I John 2:18-29
I tend to notice Trinitarian verses and references when they appear in the epistles, and I saw that today in John’s writing – but with a bit of a challenge. Consider that the Father and the Son are mentioned together in verses 22, 23, and 24. But where is the Holy Spirit? He is mentioned implicitly with “anointed/anointing” comments in verses 20 and 27 (twice). But then Jesus is mentioned alone in verses 27-29 as “Him/He” pronoun references. So the Trinity is all there, but as bits and pieces, not as “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost”. Just that…
And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. (v. 28) I have sometimes imagined what it might be like when Jesus returns. I’ve always pictured a fully universal return, such that every single person on earth will see His coming. And I have found myself imagining my own awe and reverence at His return, having that full “confidence” that John mentions in this verse. But in all my imaginings I have not thought about those people who will …shrink from Him in shame at His coming. But they are around; they are with us every day; and they will indeed “shrink”, since we know that …at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11, NASB). Yes, GLORY!!
Slava Bohu!
Thanks, Fred. I got pondering on v. 18. My translation reads “It is the last hour. As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.” And v. 22, “… this is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.”
My study Bible suggests that an antichrist is one who denies Jesus as divine Messiah and rejects God’s way of revealing Himself in the world. So this includes other religions or worldviews (outside the church) as well as those “in the church” who do not believe that Jesus is God’s son, divine, Lord.
And what should we do about antichrists since they are around us today too? Guard ourselves against their beliefs, or their lack of, but… focus on the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who guides us), continue to minister to them, serve in humility, reach them for Christ?
It is good to be reminded of the glory and faithfulness of God. I John does that so well!
But when I think of those who will cringe at his second coming, it truly makes me sad and makes me want to tell those I know who do not believe in him to BELIEVE!!!
(sigh…)