PROVISION FOR PROTECTION The Holy Spirit does not dwell passively within the believer; i.e., His presence is not a mere formality. There is considerable teaching in Scripture on His activities. He strengthens us with might (Eph 3:16), causes to "abound in hope " (Rom 15:13), and brings forth Divine fruit within us (Gal 5:22). In our text, however, a most personal aspect of His indwelling is addressed. -- Tomorrow:
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things . . . But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." (1 John 2:20,27-29)
NOT A PASSIVE SPIRIT
YOU KNOW ALL THINGS
Here different translations may seem to introduce confusion. The KJV, NKJV, ASV, Websters, Duoay-Rheims, Darby's, and Young's Literal Translation, all read "You know all things." The NASB, RSV, NIV, and BBE, read "And you all know," or "and you all have knowledge."
The first emphasizes that the Spirit sheds light on every thing pertinent to the life of faith. The latter emphasizes that this knowledge is accessible to everyone who is in Christ Jesus. Both of them are true, and both underscore the Divine provision given to protect the people of God from being ravaged by false prophets.
Here is a revelation of God's great love. Because this ministry of the Holy Spirit will be expounded more fully in verse twenty-seven, it will suffice to only introduce the provision here. The point being made is that extremely crafty teachers have penetrated the society of the elect, just as Paul warned they would (Acts 20:30). They would boast of association with the most elite in the body of Christ, and be able to prove they once walked with the Apostles themselves. Those who trust in the arm of the flesh will not be able to withstand these men. There must be a reliance upon the "anointing" which has been given to us, the Holy Spirit of God. God gives nothing to his children that is not required.
This is a most marvelous thing to consider. It is not designed to produce a lot of questions, or to be the occasion of division among the people of God. The fact that this has proved to be the case only emphasizes the dangerous subtlety of those who come in Christ's name, yet are not really from Him.
THE LIAR IS THE ANTICHRIST
"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also" (1 John 2:22-23)
We must never permit the doctrines of men, however plausible they may appear, to define Scriptural words and concepts for us. There are few texts that underscore this prohibition any more than the one before us. THE ANTICHRIST! The very expression conjures up all manner of thought and opinion.
ACADEMIC DEFINITION
The teachings of men on the term "antichrist" have so impacted upon the English language that even dictionaries and encyclopedias reflect them. The latest Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "antichrist" as follows: "1. One who denies or opposes Christ; 2. specifically: a great antagonist expected to fill the world with wickedness but be conquered forever by Christ at his second coming." The American Hertitage Dictionary reads, "1. An enemy of Christ. 2. Antichrist. The epithet of the great antagonist who was expected by the early church to set himself up against Christ in the last days before the Second Coming." The Oxford English Dictionary, the most extensive and definitive English Dictionary of all time, reads, "1. An enemy or opponent of Christ." 2.The title of a great personal opponent of Christ and His kingdom, expected by the early church to appear before the end the world, and much referred to in the middle ages."
In each academic definition, the first meaning is the obvious and most important one. Summarized, "antichrist" is one who denies and opposes Christ. From the early centuries, devout men have pondered the term, used only by John, and only in First John. While their opinions are not to be despised, neither are they to be revered, as though carrying the same weight as Scripture itself. Nor, indeed, are they to be allowed a foundational place in our reasoning. It is true that men – godly men – have equated "Antichrist," "man of sin" (2 Thess 2:3), "Gog" (Ezek 38-39), and even "the beast" or "false prophet" of Revelation (Rev 13; 16:13; 19:20). But let it be clear, the Holy Spirit did not make these associations in Scripture. They are the result of human reasoning. However valid that reasoning may appear to be, it must be held as coming FROM man, and not coming TO men from God.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to always consider the words of men in the light of Your Word.