1 John 2:18–27
When many people hear the word antichrist, they immediately think of one final world leader who will oppose God before Christ returns. While Scripture does point to a coming man of lawlessness, John’s concern in this passage is broader. He warns believers that many antichrists are already present.
His message is clear: “It is the last hour.” We are living in the time between Christ’s first coming and His return. Because of that, believers should expect deception—not be surprised by it.
Who Are the Antichrists?
The word antichrist literally means “against Christ.” John is the only New Testament writer to use this exact term, but the concept appears throughout Scripture. Daniel describes a coming prince who opposes God (Daniel 9:27). Paul calls him the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Revelation describes the beast who deceives the nations (Revelation 13:1–10).
John reminds us that while a final Antichrist is coming, many antichrists are already at work. Anyone who rejects the true identity of Jesus Christ shares the spirit of antichrist.
Their defining error is found in verse 22:
“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?”
To deny Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the promised Messiah, crucified, risen, and reigning, is to reject the very heart of the gospel.
We Are Living in the Last Hour
John says, “It is the last hour.” This isn’t a sixty-minute period before Christ returns. It is the entire age between Jesus’ first and second coming.
The New Testament repeatedly teaches that believers are living in the last days (Acts 2:16–17; Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 Peter 1:20). This means that false teaching, spiritual opposition, and deception should not surprise us. Instead, they should motivate us to remain alert and firmly rooted in Christ.
They Depart from the Faith
John also explains that these false teachers eventually reveal themselves.
“They went out from us, but they were not of us.”
Their departure did not cause them to become unbelievers—it revealed what they truly were all along.
John is not speaking about someone moving to another faithful church. He is speaking of those who abandon the apostolic gospel itself. There are only two groups: those who belong to Christ and remain in Him, and those who reject Him.
As Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me” (John 10:27–29). Genuine believers persevere because Christ holds them securely.
They Seek to Deceive
John repeatedly warns that these antichrists are trying to deceive believers.
False teaching rarely announces itself as false. It often sounds close to the truth while subtly redefining Christ, minimizing sin, or offering something “more” than the gospel.
Throughout history, Satan has preferred deception over open attack. His goal is always the same: draw people away from Christ.
Believers Have the Holy Spirit
John’s encouragement is just as strong as his warning.
“But you have been anointed by the Holy One…”
Believers have received the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Spirit would dwell within His people and guide them into truth (John 14:17; 16:13).
The Spirit does not reveal new doctrine or secret knowledge. Instead, He helps believers understand, believe, and apply the truth already revealed in God’s Word.
John is not saying Christians no longer need pastors or teachers. After all, John himself is teaching through this letter. Rather, he is reminding believers that they do not need the supposed “higher knowledge” offered by false teachers. Everything necessary for salvation and godliness has already been given through Christ and His Word.
As Herman Bavinck wisely wrote, “Christ is Christianity itself.” Remove Christ, and nothing remains.
The Spirit and the Scriptures always work together to keep believers abiding in the truth.
Living in Light of This Truth
John’s message is both a warning and an encouragement.
Head
We are living in the last hour, and deception is a present reality. Antichrists are those who deny Jesus Christ and reject the apostolic gospel. Yet believers have been given the Holy Spirit and God’s Word so they can recognize truth from error and remain faithful.
Heart
This passage should not produce fear but confidence. False teaching is real, and many will walk away from the faith, but God has not left His people defenseless. Through His Spirit and His truth, He equips believers to stand firm and continue abiding in Christ.
Hands
Test every teaching by Scripture. Stay anchored in the gospel you first believed. Commit yourself to a faithful church where God’s Word is faithfully preached. Be discerning of voices that distort Christ or promise something beyond Scripture. Depend daily on the Holy Spirit as you read God’s Word. Persevere when others fall away, lovingly confront error with truth, and continually examine your own confession to ensure that your faith rests in Christ alone.
John’s final instruction is wonderfully simple: Abide in Christ. The world will always offer new ideas, new teachers, and new philosophies. The believer’s safety is not found in chasing something new, but in remaining faithful to the unchanging Christ who alone gives eternal life.
