The word “antichrist” often appears in religious discussions and sometimes gets applied to anyone who disagrees with Christian doctrine. However, a careful look at scripture—especially the Bible and the Book of Mormon—reveals that antichrist is a much more serious designation than mere disbelief. In fact, there is a crucial difference between anythingthat might be anti‐Christ (in other words, contrary to Jesus and His teachings) and someone who is an antichrist, who willfully and knowingly opposes truth. This blog explores that distinction by referring to passages in the Bible (particularly John’s letters) and in the Book of Mormon (such as the accounts of Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor). We will also see why labeling someone an antichrist should not be done casually, given the level of deliberate rebellion that the term implies.
1. “Anti‐Christ” as “Contrary to Christ”
In several scriptural passages, the word antichrist or “the spirit of antichrist” appears in a broad sense. Sometimes it identifies anything that contradicts or denies Jesus as the Christ. For instance, the Apostle John wrote:
“Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist.” (1 John 4:3)
Here, John centers on the content of the message. Any teaching or influence that rejects Jesus’s divine Sonship and bodily coming to earth qualifies as “the spirit of antichrist.” The verse does not claim that all who preach this are knowingly lying; instead, it indicates that such messages oppose foundational truth. In 2 John 1:7, John also warns:
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
Again, we see a focus on the denial of the Incarnation. When doctrine negates or contradicts Christ’s identity, it earns the label antichrist. Many modern ideologies remove Jesus from the core of religious or moral discussion, whether intentionally or not. As John indicates, any statement that undermines Christ’s rightful place can be categorized as anti‐Christ.
However, a viewpoint that includes anti‐Christ elements does not always mean its adherent is an antichrist. A person might have been raised in a different religious setting or might have incomplete knowledge of the Savior’s mission. They might not grasp how their claims contradict Christian truth. John’s epistles do not always detail whether these “deceivers” have absolute awareness of the error. Instead, his message is that their teaching stands at odds with truth, and so it falls under the broad umbrella of anti‐Christ.
2. Being An Antichrist: The Book of Mormon Examples
While we do see a broad usage of “antichrist” in some passages, scripture also shows individuals who do more than disagree with Christian doctrine. These figures clearly know their falsehoods yet persist in spreading them. The Book of Mormon calls such individuals antichrists, describing them as resolute adversaries of truth.
A. Sherem (Jacob 7)
Sherem appears in the Book of Mormon after the prophet Jacob has worked hard to teach that Jesus Christ would come. According to Jacob 7:2, “there came a man… whose name was Sherem.” He carefully undermined the doctrine that anticipated Christ:
“He labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people, insomuch that he did declare unto them that there should be no Christ.” (Jacob 7:2)
In his confrontation with Jacob, Sherem insisted that Jacob had perverted the law of Moses. However, when divine power struck him, Sherem confessed:
“I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him.” (Jacob 7:19)
Sherem’s statement, “I have lied unto God,” underscores his culpable knowledge. He was not merely mistaken. He knew that the scriptures testified of Christ and deliberately preached the opposite message.
B. Nehor (Alma 1)
Nehor introduced another false teaching. He claimed that “all mankind should be saved at the last day” (Alma 1:4) and promoted priestcraft by seeking fame and wealth from his followers. Although the text does not quote him admitting that he taught deliberate lies, it emphasizes his role in opposition to the church. He even murdered Gideon, a believer who confronted him (Alma 1:9). Nehor’s actions went beyond a simple mistake or minor disagreement. Instead, he established a system that drew people away from truth.
C. Korihor (Alma 30)
Korihor is the most famous Book of Mormon figure explicitly identified as an “Anti‐Christ.” Alma 30:6 states, “And this Anti‐Christ, whose name was Korihor… went over to the land of Jershon.” Korihor denied God’s existence, ridiculed believers for “foolish traditions,” and insisted that there was no Fall, no sin, and no afterlife. When God struck him dumb, Korihor wrote a stunning confession:
“I always knew that there was a God. But the devil hath deceived me; … he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray…” (Alma 30:52–53)
Even though Satan influenced him, Korihor admits to having known about God the entire time. He taught the opposite in order to appeal to “the carnal mind.” This story most clearly illustrates the difference between “someone with an anti‐Christ worldview” and “an actual antichrist.” Korihor understood the truth but still fought against it and tried to deceive others.
3. John’s “Liar” Statement in 1 John 2:22
We see a similar pattern in the New Testament. In 1 John 2:22, it says:
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”
Using the term “liar” usually implies deliberate falsehood. This verse also notes that these deniers went “out from us” (1 John 2:19), suggesting they once had at least some understanding of Christian beliefs. They did not simply avoid hearing the gospel; they consciously walked away. As in the Book of Mormon accounts of Sherem and Korihor, this scenario includes a strong sense of moral responsibility, which fits the label antichrist.
4. Why This Distinction Matters
Calling someone “antichrist” can be tempting, especially in debates about faith, but the implications are significant. Many people do not believe in Jesus Christ and therefore share views that oppose or contradict Christian doctrine. These views, in a broad sense, do qualify as anti‐Christ. Yet we cannot always declare that these individuals are antichrists in the scriptural sense, since they might be sincere in their own worldview. The Book of Mormon suggests that those who deserve the label antichrist have knowingly fought against gospel truth.
Many nonbelievers come from secular backgrounds or other religious traditions. They may never have encountered enough information to realize that Christ’s identity and mission stand at the core of Christian teachings. Labeling these people as “antichrists” could be unjust, since the word implies willful opposition. One must recognize that Korihor and Sherem confessed to lying outright, which differs drastically from ignorance or cultural conditioning.
5. Consequences for Disciples
A. Exercise Discernment.
Believers should guard against anti‐Christ ideas, which can appear in media messages, cultural norms, or personal associations. The Apostle John advised, “Try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). This counsel remains relevant, since anything that leads believers away from Christ deserves caution and a thorough evaluation.
B. Show Compassion Toward the Uninformed.
Not everyone who promotes non-Christian ideas does so with malicious intent. Some have experienced limited exposure to the Bible or other sacred texts. Others might wrestle with personal struggles that keep them from belief. By avoiding the use of “antichrist” as a blanket term, believers can maintain a posture of love and patience. Kindness and consistent Christian living can make a meaningful impact on those who lack faith.
C. Reserve “Antichrist” for Deliberate Rebellion.
If someone knowingly rejects and fights against the gospel, the scriptural label antichrist applies. This stance goes beyond intellectual disagreement. It indicates conscious effort to negate and undermine the Lord’s message. Individuals like Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor exemplify this level of rebellion. John also depicts it in those who abandoned the faith while fully aware of its claims and teachings.
6. Summary: Anti‐Christ vs. Antichrist
By differentiating antichrist from anti‐Christ, we recognize the gravity of willful opposition in contrast to simpler unbelief or misinformation. Scripture makes it clear that anything denying Jesus sits in contradiction to Him and can be described as anti‐Christ. Yet the narrative from passages in the Book of Mormon and the New Testament indicates that a genuine antichrist is an individual who knows the truth and consciously opposes it.
This distinction guides us to speak responsibly about people whose views differ from ours. Although many secular or alternative viewpoints are contrary to gospel doctrine, those who hold them may not fully realize how they contradict the message of Christ. Applying the term “antichrist” to everyone who lacks faith risks oversimplifying their position—and mischaracterizing the severity of a rebellion that resembles Korihor’s or Sherem’s. We reserve “antichrist” for those whose stance is deliberate, aware, and aggressively aimed at destroying faith in the Savior.
In the end, the gospel invites us to bring others to Christ, not to condemn them without understanding their background or level of knowledge. If we meet those who appear to fight against Jesus consciously and knowingly, their actions might qualify for the scriptural label of antichrist. Yet we can leave final judgment to God. Meanwhile, we focus on drawing sincere seekers toward truth through patience, testimony, and compassion. This approach keeps us mindful of John’s words to “try the spirits” and remain faithful. It also aligns with the Book of Mormon’s examples, which show how the Lord reveals the truth behind each person’s heart—and how He empowers His true disciples to resist deceptions while still reaching out in love to those who wander.
References
- 1 John 2:19–22 (KJV): John’s discussion on those who departed from the faithful and denies Jesus as the Christ.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-jn/2?lang=eng - 1 John 4:1–3 (KJV): Discussion of “the spirit of antichrist.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-jn/4?lang=eng - 2 John 1:7 (KJV): Mentions “a deceiver and an antichrist” who denies Jesus came in the flesh.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/2-jn/1?lang=eng - Alma 1 (Book of Mormon): Nehor’s false teachings and murder of Gideon.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/1?lang=eng - Alma 30 (Book of Mormon): Korihor, identified as an Anti-Christ.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/30?lang=eng - Jacob 7 (Book of Mormon): Sherem’s denial of Christ and eventual confession.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/jacob/7?lang=eng - Bible Dictionary (LDS Edition), “Antichrist”: Defines antichrist as anyone or anything set up in opposition to Christ.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/antichrist?lang=eng - Guide to the Scriptures, “Antichrist”: Summarizes figures like Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/antichrist?lang=eng
