April 12, 2018
1 John 2:18-25 New Living Translation (NLT)
In our passage today, the apostle John reminds us about the spirit of antichrist; the spirit that denies the Father and the Son. The phrase “the last hour” describes the time between the first and second coming of Jesus Christ. At one time or another, I am sure you have heard someone say, “I believe in God, but I do not believe Jesus is his Son.” Well, according to Scripture, “Anyone who denies the Son, does not have the Father, either” (v.23).
The Spirit of Christ has been given to those who believe in the work of the Son; the Spirit causes us to know the difference between the truth of God and the lies of Satan. Therefore, the Spirit is an incredible Gift from the Father and the Son so we can know the truth and live it. We recognize deception because of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will always be God’s divine Son and his sacrifice for the sins of the world is permanent. Jesus is the Truth and the Holy Spirit guides people to Jesus. Anything that is preached or taught that contradicts these truths comes from the spirit of antichrist and are inspired by lies.
If you have never done so, now is the time to believe, connect to Christ, and live in the Truth of God’s love.
1 John 2:18-25 Warning about Antichrists
18 Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 19 These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us.
20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. 21 So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. 22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
24 So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. 25 And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit who keeps me moving forward in the truth. I want to follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.