ANTICHRIST (3) | A SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD

1. A Sharp Two-Edged Sword

a) John was particularly concerned that we should not be deceived; therefore, his letters are like the sharpest two-edged sword. Those who work in the spirit of the Antichrist do not deny Jesus’ name; they continue to work for God. But we can recognize anyone who is in this spirit by whether or not they confess that Christ has come in the flesh. John gives us some examples to show us how to recognize these people. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 1 John 1:6. “He who says ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). And he gives more examples besides these in his first letter. We know them by their fruits. Those who bear good fruits (Galatians 5:22-23) – Christ manifested in the flesh – are in the Spirit of God. Those who only have a good outward appearance, but don’t bear any fruit are in the spirit of the Antichrist.

b) Open your eyes and test the spirits, and you will see a terrible sight. It is so terrible that most people do not dare to look at it. They close their eyes and say, “We must not judge; after all, we are only human,” and so they are helplessly led astray by these “antichrists.”