There’s been a lot of speculation lately about who the Antichrist might be and when he’ll rise to power. But instead of guessing, it’s important to look at what the Bible actually says.
Pastor Kap Chatfield—a Christian content creator and entrepreneur—recently outlined 19 specific biblical traits that describe the Antichrist’s identity, actions and arrival.
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Whether you’re new to Bible prophecy or have been studying it for years, this list provides a clear, straightforward guide to what Scripture reveals about the most deceptive figure the world will ever know.
The 19 Biblical Traits of the Antichrist
1. He will be a male human being
- Based on 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Antichrist is not a system or philosophy but “the man of sin.”
2. He will exalt himself as God
- 2 Thessalonians 2:4 – He will sit in the rebuilt temple and claim to be God.
3. He will perform false signs and wonders
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9 – These are supernatural acts powered by Satan to deceive.
4. He will be empowered directly by Satan
- Revelation 13:2 – Satan (the dragon) gives him power, throne and authority.
5. He will be a global political authority
- Revelation 13:7 – He will rule over “every tribe, tongue and nation.”
6. He will confirm a seven-year covenant with Israel
- Daniel 9:27 – Seen as a peace deal, marking the start of the Tribulation.
7. He will break the covenant midway (after 3.5 years)
- He will halt temple sacrifices and initiate the “abomination of desolation.”
8. He will desecrate the rebuilt Jewish temple
- Matthew 24:15 – Declaring himself God in the holy place.
9. He will demand global worship
- Revelation 13:8 – Worship will be mandatory; refusal means death.
10. He will persecute and kill Christians and Jews
- Revelation 13:7 – He will wage war against the saints and overcome them.
11. He will require the mark of the beast to buy or sell
- Revelation 13:16–17 – Full economic control, linked to spiritual allegiance.
12. He will appear to die and resurrect
- Revelation 13:3 – A counterfeit resurrection will lead many to worship him.
13. He will speak arrogantly and blaspheme God
- Daniel 7:8; Revelation 13:5–6 – Pompous, blasphemous speech is a hallmark.
14. He will reject the God of his fathers
- Daniel 11:37 – May suggest Jewish heritage; will deny all past deities.
15. He will have no desire for women
- Daniel 11:37 – Possible asexuality, homosexuality or obsession with power.
16. He will be cunning and deceptive, destroying by peace
- Daniel 8:25 – He will promise peace while planning destruction.
17. He will be highly intelligent and persuasive
- Daniel 7:8 – Sharp perception and powerful speech will captivate the world.
18. He will rule unrestrained for 3.5 years
- Revelation 13:5 – The Great Tribulation will be 42 months of unrestrained terror.
19. He will be destroyed by Christ at His Second Coming
- 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – Jesus will destroy him with the breath of His mouth.
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to identify the Antichrist, especially with so much happening in the world today.
But Scripture reminds us that our focus shouldn’t be on hunting down the villain—it should be on preparing our hearts for the return of Christ.
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The Bible says the Antichrist won’t even be revealed until the restrainer, widely believed to be the Holy Spirit working through the church, is removed.
So the real question isn’t “Will I recognize him?” It’s “Will Jesus recognize me?” Now is the time to get right with God. Because when Christ returns, it won’t be with warning, it will be in a moment and the door will close. Don’t wait. Choose today whom you will follow.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
