John the apostle does not want us to be unprepared for the last days. In the first part of his book of First John he has been sharing with us about how God desires fellowship with us and the provision He has made to do so. John's attention now is turned toward the last days and the antichrist and antichrists that shall be within them. In chapter two verse eighteen he wrote:
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
John mentions two ways that we can know the last time is here: One, you will hear of the antichrist coming, and two, there are many antichrists who are already here.
First, let's talk a little about “the antichrist.” According to the Bible there will be one man who will rise on the scene during the last days who will appear to have the answer to all of the world's problems. He will come with the guise of peace, provision, and supply. Economic answers will be given. Political questions will be resolved, and warring factions will finally rest with one another. Much more can be known about him by reading the Book of Revelation chapter thirteen and Daniel chapter seven.
But secondly, John tells us “even now there are many antichrists”. The prefix “anti” means “against”. The idea is in opposition to or diametrically opposed to something else. John says there are those who are “against Christ” during the last time. Have we ever seen a day when there are so many who are “against Christ”? Pluralism and pantheism have replaced the worship of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Bumper stickers now boldly proclaim, “Co-Exist”, and there are those who without regard state “There is no God”. This is in direct opposition to the Bible. This thinking is exactly what John is sharing with us today: “there are many antichrists”, and the idea that the “many antichrists” exist points us to the fact that we are indeed living in the last time.
Many ideas and thoughts will come and go during these last days. Many will be against Christ, and some will seduce people to follow them. John the beloved disciple as a caring spiritual father warns those who will listen, his little children, to be aware of the “many antichrists” that appear, but to also note that their appearing means that the last time is among us.
Next time we will look at the source of these “many antichrists” and discover what John has to say about their origin. Read ahead, and we shall meet together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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