Islam is spreading rapidly around the globe. Many people were born into this religion and therefore know nothing else. Others have converted to this belief system for many reasons, just as people convert to any religion. Millions live under the rule of Islam even if they are not true followers. The spread of this religion comes through immigration into other cultures and sometimes by violence. It seems that such a pervasive system could give rise to one man who would control all nations.
The one who at first seems to have all the answers to the world's problems is given the designation 'antichrist' in letters written by the apostle John. In his first epistle, John says that many such people come 'out from us'. He says that, although the liars and deceivers were in the church body, their defection is proof that they were never truly of the faith.
He than says that the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ is the antichrist. This man denies the Father and the Son. This could fit many people, including Muslims. However, this does not negate the former qualification of once being a part of the Christian church.
Later in his first epistle, John says that the spirit of antichrist does not acknowledge Jesus come in the flesh. He also states that this spirit that is not of God is already in the world. Since he tells us that there are many antichrists, the fact of their presence in John's day does not interfere with the idea of one, very powerful man who will come in an anti-God campaign in the last times.
In his next letter, John states that there are many come into the world to lie and deceive, all of whom are antichrists. Every Christian should be familiar with the admonition that our warfare is not carnal but spiritual, so the idea of one spirit indwelling many different people should not be surprising. This spiritual warfare comes from Satan, who imitates God in many ways. As God works through human beings to save, Satan works through humans to destroy.
Paul does not use this specific name for God-denying workers of iniquity, but speaks of deceivers, the man of sin, and of perdition. The Bible tells us clearly that Satan is at work in the world and warns us to stand with Jesus or be deceived. Paul also implies that the worst offenders come in the guise of the faithful, seeking to deceive even the elect.
Will the antichrist be a Muslim? It appears that Christianity is the spiritual arena for this global and final conflict, when the ultimate challenge to God will be met and defeated. All the world will be affected, but the christian God is the one who is challenged and will win.
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