What Do You Believe? (1 John 2:22-23)

Today's scripture: 1 John 2:22-23

A couple of days ago, we read about the many “antichrists” in the world today. Today’s verses make it even more pointed. Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah—is an antichrist. Anti-Christ. Against Christ.

Just as we must decide whom we serve—God or money (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13), we must decide what we believe about Jesus. It’s not enough to say He was a wise man or a good teacher. He said He was equal with God the Father (“I and My Father are one,” John 10:30). He claimed that “no one comes to the Father but through [Jesus]” (John 14:6).

So to say He was just a good man or anything less than the Messiah is just plain wrong. And if you deny what He Himself said He was, then you’re against Him. You’re an antichrist.

I don’t know about you, but that chills me to the bone.

History—even secular history—has proven Jesus existed here on earth. And a two-millennia faith has flourished since the first disciples began sharing the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. The gospels and Paul’s letters date to within just decades of the actual events. So closely, in fact, those who disputed Christ’s followers could have easily brought eye-witnesses to deny believers' claims.

But they didn’t. They couldn’t. Because everything happened exactly as the Bible said it did. Jesus did come to earth. He did die for the sins of mankind. He did rise again. He is Messiah, Savior.

Don’t deny truth. Don’t deny Christ as Messiah. Don’t be anti-Christ.