The "Instead of" Christ

The “Instead of” Christ

1 John 2:18 NKJV
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

   It’s a sad fact that most people in our society today know little or nothing about the Bible.  But even so, most people have heard about the Antichrist.  There are books, movies and other information predicting the rise of the Antichrist, and he’s seen as a frightening person.  Interest in the Antichrist is nothing new; John wrote about him and expected the Christians of his day would understand what he wrote about.  John lived in the constant expectancy of Jesus' return and, judging from his writings, believed that he lived in the “last hour.”  Sadly, we’ve lost that urgency in our churches today, and we should be living like we expect Him to return at any time.  But, back to John, he also wrote warning that the Antichrist was coming and might be coming soon.
   So what does the name "Antichrist" mean?  Quick Greek lesson here: the prefix "anti" can mean "the opposite of" or it can mean "instead of."  The Antichrist, therefore, can mean the "opposite Jesus" or it can mean the "instead of" Jesus.  Most people are locked onto the idea of the Antichrist being the “opposite christ.”  They picture a very evil person who will burst onto the world scene and kill the Christians and anyone else who gets in his way.  They picture this because of the contrast with Jesus.  Jesus loved everyone so the Antichrist will hate everyone.  Jesus did good wherever He went, so the Antichrist will destroy wherever he goes.  Jesus' character and personality was beautiful and attractive, so the Antichrist's character and personality will be ugly and repulsive.   Jesus spoke the truth, so the Antichrist will speak only lies.
   I think we accept the concept of the “opposite Christ” too much.  My belief is that the Antichrist, when he comes, will be more an "instead of" Jesus.  My parents lived through the dark days of WW2, and told stories of their recollections of that time.  They remembered that Hitler was more hero than villain when he forced his way to power.  He was, we need to remember, voted into office by the majority of the population of Germany.  He said the right thinks and gave his people hope and promised them a bright future.  The evil was already there, but what he showed everyone was the friendly smile and warm handshake and I’ve read accounts of people meeting him and coming away impressed with his personality.   I doubt Hitler would have made it to power if he acted like a megalomaniacal killer lusting for world conquest.
   Look for the Antichrist to look wonderful, be charming and successful, shake hands and smile a lot and promise a sunny future and a better world for everyone.  One name of Satan is the Angle of Light, so look for his man to be an angel of light.  Here's a point to remeber: John speaks of "the Antichrist" and "many antichrists."  There is a "spirit" of antichrist, and this spirit of antichrist will one day find its ultimate fulfillment in a man, the Antichrist, who will lead humanity in an end-times rebellion against God.  So what does that mean?  While there will be an actually man who will be the Antichrist, the world now has evil influences that are leading towards this time.   We get small previews of this evil from time to time.  Planes flying into buildings killing thousands and armies killing entire villages of people are previews of this kind of evil.
   As many time before, I urge you to read the Word of God and prepare yourself for this influence gaining strength in our world.  Beware lest some type of "instead of" Jesus tries to get between you and Jesus.  We live in desperate times, and many are looking for someone to step up and give us all the answers.  Will you be able to recognize Christ from Antichrist when this happens?  Will you be able to tell lie from truth when you hear it?  Yes!  If you know what the Bible tells us.  Yes!  If you have hidden His Word in your heart.  Yes!  If you pray regularly and listen to His “still, small voice.”
   The Bible warns that: Matthew 24:24 NKJV
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Be warned!  Jesus Himself gave this warning.  He said that, if possible, even the elect will be deceived.  The Antichrist will come dressed as a lamb, not a lion.  He will speak soft words not roar threats.  Don’t be afraid to ask God for confirmation before jumping on any bandwagons.

Stephen Cram                            November 13, 2011                     Colossians 2:8

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  Colossians 2:8