The Bible warns us that the Antichrist will rise to power in the last days, presenting himself as a counterfeit savior and deceiving multitudes. This sinister figure is not merely against Christ in an obvious sense; his deception is far more dangerous because he will appear to imitate Christ. He will claim divine authority, perform miracles, and promise peace and prosperity, but his mission is rooted in rebellion against God. The Apostle John gives us a sobering warning:

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18 KJV)

The term “antichrist” carries a double meaning: it refers to someone who is both opposed to Christ and someone who positions himself as a replacement for Christ. This makes him especially dangerous because his deception will seem appealing and even righteous to those who are not spiritually discerning. His rise will take place in a world longing for leadership, peace, and hope, but his promises will lead to destruction.

To help believers guard against deception, we can look closely at Scripture and compare the characteristics of Christ and the Antichrist. While their similarities are striking, their differences reveal the truth of who is the real Savior and who is a counterfeit.

1. Their Origins and Mission

Christ: Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, sent by the Father to save humanity from sin and to restore a broken relationship between God and man. He entered the world in humility, born of a virgin, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2). His mission was clear: to seek and save those who are lost, to proclaim forgiveness, and to lay down His life as a ransom for many.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 KJV)

Antichrist: The Antichrist, in contrast, is a man empowered by Satan. The Bible calls him “that man of sin” and “the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). He will appear as a charismatic leader, offering false peace and unity, but his true purpose is to lead the world into rebellion against God. He will be Satan’s counterfeit messiah, imitating Christ’s role as Savior but using deceit, fear, and power to gain control.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9 KJV)

Christ came to save, but the Antichrist will come to enslave. His strategy will be to cloak his deception with a façade of righteousness, making him appear as the solution to the world’s chaos.

2. Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

Christ: Jesus’ miracles were genuine, compassionate, and aimed at glorifying God. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, calmed storms, and raised the dead. These miracles were evidence of His divinity and His fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. His works revealed God’s heart and authority.

“And Jesus went about… healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23 KJV)

Antichrist: The Antichrist will also perform miracles, but his works will be counterfeit, empowered by Satan. These false signs will serve as a tool to deceive the masses. The world, desperate for answers, will see these miracles as proof of his divinity.

“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles.” (Revelation 13:14 KJV)

Both Christ and the Antichrist will be associated with miracles, but the difference lies in their source. Jesus’ miracles flow from God’s power and love, while the Antichrist’s “wonders” will be satanic counterfeits designed to manipulate.

3. Worship and Authority

Christ: Jesus is the eternal Word made flesh, deserving of worship. He did not exalt Himself for selfish purposes but perfectly submitted to the Father’s will. The Father exalted Him, giving Him a name above every name.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9 KJV)

Antichrist: The Antichrist will demand worship for himself and will declare himself to be God, even setting himself up in the temple of God. His desire is to usurp God’s place in the hearts of men, which reveals his satanic pride.

“So that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4 KJV)

Christ was exalted by God for His humility and obedience. The Antichrist will exalt himself, embodying Satan’s pride and rebellion.

4. Death and Resurrection

Christ: Jesus truly died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. His resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity and victory over sin and death.

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6 KJV)

Antichrist: The Antichrist will mimic Christ’s resurrection. Revelation 13 describes him receiving a seemingly fatal wound that is miraculously healed, causing the world to marvel and follow him.

“And his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” (Revelation 13:3 KJV)

This false resurrection will be one of his most powerful deceptions, convincing many that he is a divine savior.

5. Spirit of Christ vs. Spirit of Antichrist

Christ: The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus, pointing believers to truth and holiness. He works within believers to sanctify and guide them.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13 KJV)

Antichrist: The spirit of antichrist is already at work in the world, promoting false teachings and undermining biblical truth. Any teaching that denies Christ’s deity or humanity aligns with this spirit of deception.

“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist.” (1 John 4:3 KJV)

Christ’s Spirit brings life and truth. The Antichrist’s spirit brings confusion and rebellion.

6. Their Kingdoms

Christ: Jesus declared that His kingdom is not of this world. It is a spiritual kingdom that will one day be fully realized when He returns to establish His eternal reign of righteousness and peace.

“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36 KJV)

Antichrist: The Antichrist will rule over a temporary, earthly empire. Revelation 13 shows him as a global ruler, exercising power over nations for a limited time. His kingdom will appear strong, but it will be founded on deception and destined for destruction.

7. The End of Both

Christ: Jesus will reign forever as King of kings and Lord of lords. His second coming will bring justice, destroy evil, and establish a kingdom without end.

“Of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:33 KJV)

Antichrist: The Antichrist’s reign will be short-lived. He will be destroyed by Jesus at His second coming, cast into the lake of fire, and stripped of all power.

“Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV)

The Antichrist is a master deceiver, carefully designed to mimic Christ in every way possible, yet he is the complete opposite of Jesus in nature and purpose. His rise is a warning to Christians to be spiritually alert, rooted in Scripture, and discerning. Jesus Himself said, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4 KJV).

Although the Antichrist will appear powerful and convincing, he is only a counterfeit king whose reign is temporary. Jesus Christ is the true Savior and eternal King, and His truth will triumph. Believers must place their faith in Christ’s finished work and remain watchful, knowing that no deception can stand against the light of God’s Word.