What is the meaning of 1 John 4:3? and every spirit John speaks of unseen spiritual influences rather than mere human opinion (1 John 4:1). He takes for granted that behind teachings stand spirits, either holy or deceptive (Ephesians 6:12). The command is to test all of them, because “every spirit” will ultimately side either with God or against Him. You and I are therefore called to vigilance, refusing blind acceptance while holding fast to what is true (1 Thessalonians 5:21). that does not confess Jesus Confession means open agreement with God’s testimony about His Son. It is not enough to mention Jesus’ name; the spirit must affirm the full biblical portrait that • Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh (1 John 4:2) • He is God’s only begotten Son (John 3:16) • He is Lord, risen from the dead (Romans 10:9) Any teaching that diminishes His deity, His incarnation, or His saving work betrays a counterfeit source (1 John 2:22–23; John 14:6). is not from God The dividing line is clear. If the spirit refuses to honor the biblical Jesus, it is not of divine origin. Paul warned of workers who appear righteous yet are empowered by another source (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). Even dazzling displays can accompany error (Matthew 7:21–23). Sound doctrine and humble obedience reveal the genuine presence of God (John 8:47). This is the spirit of the antichrist John has already introduced “antichrist” as anyone who denies the Father and the Son (1 John 2:18, 22). Here he shows the driving force behind such denial. Antichrist means both “against” and “instead of” Christ, a counterfeit that opposes while pretending to replace Him (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). Behind false teaching lies a personal, organized hostility to Jesus. which you have heard is coming Believers were taught to expect a climactic manifestation of evil (Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13). Scripture foresees a final antichrist figure, energized by Satan, who will deceive many (Daniel 7:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:8–10). John reminds his readers that the danger was never theoretical; prophecy had already sounded the alarm. and which is already in the world at this time While the ultimate antichrist is future, the same spirit is presently active. Even in the first century, John could say, “many antichrists have appeared” (1 John 2:18). Hostile influences infiltrate culture, religion, and thought (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Our task is to recognize them, stand firm in truth, and abide in Christ, who is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4:4). summary 1 John 4:3 draws a sharp, loving line: embrace every spirit that exalts the biblical Jesus, reject every spirit that will not. Anything less is antichrist in origin, already operating around us and pointing to a future, more blatant rebellion. Discernment, anchored in God’s Word and empowered by His Spirit, keeps believers safe and fruitful until the Lord returns. |
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