John warns his readers about the deception that will occur in the last hour or the latter times. False teachers, who John refers to as antichrists, will try to convince believers that Jesus is not the Christ and causing them to doubt the truth. This deception ushers in the coming of the Antichrist who will exalt himself above God. John encourages these believers to hold onto and abide in the truth they heard from the beginning, from Jesus and His apostles. We too must “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” by abiding in Him and walking in obedience, love, and truth.