These are crazy times. There is not a week where I don’t encounter something completely insane. People are acting strange, and many of them are professing Christians. How do you navigate what is true and false? John tells us to discern the times. False prophets who deny Jesus will come on the scene and try to lead many astray.
2 John 1:7
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.”
Their Lies Draw You Away
There are a lot of people and belief systems that deny Jesus came in person or that he was resurrected from the dead. They will throw lots of theories out there that might make you question your faith. Remember that Jesus warned us about these people, and so did John. They will tell lies to draw people away from the faith and to follow them. Their talk is slick and persuasive, and for those who don’t think quickly on their feet, it would be easy to get confused. Stay faithful and watch as Jesus makes Himself known to you.
Spirit of the Antichrist
John mentions that these people are the antichrist. They are not the Antichrist talked about in Revelation but carry the spirit of what the Antichrist will be like when he arrives. They will mimic many of the attributes of the one who will deceive the world but will only be setting the stage. Please don’t get caught up in their deception.
Discern the Times
As we get closer to the return on Jesus Christ, it is essential that we know God’s word and rely upon the Holy Spirit. Those combined will help us to discern what is false. Many are being led astray by false prophets and conspiracies. When your eyes are on Jesus, and the Spirit is leading your heart, you will sense a check in your spirit to reject and ignore these.