Antichrist—Christ

“Anti” means “against, the opposite.” Antichrist is someone who is the opposite of Christ. However, at the same time as he in reality is the opposite of Christ according to his mind, he wants to appear to be like Him, even better than Him! For his intention is to replace Christ (God). 2 Thess. 2:4.

The doctrine of Christ states that the person is to be set free; therefore the doctrine of the Antichrist must also proclaim liberty—and it proclaims liberty from the things for which the doctrine of Christ does not give liberty. Therefore it is seemingly better! Thus the Antichrist attempts to be like Christ—even surpassing Him—in proclaiming liberty!

People have always been willing to be fooled by sugary and enticing words, and on this point Satan has an effective means!

It is vital for the saints to differentiate between the noble and the ignoble, between that which is beneficial and that which is useless—things that serve only to satisfy the desires of our natural man.

Christ gives us liberty from sin. Antichrist, on the other hand, gives liberty from God’s laws (from obedience and submission, from self-control and judgment).

Therefore the Antichrist is also called the lawless one. 2 Thess. 2:8. The spirit of Antichrist will therefore make a person lawless, whereas the Spirit of Christ will cause the person who obeys Him to be under law toward Christ. 1 Cor. 9:21. This is the real contrast, for to be under law is the direct opposite of being lawless!

It is important for us to receive a basic understanding of Antichrist as opposed to Christ, so that we are not deceived in any way and thus suffer some loss.

In these days, the entire world is deceived by the thoughts of Antichrist, even many of those who believe in the atonement! The reason is that lawlessness is a mystery; it is hidden under a mask! 2 Thess. 2:7. People all over the world have now been largely deceived by a hope of liberty, but not liberty from their malice! Moreover, they hope to be free from laws and judgment and self-control, from obedience and submission, etc. What else is this but the thoughts of lawlessness?

The state of affairs is so bad that many, even most of the assemblies of converted people almost do not tolerate a sober exhortation to obedience and sacrifice; to be diligent to be faithful in virtue and deed; to test their works; to gain insight and judge in various matters between just and unjust; to be in submission; and similar things. It is almost not permitted to mention such things; and if it is mentioned, it must in any case not be made serious so that no one is reminded of his folly. It must be mentioned jestingly, appropriately “sweetened,” so that it will be soon forgotten.

There arises a shout from the masses: “Away with laws and self-control! Away with everything that judges and rules! Away with all authority! Let every one of us do as he wants!” This is the mystery! This is the Antichrist’s solution: Lawlessness!

The same thing asserts itself now as it did before, only that the fullness of the time will soon come for the Antichrist—as it once did for Jesus Christ. Just as the people of Israel were ready to receive the Messiah, wanting to make Him their ruler, so now mankind is getting ready to receive a person who can gather all the threads in his hand and guide them so they can execute their thoughts.

This mystery is hidden to most people, but the “lawless one” will be revealed. 2 Thess. 2:8.

The saints are going in the opposite direction of those who desire lawless conditions. They become partakers of divine nature—God’s own nature—through obedience, humiliation, submission, self-control, judgment, and sufferings. This means that they become partakers of God’s own nature, which is the eternal laws that proceed from God and which are God.

We come under law in God and are thus equipped to what we are called to; namely, to rule with Christ.

“There will be one Ruler over men; He will be just, ruling in the fear of God.” 2 Sam. 23:3. “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” 2 Tim. 2:12.

Also take note of 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 10:5.

Christians: of their own free will, under law toward Christ, free from transgressing God’s laws.

Anti-Christians: free from the law and self-control; everyone acts according to his own desires.