In his first epistle, the apostle John speaks about the spirit of the antichrist that is already in the world. Normally, we speak of that presence and the manifestations of it in terms of evil and wickedness perpetrated by unbelievers.

In this post, I want to identify a much more deadly and heartbreaking manifestation of the spirit of antichrist in the world today – in the publically displayed attitudes and social posts of Christians. I see it especially in the people who consider themselves watchmen. Biblically speaking we should expect it to increase in unbelievers as we draw closer to the return of Christ. But, it is disheartening when Yahweh’s people become entrapped in this behavior.

Where has the practice of contending with one another in grace gone? The apostle Peter reminds us that we should deal with unbelievers with respect and gentleness.

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15

That being the case, aren’t we to relate to our brethren even more so? How is it that we have allowed ourselves to be driven by the spirit of antichrist to a place where those we might disagree with over eschatological matters we now label as cultists?

How are we honoring Yahweh by demeaning the brethren on matters that you or I have no definitive answer on? A case in point is the rapture. Pre, Mid, Pre-wrath, Post, or no rapture views are held in today’s ecclesia. Which view is right? My understanding of the Scriptures is that a couple of views are possible and a couple of views are not very likely. How do I argue for my view? I argue for my view with grace, respect, and gentleness toward others who hold a different view. I am not fortifying my view by vehemently attacking other people and their views nor am I honoring my brethren when I refer to them as being in the “cult of (you fill in the blank).”

Cults are cults because they deny Jesus Christ and some aspect of His divine nature, not because they hold a different view on eschatological matters than you do. Cultists practice abhorrent, God-dishonoring things, and seek to draw people into their self-aggrandizing web of deceit.

I see many of those who fancy themselves lights of truth and biblical revelation as practicing the very things they accuse the brethren of doing. What is that accusation? The accusation most prevalent is that those who hold a different eschatology are somehow “wolves” and “deceivers” and “leading God’s people into error,” “blind guides of the blind,” and so forth.

There is no shortage of diatribes aimed at other believers today. However, have those same people who issue these scathing invectives toward the brethren considered that they are guilty of doing the very things they accuse others of? Are they so certain that they are correct that they are willing to destroy the ministries, the reputations, and the unity of the body of Christ? Paul gives a clear warning to people of that persuasion.

Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. Romans 2:1

We can allow ourselves to be driven by the spirit of the age, which is the spirit of the antichrist, or we can yield ourselves to the leading of the Spirit of Yahweh and seek unity within the ecclesia that Jesus desires to see.

I am captivated by His love for Me and His commands that I love my brothers and sisters. Paul captured that succinctly in his second letter to the Thessalonians when he wrote:

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 2 Thessalonians 2:3

My encouragement to you friends is that you refuse to give heed to people whose “ministry” results in the dividing of the body of Christ through endless arguments, posts, supporting videos, and alliances with others who behave in the same manner. It is clear to me that their mission is not the unity of the body, it is not the building up of the body, it is not edification and equipping of believers that they seek. Developing unity within the body of Christ only comes when we approach one another in humility, seeking the best for others as a first priority.

The Psalmist said it well.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Coming down upon the beard,
Even Aaron’s beard,
Coming down upon the edge of his robes.

It is like the dew of Hermon
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever. Psalm 133:1-3

The ecclesia is one body and we must function together for the end-time harvest. Remember, Jesus lamented that the laborers for the end-time harvest were few. I wonder if He made that statement because He knew the laborers would be distracted by arguing with one another instead of entering into the field of the world with the Gospel that is the power of God for salvation to all who will believe?

Let’s be sure we have the right mission assignments in view. I guarantee you this – Jesus is coming back when the Father sends Him and it may or may not line up with your eschatological thinking.

Please share this with your friends and be about the Father’s business of building up the body.

Pastor Mike

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