Who is an Antichrist (December 31)

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WHO IS AN ANTICHRIST? 


“Antichrist” is a word everyone is almost familiar with. But who is an antichrist? In contemporary Christianity, the word “antichrist” seemed to have assumed a very ridiculous meaning. For most people, an “antichrist” is that frightening fire-vomiting hydra-headed beast or that grotesque human-like creature with horns and so on whose sole mission is to stamp people with the so-called number 666 (a mark of the beast) and killing those who refuse to cooperate. What a laughable description! In our time, we are flooded with such conspiracy theories that project all sorts of outlandish ideas about the identity and mission of the antichrist (who or what the antichrist is AND what the antichrist has come to do).


The Bible specifically describes an ANTICHRIST as “anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ; anyone who denies that the Father and the Son are one (1 Jn. 2:22); or anyone who does not confess that Jesus came in the flesh” (1 Jn. 4:2-3; 2 Jn. 1:7). To deny that Jesus is the Christ, to deny that He and the Father are one and to deny that He came in the flesh is to deny the foundation of the Christian faith. That is what the Bible specifically describes as “being an antichrist”.


We may not openly or more directly say that Jesus is not Christ; but in our thoughts, actions and inactions we may be clear opposing such an idea without even knowing it. The mission of the Christ is essentially linked to the Cross; that is why immediately after Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, Jesus clearly demonstrated that He must undergo great suffering and be killed and on the third day be raised (cf. Matt. 16:13-25). Suffice it to say then that anyone who denies or rejects the cross is also an antichrist.


As already underlined, anyone who denies that Jesus came in the flesh, anyone who dismisses the reality of the incarnation is also an antichrist. Christ took the human flesh (our weak human nature) in order to redeem it. To project then that the human person is irredeemable is to deny that Jesus came in the flesh or to reject the reality of the incarnation. Again, such a rejection or denial may not be explicitly said. But in our thoughts and actions, we may have rejected or denied that Jesus came in the flesh.

      

In Jn. 1:14, the Word who was God became flesh and dwelt among us full of GRACE and TRUTH. The direct implications of denying or rejecting the reality of the incarnation are first, the dismissal of the theology and power of grace; and secondly, a passionate hatred for the truth.


As the year winds up, I may have to reflect and check whether I have been an antichrist in any way: Have I denied that Jesus is the CHRIST? Have I refused to accept His mission of saving through suffering, dying and rising? Have I solely relied on my own power, dismissing the impact & power of grace? Have I ever given up on God, thinking that my salvation is impossible? Have I directly or indirectly opposed the TRUTH & all that Christ stands for?  If I have, then I must resolve never to be ANTI-CHRIST again, but to be PRO-CHRIST in the coming year 2021 and beyond.


Prayer:

May we ever be pro-Christ and Christ-like in our words, thoughts, actions and inactions, Amen.


Have a blessed day!



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