Antichrist

The word, “Antichrist”, refers to a person who is against Christ, or against the teachings of Christ. It also refers to a person who assumes the place of Christ.

Satan is the original antichrist who started his rebellion in heaven against Christ, and now he has continued his role as antichrist for 6000 years on earth. One third of the angels in heaven joined with him in his war against Christ. On the earth, almost everyone has joined with him and very few have remained faithful to the true Christ.

Satan assumes the place of Christ. Paul writes, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14. Millions of professed Christians follow him without realizing that they are worshipping antichrist.

True Christ uses human beings as instruments to advance the work of His kingdom. Satan does the same. He uses people to do his work on the earth.
In Revelation chapter 13, we learn of a beast to whom Satan gave great power and authority. “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” Rev. 13:2.

Martin Luther writes, “Already I feel greater liberty in my heart; for at last I know that the pope is antichrist, and that his throne is that of Satan himself.” D’Aubigne, B.6, ch. 9.

Paul writes, “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; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thes. 2:3, 4.

Quoting this Bible text, Sis. White continues to comment, “The man of sin was to arise, and do his work of exaltation and blasphemy, before the brethren could look for the coming of Christ. The great event was to be preceded by a falling away. There would be revealed a form of Antichrist, and the leaven of apostasy was to work with increasing power to the end of time.” R.H., July 31, 1888.

The purpose of antichrist is to do away with the law of God. Bychanging the Sabbath to the first day of the week he exalts himself above God and makes it appear that God is fallible, and that His law had to be amended. Also that he tries to convince man that the Bible is not a reliable guide.

Sister White quotes Dr. Hopkins, “A treatise on the millennium declares: There is no reason to consider the antichristian spirit and practices to be confined to that which is now called the Church of Rome. The Protestant churches have much of antichrist in them, and are far from being wholly reformed from… corruption and wickedness.” GC, p. 384.

By accepting Sunday as the day of rest, the Protestant churches participate in the antichristian spirit, joining with Satan in his rebellion against the law of God.

“The soul that has light in regard to the Lord’s Sabbath, His memorial of creation, and to save himself from inconvenience and reproach has chosen to remain disloyal, has sold his Lord. He has dishonoured the name of Christ. He has taken his stand with the armies of antichrist;with them at the last great day, he will be found outside the cityof God, not with the loyal, the true and righteous,in the heavenlykingdom.” 2 Sel. Mess., p. 401.

It is a terrible blindness to be a professedChristian and go to church, and sacrifice money and time for it, and yet in the end realize that it was all in vain.
Instead of serving the true Christ, they served the antichrist.

John writes to us, “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.” 1 John 2:18.

Although in the time of John, Christianity was yet in its infancy, various false teachings had already gained ground and were making inroads on the young church. This gives us the understanding that the very church of God is not free from antichrists.

It is Satan’s plan to introduce false teaching into the church of God, and this he does through members and even through leaders who are not established in the truth.

These false teachings will cause shaking and separation in the church. God will not tolerate these antichrists to remain in His church. “God will cause His people; if other means fail, heresies will come among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat.” Test. Vol. 5, p. 707.

This is a prophecy that heresies will come among us; therefore we must keep our eyes open and watch for them. Our publications must present the truth to the people so that when any false teaching appears, then they would reject it and stand for the truth.

There are members who do not study the Bible, neither the Spirit of Prophecy books; therefore they can easily be confused by these heresies, because they may seem logical to the human mind, but they are not the truth.

Some of the heresies that we must watch for carefully are, that sin cannot be overcome, therefore, perfection is not possible. Also that God overlooks the small sins; as long as we keep the great commandments, we will be accepted in the judgment. Some may believe that it is not ?necessary to do missionary work, we need to leave it to the ministers. Was Jesus in His humanity on the earth tempted from inside and outside, did He have an holy flesh? Is the Holy Spirit a person or is He the power of God? Is church membership necessary, can we be saved without it? Is righteousness of God also His love
and mercy?

Many different understandings may come up in practical religion in regard to health reform,Sabbath-keeping, proper clothingand hairdo. Also, through judgingothers, especially their motives,many have a wrong understanding. “Christ is the only true standard of character, and he who sets himself up as a standard for others is putting himself in the place of Christ. And since the Father ‘hath committed all judgment unto the Son’ (John 5:22), whoever presumes to judge the motives of others is again usurping the prerogative of the Son of God. These would-be judges and critics are placing themselves on the side of antichrist, ‘who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.’ 2 Thess. 2:4” Mount of Blessing, p. 125, 126.

In many other areas the heresies may come, therefore we cannot be too careful watching for them.

We all must examine ourselves carefully, that no one of us might be on the side of antichrist. The truth is precious that the Lord has given us, therefore we must guard it carefully, so that we will not be shaken out when the heresies will be introduced
among us, is my wish and prayer.
AMEN.

Timo Martin, Canada