The term โantichristโ occurs only in the second and third letters of John, and he applies the plural noun to deceivers that are causing dissension in his congregations. Their very presence constitutes irrefutable evidence that the โlast daysโ have commenced. These troublemakers are โantichristsโ and forerunners of the โAntichristโ who is to come.
Continue reading “Beasts in the Church”Category: Deceivers
The Mystery of Lawlessness
According to Paul, the โmystery of lawlessnessโ is active in the world preparing hearts for the โarrivalโ of the โMan of Lawlessness.โ It will continue to do so until the appointed time when this figure โcomes out of the midstโ and appears in the โsanctuary of God.โ And he will employ โlying signs and wondersโ to cause many disciples to depart from the faith.
In the New Testament, the term โmystery of lawlessnessโ is unique to Paulโs second letter to the Thessalonians. The Greek term rendered โmysteryโ does not refer to something that is esoteric or mysterious, but to something that is hidden.
Continue reading “The Mystery of Lawlessness”The Antichrist Spirit
In popular interpretations, the Antichrist is a political tyrant intent on world domination. Whether this proves true, Jesus and his apostles expressed more concern about the deceivers who ply their trade in the church. And in passages that refer to the Antichrist, the issue is deceivers who infiltrate the church.
The only New Testament author to employ the term โantichristโ is John in his first two letters. In them, he warns that โit is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.โ
Continue reading “The Antichrist Spirit”Howling Imposters
Christโs final block of teaching that he gave on the Mount of Olives includes several warnings about coming โdeceiversโ and โfalse prophetsโ intent on misleading the saints, warnings reiterated and expanded in the writings of the apostles. And his discourse began with stern warnings to โbeware lest anyone deceive you.โ
Continue reading “Howling Imposters”PREDICTED EVENTS
The Church has been plagued with deceivers and apostasy, just as predicted in the New Testament.
The New Testament warns disciples about several things that will characterize the period between Christโs first and second comings, ones that will intensify as the end approaches. They include an army of deceivers, deception, apostasy, the rise of a horrific malevolent figure, and Satanโs final assault on the church.
Continue reading “PREDICTED EVENTS”