​¿Cómo saber si tu fe es real? La prueba de la perseverancia | MIGUEL NÚÑEZ

Understanding the Concept of Being Children of God

The Transition from Creatures to Children

• In John 1:11-13, it is stated that Jesus came to His own but was not received. However, those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God through belief in His name.

• John emphasizes the distinction between mere creatures and those who have become children of God, highlighting that true believers are born not of human will but by God's decision.

The Nature of Belief and Reception

• To receive Christ means accepting Him fully as He was sent—acknowledging His roles as Son, God, Lord, and Savior. Rejecting any aspect equates to rejecting Him entirely.

• Confessing Jesus as the Son of God involves recognizing His divine nature and authority; this confession must be reflected in one's life through obedience and submission.

The Importance of Authentic Confession

• True belief in Jesus requires living under His lordship; it's not merely verbal acknowledgment but a lifestyle that aligns with His teachings.

• There exists a danger in professing faith verbally while denying it through actions. This inconsistency can lead to being labeled as abominable or disobedient.

The Reality of False Professions

• Paul warns about individuals who claim to know God yet deny Him through their actions. Such hypocrisy has been present throughout history.

• These individuals may appear religious but fail to live out their faith authentically, which renders them ineffective for good works.

Observations on Church Dynamics

• John notes a significant exodus from the church community he addresses, indicating that some members were never truly part of it despite outward appearances.

• This situation reflects a broader issue within churches where people may engage with sound teaching yet still depart due to lack of genuine faith or commitment.

Infiltration of the Church and True Believers

The Nature of Apostasy

• Discussion on individuals, possibly including Juan, who were baptized by the same leaders and belonged to the same ministry group. These individuals later revealed their true nature as "antichrists" when they left the church.

• Juan reassures his followers that those who left were never truly part of them; their departure serves as evidence that not all are genuine believers.

God's Wisdom in Allowing False Teachers

• The presence of false teachers is permitted by God to infiltrate the church, leading to a purging process where true believers are distinguished from false ones.

• Reflection on Christ's parable of wheat and tares, emphasizing that false teachers ultimately contribute to the sanctification of the church.

Characteristics of True Believers

• Juan addresses those who remained faithful, referring to them as "little children," indicating their status as true sons of God.

• Emphasis on permanence in faith as a key indicator of being a genuine child of God; true believers remain steadfast in their faith.

Communion with God and Fellow Believers

• A genuine believer has communion with God and fellow Christians; love for other believers is a hallmark of being born again.

• Introduction to the idea that love for fellow believers will be explicitly stated later in Juan's teachings.

Preparing for Ministry Amidst Challenges

• Jesus prepared His disciples for ministry challenges, warning them about potential discouragement due to apostasy within the church.

• Reference to the Parable of the Sower, illustrating how different hearts respond to God's word through various types of soil representing different responses.

Responses to God's Word

• Explanation begins with Matthew 13:18 regarding those who hear but do not understand God's word; Satan snatches away what was sown in their hearts.

• Description of various reactions: some receive joyfully but lack depth; others are choked by worldly concerns and wealth, resulting in no fruit.

Fruitfulness Among True Believers

• Those who receive God's word into good soil understand it and bear fruit at varying levels (30, 60, or 100 times).

• Integration of teachings from both Juan and Mateo highlights that true children produce spiritual fruit consistently.

Understanding the Spirit of Antichrist

The Evidence of True Sons

• The speaker discusses the concept of spiritual fruits, indicating that true children of God will bear different levels of fruitfulness (30, 60, 100), while those who do not are evidence of not being true sons.

• Emphasizes that the remaining group has no need for external teaching because they possess the Holy Spirit within them.

Importance of Remaining in Truth

• Stresses that to remain in fellowship with both the Son and the Father, one must hold onto what was initially heard about forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice.

• Warns against diluting the original gospel message into a lighter version or prosperity gospel, which disqualifies individuals from true faith.

The Great Exodus and Apostasy

• Describes a significant movement towards prosperity gospel as potentially representing a final apostasy before Christ's return.

• Notes this movement is widespread and powerful financially but deviates from foundational Christian teachings.

Identifying Antichrist Spirits

• Introduces the term "Antichrist," used exclusively by John in scripture, appearing five times across four passages.

• Clarifies that John's usage differs from Paul's description in 2 Thessalonians regarding an end-time figure; instead, John refers to many antichrists present now.

Historical Context and Characteristics

• Highlights that the spirit of antichrist is ancient, tracing back to Adam and Eve's time in Eden as a force against God's plans.

• Compares modern false prophets to historical figures like Balaam, who misled for profit. This connection illustrates ongoing deception within religious contexts today.

Understanding the Spirit of Antichrist

The Warning Against Deception

• The speaker references Galatians 2:4, highlighting the presence of deceptive figures likened to "ferocious wolves" as mentioned in Acts 20. These individuals are seen as threats to the purity of the Gospel.

• Emphasizing a collective concern among biblical figures (Jeremiah, Zechariah, Jesus), the speaker notes that John clearly states his purpose for writing: to address those attempting to deceive believers.

• John explicitly mentions he is writing about those who seek to mislead others, indicating a responsibility to defend faith fervently, as echoed in Jude's writings.

Gnostic Influences and Christology

• The discussion shifts towards Gnosticism, particularly a sect that denies Christ's physical incarnation. This belief system suggests Christ only appeared in semblance rather than reality.

• Another Gnostic view posits that while Jesus was born of Mary, Christ’s spirit did not inhabit him until baptism and departed before crucifixion. This heretical teaching is countered by John's insistence on confessing Christ's true incarnation.

The Proliferation of False Teachings

• The speaker warns that aberrant teachings have evolved and proliferated within an emotionally driven generation that often neglects deep study and reflection on biblical truths.

• Paul’s advice to Timothy emphasizes the need for accurate handling of God’s word to avoid deception and spiritual downfall amidst prevalent falsehood.

Characteristics of Antichrists

• A critical observation is made regarding how antichrists articulate their beliefs; they may use familiar language but redefine key concepts like the Trinity in misleading ways.

• Citing 2 Thessalonians 2:8–10, it is noted that God allows delusion for those who do not love truth, leading them toward false teachings instead.

Distortion of Truth

• The speaker identifies characteristics of false teachers who acknowledge Jesus but distort his nature or message. They introduce heresy subtly under the guise of piety.

• John’s text highlights that denying Jesus as the Messiah equates one with being an antichrist. False teachers often claim belief but twist fundamental doctrines for their agendas.

Caution Against Deceptive Practices

• The introduction of heretical ideas mirrors Satan's tactics used against Eve—distorting God's words into seemingly benign statements which lead believers astray.

• Understanding these dynamics is crucial as even knowledgeable individuals can be led into error if they do not remain vigilant against subtle distortions in doctrine.

Understanding the Last Hour and the Promise of Eternal Life

The Nature of Confession and Christ's Lordship

• Juan emphasizes that confessing Christ goes beyond mere words; it involves living under His lordship and not questioning God's authority on Earth.

• Denying God's sovereignty is seen as a rejection of Christ, who is the rightful owner of creation.

The Concept of the Last Hour

• Juan clarifies that he does not imply an imminent return of Christ but indicates that the last hour is characterized by a rise in antichrists.

• He references Galatians 1:4 to describe this present age as "evil," marking it as a time leading up to Christ's second coming.

Distinction Between Present Age and Coming Age

• The "last hour" signifies the final stretch of this current evil age before entering the coming age, which is referenced in Hebrews 6:5.

• Juan uses "the last days" more frequently than "the last hour," associating it with Jesus' arrival and God's communication through Him.

Characteristics of This Era

• A notable feature of this period includes an increase in false teachings and false Christs, indicating spiritual deception prevalent today.

Discernment Between Truth and Error

• Juan stresses that discerning truth from error requires careful consideration, hinting at deeper discussions needed for clarity.

• He warns against promises focused on earthly prosperity or supernatural powers, asserting that true promise lies solely in eternal life.