Scripture describes the 'antichrist' both as a spirit of falsehood present throughout the church age and as a specific future figure who opposes God. Many in the Reformed tradition, including those who drafted the 1689 LBCF, historically identified the office of the Papacy with these biblical descriptions, while others view the antichrist as a distinct, eschatological figure who will appear prior to the second coming of Christ.
The Apostle John teaches that 'antichrist' is a spiritual reality currently at work in the world, characterized by the denial of the Father and the Son. He writes, 1 John 2:18-23, noting that while a singular antichrist is expected, many antichrists have already arisen to deny the truth of the gospel. Separately, the Apostle Paul describes a future 'man of sin' in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 who exalts himself above all that is called God. This figure is associated with the 'mystery of lawlessness' and will be ultimately defeated by the Lord Jesus at His glorious return.
The 1689 LBCF Ch.26 §4 reflects a significant historical consensus within the Particular Baptist tradition, asserting that the Pope of Rome is the antichrist, the man of sin, and the son of perdition who exalts himself against Christ. This mirrors the language found in the Westminster Confession of Faith Ch.25 §6. While these confessions provide a historical interpretation, the ultimate focus remains on the sovereign headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, who holds all power and will surely destroy every opposition by the brightness of His coming.