The antiChrist

By Edward Hindson, Th.D., D.Phil.
Assistant to the Chancellor/Dean/Professor, Religion, Institute of Biblical Studies, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia

The Bible clearly portrays the coming of a world leader who will negotiate a peace treaty with Israel in the Last Days. Ironically, the term antiChrist appears only in 1 John 2.18-22; 4.3 and 2 John 7. The apostle John indicates the antiChrist of the apocalyptic era is coming in the future. But he also adds many antiChrists, false teachers, have already come.

In the broadest sense, the “spirit of antiChrist” is already at work in the world and has been since the beginning of time: 1 John 4.3. This spirit is the antiChristian spirit opposing everything true about Jesus Christ. However, from the beginning of the Christian era, believers were convinced a world leader would come on the scene who would be the embodiment of Satan: Revelation 12 – 13. Thus, the real power behind the antiChrist is Satan himself.

The person we commonly refer to as the antiChrist is actually known by several names and titles throughout the Bible. Each of these provides a glimpse into the many facets of his diabolical character and name:

The beast: Revelation 13.1
Man of sin: 2 Thessalonians 2.3
Wicked one: 2 Thessalonians 2.8
Abomination: Matthew 24.15
Little horn: Daniel 7.8
Fierce king: Daniel 8.23
Prince that shall come: Daniel 9.26
Vile person: Daniel 11.21
Strong-willed king: Daniel 11.36

Much has been written about the prefix anti in connection with the antiChrist. It can mean either against, in opposition of, or instead of, in place of. It is best to understand he is both against Christ and he may well perpetrate himself as a false Christ. His rule will forge an alliance of Gentile powers and will be part of the “times of the Gentiles,” Luke 21.24.

The antiChrist will be the most incredible human leader the world has ever known. He will be the epitome of human genius, power and a master of deception, empowered by the “father of lies,” Daniel 11.21. Promising peace, he pushes the world into war.

At least ten factors will identify the antiChrist when he comes to power. Only one person in history will fit every one of these factors. There have been many prototypes, but there will be only one antiChrist:

He will rise to power in the Last Days: Daniel 8.19-23.
He will not come on the world scene until after the Rapture: 2 Thessalonians 2.3-8.
He will rule the entire world: Revelation 13.7.
He will rule by international consent: Revelation 17.12,13.
He will rule by deception: Daniel 8.24,25.
He will be intelligent and persuasive: Daniel 7.20.
He will control the global economy: Revelation 13.16,17.
He will be assisted by the False Prophet: Revelation 13.11-18.
He will make and break a peace treaty with Israel: Daniel 9.26,27.
He will claim to be God: 2 Thessalonians 2.4.

There are many other details given in the Bible regarding the antiChrist. Whether he is Jewish or Gentile is not clear. What is clear, however, is he will control the last great bastion of Gentile world power and will extend his control over the entire world, promising to ensure world peace through a series of international treaties, agreements and alliances. Despite his promises of world peace, he will inevitably plunge the world into the most catastrophic war of all time.