Warning against the anti-christs, a series on 1 John, part 4. (1 John 2: 18-27)




Read 1 John 2:18-27


Our Bible passage today comes under the heading, "Warning against the anti-christs." John warns the readers that there are already anti-christs in the world. A sense of urgency is apparent through the repeated use of the word "last." Twice in verse 18, he says it is the "last hour." John believed the end of days was already there. He wanted the readers to be alert and prepared so they wouldn't be led astray by false prophets and anti-christs. John called the early Gnostics anti-christs because they denied Christ's humanity. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul also warns against them when he refers to the "man of lawlessness." He warns that there will be a falling away from faith; an active rebellion leading the forces of evil. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus said, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible." Jesus said this while explaining the signs of His return, which is why John believed we are in the end of times. 

How will we know who these anti-christs are? Verse 22 says they are liars because they deny that Jesus is Christ. In verse 27, John is telling us that anyone who adds to the gospel or says it is not enough is also an anti-christ. The Gnostics were saying that the teaching of the apostles was not enough for salvation and were adding things to the gospel. John explains that those who know the truth have the Holy Spirit. He also says that those who deny that Jesus is Christ are liars. In denying the Son, they deny the Father. Jesus, Himself, told the disciples that you can not come to or know the Father without the Son. In Matthew 11:27, Jesus says, "All things have been committed to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father without the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him." John witnesses to this in John 14:6, where he tells us that Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." 

Why is knowing all this important? What has been taught in the gospel must remain in us because the reward is what "He promised us - even eternal life." (Verse 25). We must be alert and strong in the knowledge of the gospel so that we will recognize anti-christs in the world for what they are. We must not allow them to lead us astray, but instead, trust the gospel and know that Jesus was both true man and true God. Our salvation depends on this!

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