Introduction:
Turn in your Bibles with me to 1 John 2. There is an element of craftiness that is truly unique to the day in which we live. Preachers and teachers today are bold with what they say about how a certain Scripture is applied. There are some false teachers that we can compare with Scripture and easily call them out. Praise the Lord for that. However, for other false teachers, it is difficult to discern whether or not they are doing kingdom work or spreading lies and speaking deceptively.
Regardless of how the false teacher might describe him/herself, it is upon us as believers who know the truth to be discerning and watchful of those around us. It is not enough for us to align ourselves with a pastor because he is ‘my’ pastor, or ‘I have been listening to him for years!’ Many times, in Scripture we are warned about false teachers. I believe that John gives them the strongest and most deplorable title: antichrists. John is the only author who uses the term antichrist. This is not far-fetched for us to agree with because of the closeness that John held with Jesus. He was one of the three on the mount when the Transfiguration occurred, he sat next to Jesus at the last supper, and he followed Jesus as he was on trial before the Sanhedrin. John had a deep affectionate love for Christ, thus anyone who taught false doctrine intentionally was condemned with strong language and terminology.
This morning, I want us to dive into the topic of discernment. What is discernment? Discernment is “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure” (Merriam-Webster). God is so good to us, because he has given us the ability to make clear what would otherwise be obscure. For us, false teachers are not difficult to find out if we know our Bibles.
I have titled this sermon: The Signs of the Times. In doing some discernment of the age that we live in, I want us to look at 3 signs. 1. The Sign of the antichrists, 2. The sign of church defection, and 3. The Sign of the Holy One. Now, let’s read verses 18-20 in 1 John 2.
- The Sign of the antichrists (v.18)
Look with me in verse 18. He directs those beloved by him about the stage of human existence they are living in. He says, ‘Children, it is the last hour.’ John intentionally begins by declaring the age in which they live. This is helpful for us this morning because as we go to the end of the chapter in the weeks to come, we will see this last hour as the primary means by which verses 18-30 fall under. Whether John is talking about antichrists or the anointing that abides in those of us who are believers (v. 27), they both fall in the category of signs in the last days.
The ‘last hour’ has many connotations attached to it. Here are a few, Jesus ushers in the last days age at His death and resurrection as the Creator and heir of all things (Heb. 1.2, 1 Pt. 1.20), The Holy Spirit will be poured upon men so that the gospel might be preached to all the nations (Acts 2.17), Paul warns Timothy that in the last days there will be great difficulty for Christians (2 Tim. 3.1), people on the earth will store up riches and treasures in the last days thinking it will be of worth to them (Jam. 5.3). However, the last hour in the context of this passage directly concerns antichrists. This is critical for our understanding, especially when we get to our next point, church defection.
What does John say about the antichrists? First, notice that he uses the word singular first, then in the plural. John recognizes that there will an antichrist who will set up his kingdom on earth. Some traditions and faiths have their own views, here are a few. (Baptist) Article 26, paragraph 4 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith mentions who they believe the antichrist is. “The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” The Catholic church believes, “Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers. The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the “mystery of iniquity” in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth. The supreme religious deception is that of the Antichrist, a pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God and of his Messiah come in the flesh.” The Jehovah’s witnesses tell us that we can identify an antichrist because “They promote false ideas related to Jesus (Matt. 24.9, 11). For example, those who teach the Trinity or that Jesus is Almighty God actually oppose the teachings of Jesus, who said: “The Father is greater than I am”” (John 14.28). So, those of us who follow Trinitarian doctrine are antichrists!
Now, Antichrist in the singular, which John refers to here, is “a person who sets himself in the place of Christ; especially implying the usurping of Christ and his position.” The Greek defines antichrist as one who is “against Christ” or “instead of Christ”. Brooke Fost Westcott, (Greek interpreter) combines the two definitions this way, “one who, assuming the guise of Christ, opposes Christ.” Ultimately the antichrist is the evil one himself. Spurgeon understood this, he said of verse 18, “This is to be the last charge of our great adversary and all his hosts.” There are going to be those who are set apart for the work of the devil. Listen to Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in John 8.44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Is Jesus talking about everyone in this verse? The answer is no. He is speaking to Pharisees. In the same way, Judas was used specifically as a worker of the devil. Turn with me to Luke 22. We are going to read verses 1-6. Notice that the text says that Satan entered Judas and then notice who he goes to. Did you notice who Judas went to? The Pharisees, that’s right! What did they all have in common? They were doing work for the devil. It must be stated that the devil did not, literally, insert himself into Judas or the Pharisees. We understand this to mean that they were all under the control of the devil. God had given them over to their own desires. Does Romans 1 ring a bell to anyone? Please turn back to 1 John 2.
John gives this instruction to his listeners informatively and as a warning. He had heard about the coming antichrist from our Lord and this was passed down to those in his hearing. MacArthur writes, “John’s readers surely would also have known about Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, in which He made reference to the same Antichrist-related events (one world government and the like) as those already prophesied in the Old Testament.” This is important for us today, as well.
The plural part is where we are going to spend more of our time on. This is because we see more of an impact from antichrists in our lives and John saw more of an impact from the many antichrists that were in the world in his day. And we know that there were antichrists in his day because he says so. The middle of verse 18 tells us that “even now many antichrists have appeared.” What is the significance of this passage? Look with me in verse 18 and see how is doesn’t say that there will only be one antichrist, but ‘many.’ Now, many refers to a seemingly ‘infinite’ number. We know that there will not be an infinite amount of antichrists, for the Lord will destroy them and the enemy in fullness at His appearing. But there can be so many that it would seem as though they don’t ever stop popping up. The appearance of the antichrists does not refer, solely, to a visible appearing. John is telling his audience that the antichrists have arrived and are here as they were already forewarned.
Another way that this can be worded is of an arising. I mean an arising in that they were already present on this planet, but the seeds of hatred against God were not planted and now they are appearing. Antichrists could be those who we know dearly. John does not refer to them as a specific set apart people group. Overall, they are human beings who are enslaved to their sin and blinded by it so much so, that in their worship of their sin, they condemn and despise Christ. This also means that there will be future antichrists that will be born and take on this same identity. For every generation in existence and those yet to come there will be antichrists that are present and there will be new ones to come.
Matthew 24.7, 9 tells us “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes…Then they will deliver you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Can I offer one quote to you. “These convening must elevate gender equality from a “nice-to-have” to a non-negotiable pillar of global governance and development. To realise a gender equal future, we must form a resistance against anti-rights and anti-choice movements.” Who are those who support life and not a “women’s right to choose?” (World Economic Forum). Mostly, Christians. These are the days that we live in.
- The Sign of church defection (v.19)
Let us now turn our attention to The Sign of church defection. But, before we do, I must make one remark. In no way do any of these verses give the notion that this refers to believers who have abandoned the faith, those whom we may say were never truly saved in the first place. I make this remark in light of the first few words in this verse. Look there with me. “They went out from us, but they were not really of us.” This is the phrase that gets people in trouble as they interpret the Scripture. What is the context of this passage? Who did we talk about in verse 18? That’s right, we talked about antichrists. We did NOT talk about those who have gone astray possibly for a period of time, or those who are struggling with doubting their faith. We are talking about antichrists and so was John. Do you not think that this did not occur in John’s day? That people struggled with trusting in the Lord and having faith? Of course, they did! This is not something that is privy to our generation. This has gone on since the beginning of time. We could set one Sunday morning alone and just go through the examples in the Old Testament of those who struggled with these very things.
John is still talking about antichrists. He tells his readers and us that these antichrists have sprung up out of the church. Not only have they sprung up out of the church, but it is said of them that they have departed the church. It is used similarly in Matt. 2.6 when Christ will come up out of the tribe of Judah. The Greek translates it as they were among our company, and they arose from it. It reminds me of a music singer who starts out in Christian circles and then leaps into the secular realm. So, yes, antichrists do come out of the church.
In Matthew 12.44, Jesus says that there will be people who might seem like they have their life in order and are following God, but at some point (usually when things get hard) they succumb and return to their heathen way. The familiar passage, Matthew 22.11 which is the parable of the man who was in the assembly but did not have wedding clothes is a visual and practical example of someone who was of us, but really of us. And, in Romans 9.6 Paul speaking to the Jews of his day tells them that just because they are naturally (their citizenship) from Israel, does not mean that they are a part of spiritual Israel, those who reside in heaven with Christ forever.
A common question that is asked comes to mind. What about those who leave the faith and don’t seem antagonistic like these antichrists do? A great question this is. It calls us to discern rightly as we have the truth in our stead. How do we know? First, and ultimately, God is the one who truly knows the heart. He knows where every human being stands and whether he/she has confessed their sins and have trusted in Christ. For us, it is enough to be made aware of these people leave and the need to pray for them. The Bible is clear as to how these people will act and live. They hate God. Now, that being said, don’t all sinners hate God? Yes, this is the case. However, these haters of God are active in their hatred toward Him and the persecution of His people. Many people hate God without being persecutors of Him or His people. They hate God because they hate His commands and wish not to follow them. The distinguishing mark of an antichrist is that they are active in their hatred, not passive.
What is difficult about this passage is that for some of us, this hits close to home. Notice that John does not put a condition of time spent in the church. He tells us that they left us. They could have been a part of the church for a short time, or a long time. Either way, the pain is real and we hurt deeply when we see someone leave our sacred assembly, but the pain is greater when that person goes a complete 180 and serves the evil one. Yet, we are not alone in this. David talks about his experience in Psalm 41.9. “Even my close friend whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” Jesus talks bout those who will defect in John 15.2. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away.” As we saw earlier, Jesus experienced this pain with Judas’ betrayal.
There is hope for us amidst this difficulty. I found Danny Akin’s words to be comforting. “The “us team” in contrast (to the they who depart) remains in fellowship and perseveres. As tragic as this verse is on one hand, it is glorious and comforting on the other. Why? Because it is wonderful affirmation of what we call “eternal security” or “perseverance of the saints.” Those who truly belong to Christ will stay with Christ because, as Jude 1 says, we are “kept for Jesus Christ.”” Let this be an encouragement to you, dear Christian.
- The Sign of the Holy One (v.20)
We come to verse 20 where I want us to see The Sign of the Holy One. Notice in the beginning of the verse that John uses the word ‘but.’ This marks a transition of who he was talking about to those whom he is now talking about. John is talking to believers in verse 20 where he makes a sharp contrast. He uses the word ‘anointing’ as a mark for the true believer in Christ. Not only is this a mark, but it is a possession. This possession is not literal, but it refers to a “feature” of the person. In this case it is the distinguishing feature that resides in the children of God.
The anointing is the subject of the possession. This anointing is symbolic, we can tell that clearly because the Holy One (the Son Himself) has not physically come down to our level and anointed us with oil. He has not literally poured oil on all of our heads! The act of anointing with oil was done away with at the coming of Christ. Instead of being set apart by anointing with oil, believers are now set apart in the baptism, burial, and resurrection of Christ. John refers to it symbolically. He is saying that we are anointed or set apart in Christ. And this is known to us and to others because the common denominator is that the Holy Spirit resides in Christians. The anointing is of God Himself via the Holy Spirit who confirms this (Eph. 1.13). 1 Corinthians 2.12-13 backs this up. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the depths graciously given to us by God., of which depths we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual depths with spiritual words.”
Who is the Holy One that John talks about? Well, the rendition in the Greek for this is hagios which means holy. “It (hagios) is predicated of God (as the absolutely “Holy” One, in His purity, majesty, and glory) (Vines).” It is used in the same way in Acts 3.14 when Peter preaches in Solomon’s Portico. He accuses the Jews of denying the “Holy and Righteous One” which is another reference to Christ Himself. So, who is the Holy One, Jesus Christ. Mark 1.24 and Luke 4.34 tell us of the unclean spirits who were present in a man at the synagogue. Those spirits said, “What do we have to do with You, Jesus the Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!” It doesn’t get any clearer than that! Another verse that I found fascinating comes from Isaiah. Turn to Isaiah 61. I want to read verses 1-3. As we read this passage, please notice who is speaking these things. Who spoke these verses? Here’s a hint, it wasn’t Isaiah! It was Jesus Himself. I agree with John Calvin, he writes, “As Christ explains this passage with reference to himself, (Luke 4:18,) so commentators limit it to him without hesitation, and lay down this principle, that Christ is introduced as speaking, as if the whole passage related to him alone.” He who has received the anointing has the ability to bestow it upon us. Turn to 1 John 2. Christ is the consistent theme in 1 John thus far and we will continue to see Christ laid out in front of us. Here, He is the Holy One who bestows upon us the anointing from God.
Finally, we end with the end of verse 20 with John telling us that we “all know.” What is this knowledge that we have? John 6.45 quotes Isaiah 54.13 saying, “and they shall all be taught by God. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” Brothers, the knowledge that we have and that we know is the forgiveness that comes from confessing our sins and trusting in Christ alone as the One who saves us. This is what we ‘know.’ This is what sets us apart from those who “were not really of us.” This is what helps us to discern. When people speak about God loving everyone and never talking about sin, we ‘know’ that this is not true. The greatest love that God has is toward the sinner who does not deserve that love and better yet this love covers a multitude of sin. Do you ‘know’ this great love that God has for you? John tells us that those who are covered in the blood of Christ, know this love. There is no mistaking it or turning from it. Praise be to God, that in the age of antichrists, God presses on instilling His truth into His people so that we can ‘know’ in the face of great adversity.
Conclusion:
Christian, we have been prepared by our loving heavenly Father for the time in which we live. He has given us all the knowledge that you and I need to know. This being said, are you a discerner of the truth? Is it said of you, as it was to the believers in Berea who “were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” As a church, is this said of us? Do we know one another well enough, do we love one another enough, that if one of us were to stumble into some false teaching, that we could lovingly pull them out? We are in this race together. We discern together, we love together, we rightly identify the heretic together. Therefore, we must receive the word of God with great eagerness together as we discern rightly the word of Truth.
