DTS Devotional

Absolute truth seems hard to find in these days of glass diamonds, simulated pearls, and instant foods. Even Christians develop fake relationships because we want others to think well of us. But only the Holy Spirit can produce true knowledge and help us live out God’s absolute truth.

Virtually every New Testament writer viewed the days in which he lived as the “end times” or the “last hour.” Teaching about the Antichrist was common, so John warned that many who represent his spirit and ideals already walked about in the world (1 John 2:18-27). Certainly their number has increased dramatically since John wrote these words.

Verse 19 helps us understand why some people who profess Christ leave the faith and go “out from us.” They are apostate because they never had a life-changing experience with the Saviour to begin with. Now, as they reject the Gospel, they merely show their true colors. Their very departure marks them as never having been a true part of Christ’s body.

True believers listen to the Holy Spirit and therefore know the truth. Only “liars” deny that Jesus is the Messiah come in the flesh. They reject Christ’s incarnation and deity. Just as apostasy marks phony Christians, we identify true believers by their abiding and their anointing. Surely this “anointing” links back to verse 20 and refers to the Holy Spirit who lives in the born-again person.

A reminder: No human teacher is the ultimate source of a believer’s instruction; the inner witness of God’s Spirit leads us in His truth.

Earthly props are useless
On Thy grace I fall;
Earthly strength is weakness
Father, on Thee I call
For comfort, strength, and guidance
Oh, give me all.

                                —John Oxenham

From “Faith,” Salesian Missions, New Rochelle, NY 01801.