One of the
most contentious parts of the Bible that causes so many debates about meaning
is the area of end time prophecy. Up
until the last few years I would read it but never study it, thinking it is too
deep for me. Actually, if you do an
inductive study, there is much to be learned.
Anyway, we can find over 5 million pages on the internet using that
question, naming names from all over the world- many with Scripture to back it
up.
I don’t think
at this point of time that the identity of the anti-christ (opponent of
Messiah) is anywhere as important as the warnings to stay awake, be prepared and
be ready. So let’s put aside who this
one person might be to learn that anyone sitting beside us in church or sweet
granny next door could be anti-christ.
…And just as you have heard that antichrist is
coming, even now many antichrists have risen up, from which we know that it is
the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they were
of us, they would have continued with us. But they
went out so that it might be revealed that they were not all of us.
1Jh. 2:18 ,19
Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the
Christ? He who denies the Father and the Son is antichrist. Everyone who denies
the Son neither has the Father... 1 Jh. 2:22,23
…and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus
Christ has come in the flesh is not of
God. And this is the antichrist you heard is coming, and even now is already in
the world. 1Jh. 4:2,3
For many deceivers
have entered into the world, who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the
anti-christ. 2Jh. 1:7
Here is the list of points about the anti-christ:
-There were many
in John’s day- already in the world.
-They went out
from the believers.
-Deny Jesus is
the Christ, Messiah, Son of God.
-Denies the
Father.
-Liars and
deceivers.
-Denies Jesus
came in the
flesh.
Well, that means there are a whole lot
of anti-christs out there, and they use lies and deceptions to lead many astray. {So we must be ever watchful and know the
Bible well- as well as having discernment of the Spirit inside of us (1Jh. 4:1;
Hb. 5:4)}. They deny the Father. For instance, the Koran says God cannot be a
Father. If He cannot be a Father then He
cannot have a Son. Therefore Jesus did
not come in the flesh.
There are many belief systems, including
atheism, that deny these points above using their ‘spiritual writings’
too. So I don’t want to point out one
‘religion’ over another, for any person
or group who believes as above is anti-christ and that could be anyone we
see in any place that we are. It could
even be the pastor preaching in our church.
Hopefully not though as they shouldn’t have obtained their position with
those beliefs. Warnings for all of us:
 |
| Many belief systems- some anti-christ |
Watch, stay awake, and be ready.
Read and study the Bible so you
won’t be deceived or believe everything you hear.
Know God. Be His.