1 John 4:3 — “But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John continues the warning he began in the previous verses. He makes it clear that anyone who refuses to confess or acknowledge who Jesus really is, is not speaking by God’s Spirit. Instead, that spirit belongs to the “antichrist.”
The term “antichrist” here doesn’t only refer to one future person. John is saying that the attitude, teaching, or influence that opposes or denies Jesus is already active in the world. This is not just about rejecting Jesus‘ teachings—it’s about denying who He is.
John wants believers to know that rejecting Jesus is not just another opinion—it’s spiritual rebellion. It is influenced by a spirit that stands against God’s truth.
Historical Context
At the time John wrote this letter, many false teachers were troubling the early church. Some of these teachers rejected the truth that Jesus was fully human and fully God. They claimed that Jesus didn’t really come in the flesh, or that He wasn’t the Christ.
John had already warned in earlier chapters about “antichrists”—people and teachings that oppose Christ. The early church was young and under attack, not just from outside forces but from lies creeping in from within.
This verse reminds the early believers to stay alert because the battle over truth was already happening in their day.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that there is no neutral ground when it comes to Jesus. You either acknowledge Him as the Christ—the Son of God who came in the flesh—or you stand against Him. To deny Jesus is to oppose God.
It also shows that there is a spiritual battle happening behind the scenes. False teaching is not just human confusion; it is influenced by forces opposed to God.
The mention of the “spirit of the antichrist” teaches that there are spiritual influences at work that aim to deceive people and pull them away from the truth.
Literary Analysis
John’s language in this verse is sharp and direct. He uses strong terms like “not from God” and “spirit of the antichrist” to make it clear that this is not a small issue. He wants readers to understand the seriousness of denying Jesus.
The structure is a clear contrast: those who acknowledge Jesus are from God (v.2); those who do not are not from God. The verse finishes with an urgent note—this spirit of opposition is “already in the world.”
John is not trying to scare believers but to prepare and protect them.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 John 2:18 — “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.”
- 2 John 1:7 — “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world.”
- John 16:2-3 — Jesus warned that people would oppose His followers because they did not know Him or the Father.
- Matthew 10:32-33 — “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a clear reminder: not everyone who talks about God is pointing to the real Jesus. The world is full of ideas, spiritual opinions, and even teachers who may sound good but deny the truth about Jesus.
This verse calls Christians to be aware and discerning. If a message or teaching leaves Jesus out, changes who He is, or denies His identity—it is not from God.
It also encourages believers not to be surprised when the world pushes back against the truth. The “spirit of the antichrist” is still at work today, in every generation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some people might think that God’s love would mean accepting every belief. But true love tells the truth. God loves us enough to warn us about deception. He doesn’t want His people tricked or led astray.
This verse is part of that loving warning. God wants His children to know the difference between truth and lies because He knows that believing lies will lead to destruction.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse centers on Jesus. It draws a clear line—if you deny Jesus, you are not from God. The entire message of the Bible points to Jesus as the only way to know God (John 14:6).
Jesus Himself warned of false teachers who would come in His name but lead people astray (Matthew 24:24). The “spirit of the antichrist” is anything that tries to replace or deny Jesus as the Christ.
John wrote this verse so believers would stay rooted in Jesus, holding firm to the truth that He is the Son of God who came in the flesh to save sinners.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think John is so direct about people who deny Jesus?
- Have you ever encountered teachings or messages that left Jesus out or changed who He is?
- How can you practice spiritual discernment without being judgmental?
- Why is it loving for God to warn us about false teachings?
- How does this verse motivate you to stand firm in your faith in Jesus?