28th May 2024

28th May 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (2 John 2v18-25)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


There are few subjects that arouse discussion in Christian circles quite like the mention of "antichrist". What do we mean by this term? Antichrist simply means "instead of Christ" or "in place of Christ" and even in John's day there were many individuals who sought to take the place of Jesus - they were "antichrist". This was a sure sign that the "last hour" (v1) had arrived. The "last hour" has continued for another two thousand years but even so, we still find ourselves living  in the last days before the return of Christ.


John made a distinction between "antichrist" and "many antichrists" and this is something we should be clear about. We expect that there will be a final antichrist before the return of Jesus. He will an individual who will be adored and worshipped in this world while at the same time seeking to take the place of Jesus and destroy the Church. Paul called him the "man of lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2v3) who would be revealed just prior to Christ's return. 


There is only one "man of lawlessness" but there are and have been countless other "antichrists". Those who were troubling John had started within the church but had left the faith behind (v19). They showed themselves to be "antichrist" by denying that Jesus is the Christ (v22) and denying both God the Father and God the Son (v22b). This remains vital in 2024 and so a good question to pose to anyone is "what do you believe about Jesus?". For the Christian, Jesus is the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. For many others, Jesus is a good man or just a prophet or an example or countless other things which rob Him of His true glory.


John was confident that his hearers understood this (v20) and so they were to abide in the Son and the Father (v24) refusing to be drawn away by those who wanted Christ's glory for themselves. Are there still antichrists today? Yes indeed, both inside and outside the church. Brothers and sisters, it is the last hour and the faith will be assailed in every age by those who hate Christ. Do no listen to them, do not tolerate them, do not fear them. Instead, abide in Christ, for the one who overcomes will have everlasting life (v25).


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q50 What is required in the second commandment? The second commandment requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word.
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