This article is a continuation of part 1 of Antichrist and Jesus coming in the Flesh? In that first part we looked at how the term for flesh has been misunderstood by too many Christians today. They think that the mention of the antichrist denying that Jesus came in the flesh refers to this antichrist power denying that Jesus came to earth as a human being. We will see how there is another interpretation that, once understood, opens our eyes to a startling truth.
The promise of the gospel for every believer
Pretty much every Christian understands that Jesus came to this earth to die for our sins. Most every Christian understands that human beings are naturally sinful and in need of salvation. That without Jesus none of us would be able to go to heaven. This much is taught almost universally in Christian circles. What isn’t as universally taught is the gospel centered idea that God is more powerful than sin and that when He lives inside of us we will not choose evil but good.
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
“Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” – Romans 5:20
“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.” – 1 John 3:9
These verses and others like it make powerful statements. While human beings are naturally given over to sin, Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit can live inside of us and give us the power to successfully resist sin. Without this supernatural intervention we would have no hope. Human beings would be completely unable to keep our evil natures in check. This is the power of the gospel. To the degree that we are surrendered to self we will reflect the love, joy, peace, kindness and goodness of Jesus. Not because of ourselves but because of the power of God which is in control inside of us.
I hope you come to understand this very important point. God is more powerful than sin. God can live inside of us and as long as He is in control we won’t sin (look again at 1 John 3:9 above). This is the power of the gospel. This is the power of God. God is all powerful. Nothing is impossible for God.
“And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:23-26