Who are antichrists?

by Mike Ratliff

Some Will Depart from the Faith Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, (1 Timothy 4:1 ESV)

According to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in John 15 the mark of Christian authenticity is abiding or remaining in Him. This is not simply a continual profession of faith, but a remaining faithful to Christ in our orthodox Christian faith. According to Paul, It is a two-fold action of departing from the faith and giving heed to seducingspirits, and doctrines of devils. The Apostle John called the Christian leaders who do this “antichrists.”

Warning Concerning Antichrists Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:18-19 ESV)

John was describing his own time. In the 1st Century Church there were already “many antichrists” and this was a sign that “it is the last time.” The Greek word translated “last” in this passage is ἔσχατος, which is pronounced “es’-khat-os.” When this word is used in reference to time it refers to “the last” generally that which concludes anything. Biblically, it refers to  the time when the development of God’s plan of salvation shall come to a close as well as to the time of the final and decisive judgment. The word “time” in v18 is translated as “hour” in the NKJV and the ESV. It is the Greek word “ὥρα,” which is pronounced “ho’-rah.” Its literal translation is “hour.” However, in the New Testament it is used to mean many different time oriented things. In this passage, though, John is making the case that since “antichrists” have already come in the 1st Century then the Church is in the “last days,” which refers to the time between Christ’s first and seconding coming.

In v18 John says, “as you have heard that antichrist is coming…” The word “antichrist” here is the Greek word ἀντίχριστος, pronounced as “an-tee’-khris-tos.” John’s first usage of this word in this verse is with a definite article. In Koine Greek, a definite article serves to identify. In other words, John is saying there will be a final antichrist who is one particular person. This Greek word is simply the word for Christ with the word for “against” as a prefix. An antichrist is one who opposes Christ or is substituted for Him. However, John’s point here is to warn the Body of Christ that the “last hour” will be plagued by many antichrists. The second usage in this verse of ἀντίχριστος is in anathrous form. That means there is no definite article so it refers to all who have come and will come who will oppose Christ instead of one particular person. The fact that there have already been many antichrists in John’s day was his proof that we are in the last hour. When Christ does return this will end.

From where do all antichrists come? John says, “They went out from us…” The word translated as “went out” means “depart (out of)”. In other words, these antichrists were once professing Christians and leaders in the Church, but have departed from either the church itself or have been seduced into the doctrines of devils. They may still profess to be Christian, but their doctrines prove that they are not. Their defection proved “they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” Gnoticism was prevalent in John’s day. My brethren, it has never really gone away. Christian liberalism is a form of Gnoticism as is the infatuation with mysticism in much of the 21st Century Church.

Any form of diluting the Gospel message is a direct attack on the very message our Lord gave us to make disciples. Those who do this are false teachers, wolves in sheep’s clothing  who purvey damning lies. Paul tells us very clearly what we are to do in “these last days” about this.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:11 ESV)

My brethren, there have been antichrists since the Church began and we will continue to have them plaguing the Church until Christ returns. In the meantime, we must take no part in what they teach because they are works of darkness. We are to expose them to the Body of Christ by contending earnestly for the faith (Jude).  Therefore, let us learn the truth so we can recognize what is false. That is why we should always study the nature of God as well as what the real Gospel is and what it isn’t. My brethren, please seek the Lord while you still can. Draw close and learn. Pray, worship, and study the Word of God. Learn what the true milk of the Word of God is so you can tell when someone is perverting it.

Never forget, the number one marker of Christian Authenticity is endurance to the end. We all know some who have professed Christ, but who live like the world. Never stop praying for them my brethren. God is good and will save His people.

Soli Deo Gloria!