Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 John 4:3. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage in the Bible. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse warns us about a spirit that doesn't recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah – the savior of humanity. It suggests this spirit is a remnant of something darker and potentially dangerous. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come” : This means every spirit, or any spiritual presence, isn't acknowledging or recognizing Jesus as the one who came to redeem us from sin and death. It’s about a lack of belief in Jesus. “in the flesh” : This is crucial. “Flesh” refers to a physical body. So, this spirit isn't just intellectually aware; it's actively rejecting Jesus as the Son of God. “is not of God” : This is the key part. The spirit isn’t connected to God – it's rejecting the divine nature of Jesus. “and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” : This paints a picture of something already present. It’s not just a future threat; it's actively existing now . The "antichrist" part refers to a spirit that opposes Christ and seeks to undermine his work. The fact that it “already is” means it’s growing and spreading. What does this mean in practical terms? It’s about opposition: This verse isn't saying Jesus will not be honored or recognized. It's warning us about a spirit that actively opposes Christ and seeks to cause chaos, division, and unhappiness. It's a spiritual threat: The "antichrist" is a metaphorical representation of those who oppose Christ’s teachings and principles. These people may be driven by selfishness, pride, or a desire for power. It's a warning to believers: It’s urging us to remain steadfast in our faith and to resist the influence of this spirit. Important Context – Why is it important? This passage was written during a time of great political turmoil and religious conflict. The Roman Empire was crumbling, and there were many factions vying for power. The "spirit" described here could be seen as a challenge to Jesus's authority and a threat to the stability of the world. In short: 1 John 4:3 warns us about a powerful spiritual force that actively opposes Christ and seeks to undermine his work, and it’s already present in the world. It's a call for believers to stay faithful to their faith and resist this opposition. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical passages. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in more detail? Compare it to other verses? Discuss its relevance today?