SP9. The spirit of antichrist in the last hour

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WHAT IS "THAT SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST"?

What is John telling us in 1 John 2:18-19?

Firstly, that the "last hour" had already begun 2,000 years ago when John first wrote this. This means that the antichrists have been around since the early church was established. Given this context, we are living in the last days just as the generation before us and the generation before them. For our generation, we can pay attention to the following and ask, is this prophetic signpost ... ?

• • More evident around us, and even in the church, of professing Christians who have begun to deny Jesus as the only Name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12)
  • Greater intensity in the dissenting voices falling away and denying Christ 
  • Most critically, is this signpost and the other signposts discussed, converging in this generation

Secondly, antichrists are pseudo-Christians who mingle with believers with wicked intentions to deceive and mislead 'weaker' believers from the Truth. That is why John warned, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:" 1 John 4:1. Right now, there are antichrists passing themselves off as authentic believers and even occupy teaching positions in the church, just as there are presently tares planted amongst the wheat by the enemy (Matt 13:25).

• "29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Acts 20:29-30

Thirdly, there is a difference between antichrists and backslided followers of the faith. An early example of the backslided Christian was the church of Laodicea. Such was their confidence in their own capabilities, wisdom and resources to do as they pleased that they kept Jesus outside the church community (Rev 3:20). There are also backslided Christians who have neglected God for some time and end up struggling in their faith walk. Antichrists are used by the enemy to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Backsliding can have extreme consequences. 1 Tim 4:1 points out, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

Fourthly, there is a difference between antichrists and non-believers. Non-believers may sometimes sound like antichrists because they oppose the Truth. Many non-believers will readily admit that they are not seeking or are simply not ready or just do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent as the Savior. Their position is borne out of spiritual blindness. They may turn out to be one of the elect whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and the Gospel is the means for them to be saved.

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE TIMES WE LIVE IN IS THE DREADED "LAST HOUR"?

There is ample evidence from all over the world that we are witness to, shown on our various digital devices. Let us go through a simple checklist that is easily available online and ask ourselves whether they are now the norm.

• • Is "Jesus Christ" used regularly as a curse word in movies and this is approved, acceptable, 'normal' dialogue by government censors in most countries?
  • Is "Jesus Christ" made a mockery of such as the portrayal of Jesus as a homosexual in a Netflix comedy? Even with pushback by offended Christians, it is largely ignored by the majorityin the world?
  • Is "Jesus Christ" blasphemed publicly? Consider that a 'work of art' from 1989, yes from over three decades ago, called 'Piss Christ' was exhibited as a 60" x 40" red and yellow photograph of a crucifix plunged into a vat of artist Serrano's urine. We are not placing a link and will not legitimize or sensationalize this blasphemy.
  • Has the Cross become a fashion icon and is not really revered for its true representatin of the crucifixion of Christ?
  • Has the Cross become a badge for people who want to show their religiousity but without genuine intention of seeking Christ-likeness in their lives?
  • Is Christian conservatism and Bible fundamentalism offensive even to Christians in the church?
  • Is the act of raising legitimate questions to clarify somewhat questionable teachings, being commonly viewed as an act of defiance and division by most churchgoers?
  • Is sound Bible doctrine being labelled a 2,000 year old outdated teaching that needs to be deconstructed? This is how the Bible is labelled within the 'progressive Christian' church?

Our answers to the above questions will depend on where we are on the spectrum of Christian maturity, our view of the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, our Bible literacy or illiteracy, our convictions and so forth. It might also depend on the church we go to and what its leaders preach and what we readily consume or verify with the Word. Most importantly, it will depend on our interest and love for God's Word (Acts 17:10-11) which is the litmus test for what is the Truth.

FAITH, WORKS AND BIBLE PROPHECY

Many Christians when faced with the matter of the last days often reply that we should not be too concerned about the signposts but should be more focussed on whether we are living a Christ-centered life and conscientiously doing Kingdom works.

To that we would agree but with a proper watchfulness of the times, it raises the urgency and increases our resolve not to be self-absorbed and happily cruise through life but to seek a life pleasing to God by our faith and our works (James 2:17-20). The last days and the Christian life are inextricably linked with one another and are not independent of the other. That is why the Lord has several such repeated instructions to be watchful and alert. It is ultimately our response that leads to actions that matter.

When we abide in Christ and have an interest in matters that matter to God, it will cause us to pay close attention to the world around us that impacts Christianity and the brethen. We are told to be watchful (1 Thess 5:6) but how watchful and discerning are we? Does Bible prophecy which warns and prepares us for the coming times even matter to us or are we caught up with the cares of this world to our spiritual detriment? Are we in the last hour and are the prophetic signposts so evident that we can no longer ignore them?

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