While the Antichrist will come, the spirit of antichrist is already here and increasing in strength.
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. (1 John 4:3)
Those who hold the “testimony of Jesus Christ” have always been targeted by the spirit of antichrist.
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:9)
Satan (i.e., the “dragon”) is ultimately behind all “flesh and blood” which wars against the testimony of Christ.
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17)
Jesus told His disciples that if they were “of the world,” and held the testimony of the world, the world would love them; but because they were “of Him,” and held His testimony, the world would hate and persecute them.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. (John 15:18-21)
We can escape the world’s hatred if we will be worldly believers, but there is no escaping the world’s hatred and persecution if we will live godly lives and hold the testimony of Jesus.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)
What is the TESTIMONY of JESUS CHRIST?
1. The testimomy of Jesus is that those who always do the pleasure of God will always know His companionship.
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
As he spake these words, many believed on him. (John 8:29)
The world seeks completeness through connection with other human beings.
The spirit of antichrist hates the testimony of Christ concerning where perfect rest is found.
I and my Father are one.
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. (John 10:30,31)
2. The testimony of Jesus is that those who always do the will of God will always receive His filling.
Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:33,34)
The world seeks fulfillment through the consumption of earthly “goods.”
Therefore, the spirit of antichrist hates the testimony of Christ concerning what is of true value in God’s sight.
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:13-15)
3. The testimomy of Jesus is that those who always seek the direction of God will always receive His honor.
I receive not honour from men.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (John 5:41,44)
The world seeks worth through the recognition and approval of men.
Therefore, the spirit of antichrist hates the testimony of Christ concerning a totally God defined and ordered life.
Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.
His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
For neither did his brethren believe in him.
Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. (John 7:2-8)
God calls us into the fellowship of His Son in order to have the testimony of Christ established in us more and more.
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
Those who seek COMPLETENESS without the companionship of God end up with LONELINESS.
Those who seek FULFULLMENT without the treasure of God end up with EMPTINESS.
Those who seek ACCEPTANCE without the favor of God end up with REJECTION.
Those whose testimony is the testimony of Christ overcome the god of this world in every evil day.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)