Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Antichrist is a significant theme in Christian eschatology, representing a figure of ultimate opposition to Christ and His followers. The term "Antichrist" is derived from the Greek word "antichristos," meaning "against Christ" or "in place of Christ." This figure is often associated with deception, persecution, and the embodiment of evil in the end times.Biblical References The New Testament provides several references to the Antichrist, particularly in the epistles of John and the book of Revelation. In 1 John 2:18 , the apostle warns, "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour." This passage suggests that while there is a singular Antichrist to come, there are also many antichrists already present, characterized by their denial of Christ. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 , the Apostle Paul describes the "man of lawlessness," a figure often equated with the Antichrist: "Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." The book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the Antichrist, often referred to as "the beast." Revelation 13:1-8 describes a beast rising out of the sea, empowered by the dragon (Satan), and given authority to wage war against the saints. This beast is a symbol of oppressive, blasphemous power that demands worship and allegiance. Destruction of the Antichrist The ultimate fate of the Antichrist is one of destruction, as foretold in the Scriptures. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 , Paul assures believers of the Antichrist's demise: "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival." This passage emphasizes the power and authority of Christ, who will defeat the Antichrist with ease at His second coming. Revelation 19:19-20 further describes the downfall of the Antichrist: "Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to wage war against the rider on the horse and against His army. But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed signs on its behalf. With these signs, he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur." Theological Significance The destruction of the Antichrist is a pivotal event in Christian eschatology, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It reassures believers of the sovereignty of God and the certainty of Christ's victory. The Antichrist's defeat serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of evil and the eternal reign of Christ, who will establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that worked miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 20:10,15 Library Antichrist. The Papacy not the Antichrist Of the Thousand Years Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Antichrist Will be a Jew The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ... Antichrist in the Psalms Concerning the Antichrist . Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ... Antichrist in Daniel Resources Is Barack Obama the antichrist? | GotQuestions.orgIs Donald Trump the Antichrist? | GotQuestions.org What is the spirit of the antichrist? | GotQuestions.org Antichrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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