Discerning the Antichrist

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. In this scriptural study, we investigate the biblical signs, teachings, and prophecies of the Antichrist as a phenomena; we look at the antichrist spirit, kingdom, and person. This book is in three parts; in the first part we look at the biblical definitions of the antichrist spirit, and at Old Testament types of the coming Christ, and antichrist. In the second part, we look at Christ's first coming, and the spirit of antichrist in opposition to His ministry culminating in the initial murder of Christ. In the third part we look at the antichrist through biblical prophecies of end-day events. As we study this phenomena in detail, a clear picture begins to emerge of the work of antichrist in the world in these last days, and in the utter end. This study will help to safeguard us against the great deception predicted to come in the last days, which leads to a great falling away. We will also begin to see that the last days deception is already in place, and growing in the world today once we've pinpointed some its earmarks. As we are admonished: 'Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.' (1 Cor 10:12 NKJV) And as Jesus said to the Sanhedrin in His day, Matt 16:2-3 When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? In context, they did not perceive that the time of Messiah's visitation was upon them, though the prophets had clearly revealed many signs of His coming, and even the time frame in which He would arrive. These were unaware of the day of their visitation because they were not heeding the signs of scripture - because they were not in tune with the Spirit of God. Like them, we could focus on politics, and contemporary events, discerning - prophetically speaking - the 'weather' in the natural; but are we perceiving in the Spirit according to God's Word the time and season we are in? Can we perceive the signs of the time?