John knew full well the plan delivered onto him by the Christ Himself, which he knew personally among the living as Yeshua, the prophesied Messiah and Savior of sinners.
Because the end felt near, as it should be for each believer who models his life after the risen Son of God, the apostle allowed the Holy Spirit to serve a warning against the ultimate false prophet, the Antichrist.
“18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18)
An aging apostle, John refers to his readers as little children who already knew the truth, which they had inherited from the gospel and by the Spirit who flowed from their hearts.
John gives praise to God we, these “little children” continue to believe in spite of the constant attacks by the enemy, cloaked in various forms including antichrists, deceivers and opposers of the truth.
John warns believers of the signs to look for, as the end closes in the world. This end will serve as a new beginning for God’s children, as each one is raptured into His welcoming arms as the fulfillment of a promise made long ago.
“19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” (1 John 2:19)
John prophecies of imposters to come, apostates out on a mission to destroy rather than build up, serving Satan and his angels instead of the everlasting God.
The apostle warns believers that such self-serving antichrists should be feared even more so than atheists, since these wolves prey on believers in churches worldwide, posing as sheep.
“20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” (1 John 2:20-21)
John gives praises to Yahweh for the faith and trust displayed by those in Christ, along our daily walk which leads to eternal life with our heavenly Father. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, a true believer’s mission and works mirror the character of Christ. By our actions, our reputation and our legacy, each believer becomes a witness to the truth about the life, death and rising of the King of kings.
“22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” (1 John 2:22-23)
John calls a liar anyone who denies the truth about Jesus Christ, his perfect life in the flesh, and resurrection from the dead. Anyone preaching otherwise is guilty of blasphemy, to be judged by the Lord Himself. While all those who abide by this truth will be saved from the wage of sin, and declared heirs to the throne and His kingdom. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
