1 John 4:3
Today's Scripture
...and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
1 John 4:3
Is the antichrist a man or a spirit? Both! While the book of Revelation clearly states that the antichrist is a man, the spirit of the antichrist is already at work in our culture and will give rise to the man.
In today’s verse, John declared that the spirit of the antichrist was already present in the world. Even then, people rose up to deny the existence of Christ and the salvation that He died to secure. John calls those people liars.
If we are honest, we must admit that we deny Jesus in subtle ways. While not blatantly refusing His gift of eternal life, we may argue the validity of His Word, find excuses to avoid reading Scripture or seeking Him in prayer, withhold tithes or compassionate giving to those in need, or stay silent in the face of injustice. When we know to do right and do not do it, the spirit of antichrist exists among us.
Examine your heart today. Where have you denied Jesus? At the point that you have said, “No!” to Him, He will meet your repentance with redeeming love and restoration.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. Take up your cross to follow Jesus. May you walk every day in the confidence that you are a child of the King who will rule with Him in heavenly places!
