The Antichrist Hoax

You can pretty much rest assured that prophecy teachers (pastor, preacher, “prophet,” pundit, televangelist, and the like) have little idea what they’re talking about when they use the phrase “the Antichrist.” It’s a dead giveaway that any such person has sold out dogmatically, uncritically, and close-mindedly to a particular system of end-times theology rather than a purely biblical assessment of the issue.

Why such a strong conclusion over the mere phrase “the Antichrist”?

Because no such character appears in Scripture. Let me explain.

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LadyGreenEyes

This article is appalling. Denies more than one hundred Bible verses that support the reality of this person, the AntiChrist. Denies Scripture while accusing others of adding to it. All in all, it reads like many atheistic pieces that deny the deity of Christ. Horrible piece, and an embarrassment to the website.
- Amanda Casares
  
  These people are called "heretics". They think they know what they're talking about when in reaklity they have been deceived by Satan, himself!! It's too bad that people like this are spewing their rhetoric all over the internet! They are misleading a lot of people and they will be held accountable by God, Himself!! I pray that he sees the Ligfht BEFORE he dies!
- John Scott
  
  I couldn't agree more. You hit the nail on the head. Thank you
- felicity
  
  You are absolutely correct, LadyGreenEyes. Chapter 22:18,19 reads: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." The author of this "Hoax" as a seminary graduate certainly didn't learn much. This will be the last time I read this website. "Jesus, please come today." Hallelujah! Jesus is Lord. Amen.
  - MB Cook II
    
    AMEN, felicity!!! Come quickly Lord Jesus. I am unsubscribing to this newsletter after I send this to you. God Bless.
cat1paw

The non believers can just go on not believing. The end of times, the Rapture, can be seen forming today. Look at Obama care, government controlling health care. Only the people with the mark (666) will receive it. One world currency is just around the corner. This will solve world debt. Also it is prophesied the US will not be the country it is today. The flying lion, not the eagle. (China/US). Look at the dirty politics and the shredding of the Constitution and our laws.

Just 2 years and this country is sliding fast.
http://ldgent122@yahoo.com Larry

The Anti Christ is wanna be Bin Laden with his side kick Obumer wanna be
- felicity
  
  A false prophet will become before the antichrist to set people up. He will be charismatic, probably from the Middle East, and could very well be here. Keep an eye out for the different things that are happening according to the book of Revelation. If anyone hasn't done an in-depth study, I highly recommend it. It will open unbeliever's eyes. Frankly, I wish Jesus would come tonight, like a thief in the night. Then those of us who have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior will be taken up with Him. Hallelujah! I can't wait!!!
  - Jeff
    
    I wish Jesus would come tonight, like a thief in the night. Then those of us who have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior will be taken up with Him. Hallelujah! I can’t wait!!!
    
    Yes, lets hope the killing starts soon. We really need to have alot of biblical killing.
    
    Lets hope it starts soon and all the non beliviers are killed in really horrible ways. Amen
Manuel Chacon

There two types of Anti-Christ 1.Any one that is against the Living Christ, or do not believe that he lives. 2. The main Anti-Christ the Devil in human flesh.Here is part what the Holy Bible states:1 John 2:18-23

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? "He is ant-iChrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also". NKJV

The story written by a HALF BAKED person who has the power have a story printed, and I wonder if will allowed to be seen by other. This the Spirit of the Anti-Chrsit is here, the Main one may be here, or coming soon. He is no Hoax. The Devil ia just as real as God Almighty.
http://www.gotchabigbuys.com Pat Gilbreath

The antichrist is a real person who will be endued with powers from satan. He will desire to sit on the throne in the Temple in Jerusalem and declare himself God. This is when our Jewish brethren will have their eyes opened and the remnant will be hidden away. YES we will be out of here and will come back to rule and reign with Christ. We know for sure then that America and the rest of the world will be under the divine leadership and authority of God our father. George Washington had an angelic visitation and after the 3rd and last battle we were at rest and rebuilding, living in peace. WE WIN. Amen
http://--- Joe Landers

Non- believers have always been around, I suppose the obvious scares the crap out of them and denial is all they can believe in!! British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in the 1930's didn't think Hitler was a threat and I guess you could call him the 1930's version of a non-believer and look where that brought us!!! Is the anti-christ real?? I really hope not but the way mankind is acting sure doesn't give me much faith in our ability to control our bad actions so the anti-christ if out there is licking his chops for sure!! I think 12-21-12 sure looks like the game plan is on course, believers or non-believers doesn't change the inevitable does it, all who do believe just pray and hope we're wrong I sure would like to be wrong on this one, if it is to be what do I tell my three grandchildren!!! God help us all!!! Joe
Jim Lebzelter

Joel wrote a reasoned, well researched article presenting the evidence for the true, Scriptural understanding of 'antichrist', yet not one of you presented one whit of evidence on why he is wrong. Did any of you actually read what he had to say, or did you just immediately dismiss it out of hand because of your preconceived ideas? Judging from what a couple of you said, and from comments I've read elsewhere, you'd think that Joel tried to present evidence that the gospel itself is wrong. This type of closed-minded intolerance not only of another viewpoint, but of reasoned Biblical exegesis, looks more like what we see in cults rather than what we should see in the church.
- Jeff
  
  The gospel itself IS wrong.
  - felicity
    
    Well, Jeff, I guess you haven't read the Bible. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and then let us know what you REALLY feel. The Gospels are not wrong. Be careful in what you believe. You may be a good person and do good works, but that alone will not get you into heaven. As Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Unless a man be born again, he shall not see the kingdom of heaven." If you prefer being cast in the lake of fire for eternity, that is certainly your choice. Jesus Christ is mine, now and forever. Amen.
    - Jeff
      
      I have read the bible. It is vile perverse book. The stories are absurd and the message is so inconsistent as to be nonsensical.
- John Scott
  
  Jim I think Joel is very wrong on his interpretation of what John was writing to us in Revelations and is sowing seeds of doubt and also miss leadiing a lot of people that are truly searching the scriptures to learn about the times we are living in and the return of out Lord for his church.
  - Will T. Preterist
    
    You've heard of those Pharisee fellows, they were the ones who were so sure that they had the scripture figured out that they hung the very Word of God to death on a tree in defense of their twisted beliefs. People have been trying to "do the math" on bible prophecy for eons. I would suggest the book "The Day and the Hour" by Francis X. Gummerlock. Frank chronicles all of the "for sures" throughout history that Christ was returning in "our" lifetimes. The list includes even such as Martin Luther. They were all doing the "math" based upon events in their own epochs and they were all wrong. Such is the anti-christ speculations. Lets put the Pharisaical presuppositions aside and take the bible under its intended authorial contextual approach with all of its historical, grammatical and cultural facets included. Doing so will result in nothing short of a closer understanding of the nature of God Himself. It will however trash much of what is touted as "truth" by so many today including all of those in attendance here who are swatting at Joel. I find it so odd that when some archeological dig unveils an ossuary, coin etc that supports scriptural fact we all jump for joy. When the same is discovered that disproves some false presupposition those very cheerleaders cry "crucify" and lines are drawn. Jesus tells us to come to Him as little children (innocently, without presupposed baggage) not with our own concepts and false manifestations. Kudos to Joel.
    - Dianna Sturm
      
      I hate to tell you this. But if you have the Holy Spirit and are just plain bored with it, then you must mean, you have a holy spirit of a kind I've never heard of. I am filled with the Holy Spirit. And I haven't been bored for 30 years. I'm so sorry that God bores you to tears. I've been so busy with the Spirit leading me in study and praise and worship I haven't had the time to be bored. You do know that you can ask God to refresh you in the Holy Spirit, right? I will keep you in my prayers that God will refresh you. God bless, Diane.
      - Will T. Preterist
        
        Diana,
        
        I never said I was bored with the Paraclete, quite to the contrary. I was implying that you were. Please read my actual words without inserting your own thoughts. I was making an analogy between my simple yet awestruck feelings regarding the gift of the Holy Spirit as "enough for me" and your and other dispensationalists "need" for some gigantic celestial event as you fly though the sky in your rapture. You see Diana, I faithfully take Jesus completely and consistently at His word. In example He told the disciples that this (THEIR) generation would not pass until "these" things happen. I believe Him without need for speculation. He was speaking to THOSE people, at that time in His Holy presence, with words that they would understand regarding events to take place in THEIR lifetimes. He was not speaking to you or I. If he was speaking about us would he have not have said "there will come a generation"? Jesus said what he meant and meant what he said. BTW if you take the time to study history during the time is which the disciples walked you will be amazed to see that those things did indeed take place. You will see all of the grand and subtle moves of God unfold in factual, historical light, no guessing involved. If and when that happens you will find more WOW! in the scripture than even you could have ever imagined. ~WTP
- Mark Jr.
  
  I could not have said it better myself brother. Amen! Folks are rattling off talking points like liberal media pundits.
John Scott

Who ever wrote this article should be fired. It is a lie and he should get down on his knees and ask the Lord Jesus for forgivness, from taking away from this book and making some Christians doubt the words of this most Holy book (Revelation).
- Jim Lebzelter
  
  Ok John, then tell us where and why Joel is wrong. Give us an historic, grammatical refutation of what he said. If you can, then maybe the things you say will carry some weight. Otherwise you come across as a very close-minded individual, unwilling to even look at evidence that points in any direction other than what you already believe. That kind of attitude is dangerous, especially for the Christian (look at Will T. Preterists post concerning the Pharisees). At one time I believed in the prosperity gospel, that God wants all believers to be healthy and rich. There seemed to be a lot of Scriptural evidence for it. Ya know what? I was wrong! I misinterpreted the Bible in this matter. But I was able to admit I was wrong because I didn't have my entire Christian identity and my entire belief in God's Word tied up in this particular belief. Had I not been willing to examine the evidence I would still believe that lie. What about what WIll T. Preterist says about the fact that people throughout the history of the church have been convinced that Christ is returning in their lifetime? I've seen the book he refers to. It's filled with hundreds and hundreds of examples. Why were all of them wrong but today's predictions are right? GIve us facts, John (and you others), facts. Not just another reiteration of what you already believe.
  - John Scott
    
    Ok Jim, I'm certainly not a Bibicial scholar and I certainly don't have all the answers. But I have prayed and asked God for wisdom and to lead me in the right paths and I have to have faith that is what is he doing. It seems to me you have lost your faith and are full of anger. You sure put a lot of faith in Will T, Preterist. I do know there was no way Christ could return before Isreal became a nation again (1948).
    
    And I'm not going to get in a pissing match with you. You either have faith or you don't. I do believe that the antichrist is a literal person and he is probably somewhere on the scene now waiting to take control. You certainly don't have to believe that, it is you progitive. But there is plenty of scriptures in the Bible that show that. He is called by many names, not just the antichrist. I could suggest a lot of good prophecy teachers if you are interested, but somehow I don't think you will take me up on it. And by the way to answer your question about the prosperity gospel, I believe so many preachers or only trying to fatten their pocket book with that. I don't believe you give to God expecting somethink in return. You give out of Love for your fellow man. Hope, Faith, and Love and the greatest of these is Love. Peace Be With Yoy Jim
    - Mark Jr.
      
      This was not an answer. This is Christian trolling. This is how Dawkins and the new atheists talk in their books and articles. Giving no answer yet calling ones faith into question is not a responsible Christian manner of dialogue.
http://verizon.net Joe Dunst

The term: "AntiChrist" may not be in the Holy Scriptures…nevertheless Christians know who this addresses.

What's the big deal? Joe Dunst, Bronx,NY.
Patricia Wood

Books have been suggested…..if you want the Truth…..may I suggest the BIBLE, the Word of God!

Obama isn't the anti-christ, but, he is setting the stage for the appearance of the real anti-christ. Whatever you do….DON'T …..I repeat….DON'T……take the chip when they begin to insert it into the forehead or forearm of the people for buying and selling. I have heard that this is in the planning stages for as early as 2015. If you do you are dooming your own self to eternal hell. Again, this is all in the Bible……it is called…THE MARK OF THE BEAST. The Beast being Satan or (the anti-christ).
- Will T. Preterist
  
  My Dear Patricia,
  
  Did you know that Revelation was written in Hebraic language to Hebraic people who understood it as it was written. You are not one of those so you must shift your thought to that mode in order to get the true meaning. The forehead / forearm verse is reference to the Pharisees practice ot tying on philacteries. The forehead (mind/heart) the forearm (ones actions) ie not having Christ in your heart/mind and actions. The buying and selling part – when the Romans prohibited the minting of temple coinage the only coins the jews had were stamped with the Emperors face (the mark of the beast) on them. By Jewish law such were not to be used in the temple and therefore the Jews could not buy or sell. This Roman action was believe it or not was part of "the tribulation" which ended with the destruction of the temple and closed the old convenant. I suggest that you read a little Josephus, Tacitus and or Eusebius what you will find is historical verification of the Bible but not necessarily on your terms. I am sure you don't buy any of this. Did you know that when Jesus called himself a door it did not imply that he had hinges and a knob? I feel sorry for all of you who are waiting for some big event – your "blessed hope'. I already have the Blessed Hope of eternal salvation, it will began at my death. My death will occur whenever God decides in the fullness of His time to halt the earthly functions of my carcass. While I am living I have the Holy Spirit and that as plain boring as it may be is quite enough for me. Halleujah What a Savior! I might suggest that instead of all the worry of the "end times" we should be concentrating on preaching the Gospel, preaching the Gospel and preaching the Gospel. Yes, my dear there is a gross amount of sin afoot, there always has been, there will be until God exercises His laws of thermodynamics and burns this orb up. Until then the only solution is to preach the Gospel, preach the Gospel and again preach the Gospel.
  
  Good luck in your waiting game I am going to, you know ………………………………preach the Gospel.
  
  God Bless
  
  WTP
  - Jeff
    
    Will T. Preterist says:
    
    My Dear Patricia,
    
    Did you know that Revelation was written in Hebraic language to Hebraic people who understood it as it was written
    
    Did you know that these are all tribal myths and have no bearing on society today?
- Jeff
  
  may I suggest the BIBLE, the Word of God!
  
  You may suggest it, but it has nothing to do with reality. May I suggest a science book?
felicity

"The preterist interpretation of Scripture regards the book of Revelation as a symbolic picture of early church conflicts, not a description of what will occur in the end times. Preterism denies the future prophetic quality of most of the book of Revelation. In varying degrees, preterism combines the allegorical and symbolic interpretation with the concept that Revelation does not deal with specific future events. The preterist movement essentially teaches that all the end-times prophecies of the New Testament were fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans attacked and destroyed Jerusalem and Israel." http://www.gotquestions.org. To read more on this, go to the website. It will answer all your questions. You'll either believe it or you won't. Jesus loves you. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Follow is word. Become Christlike, and when the Rapture comes, I'll see you in heaven. Otherwise, you will be doomed to the Lake of Fire for eternity. Your choice. Mine is to follow Jesus. Hallelujah! Jesus is Lord.
Steve

I followed the link to this guys artical and in the first page he says this

"As I have already argued, this character “the Antichrist” does not even appear in Scripture, at least not in a way that anywhere resembles the many claims about “him.” In fact, the very phrase “the antichrist” hardly appears in Scripture." He then continues in the next paragraph

"It appears (in its various grammatical forms) only five times in Scripture. "

At that point I stopped reading as i don't have the time to waste with a person that can say on the same page that the word does not appear and then turn right around and say well it only appears 5 times. The guys a loser that has definate problems with the truth. God bless his soul.
- Jim Lebzelter
  
  Steve…re-read what you wrote and quoted. "…this CHARACTER, 'the Antichrist does not even appear in Scripture", and "In fact, the very PHRASE 'the antichrist' hardly appears in Scripture". He didn't say the WORD doesn't appear, he said the CHARACTER doesn't appear. He didn't contradict himself. Maybe you should reconsider your attitude.
KENNETH HUISMAN

If I believe Jesus is the Christ and have been born again, but if I have never read the book of Revelation or believe in an antichrist whether it is true or not true does that then negate my born again status and condemn me to eternal damnation or separation from Christ? Where is it, in order to be saved does the Bible indicate I should read, believe in or not believe in an antichrist in order to be an authentic true believer in Jesus Christ? I started out 67 years ago listening to predictions (gloom & doom) of the immediate or impending destruction of this earth and I am still hearing the same stories with a different twist. I read this article and all the following comments, for you who so quickly condemn this person's well written article, where is your reasoned, documented and cogent refutation? I love you all, God bless.
- Jim Lebzelter
  
  Right on, Kenneth. To read many of these posts, you'd think that there is another requirement for salvation (other than faith in Christ), and that is to believe in Dispensationalist theology (which didn't even exist before the early 1830's). I ask for reasoned, rational arguments as to why Joel is wrong, and I'm told I've lost my faith and am full of anger. The attitudes and mind-set I see here literally make a rational discussion impossible. Through the years I have had many wonderful debates about different aspects of theology with friends and acquaintences. Yet no one ever accused me of losing my faith or of not being a believer because I didn't agree with their viewpoint. It seems to me that many of the people here treat this end-times view as if it is the Gospel itself, as if there simply can not be another interpretation of Biblical prophesy. If I disagreed with your belief on communion, or baptism, would any of you just tell me I'm going to hell and walk away? Would you tell me I must not believe the Bible because I don't agree with your particular belief? Hopefully you would present Biblical evidence of why your position is correct and mine is wrong. We could have a rational discussion, and leave as friends and brothers. Assuming that assumption is correct, then why when your view of the end-times is challenged do you close your minds, spout venom (some of you) toward a fellow Christian, and simply refuse to even consider Biblical evidence to the contrary? This is anti-intellectualism to the max, and an unbiblical attitude to boot. God never asked us to check our brains at the door. We must not interpret the Bible just by prayer and faith, or by what our favorite pastor or author says, but by examining the original language, history, context, other parts of scripture, type of language used (poetic, apocalyptic, historical), and so forth. In other words, to interpret the Bible, or for that matter any literature, we must use the proper principles of hermeneutics, which is something that few here seem willing to do. My guess is, and I don't say this to be insulting, that few here even know what hermeneutics is, let alone what those principles are. Simply repeating your beliefs over and over, which many here have done, doesn't make them true. Neither does judgement and condemnation of those who disagree with you. On that count, some of you here should be ashamed of yourselves.
  - Jeff
    
    Right on, Kenneth. To read many of these posts, you’d think that there is another requirement for salvation (other than faith in Christ),
    
    Since the bible says there are many ways to salvation, why does it surprise you that people think there are other ways?
Gene

How can we trust in a god who:

Killed all the people on earth then repents saying that he won't do it again.

Still controls population numbers with war, disease, starvation and acts of god.

Created Satan to do his dirty work.

Gave most of the oil to the muslims.

Selected the jews as his chosen people.

Chose only one third of the world population to be Christian.

Delivers more babies to destitute families and countries.

Limited heaven to 144,000.

Selected Obama as our leader.
- Jeff
  
  W cannot trust in god for a simple reason. He is a myth.
- John Scott
  
  Gene I can tell you have never read the Bible or if you did you miss understood it terribly. When he flooded the earth he was wiping out the sees of the serpent. Where did you read only 144,000 were going to heaven.
  - Jeff
    
    God did not flood the earth as recounted in the bible. It could not happen that way.
    
    Lets review.
    
    The laughable Flood of Noah. A flood for which there is no evidence for, by the way. A flood that not only did not happen, it COULD not happen the way it is told. If the entire world is covered in water, that means it is covered in seawater. (Really, try it for yourself. mix a bowl of salt water and fresh water and see what you get. Here’s a hint – you get salt water.) If the entire earth is covered in salt water, it will poison the ground. That is why armies used to salt the earth of lands they invaded, so that it was ruined to try and grow more crops. There is no fresh water for anyone to drink because all the fresh water supplies have been destroyed by the ENTIRE EARTH BEING COVERED IN SALT WATER. So, we have no water and cannot grow new crops. If you start eating the animals from the ark, you keep them from reproducing. Of course, that does not stop Noah from sacrificing some of them immediately. Not that it matters. Keep in mind that two animals are not enough to provide the genetic diversity needed to sustain an animal population.
    
    It is an absurd story from any perspective
Stephen

The end-times started at the rejection of Christ. That's almost 2,000 years ago.
http://Zionica.com Joe

If the flood is a myth why are there clams found on top of mountains and still closed, clams open after death there is so much proof of a flood that, that coment about the flood being laughable, is laughable
- joe agnost
  
  Joe asked: "why are there clams found on top of mountains"
  
  Plate techtonics moron… If you'd listen to Jeff and open a science book every once in a while you wouldn't be so ignorant.
- Jeff Dixon
  
  The mountains were underwater at one point. Hundreds of millions of years ago. And they were not mountains at that time. But as plate tectonics moved the ground, mountains were formed. The clams that were in the earth are now on top of a mountain.
  
  If the flood happened, how did all the freshwater fish survive? There was no freshwater. The world was one big ocean. What did the people drink after they landed? There is no fresh water, all the water has been mixed with sea water.
David

Joel is once again right on the money. Sad to see so many dispensationalists posting, though.
glong

I read an article on a site that made the events of the Antichrist clear to me. The article was called "Will you Deny Him". It made the end very clear: http://howlongolord.com/?p=235