Why I Preach About the Antichrist and
Why You Should Too by Cindy DeGrie.
‘Some people ask why I talk so much about the Antichrist. Others insist there are only a handful of verses in Scripture about him, so why give him any attention? “Shouldn’t we focus on Jesus instead?” they ask. “Isn’t preaching about the Antichrist a distraction, or even fear-mongering?”
These are fair questions. And I want to answer them—not from emotion or speculation, but from Scripture.
Jesus Is the Center of Everything!
Let me say this plainly: Jesus is the theme of the Bible. Every book, every covenant, every prophetic pattern—everything points to Him. He is the Savior, the Son of God, the Lamb slain, the King returning. If we are not preaching Jesus, we are not preaching truth.
But here’s the important distinction: preaching Jesus includes preaching what He taught. And Jesus Himself spoke often—very often—about deception in the last days.
“Take heed that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:4)
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive…” (Matthew 24:24)
Jesus didn’t shy away from warning His followers about what was coming—He gave detailed descriptions so they would be prepared, not panicked.
To obey Jesus means to teach the whole counsel of the Bible—including the parts that warn us of Satan’s final counterfeit: the man of sin, the Antichrist.
But Isn’t the Word “Antichrist” Only Found in 1 John?
Yes, the term “antichrist” appears in the Bible just five times—all in 1 and 2 John. But the person we call Antichrist is described in dozens of passages under many different names.
My question for those NOT seeing, acknowledging, and preaching about this when we find specific details about this person is: WHY don’t you also teach and preach about him?
Ponder that and let’s continue…
Who Is the Antichrist? A Biblical and Prophetic Overview…
The figure we call the Antichrist is one of the most significant prophetic subjects in Scripture. Because of this, it demands more than casual interest—it demands our discernment, study, and bold engagement.
We are not called to merely recognize this figure called the Antichrist when he appears, but to warn, preach, and prepare others now so they are not deceived when he comes. This is part of preaching the whole counsel of God.
Despite how often this subject is avoided in modern pulpits, Scripture does not downplay it. Instead, it provides detailed revelation across both Testaments about his names, character, methods, timing, and ultimate defeat. The biblical testimony is clear: the rise of this final deceiver is not a side issue—it is central to understanding the final events leading to the return of Jesus Christ.
Although the exact term “Antichrist” appears only five times in 1 and 2 John (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7), the concept is richly revealed throughout both Old and New Testaments under various names and descriptions.
These overlapping portrayals give a comprehensive picture of a man who will embody evil and opposition to God, culminating in a worldwide rebellion during the last days.
1. Names and Titles of the Antichrist in Scripture…
The Bible identifies this end-times figure with many titles, each highlighting different aspects of his nature and mission:
➡️ The Beast — Revelation 13 describes a terrifying, blasphemous beast rising from the sea, empowered by Satan, receiving worship from the world’s inhabitants. This Beast speaks arrogant words and wages war against God’s saints. He appears to unify the world in peace and power, but it is a deception—he ultimately turns on believers, blasphemes God, and demands worship.
➡️ The Man of Sin / Son of Perdition / Lawless One — In 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10, Paul speaks of a future individual who opposes God, exalts himself above all that is called God, and sits in the temple of God proclaiming to be God. This Lawless One will work counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive many. He appears at first to be a spiritual savior or peacemaker—but then reveals himself as the ultimate deceiver and self-exalting tyrant.
➡️ The Little Horn — The visions in Daniel 7 and 8 reveal a “little horn” that grows exceedingly great, speaks pompous words, wages war against the saints, and changes times and laws. He appears at first to be for God’s people—deceiving many—but ultimately turns against them, breaking covenants and leading brutal persecution. This horn symbolizes a blasphemous end-time ruler fully opposed to God and His saints.
➡️ The Willful King / King of Fierce Countenance / Prince Who Shall Come — Daniel 8 and 11 describe a king who acts with arrogance, willfully opposes God’s covenant, and prospers until the end time. He will appear to confirm a covenant with many—likely including Israel—but in the middle of that agreement, he will betray and desecrate, setting up the abomination of desolation and persecuting the faithful.
➡️ The Abomination of Desolation — Jesus referenced this in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14, referring to a sacrilegious act in the temple (or its prophetic fulfillment) that signals imminent great tribulation. This is the pivotal moment when the Antichrist reveals his true nature—having entered as a false protector, he now desecrates what is holy and unleashes wrath upon those who will not worship him.
➡️ The Worthless Shepherd — Zechariah 11:17 speaks of a shepherd who will be rejected and destroyed, symbolizing the false leader who leads people astray. This shepherd appears to care for the flock—but in truth, he abandons, devours, and destroys. The Antichrist will rise with the trust of many, only to betray and consume them.
➡️ The Rider on the White Horse — The first seal in Revelation 6:1–2 describes a rider who comes forth “conquering and to conquer,” often linked by scholars with the Antichrist’s initial rise to power. This figure mimics Christ, riding a white horse and offering false peace, but he is no savior—he brings conquest, deception, and death.
➡️ The Assyrian — In passages such as Isaiah 10:5–19 and Micah 5:5–6, “the Assyrian” appears as a prophetic figure who resists God’s people and foreshadows the destructive work of the future Antichrist. Some interpreters treat the Assyrian purely as a symbolic type, while others trace possible geographic or ethnic connections. Either approach—or even both in combination—can provide helpful insight. What is clear is that this figure functions in prophecy as a pattern: like ancient Assyria, the Antichrist will be arrogant, ruthless, and permitted for a time to afflict God’s people before being judged and overthrown.
2. Characteristics and Actions of the Antichrist…
The Scriptures reveal several clear characteristics and activities of this end-times ruler:
➡️ Deceptive and Blasphemous Speech — The Antichrist will speak pompous words, boasting and blaspheming God (Daniel 7:8, 20; Revelation 13:5–6). But this won’t always sound overtly evil—today, deception often comes cloaked in religious language. He will speak “Christianese,” flatter the Church, and twist Scripture to promote counterfeit unity and spiritual control. Don’t expect horns and snarls—expect smooth words, inclusive slogans, and fake revival.
➡️ Persecution of the Saints — The Antichrist will wear out the saints of the Most High (Daniel 7:21, 25; Revelation 13:7). Already we are watching the rise of laws, policies, and social movements that punish true Christians for standing on the Word. But persecution won’t always look like violence—it will come through censorship, public shaming, financial pressure, and even betrayal from within the compromised Church.
➡️ Changing Times and Laws — He will seek to change set times and laws (Daniel 7:25), undermining God’s order and rewriting truth. Today, this is happening through moral relativism, redefining marriage and gender, rewriting history, and promoting religious systems that fuse Church with State to enforce “righteousness” through power, not through the Gospel.
➡️ Miraculous Signs and Wonders — Empowered by Satan, the Antichrist will perform signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13–14). We are already seeing a surge in supernatural experiences, prophetic movements, and counterfeit signs—many of which are embraced by people claiming to follow Jesus. The Antichrist won’t just deceive the world—he’ll deceive much of the visible Church with “revival” that is not of God.
➡️ Demand for Worship — He will exalt himself above every so-called god and demand allegiance (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:8). But this may not begin as overt idol worship—it may come first as Christian nationalism, dominionism, or “saving the Church through politics.” When worship becomes about a cause, a country, a movement, or a man—it is already Antichrist in spirit.
➡️ Economic Control — The mark of the Beast will control buying and selling (Revelation 13:16–17), signaling not just surveillance, but total allegiance. The technology for this is already here. And people are being conditioned to embrace digital ID systems, cashless platforms, and AI-based compliance—for safety, convenience, or even “church growth.” The mark isn’t here yet, but the framework and the willingness are.
➡️ Global Political and Religious Leader — The Antichrist will lead a global coalition politically and religiously (Daniel 11:36–45; Revelation 17). We are witnessing increasing calls for one-world governance, interfaith unity, and the merging of Church and State for “righteousness” or “peace.” The final Beast system won’t just oppose religion—it will use false religion to gain power.
3. The Antichrist’s Role in the Prophetic Timeline…
The rise of the Antichrist doesn’t happen in a vacuum or appear out of nowhere at the moment of the Rapture. His system has been gaining ground steadily throughout history, moving into position with increasing clarity. What we see today—the rise of global surveillance, digital currency, religious compromise, and political idolatry—is not random. It’s part of a coordinated prophetic sequence foretold in Scripture. Many Bible scholars and watchful believers have been discerning the signs for decades.
Here’s where the Antichrist fits within that larger prophetic timeline:
➡️ After Widespread Apostasy — According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the “man of sin” is revealed after a great falling away. This isn’t just people leaving church buildings—it’s a global moral collapse, a rejection of truth, and a compromised religious system that looks like faith but is utterly deceived. We are watching that apostasy unfold now—as churches embrace false gospels, corrupt leaders, New Age practices, and political alliances in the name of God.
➡️ During the Final Global Crisis — Scripture places the Antichrist’s rule during a period of unprecedented global upheaval. Jesus called it “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21), and it includes wars, economic collapse, persecution, and supernatural judgments (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 6–18). While this period has not fully begun, its shadows are already here. The systems, ideologies, and technologies that will enable his control are being built right now.
➡️ Before Christ’s Return in Power — The Antichrist will be allowed to rule for a short, appointed time—but Jesus will return in power and glory to overthrow him (Revelation 19:11–21; 2 Thessalonians 2:8). Christ doesn’t return to a peaceful world—He returns to confront a counterfeit kingdom and rescue the remnant who have not bowed to the Beast.
➡️ Destined for Judgment — The Antichrist will not succeed in his rebellion. He and the false prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20), and every earthly system that exalts itself against God will be brought to ruin. His rise is permitted for a season—but it ends in total defeat.
4. Why This Matters: The Danger of Deception…
We need to stop imagining the Antichrist as some cartoonish villain in a red cape with horns and a pitchfork. That’s not how he’s coming.
The real danger is that most of the world—including much of what calls itself the Church—won’t recognize him at all. He won’t arrive shouting rebellion. He won’t look like a tyrant at first. He will come as a peacemaker, a problem solver, and a man of charisma. He will speak the language of hope and unity. He may even quote the Bible. He might be called things like “a man of light,” “the anointed one,” “the voice we’ve been waiting for,” or even “the prince of peace.”
In fact, he will appear to many as a savior figure—one who can fix the chaos, bring order, and rally the world around shared goals like justice, security, and peace. But it will all be a lie. His real agenda is control, worship, and rebellion against the true Christ.
This is why Jesus warned us plainly:
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).
This deception has already begun. John wrote that “many antichrists have come” (1 John 2:18), and we are living in a time when the spirit of Antichrist is everywhere—in politics, in technology, in religion, in the media, and even in pulpits. The world is being conditioned to welcome him.
He will flatter religious people. He will talk about “God.” He will talk about Israel. He may even go to church or synagogue. But his allegiance is to Satan, and his goal is to counterfeit the role of Jesus Christ—to replace Him in the hearts of people.
So we have to ask:
What kind of leader would actually deceive you today?
Would it be a dictator in military garb? Or would it be someone who speaks like a reformer or “man with the plan” needed? Someone who uses the language of Scripture and unity and peace, promising to restore morality, justice, peace, safety, security, and the soul of the nation or world?
This is exactly why we cannot afford to ignore this subject. To brush it off as “too negative” or “too speculative” is to leave the door open to massive deception. If we don’t talk about it—if we don’t study what God has revealed—we will be no better than those in past empires who celebrated their kings as gods, only to be enslaved by them.
The Bible doesn’t warn us about the Antichrist so we can live in fear. It warns us so we can recognize what’s coming, stay anchored in the truth, and help others escape the trap.
This is happening now. The stage is already set. We are not waiting for the deception to begin—it’s already here. The only question is whether we’ll have eyes to see.
5. Scriptural Cross-References and Key Passages
The biblical teaching on the Antichrist is woven through numerous Scriptures that reveal different facets of his identity and work:
➡️ The term Antichrist itself appears in 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3 and 2 John 1:7, describing those who deny Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh and oppose the truth.
➡️ The Beast and False Prophet are detailed in Revelation 13 and judged in Revelation 19, showing the end-time political-religious system led by the Antichrist.
➡️ The Man of Sin or Lawless One is unveiled in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, portraying his rebellion, self-exaltation, and deception.
➡️ The Little Horn prophecy from Daniel 7:8-27 and Daniel 8:9-12 reveals a blasphemous ruler who persecutes the saints and disrupts God’s appointed times.
➡️ The Willful King, described in Daniel 11:36-45, is a proud ruler who ignores God’s laws and exalts himself until destruction.
➡️ Jesus’ reference to the Abomination of Desolation in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 warns of a sacrilegious act that triggers the great tribulation.
➡️ The Persecution of the Saints is prophesied in Daniel 7:21, 25 and Revelation 13:7, showing how God’s faithful will suffer under his reign.
➡️ His use of False Miracles and Signs to deceive is highlighted in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 and Revelation 13:13-14.
➡️ The Economic Control through the “mark of the Beast” is described in Revelation 13:16-17, symbolizing total control over commerce and daily life.
➡️ The Falling Away or Apostasy that precedes his revelation is recorded in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and the warnings of Matthew 24:10-12.
➡️ Warnings about Deception are also found in Matthew 24:4-5, 24 and 2 Timothy 3:13, urging vigilance.
➡️ Finally, the Second Coming of Jesus and the Judgment of the Antichrist are detailed in Revelation 19:11-21 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
➡️ John’s teaching on the Spirit of Antichrist and the presence of many antichrists in the last days can be found in 1 John 2:18-22 and 4:1-3.
6. How This Fits Into the Gospel Message…
The message about the Antichrist should be frightening. Not in a sensational or manipulative way—but in a sober, truthful, and holy way.
What lies ahead for this world is horrific. Scripture describes it as a time of deception so deep that even the elect could be deceived if not for God’s intervention. It speaks of global persecution, lawlessness, betrayal, plagues, demonic activity, and a final outpouring of God’s wrath on an unrepentant world. That’s not hyperbole. That’s the Word of God.
But we have lost our fear of God. We’ve traded the weight of truth for feel-good mantras, prosperity sermons, and self-help affirmations. We’ve replaced warnings about judgment with cozy, sentimental devotions. We’ve built a version of Christianity that never trembles, never weeps, and never warns.
But the early Church warned. The prophets warned. Jesus warned.
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
Hell is real. Wrath is real. The Antichrist is real. But here’s the good news: Jesus is coming to rescue His people.
“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9
“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36
Yes, the days ahead will be terrible. But for the true, watching, Spirit-filled Church, there is a blessed hope—an escape from the wrath to come. We are not looking for the Antichrist. We are looking for Jesus Christ.
But we must warn those who are asleep.
If people don’t know what’s coming, they won’t cling to the One who saves. If they’re never told about the danger, they’ll never understand their need for rescue. And if the Church remains silent, many will be swept into deception, unprepared and unsealed.
This message isn’t meant to scare believers—it’s meant to wake the sleeping, convict the lukewarm, and prepare the remnant. It is love that warns. And it is mercy that declares: Jesus saves. Jesus delivers. And Jesus is coming soon.
➡️ Awaken to Reality: We are engaged in spiritual warfare, and the Bible warns that the final enemy will come disguised as a savior.
➡️ Prepare to Stand Firm: Believers must know Scripture, be rooted in Christ, and walk in the Spirit so deception does not overcome them.
➡️ Protect the Church: Recognizing false teachings and counterfeit signs keeps the Church pure and faithful.
➡️ Point to Jesus: Ultimately, the Antichrist reveals the need for Jesus, the true King who will return and reign forever.
So…Why Preach About the Antichrist?
➡️ Because it is commanded by Scripture.
➡️ Because it reveals the spiritual battle behind world events.
➡️ Because deception is the greatest enemy facing the Church.
➡️ Because knowledge empowers believers to watch, pray, and remain faithful.
➡️ Because Jesus Himself taught it.
➡️ Because the whole counsel of God includes both grace and warning.
These are not symbolic myths or obscure footnotes. These are consistent, detailed descriptions of a real man who will rise to global power and lead the world in rebellion against God.
Many conservative Bible scholars estimate there are over 100 passages—yes, hundreds of verses—describing this individual.
If the Holy Spirit inspired that much Scripture about the Antichrist, it’s not a side issue. It’s a serious one.
The Antichrist’s Role and Danger…
The Antichrist is not simply an abstract idea or an optional topic for Bible study. He is the climactic figure in the spiritual warfare between God and Satan. Scripture reveals he will counterfeit Christ’s authority, deceive the nations with false peace and miraculous signs, and establish a temporary kingdom that directly opposes God’s Kingdom.
His rise will mark the peak of human rebellion and the greatest deception the world has ever seen. The Antichrist will unite political, religious, and economic powers to impose his will globally, often described as the Beast system—a system opposed to the truth and holiness of God.
This is why understanding who he is and what he will do is crucial for believers. Without awareness, the Church risks being caught unprepared or even deceived by counterfeit “Christianity” that he will promote.
Jesus, Paul, John, and the Old Testament prophets all emphasize the need to be vigilant and discerning. The Antichrist’s deception is not just about politics or worldly power; it’s a spiritual deception that will try to steal the allegiance and worship that belong only to God.
Ignoring or downplaying this figure is not biblical; it leaves the Church vulnerable. Teaching about the Antichrist helps believers recognize the signs of the times, avoid deception, and stand firm in their faith.
It’s Not Obsession. It’s Obedience.
Let’s be clear: I am not obsessed with the Antichrist. I am obsessed with truth. And in the last days, the greatest threat is not persecution—it’s deception.
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed…”
(2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Paul didn’t say “ignore this man.” He said the Church would fall away and be deceived if we’re not watching.
Some argue, “But warning about the Antichrist won’t cause people to repent—only preaching Jesus will.”
Let me respectfully challenge that: Jesus preached warnings, too. He talked more about hell than anyone. He warned about wolves in sheep’s clothing, false messiahs, the abomination of desolation, and the great tribulation. Are we more spiritual than Jesus if we refuse to teach what He taught?
In fact, Scripture is full of examples where warning leads to repentance:
➡️ Noah warned of judgment—and his family was saved.
➡️ Jonah warned Nineveh—and the whole city repented.
➡️ John the Baptist warned the religious hypocrites—and prepared the way for Christ.
➡️ Paul warned constantly about deception—even naming names.
➡️ Jesus wept over Jerusalem and warned of its destruction—and some listened.
Warnings aren’t fear-mongering. They are mercy. They are what GOOD shepherds do to care for the sheep.
Preach the Full Gospel—Not a Sanitized One…
The idea that preaching about the Antichrist distracts from Jesus only makes sense if we believe the Gospel is just about personal comfort or positive messages. But the Gospel is good news in the midst of bad news. It includes rescue from something: from wrath, from sin, from deception.
“Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
We preach Christ crucified, resurrected, ascended, and soon returning. But He is also returning to judge and reign. The world is being set up for the Antichrist, but those who belong to Jesus will not be deceived—if they are watching.
Why I Preach About the Antichrist…
➡️ Because Jesus warned us to watch.
➡️ Because Paul warned the Church not to be deceived.
➡️ Because John said many antichrists have gone out into the world.
➡️ Because the prophets described him in detail.
➡️ Because the signs of his coming kingdom are everywhere.
➡️ Because millions of Christians are asleep.
➡️ Because counterfeit “Christianity” is rising.
Because the true Church must be wise and awake.
But most of all, I preach about the Antichrist so I can point people to Jesus—the only One who saves, delivers, and reigns forever.
➡️ We do not preach fear.
➡️ We preach truth in a time of deception.
➡️ We preach hope in a time of chaos.
➡️ We preach Christ—and we expose the lie that would lead many to destruction.
“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
Eyes on Jesus—But Not Blind to Deception…
Yes, we fix our eyes on Jesus. But Jesus Himself told us to stay alert.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
“Behold, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:25)
Let’s not confuse focus with silence. We preach Christ—but we also obey His command to “watch and warn.” And we do both in love.”
Cindy DeGrie.
Cindy’s Original Post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10164045621946340&set=pob.1454990452
Laura Maxwell‘s Comment:
“This is an absolutely wonderful article. I truly have never read anything as compelling on this critical topic. So comprehensive. I’m actually stunned and can’t thank Cindy enough!
Although personally I don’t believe Christians will be raptured out of the Tribulation, I totally agree with every point she made and I do hope this serves as a clarion call to many.
Friends, even if you have not written about the Antichrist before, you can share Cindy DeGrie’s posts. It’s a totally new topic for me to write about, but dear friends Cindy and others give us the needful Biblical information!!!
Like me, please take this opportunity to share these vital warnings and see more souls come to Jesus and remain anchored to Him, avoiding the Antichrist’s satanic traps and his Mark of The Beast.
Also, we know that after the Antichrist reign, Jesus will return victoriously! As our Beloved Jesus said, we can look up with hope, “as your redemption draws nigh!” Laura Maxwell.
Afterword:
Just share the gospel and stop warning about T®ump, a few have said. Is this Biblical? No! Please see Amy Hawk’s Response:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM-lpY7JRGQ/?igsh=amIweXB6bGx3OWZn
…
SEE ALSO:
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About Laura Maxwell.
Former New Age Spiritualist, Laura has been a Christian since 1996. She graduated from Strathclyde University, Scotland, earning a BA Honors degree in Psychology. For more on her story, her TV and Radio Shows, publications, speaking engagements, etc, please see her blog at https://ourspiritualquest.com/about/
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