Is there a difference between our spirit and soul?

The first thing that needs to be done is to define our terms. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh. The Greek word is Psyche. Several words are used to define it. It means breath, self, life, person. It is the immaterial real you. In Genesis 2:7 it says God breathed into the nostrils the breath of life and man became a nephesh, a living being or soul. The soul of man is the living breath of God. When we use phrases like, I put my heart and soul into this or that, what we mean is we gave it our all. The real us cannot be seen with the naked eye, but we reveal who we are by what we say and do. We can also define soul as the seat of our emotions, desires, appetites, and choices. Our will is derived from our soul. This is the innate component that makes us in the image of God. Let me make this clear: we do not have a soul, we are souls. Our physical body houses our soul. The Lord designed us that way. Our bodies are animate because the soul empowers it. At death the body will decay, but the soul lives on forever – with or without God.

The Hebrew and Greek words of Spirit are Ruach and Pneuma respectively. Both mean breath, wind, and spirit. How the spirit relates to man, it seems almost identical to that of the soul. Is there a difference between the spirit and the soul or are these terms synonyms? Admittedly the scripture seems to use the words interchangeably. But here are some differences to acknowledge. 1) Christians have the Spirit of God, but we are not spirits. The Bible tells us God is Spirit (John 4:24). God the Father does not have a physical body although throughout scripture physical attributes are used to describe Him[i]. 2) Our soul / life is what God saves when we repent and believe the gospel.

The Holy Spirit who is God (third member of the Trinity) bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). It is with our spirit that we have and develop an intimate relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. When we submit to the Spirit of God, that is what the Bible calls being Spiritual or being Spirit led. When we do not submit to the Holy Spirit, we are operating in what the Word says is the flesh which is sin.

Again, the soul is the inward faculty that makes us who we are. The spirit of man is that immaterial part of us that allows us to connect with God through the Holy Spirit that resides in us. It’s clear that our soul and spirit work together to do God’s will. From our soul comes our mind (our thinking / intellect), our desires, will (decision making and choices), and emotions. When we submit all of that to the will of God, we are walking in the Spirit of God. That equates to holiness and sanctification.

An unbeliever cannot do this. Why? Because although they have life (i.e. soul), they are spiritually dead (Eph 2:1; Col 2:13). They are disconnected from God due to unforgiven sin and unbelief. They do not have the Spirit of God in them. They have physical life, but they need a re-birth in order to have spiritual life (John 3:3). We can only connect with the Godhead through the Holy Spirit.

Concluding, because of sin, man’s soul / life has been severed from God. Unredeemed sinners are zombies because of the disconnect from their Creator. In order to get your soul reconciled to God you must repent of sin and believe the gospel today! When one does that, they are eternally saved, and their whole being, soul, spirit and body belong to Jesus who purchased it with His blood (1 Corinthians 6:20).

 

P.S.:

“What will profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what can man give in exchange for his soul” (Matthew 16:26)?

As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways (Ezekiel 33:11)!

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[i] Describing God with human features is a doctrine called Anthropomorphism.

I no longer believe in God!

 What causes someone to make that statement, I no longer believe in God?! Someone declared to a podcast host recently that she no longer believes in God due to some tragedy and evil that has devastated her life. The reply from the host was the thing that has come upon you has affected billions of people around the world. You believed in God then, why don’t you believe in God now that you are suffering?

I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist of his reply to the person that complained to him. I agree with his reply, but he should have gotten to the root of the problem – her sinful nature. That is the reason we suffer pain, poverty, disease and death. Also, to his credit he said that God is not a “celestial butler.” His exact words. He is correct. God is not our cosmic Jeanie in a bottle. God is not here to serve and grant our wishes. It is the other way around. We exist to serve and glorify Him.

Because of mankind’s sin, death is working in all of us. It is a universal sentence that none can escape. The eyes of the lost are closed spiritually. They are blind to the truth of the nature and character of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). Dis-believing in God does not hurt God, it hurts and handicaps the non-believer. That person has cut off the only one that can forgive their sins and save their soul.

The other thing the non-believer does is place themselves under God’s wrath (John 3:36). Why would anyone want to put themselves in opposition to the Lord? Psalm 7:11 says that God is angry or has indignation against the wicked everyday (italics added for emphasis).

I would argue the person who no longer believes in God does not even know the character of God. They do not understand their own nature either. Once they discover who the Biblical God is, and understand their own depraved nature, then they will know the truth, and the truth will make them free (John 8:32).

 

What are some reasons why people stop believing in God?

1)   God has broken your heart: You had a loved one that became terminally ill. You sincerely prayed to God for their healing. They die. You’re broken hearted, devasted, understandably emotional and angry at God. Why wouldn’t God who is all powerful heal my mom, dad, my baby or spouse? You have determined that God does not care, nor is He loving or all powerful so why trust Him any longer.

Losing a loved one is a terrible pain to endure. There is never a right time for it to happen. The reality is that we all have an appointment with death. We cannot avoid it whether we like it or not (Ecclesiastes 3:2; Hebrews 9:27). For most people they are frightened to the core of death. But if you are in Christ, we can echo the words of the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).” We do not have to face death with fear. We can face it with comfort. If you are in Christ when you die, you’ll be in heaven the moment after you take your last breath here on earth.

2  You have been mis-educated in God’s word: I believe the most nefarious thing in the world is a false teacher masquerading as a true shepherd of God. Why do I say this? False teachers (and there are plenty), preach another Jesus. Paul in Galatians chapter one says this:

 

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one, we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again; if anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse” (Galatians 1:6-9, NIV).

I had to bring this point up because false teachers abuse God’s word for their own selfish ends. They twist the scriptures to make the Bible say what they want it to say. When their parishioners follow their toxic doctrine and attempt to apply some name-it-and-claim-it nonsense to their lives and it doesn’t work, they are devasted, they turn on God, and leave the Church. If they have a terrible experience with one Church, they will lump all of them into the same hypocritical pile. Christians are fake and so is the God they serve – He did not answer my prayer for a new house, new car, more money, my healing. I even prayed in Jesus’ name, and I still didn’t get my break through!

Why do the good and innocent have to suffer?

Scripture tells us that none is righteous, and none does good, not even one of us (Romans 3:10-12). Bible also tells us that all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Human goodness is subjective. Everyone makes their own rules. Goodness for one person is to support abortion because that gives women supposed autonomy over their own bodies. Goodness for another person is to champion woke ideology, Critical Race Theory and fighting climate change. In the minds of many people these are worthy virtues to promote. The main question that must be asked is how does God view these things?

The point in society’s mind is “good” people should not suffer wrong. It is unfair to those who believe they are good. Why would a good God allow evil on good people?

We live in a morally fallen world. The truth is mankind is wicked and not good. Sadly, mankind does not know how wicked they really are. Most do not want to know because that would bring guilt. Our sin is not only against one another, it is against God Almighty – the one to whom everyone must give an account when they die. Because of the sin of Eve and Adam, in that order, God pronounced death on them and all of their descendants – everyone that will ever live. That is the truth most hate. Why do we have to suffer for the sins of Adam and Eve? All human beings will suffer in this world to one degree or another. Jesus promised in this world we would have tribulation (John 16:33).

The ongoing calamity we experience in this life is a constant reminder of our fallen sinful nature. This should grip everyone with godly fear, but for most it results in blaspheming the Lord’s name for the trouble they are experiencing. Man refuses to accept the fact the world is in turmoil because of their ongoing sin. It is our fault.

Complete surrender to God’s sovereignty is the key.

Our God is infinite. There is so much we do not understand about His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-36). God is sovereign which means He has absolute rule over everything and everybody. And because we are sinful, and He is absolutely holy, we will wrestle with Him and His decisions in this temporary life of pain. Even though we will always lose, our selfish sinful nature foolishly believes that we will feel better if we disobey. For many disobeying the Lord is their way of "hurting" Him for not submitting to their demands. Actually, for the one that believes that your mind is playing tricks on you. The more one sins against the Lord, the closer to the fires of hell they get; this warning is to the non-believer.

Once one gives their life wholly to Jesus, you realize He bought you with His blood and your life is not your own anymore (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When you decide the Lord can do what He pleases in your life, you will have joy. God is always going to be God whether we believe in Him or not. God’s love is always with the child of God. Nothing can separate us from His love Romans (8:31-39, please read these verses).

I’ll end with this, if you choose NOT to believe in God, then you have no hope for your life. Bad things will continue to happen, and you will not know the reason why they’re happening. This reality will deliver to you ongoing anguish as you drift into a black hole of despair. Translation, you’re lost in darkness.

For those of us who trust God with our lives, we know why natural evil happens; because of moral evil; the evil of men. The difference is we know that all evil is passing away. God has promised a new heaven and a new earth where only righteousness dwells (Isa 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev 21:1).

Trust in the Lord will all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

-      Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

         

How To Conquer Sin In Our Lives

 It is very easy to forget the power of God’s word when we fail to consistently study and meditate on it. When we do not allow the word to rule our lives, it does not have the compelling influence it needs to have. Jesus said my words are Spirit and they are life (John 6:63). The word of God is what I call Spiritually Organic. It is alive! 

Job said, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). The word of God has to be preeminent in the life of the Christian. Without it, we are defeated and walking in darkness. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (italics added for emphasis, Psalm 119:105). In this same chapter we read, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

The difference between  a mature and immature Christian

In 2 Timothy 2:15 we read these words, “Study to show yourself approved unto God. A workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The phrase rightly divide means to cut it straight. The believer that is serious about their walk with the Lord goes to work and diligently studies God’s word. It is never a casual exercise. Why must we do this? 1) The Lord commands that we do. 2) To refute false teaching and always fight for truth and expose lies. They dealt with it in the first century, and we are dealing with it today. 

When one gains confidence from the truth, you will become mature and unashamed of the gospel. You will be able to answer every naysayer! I repeat every naysayer! I don’t care how much education and degrees they have or how much they love their sin. Remember, the unbeliever does not have the Resident Comforter and Teacher dwelling on the inside of them, God the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

We do by God’s grace!

So obviously those believers that do not study to show themselves approved will not rightly divide God’s truth and will be put to shame when challenged for their faith. Immature Christians will most likely be subject to engage in sin more often than those who are investing their time in learning the scriptures. Why? Because they have not hidden the word in their hearts. They are more vulnerable and weak. These are the ones that will be carried away by windy doctrines by charlatans who talk heresy and tickle the ears (Ephesians 4:14;2 Timothy 4:3). Immature believers do not have their senses heightened enough to feel real conviction when they sin. God’s truth is our defense against the attacks of Satan.

Paul in Colossians 3:16 commands that we are to let the word of God dwell in us richly - meaning God’s word has to take deep root. It must be like what Jeremiah said, the word of God has to be like fire in your bones that you cannot contain (Jeremiah 20:9)! Just as the body has to be flooded with oxygen for its health and survival, we must flood our souls with the oxygen of God’s word so that we are spiritually fit to go to war.

Are we supposed to be heavenly minded?

Many have heard the phrase or proverb, “You’re so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good!” I used to believe that phrase until very recently. That is the criticism of non-believers or carnal Christians toward believers; thinking because we talk about Jesus, the Church and Salvation that perhaps we are not in touch enough with reality or we’re not concerned about the problems of this world. 

That reasoning is based on a false premise. Christians and the Church throughout history have been great champions for humanity because of their love for God and mankind. William Wilberforce and John Newton worked hard to abolish slavery in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. Other believers started orphanages and schools. Most importantly, saints way back in early Church history and now have and are sharing the gospel all over the world so that souls will be saved. This is all due to people of God being heavenly minded which always translates to much earthly good. It is those that are only earthly minded that are no heavenly good. Let me prove that Biblically:

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

This verse clearly commands us to focus on heavenly things not earthly.

Why?

2 Corinthians 4:18 tells us, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is not seen. What we see is temporary, but what we do not see is eternal.”

So to put the unseen in context, the apostle Paul is talking about the Kingdom of God, Jesus, eternal life - the life to come, the gospel. These are everlasting things - not climate change, fossil fuels, greenhouse gasses, poverty, homelessness, crime, murder, theft, social justice, racism, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, Transhumanism, AI, Gender Dysphoria, Abortion, Illegal Immigration, Proxy Wars, etc. All of these will pass away.

The word of God is the lifeline for the Christian. If one abandons it, they should examine their life to see if they are really a believer (2 Corinthians 13:5). Being with it empowers us to not only deal with the sin in our own lives, but it will compel us to lovingly help others who are trapped in their sins who want to be free but do not know how. 

The apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). The word power in the Greek is the word dunamis. This is where we get the English words dynamite, dynamo or dynamic. Want to be a powerful and victorious believer who conquers sin? Consume God’s word. Want to have strong moral convictions and be fearless in a hopeless and Godless world? Feed on God’s word.

This is what Ezra the scribe set his heart to do:

For Ezra had 1) prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and 2) to do it, and 3) to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10).  

Someone wisely said, “The Bible keeps you away from sin, but sin keeps you away from the Bible.”

What Is The Seeker Sensitive Church?

 Seeker sensitive Churches basis is emotional more than doctrinal. They base their faith heavily on experience. Those that lead these types of Churches will use an entertainment atmosphere - light shows, hype music to draw in the unchurched. The target audience are young people. From what I have seen online, seeker sensitive centers are often large Mega Churches with plenty of money. The preacher’s message is non-offensive. He / she rarely discusses the need for repenting of sin for that is negative. Rather, it often is a “positive” message about living your best life now. It’s about positive affirmations and “good vibrations.”

Seeker centers are primarily based on two factors: the speaker and the audience, not on God. It focuses on the speaker because they’re often very loud, demonstrative and charismatic. Their presence is so powerful it can be hypnotic. Secondly, these centers focus on the parishioner because they react to the heretical message being delivered. They respond by shouting Amen, jumping up and down and running around the sanctuary. Jesus’ name is mentioned, but it’s not the Jesus of the Bible. One individual even had the gall to say that Jesus was a stripper because He died naked on the cross! Go search it out on YouTube. 

The thought process of these types of churches [(and I use the word church(es) loosely] is like this: cater the church service to the sinner and not the Christian. Use secular music so the sinner is comfortable when they enter the building. Churches are to be kind to all people, but that does not mean the gospel should be abandoned to conform to the world. Those that are in God’s house must hear God’s truth. The music must be worshipful to God not to man. Everything the world is used to doing outside of the Church should never be in the Church. The two must remain separate.

No one in the Church needs a motivational message about their goals and dreams. We need the word of God so that we can be reinvigorated with strength so that we can continue to fight the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8). We need the word of God so that we can combat falsehood and earnestly contend for the faith (1 Peter 3:15). Those are the best feel good messages one can receive; to know that you are in the will of God (Ephesians 5:17).

When one seeks God and His righteousness, everything in our lives falls in order  (Matthew 6:33).

What must the unsaved hear when they enter God’s house?

Jesus started His public ministry by commanding everyone to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17). Jesus went right to the heart of man’s problem, his sinful nature. Why did He do this? Because He was preaching the good news, the gospel. The goal of the faithful Pastor is to persuade the sinner why he or she needs to be saved. We do all we can do in the natural to compel people why they must repent, and leave it up to God to convert the soul through the dynamic power of the word of God (Psalm 19:7). It amazes me the power that so many Pastors have (i.e. the word of God), yet they fail to use it all because they want the unchurched to receive their watered down powerless message. The weak Pastor to me is the greatest enemy of the unsaved when they teach a user-friendly message. Why? They have disguised themselves as a sheep when they’re a wolf. The role of the Pastor is to warn the unsaved by telling them of pending eternal destruction and hell if they refuse to repent. Despite what many believe, preaching a message about avoiding hell is not hateful, it is loving if taught with the understanding you have a burden for that person’s soul. (Ephesians 4:15).

When Paul was before King Herod Agrippa and shared his testimony about his conversion to Jesus, he was so compelling that Herod said, “You almost persuaded me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). These are the types of penetrating messages that must be preached. Same thing happened when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. In verse 37 it says they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren what shall we do?” 

Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:37-39). In verse 40b Peter said, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”

 It is like Peter is speaking these words today although he spoke them 2000 years ago. We too must be saved from this perverse generation. This is the message that everyone must hear-the message that pricks men’s heart so that they can repent and be saved so they do not eternally perish. The seeker friendly message does nothing but brings the world into the church, makes them comfortable in their sin instead of uncomfortable because God has been de-fanged of His power, and everyone's ears are tickled due to a toxic candyland message.

Shame on those who teach a different gospel other than what Jesus, the apostles and the men and women have preached throughout church history. The judgment for those who preach a false gospel will eternally regret it (Galatians 1:8).

How Tired Are You?

 The Interrogative

Sin still romancing your soul

Love losing the battle of your flesh?

Not sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Seduction still sweet like candy

How tired are you restless spirit

How long will you fight endless love?

The Almighty will not wrestle for you forever 

You’re one of hell’s most wanted

Your burdens too heavy for you to bear

Marrow on the bones grow thin

                                I see vitality escaping your eyes

Evil has you on life support

How tired are you child of the earth

Your “joy” is a wicked placebo

Turn to the Lord the streets are killing you

Forsake your pride and humble your heart

The Fear of God

 

There are several words for fear in the Bible. One of the words for fear in the Old Testament is Yare. It means to be afraid, to fear, to be in awe of. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, the emphasis on Yare is a reverential fear - a person that is in an exalted position so the one revered is given proper respect. One of the Greek words for fear is phobeo. It is where we get the English word phobia. The world does not fear their Creator at all. As a matter of fact, they hate Him. A healthy fear of God means we acknowledge that He is the Almighty. We revere and worship Him. We realize He is the Creator of all things good. We honor His name instead of blaspheming Him. We do not mock or curse Him or His children. Remember, Jesus said that God is His Father. Anyone that attacks the Father’s children attacks the Father Himself - it's personal, very personal.                                                                   

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Point being, no one can get to “first base” in life if they do not fear the Lord. The optics of many people’s lives provide an illusion. Let me explain what I mean. When a person is materially prosperous and successful many conclude that person is blessed by God. That is true. God causes His rain to fall on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). But, if that person is ungrateful and unholy. How long do you think their prosperity will last? Not long. For Jesus said, “What will profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matthew 16:26)?

You see, the man or woman who does not fear God is a fool. So no one can have true lasting knowledge and wisdom if they refuse to worship the God who made them in the first place. The person who does not fear God does not even know Him. God does not know them either.

A healthy fear of God also acknowledges one’s own sin. This is what happened when Jesus was dying on the cross between two criminals: Then one of the criminals who was hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other rebuked him saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into your kingdom.”

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).

      

The repentant criminal is the way that all sinners should respond when they encounter Jesus; fear and reverence. They must recognize their sinfulness and plead for the Lord’s mercy to save their wretched souls. The contrite criminal was saved because He feared God. The other man was not.

Jesus said to not fear those that kill the body, and after that there is nothing more they can do, but rather fear Him that can cast body and soul in hell (Luke 12:4-5). Our fear should be reserved for the one for whom we all must give an account; the one that has the power of life and death.  Hebrews 10:31 says it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

So, if one desires to be wise, then they must start at the beginning; they must fear God. That is they must praise Him for who He is. Give honor and glory to His name. Bless Him for His marvelous works. Because if you don’t, remember fools die for lack of wisdom (Proverbs 10:21).

The spirit of Antichrist

 

When Jesus arrived in the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets,” they replied. “But what about you?” He asked them. “Who do you say I am?”

“You are the Messiah (or Christ), the Son of the Living God,” Simon Peter replied.

       - Matthew 16:13-16

When Jesus came on the public scene there was speculation about who He was. Of course, the best way to know something about someone is to simply ask them. There was always confusion and controversy regarding Jesus’ true identity. Jesus did not come into the world through noble birth. He was born to a young peasant girl named Mary – in Bethlehem. Even worse, He was born in a stable with smelly animals. The religious leaders were telling lies regarding Jesus’ birth saying He was born illegitimately – of course not knowing Mary’s conception was by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35; John 8:41).

For Jesus to say that God was His Father was to put Himself equal with God. This infuriated the religious leaders. For a man to make himself equal with God is blasphemy and worthy of death. However, with Jesus it was / is the truth. Jesus was not going to deny who He was because people did not like it.

Publicly and privately the Father referred to Jesus as is Son saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” This happened at Jesus’ baptism and His transfiguration (Matthew 3:17; 17:5).

The religious leaders argued with Jesus asking Him, “How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus replied, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in my Father’s name, these bear witness of me. But you believe not because you are not my sheep” (John 10:24-26).

So, there is a divine connection between those who are Christ’s sheep against those who are not His sheep. Those who belong to Jesus truly believe that He is who He claimed to be, God’s only Son. Those that are not His sheep will always mis-identify Him. They will determine for themselves who they believe Him to be, a prophet, a great teacher, a healer and miracle worker but certainly not The Son of God and God in the flesh.

Let’s think about it. Jesus opens the eyes the blind, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, healed the lame, fed multitudes, calm the stormy seas, predicted His own death three times, and raised Himself from the dead (John 10:18). Do you read of anyone else in history exhibiting power like that?! 

Are you an Antichrist?

In 1 John 4:2-3 we read, “Hereby we know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus has come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus has come in the flesh is not of God; and this is the spirt of antichrist, where you heard that shall come, and is already in the world.”

The point I want to drive home is that we must use the Bible as our final authority on determining Christ’s identity. He told the religious leaders and all those during His day who He was. We clearly read who He is. To believe anything else means you have an antichrist spirit.

For the record, the prefix anti means against. So, when put together the spirit of antichrist is someone who hates and is against Jesus. Antichrist also means instead of Christ. So, the actual future antichrist is one who wants to replace Christ. He is also called the Man of Sin in 2 Thessalonians 2 and the Beast in Revelation 13.