The Shadow of the Spirit of Antichrist
The spirit of antichrist is a very frightening and sobering subject of study in the word of God. The very word antichrist generates fear because of its obvious implications. Bible prophecy identifies a single person who will wreak havoc throughout the Middle East, persecute God’s people in a way which has never been seen before, and will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire. His influence will be so great that the world as we know it will be taken over by influence and force that anyone who dares resist him will be cut off. However, God will have His own people protected from the strongest devices the Antichrist will be able to muster.
The purpose of this article is not to deal with the last day’s deceiver “the Antichrist,” but the “spirit of antichrist.” But not just the subject of the spirit of antichrist, but shadows and influences of that spirit that could be influencing people today. Even though the person identified in scripture as “the Antichrist” is still yet to come onto the world stage, there is also a reference made by St. John to the spirit of antichrist. What exactly is meant by the phrase spirit of antichrist?
First of all, the word antichrist comes from the Greek word G500 pronounced an-tee’-khris-tos from 473 (anti – a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to):–for, in the room of, Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.) and 5547 (Christos from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:–Christ); an opponent of the Messiah: — antichrist.
The title antichrist is found 5 times in the Holy Scriptures:
- 1 John 2:18 (2 references)
- 1 John 2:22
- 1 John 4:3
- 2 John 1:7
We get the phrase spirit of antichrist from 1 John 4:1-3:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 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.
John mentions here that the people had already been warned that it, the spirit of antichrist, should come. In a few short years following the revealing of Jesus Christ, His ministry, death, resurrection and ascension, the spirit of antichrist had already entered the world. Simply put, the spirit of antichrist had already been revealed in the world during the time of John. The world was already becoming influenced by it. The church was already being fought by it. Even in this generation, the spirit of antichrist is the greatest opposition to the church. Brother Mike Rigsby even warned me that I would have to wrestle against the spirit of antichrist in my own ministry. Those words still ring in my spirit as I know full well he was telling me the truth. It has been confirmed many times, and many times over again.
Although we may not clearly recognize it, the church of the Living God is affected by the antichrist spirit. It will oppose and exalt itself against the church. It will taunt, resist and even persecute God’s people. This spirit can affect all who give in to its influence. It will even seek to pull the body of Christ against the ways of the Holy Spirit moving in the church to deliver, set free and save those whom the Lord is dealing with. It will even pull the preachers and pastors against biblical doctrines. If those preachers can be pulled against the power of the Holy Ghost and sound biblical doctrines, then he can, in turn, tear down the steadfastness of the church. This is what brother Mike Rigsby was clearly warning me about.
In 1 John 2:18-19, we read the following verses concerning antichrist:
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. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
And also in 1 John 2:22:
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
The word denieth comes from G720 pronounced ar-neh’-om-ahee, perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4473; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:–deny, refuse.
The point is, antichrist is much stronger a word than just to describe someone lost in sin. This is a matter of denial, refusal, rejection and abandon. According to the verses mentioned above, antichrist is also used in reference to people who are anti-Christ; against Christ. This word represents a harsh stance against God’s anointed One. These people referenced describe those who reject, abnegate, deny or refuse Christ. In other words, he warns of a spirit that would come and influence people to be in blatant and total opposition to Christ; i.e., the body of Christ.
Many people today are living in a state of spiritual darkness, but many nations like America are living in a totally different condition of spiritual darkness altogether; and that is a darkness of their own choosing, which results from rejection. But I’m not talking about any rejection, I’m referring to man’s rejection of God or rejection of God’s instruction. This is evident with the rejection signs of society wrestling with lusts and desires, homosexuality and reprobate minds as revealed in Romans chapter 1. America is now, for the most part, a post-Christian society.
Let’s entertain a few thoughts here. First of all, there is a clear distinction between lost in sin and rejection of God. We see both of these conditions played out in the world as well as clear references and examples in scripture. Is there a danger of saying no to God?
There are two ways you can say no to God. You can say no to an offer, having never received it. You can receive something from God, but then choose later to reject it; thus forsaking it.
Apostasy
There is overwhelming evidence in scripture to conclude a doctrine of apostasy. Many bible scholars and students are confused as to the state of Judas. Was Judas’ betrayal a result of the rejection of a lost man, or was it the rejection of a believer? Most automatically conclude he was lost because they believe salvation can never be lost. However, there is sufficient evidence that Judas’ betrayal was the choice of a believer rejecting the Son of God. This is known as apostasy.
The word apostasy comes from G646 pronounced ap-os-tas-ee’-ah feminine of the same 647; defection from truth (properly, the state) (“apostasy”):– falling away, forsake.
G646 is defined as Defection. This word is devastatingly clear. The word defection is defined as the desertion of one’s country or cause in favor of an opposing one. Defection is equal to treason; rebellion, betrayal, disloyalty.
This Greek word is also translated in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 as falling away, but in Acts 21:21 as forsake.
Notice again the word apostasy in G646 again. It is translated as the “falling away” is not in reference to a people who will one day refuse to hear the gospel, but a people who “depart from the faith,” who once received the gospel that will forsake, turn away, or fall away from it. This is total defection. This is spiritual treason against one’s government or kingdom.
Although popular Christian teaching promotes Unconditional Eternal Security, there is a reason why believers in the book of Revelation would refuse to deny the Lord “they loved not their lives unto the death.” It’s interesting how this verse ties two distinct things in the same verse. First a falling away; next the man of sin being revealed. For this cause I have great reason to believe that the antichrist will be an X Christian.
Divorce
G647 is another interesting Greek word mentioned in G646. This word translates into English as divorce; divorcement. It is pronounced ap-os-tas’-ee-on neuter of a (presumed) adjective from a derivative of 868; properly, something separative, i.e. (specially) divorce :–( writing of) divorcement.
The interesting truth concerning both of these Greek words is that there is a previous connection; a previous joining to the person or thing being departed from or forsaken.
Depart from the faith
Then we come to G868.
The Greek word G868 is pronounced af-is’-tay-mee, from 575 and 2476; to remove, ie. (Actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:–depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.
G868 is used in 1 Timothy 4:1.
Now the spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
The bible further warns in Hebrews on the subject of “departing” from;
G868 is also used in Hebrews 3:12
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Matthew 11:20-24 reads:
{11:20} Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: {11:21} Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. {11:22} But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. {11:23} And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. {11:24} But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the gospel and heal the sick in what I call the “small commission” He afterward sent strong distain for Tyre and Sidon, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum.
Luke 10:10-16 reads:
{10:10} But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, {10:11} Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. {10:12} But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. {10:13} Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. {10:14} But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. {10:15} And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. {10:16} He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Jesus issued “WOE” warnings unto these cities. Why? Not because they were in a lost condition, but because they rejected the time of His visitation where it should have produced repentance and coming to Christ. This is where the spirit of antichrist begins. This is why so many people today are turned over to a darkness they never thought to abide in. This is why America abides in a totally different spiritual condition as other countries.
Do you see now the difference in a lost condition and a rejection condition?
- The depraved lost condition simply says I am lost.
- The rejected lost condition says I don’t want God in my life.
John 15:21-25 reads:
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. {15:21} But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. {15:22} If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. {15:23} He that hateth me hateth my Father also. {15:24} If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. {15:25} But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
The spirit of antichrist is a real thing and can effect any and all of us. We must be on the look out for what brings this spirit about. Now I want to share with you some precursors to the spirit of antichrist.
The spirit of antichrist is more than a lost condition though; it is a stance against Christ. If you will remember, Samuel revealed to then King Saul the dangers of disobedience. Disobedience is a totally different posture than a lost condition. Disobedience is a choice to do wrong with a knowledge of right. Thus it would never be considered disobedience. He goes on to say that disobedience is actually rebellion.
He concludes with this statement found in 1 Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou has rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
King Saul’s demonic influence had gotten to such a severe place that he found himself resisting God’s anointed man; David. It was warfare on a totally different level. It was spirit against God’s anointed.
Perdition
Next we come to another troubling word in reference to the Antichrist. This word is very severe due to its regards to rejection. The antichrist, among many other titles, is called The Son of Perdition. The word Perdition is found in 8 places in scripture:
John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Revelation 17:11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
The word perdition comes from G684 pronounced ap-o’-li-a, from a presumed derivative of 622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): – damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste.
Again, there cannot be ruin or loss without first having possessed or obtained something.
Son of Perdition
How does apostasy start? Consider the following thoughts. If apostasy does, in fact, mean a departure from, forsaking, defection or treason, disloyalty of one’s government or kingdom, then what are the contributing factors of causing one to become a traitor?
Beware of the following devices. We must all be aware of these things in our lives. Satan has a purpose for these things mentioned below. Departure from the faith is as subtle as the serpent of subtility.
Consider the following gradual decline in the heart:
- Discouragement – Although being discouraged is not equal to a departure from the Lord, discouragement can be the foundation on which Satan will plant thoughts to bring you into a darker disposition where he will then make you think the Lord has been unfaithful. Once this happens, the devil has accomplished the goal of pushing you further into that direction.
- Disenfranchised – This is a condition which results from persecution, spiritual warfare, and unanswered prayer. When one of these things happen, Satan will pounce on your mind to convince you that God really doesn’t care or else He would have been there for you in your time of need.
- Hurts toward God – When events take place such as losing relationships, jobs, positions, promotions, opportunities simply because you are a Christian. Loss or hurt is an avenue where the enemy will deceive you to thinking God doesn’t love you. This is why one of the most devastating messages a preacher can preach is one of success, prosperity, and gain. This sets up a person’s mind for ultimate disappointment. When things don’t work out the way that message of success said it should, the person becomes hurt toward God. Jesus plainly warned of persecution. When persecution comes, that persecution will begin to turn the person’s heart against the Lord.
- Anger toward God – Once hurt towards the Lord comes, then anger comes. When anger comes, then the person will generate thoughts and excuses as to why they shouldn’t walk in the Lord’s ways. Disobedience becomes emboldened in the heart.
- Bitterness toward God – After anger has taken root, then the person starts holding things against the Lord. The heart will start to justify its reasons for disloyalty and treasonous actions. For example, “Why should I be faithful to God when He has been unfaithful to me?”
These are devastating conditions that can happen in the heart of man. We must beware of these things, and arm ourselves against them. If the believer does not resolve these conditions in their own hearts, then apostasy is imminent.
Although a person may not exhibit this particular decline in the heart, we can still become a resister of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Consider what Stephen said to the persecuting Jews
Acts 7:51-54
7:51} Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did,] so [do] ye. {7:52} Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: {7:53} Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it. 7:54} When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.
The Spirit of Antichrist is evident in the scripture from two disciples:
Pharisees – Their direct affront to the ministry of Jesus.
Judas – Multiple examples where he resisted Jesus.
When Judas wrestled with Jesus over something as simple as ointment, Judas showed clear signs of resistance in the heart. His actions were a result of the love of money, and not the love for Jesus or the desire to walk in obedience.
John {12:1} Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. {12:2} There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. {12:3} Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. {12:4} Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son,] which should betray him, {12:5} Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? {12:6} This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. {12:7} Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. {12:8} For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. {12:9} Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
John {6:66} From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. {6:67} Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? {6:68} Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. {6:69} And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. {6:70} Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? {6:71} He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Peter – When Peter resisted Jesus’ words of going to Jerusalem and speaking of being scourged and crucified. These actions were obvious signs of the spirit of Antichrist working in the lives of these men.
{16:21} From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer
many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. {16:22} Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. {16:23} But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Saul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul) – His desire to directly oppose the body of Christ.
In 2 John we read the following concerning the spirit of antichrist:
{1:4} I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. {1:5} And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. {1:6} And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. {1:7} 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. {1:8} Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. {1:9} Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. {1:10} If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: {1:11} For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
All of these things are subtle, but they add up to a very sinister end. Something as simple as being “angry with your brother without a cause”, (Matthew 5:21) why would a person even feel that way about their brother? This adds up to one simple truth, there is a spirit behind a heart like this. Why do I say such things? Think about it for a moment. If you have no reason for being angry with your brother, but you are angry with him nonetheless, there has to be a demonic motivation behind it. No one, and I mean no one who has an objective heart, will stoop to such lows as this. However, once the spirit of Antichrist seizes upon you, your heart will be turned into this type of heart.
All of this starts with the heart. If the heart turns away from the Holy Spirit’s dealing with them, if the heart has a continual antipathy to the word of God, or if the heart automatically turns against anyone who may attempt to share the gospel with them, then the signs of the spirit of antichrist are there.
Have you ever considered how the majority of the earth’s population will welcome the coming of the single person Antichrist in the last days? Though I once scratched my head with wonder, I do not wonder any longer. With each generation that passes, there is a continual decline into darkness and perdition. This darkness has now overcome a large enough population of our world to the degree that now even simple moral truths are vilified. This is nothing less than the fulfillment of the prophesy which states “They will call good evil and evil good.” Isaiah 5:20. “Woe Unto Them” reveals judgment is imminent upon a people with such a heart condition. That darkness and perdition is clearly due to the continual rejection of God, His Word, and the Holy Ghost that seeks to bring them unto salvation. As I have said many times, you cannot continue to say no to God, reject the gospel, resist the Holy Ghost, and not be affected by your rejecting heart. God gave spiritual Law to all of us. One particular law regarding this is “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” We see clearly the “3 Give Ups” of God in Romans 1. When you continue to reject God, you are never left in that same spiritual condition. God will turn you over. He will give you up to things you want. Your “No” will always be responded to by the Lord with a “okay, you don’t want me…then receive what your heart desired.” We see all of this play out in Romans 1 to the degree that after the final give up of God, the condition of the heart of man is totally dark, without any light at all. The folks in this 3rd and final “give up” will be haters of God among other things. What a terrible heart to have toward the God that so loved this old world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Folks, this will be the condition of the heart of our world when the Antichrist comes on the scene. After a life of continual rejection, continual pushing away of the Holy Spirit’s dealings with you, you will be left with a heart condition that will be so difficult to be saved that you will reject any and all spiritual and moral light out of your life.
This is where the world is headed. The world is headed for the Antichrist. But that destination is paved by a heart that continually rejects God at any and all fronts to the point to where they just cannot accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. Don’t continue to reject God. There will be a point when the spirit of antichrist will overtake you. To continue with this type of heart is to dwell under the shadow of the spirit of antichrist.
The question that stands before you today my friend is this, are you dwelling under the shadow of the spirit of antichrist?
Time is running out…
Repent and be saved today.
Leave a Reply