When we think about it, sometimes it is a marvel that our Holy God who is without fault desires to have fellowship with unholy and unrighteous people. So much so that He desires to take us from our unholy state and make us righteous and holy before His eyes. Like I said, sometimes that thought can make us marvel. John the apostle has been sharing with us that God desires fellowship with everyone, and yet, there are barriers to that fellowship. Sin is one barrier, and another is the onset of those John calls “antichrists”. These who teach and roam among us promote spiritual and religious ideas, however they alter the Bible or add to the Bible which causes many people confusion. So how is a person to know what is really the truth and what is not? John helps us all today in the next verse of First John in chapter two and verse twenty:
But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.
The word “unction” is “khresma” in the Greek language. It means anything smeared on like an ointment or anointing. The idea is like when they would anoint priests for service with a holy oil, and the holy oil represents the Holy Spirit of God.
Jesus gave us a promise before He was crucified, resurrected, and ascended from the Earth. He said,
However when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show [it] unto you. John 16:13-14.
Those who are followers of Jesus Christ - those who have repented of their sins and been baptized into the faith - receive the Holy Spirit of God. When they do, they receive this “unction” that John shares with us. It is hard to describe unless you have received this “unction”, but suffice it to say that there is something deep inside that allows us to know that something isn't quite right whenever we encounter someone who is speaking against the word of God. This “unction” from the Holy One persuades us to search the scriptures of the Bible to verify or disqualify ideas that may be “antichrist.” It's as if John is saying, “you who have received the Holy One's unction know when there is error and when there is truth.” Look at Jesus' promise one more time as encouragement, “ he will guide you into all truth”. Knowing this gives us assurance that this wonderful God who desires fellowship with us will not let us stray, but will keep us in the faith as we rely upon His Holy Spirit.
If you happen to be confused about all the offerings from religions that are in the world, seek fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, and the promise of the “unction” will be yours.
Next time we shall share together about truth and lies. Read ahead, John the apostle has much more to share with us.
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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