Many theologians today believe that the antichrist is a man, now living, who will soon arise to the position of a world-wide dictator.  In his book The Late Great Planet Earth (Zondervan, 1970), Hal Lindsey asserts that the antichrist, whom he styles "The Future Fuhrer," will come to power just before the return of Christ (page 140).  Lindsey also says, "we believe that according to all the signs, we are in the general time of his coming" (page 133).  A number of other books have similarly suggested that a fierce individual, identified in the Bible as "the antichrist" is soon to make his dreadful presence universally felt by launching a program of terror and suffering.

 

Such views find NO support in the Bible.  The term antichristos (Greek) is found in four New Testament passages – all of them in the writings of the apostle John. The Greek word means literally "against Christ or instead of Christ" (W. E. Vine). It is quite significant that Lindsey, in his chapter on the antichrist, never once refers to any of these verses (e.g., pp. 87-102)! The reason for this is clear.  The biblical information does not fit his theory. Consider these New Testament passages:

"Even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know it is the last time" (I John 2:18).

Not one but many antichrists!  Not later in the future before Christ's return, but NOW!  (In John's time).

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son" (I John 2:22).

An antichrist is anyone who denies Jesus as the Messiah (Christ).  Many modern-day religions teach that Jesus was an angel and not the God-man or Messiah.  All atheists who deny the Father and Son would qualify as antichrists.

"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" (I John 4:3).

Antichrist is a spirit (or "against –Christ- attitude")exhibited by all false teachers who deny that Christ came as a man ("in the flesh").  The Gnostics of the first century were already holding such views of Jesus.

"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" (II John 7).

Again false teachers who deny Christ's humanity (I Peter 3:18) are antichrist.

There is not one specific person denominated "the antichrist;" rather John plainly says that "many antichrists" have arisen (I John 2:18).  There were already many antichrists in the first century.  There are many today as well!

Wayne Jackson