Read: 1 John 2:18-29
The expression ‘the last hour’ in 1 John 2:18 denotes the time between Jesus’ ascension and return. One of the hallmarks of this time is that all kinds of false prophets and scoffers and even false Christs will arise (Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 3:3,4).
There will also be an antichrist, an opponent of the Christ.
He has been foretold many times in the Bible (See, among others, Daniel 11:20-45; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8a; Revelation 13). Already in John’s time there were many antichrists.
One can think of the emperors of Rome, who claimed divine honor for themselves and adorned themselves with the name ‘Kurios’, ‘Lord’, as Jesus is also called.
But also from the congregation came enemies of the Christ. Not everyone really belonged to the congregation (1 John 2:18,19), as had been foretold (Matthew 13:24-26).
John is writing to those on whom the Christ has poured out his Spirit (1 John 2:20). Then you know the Father and the Christ, because the Spirit unlocks the real knowledge of God and of the Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
The antichrists teach that Jesus of Nazareth is not the Christ, the Son of God.
That means denying both the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22,23a). It is of the utmost importance that we have a biblical view of Jesus. Only that guarantees our relationship with the Son and with the Father (1 John 2:23b,24).
Only then do we have eternal life (1 John 2:25). Abiding in Jesus prevents disgrace when He appears in His day (1 John 2:28; Matthew 25:41-46).
Jesus is righteous. When we abide in Him, we do what the LORD wills, which is a mark of being born again (1 John 2:29). To remain in Jesus is that He is the beating heart of our lives in our actions and walks and that we cannot live without Him. We declare our love to Him and listen to His directions for our everyday life.
The Bible says exactly what it is and what awaits us when we abide in Jesus: tribulation and persecution, as in many parts of the world, but also glory and honor (cf. Mark 10:28-30). What shows that we abide in Him? From the fact that nothing in our lives is greater than Him!
Question
- How does ‘being in Jesus’ take shape and form in your life?
Prayer Suggestion
- Thank the Lord that you too may be a branch to Him.
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