What does 1 John 2:22 mean?

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1 John 2:22

Explanation

1 John 2:22 addresses a central concern of Christian doctrine – the identity of Jesus Christ. The verse specifically targets those who deny Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ) and highlights the ramifications of such a denial. The label of a “liar” is given to anyone who refutes that Jesus is the Christ, and such a person is also associated with the term “antichrist.” In this context, the antichrist is not necessarily a singular end-times figure but anyone who opposes Christ. The second part of the verse, “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son,” further emphasizes the seriousness of this denial. It suggests that to deny Jesus also means denying the Father, which in Christian trinitarian theology, undermines the core relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John is traditionally understood to have been written toward the end of the first century. At the time, the early Christian community was grappling with internal divisions and false teachings, particularly those related to the nature of Jesus’ identity. A primary issue was Docetism, a belief that Jesus’ physical body was not real but an illusion, and consequently, his sufferings were not truly experienced. This challenged the apostolic witness of Jesus’ incarnation and passion. Addressing these heresies, the author of 1 John reinforces the orthodox position that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, and that acknowledging this is essential to Christian faith.

Theological Insights

The verse provides significant theological insights, particularly in Christology and soteriology (the study of the nature of Christ and salvation, respectively). To early Christians, declaring Jesus as the Christ was fundamental since it affirmed him as the anointed one foretold in Hebrew Scriptures, and essential for salvation. This assertion is fortified by the characterization of denial as antichrist. Within traditional Christian theology, the connection between the Father and the Son is sacred, and thus, denying one is seen as denying the other. The verse speaks to the unity of God and the danger of severing Jesus from His divine nature.

Practical Applications

In contemporary Christian life, this verse might serve as an encouragement to remain steadfast in faith, stressing the importance of orthodoxy in belief about Jesus Christ. It also implicitly invites believers to examine their own understanding of Jesus and His relationship with God the Father. For those involved in teaching and preaching within Christian communities, it underscores the responsibility to confront false teachings and guide others in truth.

Cross-References

• 1 John 4:3: “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”
• 2 John 1:7: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
• John 8:19: “Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”
• John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.”

Language Study

The Greek term “ἀντίχριστος” (antichristos) is a compound word formed from “anti” meaning “against” or “opposite,” and “Christos,” meaning “anointed” (here referring to the Messiah, Christ). The concept of the antichrist encompasses both opposition to Christ and the substitution of the true Messiah with a false one. The word “ψεύστης” (pseustes) translates to a liar or deceiver, indicating someone who intentionally speaks falsehood.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a messianic figure and the opposition to this figure is present in various religious traditions. In Judaism, the Messiah (‘Mashiach’) is expected to be a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed and bring about the fulfillment of prophecies. In Islam, ‘Masih ad-Dajjal’ is an antichrist-like figure who will deceive humanity before the Day of Judgment. The dynamics between prophesized saviors and antagonistic forces appear in multiple cultural and religious narratives, emphasizing common themes of eschatological conflict.

Scientific Perspectives

The statement in 1 John 2:22 does not directly engage scientific inquiries, as it pertains to doctrinal beliefs rather than empirical claims. However, modern research into cognitive dissonance, group identity, and belief formation might lend insights into how and why communities solidify certain core beliefs, such as those about the identity of Jesus, as a means of creating a clear in-group versus out-group distinction.

Commentaries

Most biblical scholars and commentators interpret 1 John 2:22 within the setting of early Christian heresies. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for example, views this verse as a strict warning and a clear definition of what constitutes an antichrist in the spiritual sense. William Barclay focuses on the concept that the denial of Jesus’ true nature is the ultimate lie and completely incompatible with Christian faith. Other commentators like John Stott and David Jackman discuss the significance of the verse in maintaining the confession of Jesus as truly God and truly man, emphasizing its relevance in combating doctrines that would diminish either aspect of His identity.