Topical Bible: Beasts: Antichrist

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Antichrist" is used in Christian eschatology to describe a figure who is seen as the ultimate opponent of Christ and His followers. The concept of the Antichrist is primarily derived from the New Testament, where it is mentioned in the context of end-times prophecy. The Antichrist is often associated with deception, persecution, and the usurpation of divine authority.

Biblical References:

1. 1 John 2:18 · "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour." This passage indicates that the spirit of the Antichrist was already at work in the early church, manifesting through false teachers and deceivers.

2. 1 John 4:3 · "But every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time." Here, the Antichrist is associated with a spirit of denial and opposition to the truth of Jesus Christ.

3. 2 John 1:7 · "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist." This verse emphasizes the Antichrist's role in spreading false doctrine and denying the incarnation of Christ.

4. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 · "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." This passage describes the Antichrist as the "man of lawlessness," who will exalt himself and deceive many.

5. Revelation 13:1-8 · This chapter introduces the beast rising out of the sea, often identified with the Antichrist. The beast is given authority by the dragon (Satan) and is worshiped by the inhabitants of the earth. "The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for forty-two months" (Revelation 13:5). The beast's blasphemies and persecution of the saints are central to its role in the end times.

Characteristics and Role:

The Antichrist is characterized by deception, blasphemy, and opposition to God. He is often depicted as a charismatic leader who will unite the world under a false peace, only to lead it into rebellion against God. The Antichrist's reign is marked by persecution of Christians and the establishment of a counterfeit kingdom.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In prophetic literature, the Antichrist is often symbolized by beasts, as seen in the Book of Daniel and Revelation. These beasts represent empires or rulers who oppose God's people. The Antichrist is seen as the culmination of these hostile forces, embodying ultimate rebellion against God.

Theological Significance:

The Antichrist serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing the signs of false teachings and remaining steadfast in their faith. The anticipation of the Antichrist's appearance is a call to spiritual readiness and perseverance in the face of trials.

Historical and Future Perspectives:

Throughout history, various figures have been labeled as the Antichrist, reflecting the ongoing struggle between good and evil. In eschatological terms, the Antichrist is expected to appear in the future, playing a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ. The ultimate defeat of the Antichrist is assured in Christian doctrine, as Christ will triumph over all evil and establish His eternal kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 13:2
And the beast which I saw was like to a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark on their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Thirteenth Chapter of Revelation Two Beasts are There ...
... second Beast is denominated, in other passages, "the False Prophet." There is a
difference of opinion as to which of these Beasts represents the Antichrist. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the thirteenth chapter of.htm

The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622.
... her seed that kept the commands of her God, and kept the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Then he tells him, "the two empires of the two beasts, Antichrist and the ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the last judgment by the.htm

The Distinction to be Made Between the Righteous and the Wicked ...
... believed the truth, but consented to unrighteousness." [4690] For when he (Antichrist)
is come ... of ours said, when he was condemned to the wild beasts because of ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviii the distinction to be.htm

The Antichrist
... 3. Antichrist in Ezekiel. 4. Antichrist in Daniel. 5. Antichrist in the Minor Prophets. ...
In the thirteenth chapter of Revelation two Beasts are there described... ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/

What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist, the ...
... in prophetic vision he had seen four beasts, signifying four kingdoms, and the fourth
conquered by a certain king, who is recognized as Antichrist, and after ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 what daniel predicted regarding.htm

Antichrist is at Hand: Let us Therefore Avoid Jewish Errors.
... Chapter IV."Antichrist is at hand: let us therefore avoid Jewish errors. ... the fourth
beast, wicked and powerful, and more savage than all the beasts of the ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter iv antichrist is at hand .htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... we have long been convinced that this expression refers to none other than the
Antichrist. ... the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts which were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... that are to rise after these things, he showed also the coming of Antichrist in
the last ... And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Career of the Antichrist
... We turn now to consider the place of Antichrist's appearing. ... and stamped the residue
with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the career of the antichrist.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the desert, yea, they of the desert, shall meet with the wild beasts of the ... hinted
before, the Christians will begin with detestation to ask what Antichrist was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm