In the first epistle of John, he wrote, “Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (I John 2:18). Anti had the primitive meaning of something that was in the place of something else. Thus an antichrist is a person who stands before others in the place of Christ. The later secondary meaning of the Greek word anti is “against”—a person who claims to stand in the place of Christ is against Christ because the Bible says “My glory I will not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8). A few quotations about antichrist appear below.
“The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.” The Great Controversy, 593.
“Antichrist, meaning all who exalt themselves against the will and work of God, will at the appointed time feel the wrath of Him Who gave Himself that they might not perish but have eternal life. All who persevere in obedience, all who will not sell their souls for money or for the favor of men, God will register in the book of life.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 402.
“Those who become confused in their understanding of the Word, who fail to see the meaning of antichrist, will surely place themselves on the side of antichrist. There is no time now for us to assimilate with the world. Daniel is standing in his lot and in his place. …
“Many exalt human reason, idolize human wisdom, and set the opinions of men above the revealed wisdom of God. This affords opportunity for the working of Satan, and the spirit of antichrist is far more widespread than any of us imagine.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 949, 950.
“The spirit of antichrist is developing rapidly. Soon there will be a time when those who follow their own human nature, who manifest a love for supremacy, will be found to be on the losing side. The Lord has abased kings, and He will say to all who, while professing to serve Him … make a display and depart from His counsel: ‘What doest thou to declare My law, while thou thyself livest in transgression.’ ” The Upward Look, 293.
[All Emphasis added.]