By Ronald M. Mann. Dated July 15, 2005.

Ronald Mann served as Associate Director in the Office of Presidential Personnel 1982-1983 (during Reagan’s first term), Deputy Director of The Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution (also during Reagan’s presidency), and “Special Assistant to the President of the United States.” For more info about the author, see mannkindperspectives (blog) and reaganlibrary.gov.

Contributor’s Note: minor updates to spelling and grammar have been made.

Perhaps few words in the scriptures are more confusing and less understood than antichrist. If a dozen religious people were asked, “what does the word antichrist mean,” two dozen different answers would be received. This paper will attempt to explain from the scriptures what is an antichrist and what they believe. The scriptures define antichrist as: “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son,” (1 John 2: 22) “And 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)

A careful reading of the scriptures reveals that there are at least three categories of antichrists. 1. The Master Antichrist, The Devil or Satan. He is the inspiration and trainer of all antichrists and may appear to his victims as an angel of light. (Alma 30:53) 2. Any and all persons who subscribe to the philosophy taught by the devil that denies Christ and His Father. 3. In the last days there will appear the great deceiver and imitator of Christ that will lead many astray, claiming to be the Christ and at the same time denying the real Christ and His Father. (1 John 2:18, 27) He will have great power and perform many great and incredible miracles. (Rev. 13:1-18)

I believe that it is not an accident that three antichrists are presented in the Book of Mormon; Sherem, Nehor and Korihor. These three provide an excellent insight into the approach, logic and techniques used by the antichrists to deceive and lead man astray. The scripture stories for these are to be found in Jacob 7, Alma 1, and Alma 30. These scriptures should be thoroughly studied by those who profess to love Christ as a means to better prepare themselves to defend their faith and belief in Him. Surely what Satan and his tempters used successfully during the Book of Mormon period of history provides a guide of what we should expect now and in the future. What follows is a listing of their teachings used to lead man from the true Christ and into their deception, as found in the scriptures referenced supra:

1. They are very articulate – immense power of speech, perfect knowledge of the language, educated/learned.
2. Use flattering as a technique to attract and solicit followers.
3. Goal is to overthrow the doctrine of Christ – the Gospel of Christ. Labored diligently to lead away the people from Christ.
4. Taught there is no God and no Christ. Against the prophecies and coming of Christ.
5. Taught there is no hereafter – death is the end. Man merely go to sleep and never wake up. No judgment – live, love and be happy, for tomorrow we die philosophy.
6. No such things as sin or crime – do what you want. Encouraged and supported wickedness.
7. Taught that the teachings and prophecies of Christ/God are not true.
8. Traditions of righteous people considered foolish and silly. Taught they are established to hold man in bondage and deny them their freedoms. (We should expect that our traditions such as a marriage between a man and woman, importance of family, sacredness of babies etc., will be a target.) They will re-define family, and be opposed to any and all wholesome Christian traditions
9. No man can know the future.
10. Cannot know of things that cannot be seen.
11. No remission of our sins, there is no need, this concept and the creation is of a frenzied and deranged mind.
12. Every man fares in this life according to the management of the creature, every man prospers according to his strength – man is supreme – no need for God; man is god enough, trust in the arm of flesh.
13. Should not be bound down by foolish ordinances and performances.
14. People are not a guilty and fallen people because of the transgression of a parent – Fall of Adam.
15. Religious people are kept in bondage by leaders so that they may glut themselves on the people’s labors – denies them their rights and privileges. Church robs people of their wealth, etc.
16. Christians yoked down by priests (religious leaders) by threatening people that they will offend some god – a being who has never been seen or known and never will be. No need for repentance.
17. When finally proven that their teachings are a lie they immediately demand a sign to prove otherwise
18. Believe in having all things in common.

The above points essentially summarize the teachings of the Book of Mormon antichrists. Most of these are easily recognized today as teachings that are in vogue and being taught within the media, schools and by liberal politicians. The modern day holders of this philosophy seem to have all the very same personal characteristic as those of the antichrists in the Book of Mormon. They are very arrogant, proud and totally supported by the media. For this reason they are very bullish and confident, intimidating most Christians, who for this reason steer away from debate, thus allowing the antichrist the victor’s crown. For this reason it appears at present as though the Christians are losing the battle. However, we should learn a great lesson from the Book of Mormon on this subject – Truth is on our side! The prophets and other religious leaders of that day quickly and thoroughly destroyed the antichrist’s arguments. Their arguments used against the antichrists are contained in the scriptures referenced above and will work today as well as then. It is up to us to become familiar with the scriptures and be prepared to expose the antichrists and hopefully get them to repent. The Gadianton Robbers are one and the same as the Antichrists.

As the antichrists are proven false, Satan, The Master Antichrist, will not support them but will speedily drag them down to hell with him – his goal. If the antichrists can be taught this one simple lesson, it is possible they will run, not walk away from him. Unfortunately, today many people are being deceived and misguided by these disciples of Satan. Also others, including Christians, do not even believe there is, or will be, any antichrists. We must be on guard as the antichrist's philosophy has great appeal. Hedonism, materialism, and secular humanism has certain appeal to the uninformed. It is the same old arguments used by Satan and his supporters in the pre-existence that enabled him to bring one third part of the host of heaven to his side. It continues today with apparent success. “And there are also secret combinations, even as in time of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things, yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.” (2 Nephi 26:22)