We often hear about the Antichrist in discussions of Biblical prophecy, but how much do we really know about what Scripture says?
The Bible mentions several entities who oppose God, including those described as antichrists, the beasts in Revelation, and the man of lawlessness, each with distinct roles and characteristics. Let’s explore some key Bible verses that shed light on the identity and actions of these opposers.
Who is the Antichrist?
The term “Antichrist” is specifically mentioned in 1 John and 2 John. But many people think the Antichrist is a single end-time figure who will bring about the apocalypse. However, the Bible tells us that the term actually refers to anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ. There are many antichrists who oppose Christ and lead people astray. The Antichrist is not just a future figure; it already exists in multiple forms, as seen in the first century and continues today.
Bible Verses About the Antichrist:
1 John 2:18
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”
1 John 2:22
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”
1 John 4:3
“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”
2 John 1:7
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
Who are the Beasts in Revelation?
The beasts in Revelation are often associated with the Antichrist, but they are distinct entities with specific roles in apocalyptic prophecy. The first beast rises from the sea and the second from the earth, symbolizing powerful political and religious entities opposed to God.
Bible Verses:
Revelation 13:1
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.”
Revelation 13:11
“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”
Who is the Man of Lawlessness?
The man of lawlessness is described in 2 Thessalonians as a figure who exalts himself above God. This figure, also known as the man of sin, is distinct from the antichrists mentioned by John, yet he similarly embodies opposition to God.
Bible Verses:
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”
These verses provide a glimpse into the nature and actions of the antichrists and other entities as prophesied in Scripture. While there are many interpretations and views, it is essential to ground our understanding in the Bible and historical contexts.
While we can refer to these eschatological figures as antichrists because they oppose God, it is important from a theological perspective to understand the distinctions between them. As we study these prophecies, we may feel a mix of concern and hope. The verses describe a time of great deception and hardship, but they also remind us of God’s ultimate victory and the importance of staying true to our faith.
Let us take comfort in the words of 1 John 4:4: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” No matter what challenges we may face, we can trust in God’s power and protection.
Let’s remain vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and committed to following Jesus Christ, knowing that His ultimate triumph is assured. May we encourage one another with these truths and stand firm in our faith until the day of His glorious return.
This article was last updated on 18/07/2024
Respectfully, Stephanie, I think you are conflating antichrists, the two beasts of the Revelation and the man of lawlessness. Ironically, the least helpful verses for developing the popular views of Antichrist are the only ones that expressly mention the term Antichrist. “Antichrist” appears only four times in the entire Bible: 1 Jn 2:18, 22; 4:3; and 2 Jn 7. And not one time is antichrist found in the book of Revelation, which John also wrote. Here’s what we know.
1. There was no single Antichrist. John uses the term in the plural. There were many antichrists and false prophets and that’s constantly affirmed in the Gospels and the book of Acts.
2. Antichrists were already in the world in John’s day. “…even now (their now not ours) many antichrists have come” (1 John 2:18). “…and now it is already in the world” (1 Jn 4:3). As a matter of fact, John wrote that he knew he was living in the “last hour” because many antichrists and false prophets were already among them.
3. John defined Antichrist as those denying that Jesus was from God. (2 Jn 2:22-23) They denied that their Messiah had come in the flesh. (2 Jn 2:7) The Jewish religious leaders in John’s day opposed Jesus Christ, had Him crucified, and brutally persecuted the Church. And they were severely judged in 70 AD as 1.1 million Jews were killed and another 100k were enslaved.
Josephus – War of the Jews
Book V, Chapter X, Section 5
“It is therefore impossible to go distinctly over every instance of these men’s iniquity. I shall therefore speak my mind here at once briefly: – That neither did any other city ever suffer such miseries, nor did any age ever breed a generation more fruitful in wickedness than this was, from the beginning of the world.”
The other references to the beasts (in the Revelation), and the man of lawlessness (2 Thess 2) were actual figures in that day. I trust that it wasn’t intentional, but 2 Thess 2:6-7 was never quoted and these two verses nail down the timing of the lawless one. “And you know what is restraining him NOW… For the mystery of lawlessness is ALREADY AT WORK. He was being restrained then in the first century and his lawlessness was already at work.
I believe Eleazar b. Ananias was the lawless one. He was the captain of the temple guard who blew the trumpet and rallied the citizens to block the lanes of the city. That began the Zealot rebellion which led to the War of the Jews.
Just some food for thought.
Dear Chuck,
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed comment. We appreciate your insights and the historical context you provided.
You are correct that the term “Antichrist” is only explicitly mentioned in 1 John and 2 John, and not in the book of Revelation. We also acknowledge that there are multiple figures and terms discussed in eschatological scriptures, such as the beasts in Revelation, and the man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians.
We strive to provide accurate and clear interpretations of Biblical texts and will review the distinctions and contexts to ensure our readers have a clear understanding of these prophecies.
Your contribution is invaluable, and we appreciate your engagement with our content.
Blessings,
Stephanie Marshall