How can we identiy the Antichrist?

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’ve heard so much talk about someone called the Antichrist, a figure mentioned in the Bible. Is this just a term used to describe anyone who tries to do things against God, or will it be someone that we can identify? – A.C.

A: The term Antichrist is found several times in the Bible and refers to a person who will come in the days just before Christ returns to establish His kingdom. “You have heard that the Antichrist is coming” (1 John 2:18). This person is not Satan, but he will use every evil device of Satan to oppose the work of God. The Apostle Paul uses the term “the man of lawlessness” to describe this individual (2 Thessalonians 2:3, NIV). He will be the embodiment of evil and will have great power to deceive those who choose to follow him.

When he is revealed, it will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10). The time will come when someone who is totally opposed to Christ will rise to world dominance and achieve great influence. However, in the end, he will be defeated by the Lord Jesus.

At the same time, the Bible warns that there are many in the world who have the same spirit as the Antichrist and oppose the work of God. “Even now many antichrists have come” (1 John 2:18). This means we need to be discerning and not be misled by those who oppose God’s truth. How can we avoid being led astray into falsehood? The most important thing is to yield our lives to Jesus Christ and then to know more and more the truth God has given us in His Word, the Bible.

======== (This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

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