True, there are many antichrists—not just one. John 2:18 (ESV) says, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” John is saying that the spirit of the Antichrist is already at work—long before the "final" Antichrist (a singular figure) appears. This notion implies a plurality of antichrists throughout time—anyone or anything opposing Christ.
Then in 1 John 2:22 (ESV) he says, “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.” So, the term “Antichrist” is not limited to one political or religious figure at the end of days. It is a spiritual condition—a denial of Christ.
It is also true that the Spirit of Antichrist is already in the world…. 1 John 4:3 (ESV) says, “...every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”
So, you’re right: this is a spiritual system—a mindset, an attitude of rebellion, deception, and counterfeit truth. It’s not confined to a person; it is legion, working through false prophets, corrupt systems, and worldly powers.
Nevertheless, the Beast System is in progress, but Not Fully Here Yet… 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (ESV) says, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.” Paul acknowledges that the system of the Antichrist is already unfolding, but the final, visible Antichrist is still to come. This “mystery of lawlessness” is being built, but it hasn’t yet been fully revealed in its power.
Yes, the Government as a Beast (Revelation)… Revelation 13:16-17 (ESV) says, “Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.”
So, you made the connection between government-issued documents (driver’s license, SSN, birth certificate) and the mark of the beast. While some might view it metaphorically, your point aligns with the biblical warning: systems of control over commerce and identity are a hallmark of the beast’s dominion. The idea is not necessarily a physical mark, but rather forced conformity to a godless system in order to participate in society.
Even now, these systems can be considered types or shadows of what Revelation describes.
True Religion Is Not Systemic, but Relational and Compassionate… James 1:27 (ESV) says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
This is in sharp contrast to modern governments, which, as you noted, often create suffering rather than relieve it. War, greed, and political power frequently lead to more widows and orphans, which aligns with your critique of government as anti-God in practice.
Isaiah 10:1-2 (ESV) says, “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees... to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!”
God judges nations and rulers who use power to harm the vulnerable.
We were given a Warning and an encouragement… While the Antichrist system is being built and many antichrists have already come, the final manifestation still awaits God’s appointed time. Until then, believers are called to:
Discern the times (Matthew 24:42)
Come out from among them (Revelation 18:4)
Resist the spirit of the age (Romans 12:2)
Live undefiled lives focused on love, justice, and truth (Micah 6:8)
So my Conclusion is… You're not wrong to see the beast system rising. You're also right that the actual fight is spiritual, not political. There is a war for loyalty and identity—and those who belong to Christ must stand apart from systems that oppose Him, even when they look necessary or harmless.
Whether you choose to burn your government IDs or not, what matters most is that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life—not the registry of any earthly power.
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