Hope and Prophecy

Who or What Is the Antichrist?

The term "antichrist" in Scripture refers broadly to any spirit or power that denies Christ's true nature and opposes His work, described by John as already present in the world through false teaching, while other prophetic passages describe a specific end-time power in similar terms.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Prophecy

Biblical explanation

John writes that “even now are there many antichrists” and defines the spirit of antichrist as one who denies that Jesus is the Christ or denies the Father and Son (; 4:3), showing the term applies broadly to ongoing deception rather than one single individual alone. Paul describes a “man of sin” who exalts himself above God and sits “in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (), language many understand as describing a specific end-time system of counterfeit religious authority. Revelation's descriptions of beast powers similarly depict entities that claim worship and authority belonging to God alone (). Across these passages, the unifying theme is a counterfeit power opposing Christ's authority and true worship, calling believers to discernment rooted firmly in Scripture.

In brief

John writes that “even now are there many antichrists” and defines the spirit of antichrist as one who denies that Jesus is the Christ or denies the Father and Son (; 4:3), showing the term applies broadly to ongoing deception rather than one single individual alone.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.