These verses give three characteristics of an anti-Christ and two characteristics of a prophet. Other characteristics will be added in subsequent verses. An account of another anti-Christ named Korihor, who lived about four hundred years later, is also recorded in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 30). Korihor is described in greater detail, but the characteristic of an anti-Christ are basically the same. Only Sherem will be considered here.
The Anti-Christ: Sherem; “there should be no Christ” (v. 2).
1. He designs and attempts to overthrow the doctrine of Christ (v. 2). The doctrine of Christ is the plan of salvation for all mankind:
32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.
33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.
34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. [3 Nephi 11:32–34]
Therefore, Sherem was attempting to damn or stop the eternal progression of man. This is the work of the devil: “an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God. And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind” (2 Nephi 2:17–18).
2. Sherem challenges the brethren or the leaders of the Church (“he sought much opportunity that he might come unto [Jacob]” (v. 3). Jesus told the Nephite multitude they “must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (3 Nephi 18:18). Wheat is sifted to eliminate the chaff and broken kernels. In the Church, Satan will sift out those who do not follow the doctrines of Christ. Not only will they be damned, but their examples will lead others astray. The more important the position that one holds, the more effect it will have on others. For example, Jesus warned Peter, the chief apostle: “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 12:31; see also D&C 52:12).
3. Sherem is learned and has “a perfect knowledge of the language of the people;” wherefore, he can “use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil,” and he hopes to shake people “from the faith” (Jacob 7:4–5).
Remember Jacob’s previous warning:
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. [2 Nephi 9:28–29]
The Prophet: Jacob; “had faith in Christ” (v. 3)
1. He had “many revelations,” and had “heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto [him] in very word, from time to time” (v. 5). We have no specific record, but we do have another general statement of Jacob and others having “many revelations” (Jacob 4:6). They were possibly recorded on the other plates of Nephi.
2. He had “seen angels, and they [had] ministered unto him” (v. 5). The speeches of Jacob recorded by Nephi refer to “the words of an angel that spake [of Christ] unto me” (2 Nephi 6:9), and “that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name” (2 Nephi 10:3). There were undoubtedly other appearances.