Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST? When Hitler burst on the world scene in his mad fury, many preachers tagged him as the "Antichrist." After he shot himself, they were forced to revise their assessment and nominated Stalin for that unique dishonor. Again, they were wrong; but this did not seem to discourage them. Today, there are people who persist in speculating on who he is or will be. Contemporary personalities on the world scene are suggested by these "prophets." While such speculation may be interesting, it does very little to advance the Kingdom of God. We should not be so concerned about "the Antichrist" as about the many antichrists. John is the only Bible writer who uses the term antichrist. He first uses this word in 1 John and carries the idea through his Second Epistle. However, he writes about the "spirit" of antichrists already in the world. These "antichrists" are those who attempt to hinder the Gospel and stop its spread. They are really very easy to identify. John says anyone who refuses to accept Christ as God's Son is an "antichrist." Writing to the elect lady or "Kyria," John urges two actions: First, those who oppose Christ should not be given hospitality in the believers' homes lest they corrupt them. Second, believers are to be sound in doctrine, abiding in Christ. This is very practical advice. The Christian lady had children in her home who could have been led astray by false teachers. Her only hope of staying true to her Lord was by abiding in Him. Many false teachers are trying to infiltrate our churches. In our day, wisdom dictates that we listen to John's admonition.