Our scripture today is 1 John 2:18-25.
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
John writes this passage to warn us of the deceivers in the world, not that we should become suspicious and fearful, but that we would be aware. He tells us that those who accept the Son also have the Father, reminding us of what Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This is the most important thing as we face the trials of the last days.
John teaches us that remembering God’s word and demonstrating it through our actions will keep us strong against the evil that will continue through those who oppose the Father. Our task is to keep reaching out in Jesus’ name, especially to those who have not yet accepted Him. Our Great Commission to make disciples of all nations is still our most important duty.
Keeping our focus on God’s promise of eternal life (v. 25) is what will sustain and strengthen us. We know we can stand against sin and withstand the onslaught of unbelievers through our faith. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your love and mercy, allowing us to repent and receive Your forgiveness. Help us to be strong in our faith and go to all the world in Your name. Amen.