The Inner Guide: Living in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Passage
1 John 2:22-28
Beloved:
Who is the liar?
Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.
Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.
Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father,
but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.
If what you heard from the beginning remains in you,
then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.
I write you these things about those who would deceive you.
As for you,
the anointing that you received from him remains in you,
so that you do not need anyone to teach you.
But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false;
just as it taught you, remain in him.
And now, children, remain in him,
so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming.
Grace Prayed For
Steadfastness: Pray for the grace to remain steadfast in your faith, anchored in Christ even amidst the storms of doubt and confusion. Ask for the strength to resist the temptations that lead away from the truth.
Reflection
Let us delve into the depths of these sacred words, drawing wisdom from the rich tapestry of Christian tradition. This passage from the first epistle of John speaks of a profound intimacy with the Holy Trinity, a union so deep that it safeguards us from the deceptions of the world.
The Liar and the Antichrist:
The text warns us of those who deny the divinity of Christ, who sever the Son from the Father. This denial, this separation, is the essence of the antichrist. In the Eastern understanding, the antichrist is not merely a figure who will appear at the end of time, but a spirit that is always present, seeking to erode our faith and disrupt our communion with God.
Remaining in the Son and the Father:
To counter this spirit of deception, we are called to “remain” in Christ, to abide in Him as branches abide in the vine. This “remaining” is not a passive state, but an active participation in the divine life, a continuous deepening of our relationship with the Son and, through Him, with the Father. This is the essence of theosis, the process of becoming more like God, which lies at the heart of Eastern spirituality.
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit:
The text speaks of an “anointing” that we have received, an inner guide that teaches us all things. This anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, the Spirit of Truth who leads us into all truth. It is through this Spirit that we are able to discern the lies of the world and remain steadfast in our faith.
Confidence in His Coming:
The passage concludes with an exhortation to “remain in Him” so that we may have confidence at His coming. This confidence is not born of arrogance or self-righteousness, but of a deep trust in God’s mercy and a firm hope in the resurrection. It is the confidence of a child who knows that he is loved and protected by his Father.
A Call to Intimacy:
Beloved, these words are not merely a theological treatise, but a love letter from God, inviting us into the intimacy of the Holy Trinity. Let us respond to this invitation with open hearts and minds, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to strengthen us in our journey towards union with God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Growing in Union with Jesus
Confessing Jesus as the Christ: The passage begins by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. This confession is not merely an intellectual assent but a heartfelt acceptance of His true identity and a surrender to His Lordship. This act of faith itself initiates the journey towards union with Him.
Daily Scripture Reflection
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post