In his epistles, the Apostle John uses the term “antichrist” multiple times. Many people assume he is referring only to a single future evil world leader, but a closer look at the Bible shows that the concept is broader and more spiritually nuanced. Understanding John’s usage helps Christians discern false teaching and recognize spiritual deception.

1. The Term “Antichrist” in Scripture

John uses the term antichrist in 1 John 2:18, 22 and 1 John 4:3, as well as in 2 John 1:7. Let’s look at the key passages:

• 1 John 2:18 – “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 2:22 – “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

• 1 John 4:3 – “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, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

• 2 John 1:7 – “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

Notice two important things:

1. John speaks of “many antichrists” in addition to the singular “antichrist.”

2. The defining characteristic of an antichrist is denying that Jesus is the Christ and rejecting the Father-Son relationship.

2. The Antichrists Are Teachers of False Doctrine

John clarifies that antichrists are primarily spiritual deceivers. They spread lies about Jesus, deny His incarnation, or twist the Gospel. These are not necessarily political figures or world leaders, they can be anyone who teaches contrary to God’s Word.

• 2 John 1:7 calls them “deceivers” who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.

• 1 John 4:3 says that the spirit of antichrist is already in the world, actively promoting false teaching.

This shows that antichrists are not just future entities—they are present in John’s day and continue today. Any person or movement that denies Jesus’ divine nature, His saving work, or the truth of God’s Word is participating in the spirit of antichrist.

3. Antichrists Deny Jesus as Messiah

The core issue that defines an antichrist is denial of Christ. In 1 John 2:22, John writes:

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

To be an antichrist is not merely to oppose Christians externally. It is to attack the truth about Jesus, either by teaching false doctrine or by distorting the nature of God and His Son. Examples include:

• Claiming Jesus was only human, not fully God.

• Denying that Jesus is the Savior.

• Twisting Scripture to remove Christ from salvation.

The antichrist spirit can appear in churches, schools, or popular culture—anywhere the Gospel is distorted.

4. The Singular “Antichrist” vs. Many Antichrists

John mentions a future figure, often called the Antichrist, who will appear at the end times. But he also emphasizes that “many antichrists” already exist in his generation (1 John 2:18).

• The singular antichrist may refer to a powerful, end-times figure who opposes Christ on a global scale (also described in 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13).

• Many antichrists refers to false teachers, deceivers, and those who deny Christ in everyday life.

This means that Christians do not have to wait for the end times to confront antichrists—their presence is ongoing, and vigilance is required.

5. How to Recognize Antichrists Today

John gives practical guidance:

• Doctrinal Test – If someone denies the truth of Jesus Christ as God incarnate, they are aligned with the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:2-3).

• Consistency with Scripture – Compare teachings with the Bible. God’s Word is the standard for truth.

• Fruit of the Spirit vs. Deception – Antichrists may appear convincing, but their message ultimately destroys faith and leads people away from God (Matthew 7:15-20).

Recognizing antichrists requires discernment, prayer, and knowledge of God’s Word.

6. How Christians Should Respond

John encourages believers to:

1. Remain in Christ – Faithful adherence to Jesus protects us from deception (1 John 2:24).

2. Test All Teachings – Measure every message by Scripture (1 John 4:1).

3. Guard Against Deception – Be aware that false teachers are active and persuasive.

4. Love the Truth and Reject Lies – Antichrists thrive where believers are ignorant or careless about God’s Word.

The “antichrists” John refers to are primarily spiritual deceivers who deny Jesus Christ as the Messiah and distort the truth of God. They include both:

• Many antichrists – false teachers, heretics, and deceivers in every generation.

• The singular, future antichrist – a powerful end-times figure who will oppose Christ openly.