Articles
But You Have An Anointing - 1 John 2:18-27
“Children, it is the last hour…” (1 Jn. 2:18). These words express John’s concern for the believers he is writing to. Children is John’s term of endearment that he has employed several times in his letter. Last hour is equivalent to the last days that describe the period of time between the first and second comings of Christ. Paul described this period of time to Timothy. He wrote, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience, who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God created to be shared in with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (1 Tim. 4:1-3). John was concerned for his children and did not want them to be surprised about the conduct of some in the last hour.
Antichrist is the term John used to describe those who were troubling his children, and he made a couple of significant points about them. John wrote, “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared. From this we know that it is the last hour” (1 Jn 2:18). John emphasized that many antichrists have appeared, and they are characterized by a key trait. He wrote, “Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son” (1 Jn. 2:22). These antichrists not only deny that Jesus is the Christ, but they are opposed to Him. One lexicon defines antichrist as “one who is opposed to the Messiah.” This is the reality for believers living in the period of time between the first and second comings of Christ. They will be surrounded by those who oppose the Messiah.
How can believers face the challenges of those who deny and oppose Christ? John wrote, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know” (1 Jn. 2:20). John is probably referring to the Holy Spirit’s revelation to the Apostles. Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all the truth (Jn. 16:13). That body of truth was written down, and believers have access to it. It reveals the true as well as the counterfeit, so disciples can use it to discern the teachings and character of their opponents. They can use the truth to counter the attacks and arguments of antichrists. John wrote, “let that which you heard from the beginning abide you” (1 Jn. 2:24). Following the truth solidifies our fellowship with the Father, and it aids us in our struggle with those who oppose the Son.
We have help in challenging times. The Holy Spirit’s revelation is our aid and comfort during times of opposition. Let’s abide in it and use it to challenge those who deny the Father and the Son.
