Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches about 1 John 2:18-29 "The Last Hour, Antichrists & Abiding in Christ" on 12/6/2009 for our Sunday service.
1 John 2:18-29
Warning Concerning Antichrists
18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us - eternal life.
26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
This section falls under the "prudence of fellowship," serving as a vital warning that our actions either promote or purge our joy and confidence in salvation. John writes to ensure believers have full joy and know they have eternal life, urging them to "continue to believe".
Pastor Lowell begins by addressing John's declaration: "Little children, it is the last hour". He explains that while the Antichrist is yet to come, "even now many antichrists have come". An antichrist is not only "against Christ" but also offers a "substitution" or "another Christ". These false teachers promote a different message, often implying one can "do whatever you want to do and still get into heaven," creating a "Jesus of one's own making" that neglects repentance and God's authority.
A key "proof" of genuine faith is the desire to be part of the family of God. John states, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us". Pastor Lowell challenges listeners to examine their own hearts: do you truly desire fellowship, or are you tired of being around Christians?. True believers are united by their love for Jesus Christ, overcoming diverse backgrounds and personalities.
The sermon also emphasizes the "anointing from the Holy One" that true believers receive—the Holy Spirit. This indwelling Spirit "teaches you concerning all things" and confirms God's truth, meaning believers often know what is right or wrong even before hearing a sermon, as the Spirit convicts their hearts.
Finally, Pastor Lowell delves into the critical concept of abiding in Christ. He presents Calvary Chapel's stance on eternal security: "You have nothing to worry about as long as you abide". This balance affirms that salvation is a secure gift received by grace through faith, but it must be accompanied by an active, ongoing relationship with God. "Make-believers" who claim faith but live a compromised life will lack confidence and face shame, while true believers continually grow closer to God through His Word and Spirit. The call is clear: let your actions confess Christ, not deny Him, to live with unwavering confidence and unashamed joy at His coming.
