As believers, we are called to discern the times and recognize the forces at work in our world. Scripture provides a striking contrast between Jesus Christ, our Savior, and the Antichrist, the figure of end-times rebellion. Clarence Larkin, in his work Dispensational Truth, outlines 14 key differences that illuminate this spiritual battle, drawing from the Word of God. These contrasts not only reveal the nature of Christ but also prepare us to identify and resist the deception of the Antichrist. Let’s examine these truths:
- Origin: Christ came from above (John 6:38); the Antichrist will ascend from the pit (Revelation 11:7).
- Authority: Christ came in His Father’s name (John 5:43); the Antichrist will come in his own name (John 5:43).
- Humility: Christ humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8); the Antichrist will exalt himself (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
- Reception: Christ was despised (Isaiah 53:3; Luke 23:18); the Antichrist will be admired (Revelation 13:3-4).
- Destiny: Christ will be exalted (Philippians 2:9); the Antichrist will be cast down to hell (Isaiah 14:14-15; Revelation 19:20).
- Purpose: Christ came to do His Father’s will (John 6:38); the Antichrist will do his own will (Daniel 11:36).
- Mission: Christ came to save (Luke 19:10); the Antichrist will come to destroy (Daniel 8:24).
- Shepherding: Christ is the good shepherd (John 10:1-15); the Antichrist is the “idol [evil] shepherd” (Zechariah 11:16-17).
- Identity: Christ is the “true vine” (John 15:1); the Antichrist is the “vine of the earth” (Revelation 14:18).
- Truth: Christ is the “Truth” (John 14:6); the Antichrist is the “lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:11).
- Holiness: Christ is the “holy one” (Mark 1:24); the Antichrist is the “lawless one” (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
- Character: Christ is the “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3); the Antichrist is the “man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
- Lineage: Christ is the “Son of God” (Luke 1:35); the Antichrist is the “son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
- Mystery: Christ is the “mystery of godliness: God… manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16); the Antichrist is “the mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
Let’s commit to studying prophecy, sharing the Gospel, and preparing for Christ’s return, knowing that the defeat of the Antichrist is certain! (Revelation 19:20).