The Spirit of Antichrist

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. 
1 John 4:3

Just what does the spirit of antichrist look like?  For that matter, what does the “falling away first” mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 look like?  These are both very important questions to answer if we are to understand the times before the end and the eventual rise of the son of perdition.  Most are looking for a man, but John warned centuries ago that the spirit of antichrist, a demonic, satanic spirit, was already at work in the world.  He was one of many New Testament writers that consistently warned about how this wicked spirit would gain control of the earth in the end of days shortly before the unveiling of the wicked one.  Hopefully, in the next few posts we can investigate this and answer the questions, “Has the world gone mad?” and “What on earth is going on?”

The first hint about the prevalence of an antichrist spirit is that humanity can be god-like while casting away the truth of the LORD.  Although the attempt to cast the LORD away is vain, this wickedness deludes society into trying.  This is seen in the prophetic second Psalm—a Psalm celebrating the coronation of Christ the King upon the Earth in the very near future.  “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us (Psalm 2:1-3).”   It is a defiant spirit of mockery which God answers in kind, “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:4-6).”  The LORD laughs at their plan in scorn (Derision--lä•ag-to laugh in scorn, deride).

There are several historic shadows of the antichrist such as Antiochus IV Ephipanes, and the Emperor Hadrian (Hadrian = the Dark One).  Antiochus is an important type; consequently, his folly is directly related to the Book of Daniel as a type of the antichrist and the antichrist spirit.  His name, Antiochus Ephiphanes, translates to “God manifest”.  Ironically, Antiochus could also be rendered as stubborn or resistant. Is it not the manifestation of a stubborn, rebellious spirit that is currently invading the world?  This man thought he was Zeus (such a prophetic warning that I wished I had space to elaborate on it).  As a result, he set about to bring the world under one “truth”.  It was not truth—it was a satanic lie.  Now look at Psalm 2 above again.  Notice the idea of banding together in resistance to break the “cords” of the LORD?  Whenever the moral code firmly established by GOD is willfully being tossed in a land or around the world, rest assured, the spirit of antichrist is present.  It is man’s pathetic attempt to be their own god.  He who sits in the Heavens laughs—HE has neither equal nor counselor.

Just what are the “cords” of the LORD?  They are HIS teachings, institutions, edicts, and laws.  This is why the 10 Commandments is banned.  Why do we need manger scenes, or prayer in public?  It breeds a spirit of offense towards anything that reminds one about the sovereignty of GOD Almighty while at the same time it glorifies sin and wickedness.  That is why the Word of God is mocked, banned, or illegal around the globe.  This is why God’s true definition of marriage is derided—one man and one woman.  This is why former Christian nations are bent on establishing perversion as a gift of God.  This is why any, every, and all reminders of the truth of God in any form are tossed aside like refuse.  However, it is all for nothing.  It is vain.  When Jesus returns, it is not going to be a time for a universal, politically correct group hug; no, He is coming back to reign with a rod of iron.  In Psalm 2:7-9 we hear the voice of the KING of Kings speak.  He says, “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel,” as He relays the command of the Father. 

There are many indicators of the spirit of antichrist wreaking havoc worldwide:

The sanctioning of aberrant wickedness as normal--this includes but is not limited to homosexuality 

Hatred for Israel, the Jews, and Christianity

The rise of a one world government

The scouring of individual rights and societal differences

The rise of pagan religious and/or Gnostic thought

Outright anger at the righteous in the face of praising the profane and unholy

Yes there are many signs, and these will be discussed in the future, LORD willing.  Christian!  The battle lines have been drawn.  It is now time to take a stand and not bow to immorality.  Take a stand at the foot of the Cross and point the lost and dying to the blessed Lamb of Calvary. Do your part and do it quickly because the Lamb is coming next as a Lion.  Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!
If you have not yet made peace with GOD at the foot of the cross, do it today.  The LORD is about to shout a piercing answer worldwide!

Related Links:
Blinded
Will You Bow?  Complete Economic Domination
Will You Bow?  Persecution on the Rise Around Us
Satan's Antichrist--A Losing Venture

America!  You are in desperate trouble:The Grapes of Wrath