christ. It is easy to get upset over what we see happening in the world and in this nation, yet Jesus’ words give us a better response:  

“…Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

And as easy as it is to shake our heads and point our fingers in dismay at the media, the culture, the politicians, or even other Christians, we must remember who the real enemy is and that he is a master at deception.  We must be careful about attitudes of self-righteousness, pride, rebelliousness, indifference, complacency, or unforgiveness.  Our best response is to make personal, recognizing our vulnerabilities as human beings, the counsel given to a nation centuries ago, “…if my people who are called by my Name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)