The Spirit of The Antichrist: Day 6
“Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19They 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 it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. 26I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” - 1st John 2:18-27 (ESV)
In this world, there is a spirit of antichrist. No matter how spiritually minded you may or may not be, one reality is there are many antichrist present in these days. In scripture, there is one who is called the antichrist which has been prophesied. Many believe this will be a single physical person who arises to bring about division in the last days. However, here John would write and tell us that in this present age, there are many antichrists. He is pointing out that many individuals would oppose their message and deny Jesus Christ. In this, John would label this opposition as the antichrist. Rightfully so if I may add as it is kinda in the name. Anti….Christ.
The reality is that around us every single day is the spirit of the antichrist. There are religions, organizations, individuals, and entertainment, that all push the denial of Christ as the living son of God. Many try to write it out of history or mock its significance. You can’t watch TikTok without seeing someone denying the existence or significance of Jesus. TV shows mock believers. Music is written that straight perverts the message of Christ. All around us, we see what John is speaking about. What is the spirit of the antichrist? Well, John says it plainly in verse 22 “This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.”
John turns to a hopeful tune in reminding his readers that they already hold and know the truth. What is that truth? That Christ is the son of God who lived a perfect life and died a gruesome death to bear the punishment that we deserved. Through his death, burial, and more importantly his resurrection, we have been forgiven, redeemed, and justified. He encourages them to continue to abide in their relationship with the Father. To remember the truth.
In a day where everything around us seems to scream in the spirit of the antichrist, we must remind ourselves daily of the truth. This is a truth we know. Walk with and abide in the Father and the Son. As John says, if you have the Son, you have the Father. Holdfast to your faith and do not fall into the spirit of the antichrist; that being anything that opposes the message of Christ.
Takeaway: Lately have you reminded yourself of the basic message of Christ? If that answer is no, take time to reflect on the person, work, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
DAY 7: Reflection. Take the next day to reflect on what we have walked through so far. Reflection is key to retention and application.
