(Clip) Marks of the Spirit of antichrist
Derek Prince explains the defining characteristics of the spirit of Antichrist as revealed in the epistles of John, emphasizing its deceptive nature and denial of Jesus as Messiah and the Father-Son relationship.
This sermon delves into the characteristics and marks of the spirit of Antichrist as described by John in the Bible. It emphasizes that the spirit of Antichrist often begins in association with God's people but does not truly belong there, eventually being revealed. The key marks include denying that Jesus is the Messiah, denying the Father and the Son's relationship within the Godhead, and denying that the Messiah has already come.
Full Transcript
for a brief period, who will be the Antichrist. The third form is the spirit of Antichrist. The spirit of Antichrist is the spirit that operates through every Antichrist.
And John has given us certain marks of the spirit of Antichrist which are very important. First of all, it starts in association with God's people. For John says in 1st epistle of John chapter 2 verse 19, They, the Antichrists, 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. So Antichrist always begins in some way in association with the people of God.
But it doesn't really belong there and in due course that will be made manifest. That's one mark of the spirit of Antichrist. The second one is that it denies that Jesus is the Messiah.
First John 2 verse 22, Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? He is Antichrist. And then John continues with the third mark. He is Antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.
This is very important. Antichrist does not deny the existence of God. In fact he claims to be God's representative.
What he does deny is the relationship of the Father and the Son within the Godhead. And wherever you encounter the denial of that, you are probably facing the spirit of Antichrist. And the fourth mark of Antichrist which is given in 1 John chapter 4 is that it denies Messiah has come.
Probably believes in a Messiah who will come, but denies that Messiah has already come.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the spirit of Antichrist
- Its association with God's people initially
- The eventual revelation of its true nature
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II
- Denial that Jesus is the Messiah
- Scriptural evidence from 1 John 2:22
- The spirit's opposition to true Christology
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III
- Denial of the relationship between Father and Son
- Antichrist claims to represent God but distorts the Godhead
- Importance of recognizing this denial
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IV
- Denial that the Messiah has already come
- Belief in a future Messiah but rejection of Jesus' first coming
- The final mark of the spirit of Antichrist
Key Quotes
“They, the Antichrists, went out from us, but they were not of us.” — Derek Prince
“He is Antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” — Derek Prince
“Antichrist does not deny the existence of God. In fact he claims to be God's representative.” — Derek Prince
Application Points
- Be vigilant in discerning teachings that deny Jesus as Messiah or distort the Father-Son relationship.
- Recognize that false teachings may arise from within the church and require careful spiritual evaluation.
- Hold firmly to the biblical revelation of Christ's identity and the Godhead to resist the spirit of Antichrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spirit of Antichrist?
The spirit of Antichrist is a deceptive spirit that operates through individuals who deny key truths about Jesus Christ and the Father-Son relationship.
How does the spirit of Antichrist begin its work?
It begins in association with God's people but ultimately reveals itself as not belonging to them.
What does the spirit of Antichrist deny about Jesus?
It denies that Jesus is the Messiah and rejects the relationship between the Father and the Son.
Does the spirit of Antichrist deny God's existence?
No, it does not deny God's existence but distorts His nature and claims to represent Him.
What is a key scriptural reference for understanding the spirit of Antichrist?
1 John 2:19 and 1 John 2:22 provide clear marks of the spirit of Antichrist.