ANTICHRIST
Who or What Is the Antichrist?
The Greek term antikristos is found five times in the New Testament -- all references being in John's writings (1 Jn. 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 Jn. 7). The meaning is "against Christ."
John warns that many (1 Jn. 2:18; 2 Jn. 2:7) of these false teachers existed in his day (see "even now" -- 1 Jn. 2:18; 4:3). The term cannot, therefore, be an allusion to some mysterious, Satanic leader who is to appear shortly before the return of Christ, as that theory is advocated by those of the dispensational/premillennial persuasion.
The expression is generic, denoting any dogma that is against Christ in terms of the truth regarding him (e.g., a denial of his deity) or opposition to the truth that has been issued from him. See also: DISPENSATIONALISM.
John warns that many (1 Jn. 2:18; 2 Jn. 2:7) of these false teachers existed in his day (see "even now" -- 1 Jn. 2:18; 4:3). The term cannot, therefore, be an allusion to some mysterious, Satanic leader who is to appear shortly before the return of Christ, as that theory is advocated by those of the dispensational/premillennial persuasion.
The expression is generic, denoting any dogma that is against Christ in terms of the truth regarding him (e.g., a denial of his deity) or opposition to the truth that has been issued from him. See also: DISPENSATIONALISM.
