Welcome to the Last Hour

1 John 2:18-27

This section reflects the belief that before the end of the world, there will be an intensification of evil forces coming to personification in a great antichrist. Leading up to that time there will be lesser antichrists, whose role it will be to lead people away from the truth of Christ. We are in that time. The “last hour” (verse 18) was kicked in with the coming of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God in personal form (John 1:14), and will end with his return.

What is the implication for us? It is to know the one who has come and is coming, through the anointing of his Spirit. We then ‘know’ him with a knowledge that includes knowing with learning and understanding, but is much deeper. It is a bond established by his grace, and our welcoming. More specific understanding comes as a result of that relationship; it is not a precondition, as those to whom this was written seem to have thought, and as much conventional church life presupposes.

The term ‘anointed’ is loaded with meaning, since ‘Christ’ is the Greek version of the Hebrew title, ‘Messiah’, which means ‘anointed one.’ Jesus is the one through whom we have life in and beyond a world that will pass. We have life by receiving the anointing of his love and grace. How? Just say, “I want to know you, Jesus; I want to love you as you love me; come into my life – be my life; take anything ugly in my past or present and transform it.” Then seek Christian friends and an outreach-oriented church with which to share your best news ever, grow in him, and never look back.