In view of this, John the Beloved warns every believer to remain in the faith and be committed to the truth till the end. He reveals the soon and sudden coming of Christ and the signs that will herald the great event.
Regarding the last days, the Holy Spirit speaks expressly (1Timothy 4:1,2), the Scriptures state explicitly (2 Timothy 3:1, 2), the society shows externally (2 Timothy 3:1-5), the scoffers scorn expectedly (2 Peter 3:3-7) and His servants speak extensively (Deuteronomy 4:30; 31:29; Ezekiel 38:16; Daniel 10:14; Jude 1:17,18) about its nearness and signs.
Among the signs will there be preachers who are influenced and possessed by the spirit of the Antichrist. They will serve as forerunners and prepare for the full manifestation of their master. Since the coming of the Lord is imminent, believers must be watchful, prayerful and live in holiness. They must not lose sight of the fact that in these last days, the antiChrists pose a mortal danger to all in the world, especially believers in the Lord.
In this divinely inspired treatise, the Apostle John reveals the emergence of the “antichrist” in the last days. This personality is referred to in the Bible as “the son of perdition,” the “man of sin,” and the “king of fierce countenance,” who will oppose Christ, blaspheme His name and try to change the plans of God. He will outlaw the worship of God and sorely oppress the children of Israel.
However, “even now are there many antichrists.” These are backsliders who became reprobates, degenerated into apostates and graduated to become antichrists. They are opposed to Christ and the truth of the scriptures.
“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ comes in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” These forerunners of the Antichrist operate by his spirit, influence and power. They are antichrists because they are deceivers who oppose and distort the truth of the gospel. They misinterpret the scriptures and doctrines of Christ. They are hostile to the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
They are wolves in sheep’s clothing and motivated by the spirit of the antiChrist. They preach and spread the errors and damning lies of Satan. While many see them as Christ’s servants, they are actually working against Him. Characteristically, antichrists deny Christ (2 Peter 2:1), desert the church (1 John 2:19) and deceive Christians (1 John 2:26).
• Further reading (King James Version): 1 John 2:18-29; Hebrews 1:1, 2; Acts 2:16, 17; Matthew 24:32-34; 1 John 2:18,19; Daniel 8:9-11; 7:24, 25; 8:23-25; 11:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7-11; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:19, 26.
