Posted on 11/28/2006 7:46:34 AM PST by bremenboy
There have been plenty of books, movies, false doctrines, and the like which promote an antichrist. These materials promote someone who will rise up in opposition to our Lord which will be during the time the world is going to end. A newspaper article from 1999 states: Jerry Falwell said the Antichrist is probably alive today and is a male Jew. Falwell also told about 1,500 people at a conference in Kingsport, Tenn., on Thursday that he believes the second coming of Christ probably will be within 10 years (Williamsburg, VA., Associated Press, January 15, 1999; Falwell: Antichrist May Be Alive).
Larry W. Wilson says: The coming Antichrist will not be a mere mortal. The coming Antichrist will not be born to a woman. The coming Antichrist cannot be killed by men. The coming Antichrist will have supernatural powers that far exceed anything men can do. The coming Antichrist will be evil and destructive beyond comprehension. The coming Antichrist will be dazzling and commanding in appearance, but deadly in his manipulation. The coming Antichrist will be a stern-faced king, that is, he will not show mercy unless temporal mercy facilitates his evil schemes. Billions of powerful demons serve him. The coming Antichrist is the ancient foe of Christ. In fact, Lucifer is the most powerful and greatest angel that God ever created. He was the first being to become anti-Christ. The Bible predicts that God will allow Lucifer and his angels to appear in physical form visible to the human race. Just as Jesus became a man to save the world, Lucifer will be granted authority to masquerade as God so that he can quickly lead the wicked to their destruction. Lucifer will mimic Christs return and appear with clouds of angels (http://www.wake-up.org/Daniel/DanChap4.htm).
All of the stories and the interesting predications seem to captivate people. It is your evil triumphed by good story. However, the doctrine of the antichrist displays several errors which are easily seen by the eye of a true student of the Scriptures. Consider this, the antichrist doctrine predicts a battle between good and evil. The battle however, has long been pressing on (Ephesians 6:10-12). The antichrist doctrine makes the fictional character of the antichrist a sign of the coming of Christ. However, the Scriptures show that there are no signs of the coming of Christ (Matthew 24:35-36 and I Thessalonians 5:1-4). Furthermore, the Scriptures give us the plain truth that contradicts the idea that there is one being who is The Antichrist. We just need to look to the truth!
The Truth About the Antichrist
The word of God teaches us that there is more than one antichrist and in fact theyve been around since the time the pages of the New Testament were being penned. In fact, when we look at what the inspired writers of the New Testament wrote, weve been in the last times since the first century (Acts 2:14-17 and Hebrews 1:1-2). Notice some things written about the antichrists from the inspired pen of John: Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time (I John 2:18). Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son (I John 2:22). 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 (I John 4:3). For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist (II John v. 7).
Someone has to completely close their eyes to read what John wrote by inspiration and not see that there is no single antichrist. In fact, there have been, are, and will be many antichrists. The prefix anti means against. Thus, an antichrist is simply someone against Christ. There are many who are within the membership of local churches of Christ that aptly fit the description of an antichrist. There is a reason the doctrine of the antichrist and related doctrines are so easily bought into. That reason is not that they are truth. The reason these doctrines are often followed is found in the emotions and desires for entertainment that men easily turn to.
An Entertaining Thought, But Not the Truth
Most people love a good story with a battle wherein the huge bad guy is defeated by the man on a white horse. The truth is just too bland for some people. Christ does not have to meet Satan or any of his angels in battle. Christ already has authority over the devil and his angels (Matthew 8:16; 25:41). Notice what one demon said to Christ: And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time (Matthew 8:29)? Jesus has all authority over all the angels both good and bad (Matthew 28:18 and I Peter 3:22). Jesus does not have to physically fight an antichrist to gain dominion or to judge the world! Lets not allow an entertaining thought to corrupt the truth.
Conclusion
The stories about the antichrist and related subject matters sell books, movies, and even fill pews for those liars who tell such stories. The truth is much more fascinating, but it is not in the format of a Hollywood action movie. The truth is, Christ will come at a time unknown to everyone except God the Father (Mark 13:31-32). When Christ comes there will be a resurrection of the dead (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). All will appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (II Corinthians 5:10). The unrighteous will be cast into everlasting punishment in Hell while the righteous will be rewarded with eternal life. That is the truth! Thus, youd better be watching for the antichrists, for they desire to have you follow their pernicious ways into eternal damnation (II Peter 2:1-2; cf. I Corinthians 15:33)!
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins into the church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain faithful (Rev. 2:10).
No, because if God wants an anti-christ to appear, it will happen, whether I'm watching or not.
Are You Watching for the Antichrist?
Only between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on alternate Thursdays...
She is the junior Senator from New York and no I don't watch her nor do I want to watch her. She is hideous.
This just in: It's Congressman Jerrold Nadler!
Run for the hills! (Or at least out of his West Side district!)
Not really.
No.
Watch me...I'm the anti-christ.....
Also...please send me donations so I can further my cause to www.antichrist.com
(BTW, I don't know if that's a real website so be careful!)
I vote for Barack Obama.
What channel will he be on?
I have it on good authority that He will be here the day after the day after tomorrow!
Be afraid! We are Doommmed!
BLOAT!
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THE NEW ANTICHRIST DETECTOR!
New Antichrist detector will keep you safe for just 3 EZ payments of $19.95, say Japanese inventors
I didn't know it was my turn.
The secret identity of the antichrist has been revealed to me in a vision.
No because Jesus said it is not for us to know when the end time is. It is just up to us to be ready spiritually by believing in Him.
Was there a memo?
I wish I had a dime for every false prediction people make about when Christ is coming back.
A-C calls Coast frequently. Funny thing, though, it is usually a different voice every time. There have been thousands of A-Cs so far. None of them sound particularly sober.
The schedule's been posted on the bulletin board for a week now. Armageddon could come and you'd miss it because you're not paying attention. Much use you are.
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