Just today I saw a Facebook post that read “I guess electing an antichrist is a new Christian virtue.” I assume that this comment was made in reference to Donald Trump.
If my assumption is correct, I then wondered, “In what way does Trump align with who the Bible defines as the ‘Antichrist'”? To being to answer that question, we have to first explore the biblical notion of the Antichrist
The figure of the Antichrist is certainly one of the most intriguing (and often misunderstood) concepts in Christian eschatology. Popular culture has depicted the Antichrist in various ways—sometimes as a political leader, other times as a mysterious, malevolent figure working behind the scenes. But what does the Bible actually say about the Antichrist?
The Meaning of “Antichrist”
The term “Antichrist” (ἀντίχριστος) appears explicitly in the New Testament only in the letters of John (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). The Greek prefix “anti-” can mean both against and in place of, suggesting that the Antichrist is both an opponent of Christ and a counterfeit substitute.
Antichrist in the Johannine Epistles
John describes the Antichrist as a deceiver and false teacher:
- 1 John 2:18 – “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that Antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.”
- 1 John 2:22 – “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.”
- 1 John 4:3 – “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist.”
From these passages, we learn that the Antichrist is not necessarily a single future figure but rather a recurring reality throughout history—false teachers who deny Christ’s identity and work (does Trump deny Christ’s identity and work (implicitly or explicitly)?. The “spirit of the Antichrist” is already at work in the world through deception and opposition to Christ.
The Man of Lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians
Paul speaks of a figure that closely resembles the Antichrist in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4:
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”
This “man of lawlessness” (or “son of perdition”) is a climactic figure of deception and rebellion, who exalts himself above God and seeks to lead people astray. Many scholars see a connection between this figure and the Antichrist.
The Beast in Revelation
The Book of Revelation describes a powerful and deceptive leader who demands worship and opposes God’s people. In Revelation 13, we see:
- A beast from the sea (Rev. 13:1-10) with political power and authority.
- A beast from the earth (Rev. 13:11-18) who deceives people with false signs and enforces the worship of the first beast.
These two figures represent opposition to God and His kingdom, often associated with the Antichrist. The number 666 (Rev. 13:18) is linked to this beast, symbolizing imperfection and counterfeit divinity.
Is the Antichrist a Future Person or a Present Reality?
Different Christian traditions interpret the Antichrist in various ways:
- A Future Individual – Some see the Antichrist as a single future leader who will rise to power before Christ’s return.
- A Spirit of Deception Throughout History – John’s letters suggest that the Antichrist is not just one person but a pattern of false teachers and deceptive movements.
- A Political or Religious System – Others interpret the Antichrist as a corrupt system that opposes Christ’s kingdom, seen in oppressive governments or false religious movements.
Is Trump an Antichrist?
As we know already, some critics draw parallels between Donald Trump’s actions and the characteristics of the Antichrist as depicted in the Scriptures.1 For instance, the Book of Revelation speaks of a beast uttering “haughty and blasphemous words” (Revelation 13:5). Critics point to Trump’s often boastful rhetoric and statements that they perceive as self-exalting or irreverent.2 Additionally, Revelation describes the beast as receiving a mortal wound that heals, leading to increased adulation (Revelation 13:3). Some have linked this to incidents where Trump faced significant challenges or threats yet maintained or even bolstered his support base. For example, after a near-assassination attempt in July 2024, some supporters viewed his survival as a sign of divine protection, while critics saw parallels to the Antichrist narrative.
However, it’s essential to approach such interpretations with caution. Many theologians and scholars argue that labeling contemporary political figures as the Antichrist can be speculative and may not align with the broader biblical context. The Antichrist, as described in Scripture, embodies ultimate opposition to Christ, and applying this label to any individual requires careful theological consideration.
For example, theologian Robert Gagnon, for one, has defended aspects of Donald Trump’s agenda, particularly his efforts to counteract “woke” ideologies, viewing them as measures to advance Christian ethics and support the cause of Christ globally. Gagnon has praised initiatives such as executive orders banning what he terms “chemical and surgical mutilation,” aligning these actions with a commitment to uphold traditional Christian moral values.
Furthermore, some theologians, scholars, and preachers argue that Trump’s advocacy for religious freedom for Christians contradicts the notion of him being the Antichrist. They contend that the Antichrist, as depicted in Scripture, is an entity that opposes Christ and persecutes believers. Therefore, a leader who actively promotes and safeguards Christian religious liberties would not align with the biblical portrayal of the Antichrist.3
However, other theologians and Christian leaders express concern over Trump’s actions and rhetoric. Some argue that his behavior and policies are antithetical to Christian teachings, suggesting that his support among certain Christian groups only stems from political motivations rather than theological alignment.
This divergence in perspectives highlights the complex and often contentious discourse among Christian thinkers regarding the intersection of faith, politics, and leadership in the context of Trump’s presidency.
In summary, while some draw comparisons between Donald Trump’s behavior and biblical descriptions of the Antichrist, such interpretations are subjective and debated among scholars and theologians. It’s crucial to differentiate between metaphorical applications of the term and its specific theological implications within Christian doctrine.
Christian Nationalism Prevails?
Speaking personally, as a pastor who knows his congregation well, I can confidently say that I do not know a single person in my church who elevates Trump as a substitute for Christ. I frequently preach on the truth that our ultimate hope is not in any political leader or party, but in Christ alone; that the problem of the world is the human heart, which can only be remedied by regeneration of the Holy Spirit on the basis of Jesus Christ’s atoning work (i.e., the problem is one that no political system or mere human leader can fix).
I also consistently teach that the Kingdom of God is not tied to any earthly nation or political ideology (i.e., opposing Christian nationalism), and I have never encountered any resistance, criticism, or pushback from this message.
That said, I fully acknowledge that my experience may not be representative of the broader landscape. However, among the faithful Christians I personally know, I have yet to meet anyone who could be accurately described as a Christian nationalist—someone who views Trump and his policies as a replacement for Christ and His redemptive work.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that concerns about Christian nationalism in the United States are unfounded or merely a straw man argument. Rather, I am explicitly stating that the idea that the majority—or even a significant portion—of evangelicals are Christian nationalists who elevate Trump as a substitute for Christ does not align with my own firsthand experience.
Why Does This Matter?
Finally, rather than merely speculating about the identity of the Antichrist, Scripture calls us to vigilance and faithfulness. 1 John 4:4 reminds us that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
The focus of Christian hope is not on the rise of the Antichrist but on the return of Jesus Christ, who will ultimately defeat all opposition and establish His kingdom.
Rather than fear the Antichrist, we should remain rooted in Christ, discerning truth from deception and holding fast to the gospel.
