Today’s Reading:
I John 2:18 - 25
“Little children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now there are many antichrists. By this we know that it is the last hour.” ( I John 2:18)
Antichrist means against Christ. One who opposes the teachings of Christ. An individual or group of people who always twist the words of Christ as written in the Bible to suit themselves. In verse 18 of our passage, the mention of the word ‘antichrist’ appears twice. The first one comes with the article the (the antichrist) while the second one has no article ‘the’ but pluralized (antichrist). The first one can be said to be the devil which that passage says is coming meaning his work is yet to be fully seen or manifested. But the second one ‘antichrists’ are here with us.
What the scripture is saying is that the full manifestation of that Antichrist is fast approaching and at the same time we must not be deceived because his cohorts are already in our midst. Though the word antichrist appears only in the gospel of I John and II John (I John 2:18, 22; I John 4:3 & II John 1:7) the idea which the word conveys appears frequently in the Scriptures. The scripture in verse 19 of our text, makes it clear how they can be recognized. They went out from us, those who are against Christ are not necessarily strangers but insiders. They were once in the fellowship of believers (II Peter 2:20-22). However, they left the fellowship of saints. Though some of them may remain physically but spiritually they are not part of the kingdom pilgrims. They have the form of godliness but deny the power therefore (II Timothy 3:5). Some of them found themselves among believers accidentally while some came in because of challenges of life but in the real sense they never had any encounter with Christ. Since there was no encounter, it would be easy for them to leave the assembly of saints.
When you see someone, who is indifferent to sin, beware he is in the company of antichrists. As a child of God, know yourself and stand firm in God. Deceivers are many in the world even in the church. Titles are not to be equated with godliness. Even speaking in tongues, miracles and quoting the Scriptures offhand are not enough reasons to judge someone as a child of God.
Beware of antichrists as they are recruiting for the antichrist who will soon take full charge after the rapture of the saints. Please beware!
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May I not fall victim to the activities of the end-time antichrist in Jesus' name
Oh God, expose the activities of the antichrist in Jesus' name.
Works of darkness amidst the children of God, let there be light in Jesus' name
I receive grace to remain faithful to the end in Jesus' name.
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