John the apostle has been sharing with us throughout the book of First John about God's desire to have fellowship with us. There is, however, those that are in opposition to that fellowship. They have what John calls “the spirit of antichrist.” With all the offerings of religious experiences available throughout the world, how is one to know which one is the true path and which one is false? John has been helping us to know the answer to this question, and he adds to his answer today in chapter four and verse six where he wrote:
We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
John, who was as close to Jesus as anyone in the world, states first “We are of God.” John knows his position. He knows the authority that has been extended to him by Jesus in that position, so there is no question about his fellowship with God. He now continues his thought with a mark of distinction between those who are of God and those who are not.
Those who hear the disciples of Jesus are those who know God. If we hear John's message, if we hear what John says about Jesus being the Messiah, the coming one, the Savior of the world who gave His life for our sins by dying on the cross who was then resurrected on the third day afterward, we know God. If we do not hear this message, the we are not of God. John says those who readily accept, believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to the teachings of this gospel have the spirit of truth. Those who reject this teaching have the spirit of error.
Whenever we are wondering whether a person has the spirit of truth or the spirit of error, we simply must discover what they believe. Do they believe that Jesus is God who came in the flesh as the perfect sacrifice for their sins? If so, they have the spirit of truth. If not, they do not. If they cannot hear John's words, they do not know God.
Jesus said it this way as recorded in the gospel of John in chapter seventeen and verse three:
And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you hast sent.
Do we hear this? Or do we not?
Next time we will take a look at what John says about loving God and loving others, so read ahead and we shall share together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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