Antichrists

 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
2 John 1:7 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2jn.1.7.ESV

Anyone who claims to be authoritative in matters of religion, but who denies the return of the incarnate Son of God is an antichrist. Talk of antichrists might make us think rather appcalyptically and escatologically, but John would warn us from 2000 years ago to Christ's return that there'll be plenty of antichrists.

It's ambiguous as to whether John is referring to Christ's first or second advent. I think he's referring to both. The Lord Jesus Christ came down to earth in the flesh as a baby in Bethlehem, miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. Yet He will also assuredly return in the flesh.

The resurrected Jesus isn't some kind of ghost; He's flesh and blood. Neither is He a zombie; He's full of the Holy Spirit. As surely as His first advent happened, He will return to judge the living and the dead.

God forbid that we should be deceivers. We must hold fast to the truth of the gospel as revealed in the Bible. May God find us faithful to Him upon His return!

'Almighty God, forbid that we should deceive others. May we hold fast to the truth of Your word. In Jesus' name, amen'

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