What does the bible say about the antichrist? The Bible describes the Antichrist as a powerful and deceptive figure who will oppose Jesus and attempt to deceive the world. The term “antichrist” appears in John’s epistles, referring to those who pervert the gospel and lead people into false beliefs. While the term “antichrist” is not used in the Book of Revelation, many believe the “beast” described there is the Antichrist.
8 key points about what does the bible say about the antichrist
Opposition to God
The Antichrist is the archenemy of Jesus and a false prophet. He opposes everything that is called God or is worshipped and exalts himself, even declaring himself to be God. The Antichrist is described as the “man of lawlessness,” “the man doomed to destruction”, “a contemptible person” and “the foolish shepherd/the worthless shepherd”
Deception
The Antichrist is a deceiver who will use signs and wonders to mislead people. The spirit of the Antichrist is already at work, but the person will be revealed at the right time. The Antichrist will initially be welcomed as a peacemaker, bringing a covenant between Israel and its enemies
Power and Authority
The Antichrist receives his power and authority from Satan. He will rule over a world empire, demanding worship and persecuting those who refuse. The Antichrist is often depicted as a beast, symbolizing his cruel and ruthless nature. He is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and crowns, linking him to the dragon, who is Satan
The Beast from the Sea
In Revelation 13, the beast rising from the sea is widely interpreted as the Antichrist. This beast has characteristics of a leopard, bear, and lion, symbolizing the combination of evil from previous world empires. The sea from which the beast arises may represent the nations of the world, indicating that the Antichrist will be a Gentile, not a Jew
The Fatal Wound
The Antichrist suffers a fatal wound but is miraculously healed, further deceiving the world. This event is a counterfeit of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Some believe the Antichrist will descend into the Abyss (a compartment of hell) and be fully dominated by Satan during this time
False Prophet
The Antichrist is aided by a second beast, known as the false prophet, who arises from the earth. The false prophet promotes the worship of the Antichrist and performs signs and wonders to deceive the world. The false prophet may be from Israel
Mark of the Beast
The false prophet will institute a system where followers of the Antichrist receive a mark (666) on their hand or forehead, which is needed to buy or sell. Refusing the mark is a sign of defying the beast and remaining faithful to God. The number 666 is called “man’s number” because six is imperfect compared to God’s perfect number seven
Blasphemy
The Antichrist will speak blasphemies against God and slander his name and those who live in heaven.
4 interpretation perspectives of the antichrist
A future individual
Futurist believe the Antichrist is a future individual who will rise to power during the Tribulation period. They see the beast of Revelation 13 as a literal person.
Figures from the past
Preterists often identify the Antichrist with figures from the past, such as the Roman Emperor Nero. They believe that the prophecies about the Antichrist were fulfilled during the Roman persecution of Christians in the first century CE.
Roman papacy
Historically, they have viewed the Antichrist as the Roman papacy, the office of the pope.
A symbol of evil socio-political systems
Idealists see the Antichrist as a symbol of evil socio-political systems that oppose God and the church in every age.
The identity of the Antichrist
The sources also discuss the potential for speculation around the identity of the Antichrist, noting how various historical figures have been suggested as candidates, including Nero, Hitler, Ronald Reagan, and even Mikhail Gorbachev.
Some interpreters have noted that the numerical value of these names can be calculated to be 666, using gematria, or various other methods. However, the sources suggest that the identity of the Antichrist will only be fully revealed when he appears.
Ultimately, the Bible portrays the Antichrist as a powerful, deceptive, and blasphemous figure who will oppose God and persecute believers. However, the Bible also assures believers that the Antichrist’s power is limited and that God will ultimately triumph over evil.
