The Antichrist is a Liar – God’s Anointing Enables Discernment and Rejection of Falsehoods (1 Jn. 2:18-29)

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. 20 But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth. 22 Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. 26 I write you these things about those who would deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him. 28 And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 29 If you consider that he is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by him.

John affectionately addresses his audience as “children” as he warns them about the many false teachers, referred to as “antichrists,” who deny Christ.  The term "antichrist" not only refers to a singular apocalyptic figure but also includes the multiple false teachers who deny Christ.  “Apocalyptic” as used in this passage refers to revelations about the end of the world and the final judgment.  The “last hour” indicates the belief held by some that the presence of these antichrists signifies the beginning of the end times.  Those who left the community were not true believers.  Believers anointed by the Holy Spirit are granted spiritual insight to discern truth from falsehood and should remain steadfast against deception.  John defines the antichrist as anyone who denies that Jesus is the Messiah and the divine relationship between Jesus and God the Father.  The Son and the Father are inseparable when Christians make their confession of faith.

Believers must remain faithful to the original teaching they received from the Apostles to ensure communion with the Son and the Father and maintain the integrity of the doctrine handed down.  John tells them he is writing what is true to protect the community from false teachers.  The anointing by the Holy Spirit teaches each believer the truth of the Gospel.  However, this does not eliminate the need for teaching within the Church.  Believers should remain in Christ so that they will not be disappointed by the shame of unfaithfulness at His second coming.  Jesus is righteous and everyone who conducts himself righteously is born of God.  

Heavenly Father, anoint us with your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in your truth.  Protect us from false doctrine and strengthen our faith in Jesus.  Help us to abide in your love so that we may live righteous lives and be confident in our hope of salvation and eternal life.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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Sources:

• Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
• Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
• Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
• Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.