1 John 2:22 – “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, John clearly identifies the heart of false teaching: denying that Jesus is the Christ.
John is not talking about someone who has honest questions or struggles to understand. He is talking about people who outright reject who Jesus is — that He is the promised Savior, the Son of God sent by the Father.
John uses strong language. He calls such a person a liar and says that this kind of denial is the spirit of the antichrist — someone who stands against Christ and opposes the truth.
John also makes it clear that to deny Jesus is to deny the Father. You cannot have a right relationship with God while rejecting His Son. The two are inseparable. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ is not walking in the truth.
Historical Context
John wrote this letter at a time when false teachers were spreading dangerous lies in the church. Some were teaching that Jesus was not truly the Christ or that He had not come in the flesh. Others were rejecting His divine nature or His mission as Savior.
These false teachers were trying to reshape the message of Jesus and pull people away from the gospel. John is confronting these lies head-on and calling them what they are — lies that come from the spirit of the antichrist.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that truth about Jesus is essential to knowing God. You cannot claim to know or love God while denying who Jesus is.
It also teaches that false teaching is not just a mistake; it is a serious spiritual danger. Denying Jesus is not a minor disagreement — it is a rejection of the truth of God.
Theologically, this verse draws a clear line: a person’s relationship to God is determined by their response to Jesus.
Literary Analysis
John’s writing here is blunt and bold. He asks a direct question: “Who is the liar?” and immediately answers it.
The word liar is strong, meant to show the seriousness of denying Jesus.
The term antichrist is not just about one future figure but about anyone who opposes or denies Christ.
John’s language is black and white — truth or lie, Christ or antichrist, Father and Son or rejection of both. There is no middle ground in his writing.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 14:6 – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Matthew 10:33 – “Whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
- 1 John 4:3 – “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist.”
- 2 John 1:7 – “Many deceivers… do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s believer, this verse is a clear warning to watch out for false teaching that denies who Jesus is. Many people may claim to believe in God but reject Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
John’s message reminds us that what we believe about Jesus matters. It is not enough to believe in “God” in a general sense. True faith means believing in Jesus as God’s Son and the only way to the Father.
This verse also helps Christians discern truth from error in a world full of religious confusion.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the clarity of this truth. He does not leave us guessing about how to know Him. He has revealed Himself fully and finally in His Son, Jesus.
When God warns against false teachers and those who deny Jesus, He is protecting His people from spiritual deception. His love points us to the truth that leads to life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is entirely centered on Jesus. It makes clear that:
- Jesus is the Christ — the promised Savior.
- Denying Jesus is denying the Father.
- Faith in God is impossible without faith in Jesus.
Jesus Himself said in John 5:23, “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.”
John’s words affirm that Jesus is the dividing line between truth and lies, life and death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think John uses such strong language to describe those who deny Jesus?
- How does this verse help you understand the connection between knowing God and knowing Jesus?
- Are there teachings or messages in the world today that deny who Jesus is?
- How can you stay grounded in the truth of who Jesus is?
- How can you lovingly help others understand why knowing Jesus is essential to knowing God?