Today we have much confusion in the Church about the word antichrist. However, when taken in context the scriptures are very plain about antichrist. The actual word “antichrist” is only mentioned 4-times in the Bible and all 4-times by the Apostle John. Just because the actual word is only used 4-times, does not lessen its importance, because the concept of "antichrist" is throughout the entire Bible.

The word itself is a combination of two root words, anti – meaning, against or opposite/opposed and Christ –meaning, anointed or Messiah/Son of God. More simply it means opposed to the Son of God or against God.

Here are a few of the main scriptures dealing with antichrist, including the four referenced verses above.
Matt 24:5
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)
I Jn 2:18
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. (KJV)
I Jn 2:22
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (KJV)
I Jn 4:3
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. (KJV)
II Jn 1:7
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. (KJV)

There is a pattern to the above scriptures even a theme.

The spirit of antichrist has already come, it is still among us, and there are MANY of them.

The only oneness to them is that they are all of the same spirit. Which spirit denies that Christ did what He did? It denies the very essence of GRACE, which is that Christ (the Messiah, the Son of God) came to the earth and dwelt among us, offered Himself a sacrifice for our sins, Died and ROSE AGAIN! Not to mention that he was miraculously conceived and born of a VIRGIN or that it was prophesied that all this would happen hundreds of years before he came. If a person denies any one of these points then they do not believe the Gospel. Hence they are ANTICHRIST.

Any spirit, any person, anyone, who denies that Jesus is who He said He was and did what He says He did is ANTICHRIST. They may even go as far as to acknowledge that Jesus lived, but if they do not accept him as PERSONAL SAVIOR then they are ANTICHRIST.

If a person does not believe in Jesus, then who is their god? ANSWER: They are their own god. Antichrist become their own god and make up their own rules. They attempt to set in the place of God, in the "temple of God"*, if you will, acting as if they are God. Judging without righteous judgment, because they have believed a lie and they compel others to believe as they do.

*Remember Paul in 1 Corinthians 3 plainly tells us, that we are God’s building, we are the "temple of God”. The temple of God is not our local Church assembly or some building to be rebuilt on a particular piece of ground in the Middle East. Peter fully agrees with Paul and relays the same concept in 1 Peter 2.
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

2 Thessalonians 2:4

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.

There is much unnecessary confusion over 2 Thessalonians 2:4, which for centuries has resulted in a misguided game of Pin The Tail on The Antichrist. However, in light of the clear meaning of Paul's other scriptures regarding the "temple of God", already explained above. Plus John's plain speech on the subject of antichrist, it should be evident that much of today's teaching regarding "The Antichrist" as a single figure in time is misguided. The clear teaching of the scriptures is that "antichrist" is a spirit and anyone who refuses to accept the atoning sacrifice of God's Christ, is by definition an Antichrist.

Proverbs 14:12   There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

My 500 to 600 words are out the window this week. Got questions, want to voice an opposing view? Would you like to hear the rest of the story regarding this subject? Let me know.