The Spirit of Antichrist

The Spirit of Antichrist

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” 1 John 4:1-2.

In Hebrews 2:14-18 we see how carefully the apostle explains that Jesus came in the flesh and is therefore able to help us, and that He is a merciful and faithful High Priest before God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

On the basis of this explanation in these verses we have received a heavenly calling. Ch. 3:1. Those who do not confess that Jesus came in the flesh do not have a heavenly calling. It is vital for the spirit of Antichrist to explain away the salvation with which Jesus came, namely that Jesus could have brethren.

In Hebrews 2:10-12 we see that it was fitting for Him to consecrate the new and living way into the Holy Place through the veil, that is, His flesh. Heb. 10:19-20. We also read that the author of our salvation was made perfect through sufferings.

“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You.’” Ch. 2:11-12. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

He sent His only begotten Son to earth. “But when He again brings the firstborn into the world He says: ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him.’” Heb. 1:6. We read further in verse 9, “‘You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.’” And in verse 14 we read that all the angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.

Seeing that we have such a heavenly calling, we must take refuge and lay hold of the hope set before us. The hope that is our refuge is to go on to perfection. In this race Jesus is our forerunner, and He is an anchor for us within the veil, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Heb. 6:1, 18-20.