It’s Important to SEEK TRUTH & Be Aware of Antichrists
We typically ask, “Who is the Antichrist?” But John explained, The “what” of the antichrists? not just the “who.”
Generation after generation throughout the church age (which is from Jesus’ sacrificial first coming to His triumphant second coming), people have tried to identify the Antichrist. John wanted people to SEEK TRUTH. He wanted them to KNOW the truth about Jesus, so that antichrists wouldn’t influence them.
In his first letter to 1st Century believers, he wrote…
Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come.
1 John 2:18
The antichrists John was revealing were people who deny that Jesus is the Son of God…
Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either.
1 John 2:22–23
These individuals became part of the church, but never surrendered themselves to the Father and the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit in faith.
John wrote…
These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us.
1 John 2:19a,
When you and I surrender our lives to our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Holy Spirit works within us and teaches us to know the difference between God’s TRUTH and the enemy’s lies.
You are not like that, for the Holy One has given you His Spirit, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 2:20
That’s why the Spirit prompts us to focus on Jesus and to continue growing in faith through Scripture, prayer, and people of faith. He works a longing within us to SEEK Truth, through a growing relationship with the Lord, over everything else in life.
The Spirit guides us in God’s TRUTH so we won’t be confused by the lies expressed through antichrists. And John, inspired by that Spirit, gave us the good news that to keep us from worrying…
I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
1 John 2:26–27
We need to be aware! Satan will try to use false teachers to lead us off track. But when we faithfully SEEK the Lord and grow in faith, through God’s Word and prayer, we will KNOW the TRUTH that sets us free now and forever.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to SEEK TRUTH and
Reject the Lies of the Antichrists
Heavenly Father, the enemy has always used individuals to lie about Your grace, mercy, and love. He uses “antichrists” to distort Your Word by denying that Jesus is Your Son and our Savior.
I thank and praise You for giving the Holy Spirit to help us reject the enemy’s lies with Your absolute TRUTH. Thank You for wanting us to KNOW the importance of SEEKing Your Kingdom through Jesus. He told us how important it is to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.” He promised that when we do, You will give us everything we need. (Luke 12:31)
Please forgive us, forgive me, for allowing distractions to keep us from spending time with You through Your Word and prayer. Please give us discernment and help us reject anything that distorts the life-giving message that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
Please help us KNOW, LOVE, TRUST, and SHARE that You are the only TRUE God and that Jesus alone is Your Son and our Savior. Please fill me with Your Spirit and help me grow in faith and love for You, the Great I AM … TRIUNE GOD—Creator, Savior, and Spirit.
I love You, Lord. Please help me identify and reject the lies of the antichrists. I surrender all to You and pray that You will give me the wisdom and discernment I need to stand on the firm foundation of faith in Jesus. In His holy name, I pray. Amen.
It is only through wisdom and discernment that you and I can recognize the antichrists’ lies. The following is something I found that helped…
Bible Hub defines antichrists through these four characteristics…
1. Denial of Christ: Antichrists deny the identity and work of Jesus as the Messiah. This denial extends to rejecting the relationship between the Father and the Son, undermining the core of Christian theology.
2. Deception: Antichrists are described as deceivers who lead others away from the truth. Their teachings are contrary to the apostolic doctrine and aim to sow confusion and doubt among believers.
3. Presence in the World: John emphasizes that antichrists are already present in the world, indicating that their influence is not limited to a future event but is an ongoing reality that believers must confront.
4. Opposition to the Truth: The spirit of the antichrist is fundamentally opposed to the truth of the Gospel. This opposition manifests in false teachings and ideologies that contradict the teachings of Christ and the apostles.
May the Spirit bless you with wisdom and discernment to stand strong in faith, identify and reject the antichrists’ lies, and LOVE and TRUST Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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I love your explanation here of what an antichrist truly is, Deb. It certainly cleared up some confusion I had and is certainly a timely message for this country that unbelievers are trying so hard to divide and conquer. They have already lost. Blessings, and have a great weekend!
Thank you, Martha! These verses are often ignored. I’m thankful that John wanted us to be aware and mindful as we live our lives waiting on our Lord and Savior. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. God bless you!
This is very informative, and I am thankful you posted it. So much going on in our world today and so many who try to go against God’s word. It is heartbreaking. I am glad to be a Christian to know who God is. Thankful for the Holy Spirit.
I hope that you have a very good weekend and stay safe. You mean so much to all of us.
Sue
I’m glad, Sue. Thanks for your encouragement. I just keep praying for revival and that the Lord will help me to keep my focus on Him. I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful weekend. Many blessings!
You are right about keeping the focus on God.
Blessings to you, dear sweet friend.
There is so much created in this world meant to deceive. I am so grateful that God knows my heart and my intentions. Just in case my gullible mind should get distracted. GOD will send his Holy Spirit to guide and correct me!!!
Thank you for allowing me to learn about the antichrist. I always viewed it as one person or entity. Now I see it as a collective.
God Bless You Deb
Thank you, Emmie! I’m glad this encouraged you. Scripture does talk about a single Antichrist that will come forth during the Tribulation. I’m thankful that John shared the importance of being aware of all false teachers and antichrists, not just focusing on and trying to identify the “one” in the end times. Thanks for visiting and for joining the conversation. God be with you and bless you.