The Antichrist

One of the appealing factors of many sporting contests is that the winner of a game is not decided until the very last play of the game as time runs out. The tension and anticipation are part of what makes such contests exciting to watch. There is a war being waged between the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan. But unlike sporting events, the winner is already known.

We believe that the Antichrist will be revealed after the rapture of the Church, when Christ will come to take His followers to heaven. As Christians, we are reminded of our need to be faithful to follow our Lord Jesus Christ. And we are reminded we are to take a stand against the spirit of antichrist that is already in this world by witnessing for Christ. We can warn others that those who follow the antichrist in rebelling against God will suffer eternally and invite them to share in the triumph of Christ’s kingdom.

One day antichrist will be revealed. While we believe this will not occur until after the rapture of the Church, the spirit of the antichrist is at work in the world even today. So we must set our hearts on being faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our perseverance will be tested. We should remember several principles when we are tempted to turn our attention from Christ.

Be alert, always seeking God for spiritual discernment. Satan is constantly on the prowl to derail us, often in subtle ways.

Be faithful in studying and applying God’s Word in preparation for present and future spiritual battles.

Keep an eternal perspective, remembering that the trails of today are temporary while glories of heaven lasts forever.

Call on God, who stands ready to help and empower when we call on His name.

The power of evil will test our faith in coming days. We must prepare to respond with determination, reaffirming our commitment to Christ.

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour… Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life... His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.