Biblical explanation
John writes: "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist." 1 John 2:22, KJV John also says: "even now are there many antichrists." 1 John 2:18, KJV This is important. Biblically, "antichrist" is not necessarily limited to one individual appearing at the very end of history. John describes a spirit of antichrist that denies Christ (1 John 4:3). Paul describes another end-time figure as "the man of sin" who exalts himself against God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Daniel and Revelation describe powers that oppose God and persecute His people (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5-7). The Bible does not explicitly say, "The Antichrist is [insert a modern person's name]." Identifying the larger prophetic powers requires comparing Daniel, Revelation, Paul's writings, and John's letters. The essential biblical characteristics are opposition to Christ, deception, self-exaltation, rejection of truth, and persecution of God's people.
Key takeaway
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.