Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 John 2:18

"Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour." — 1 John 2:18 (ASV)

And as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; by which we know that it is the last time.

How much more emphatically John might write this verse if he were writing today!

Little children, it is the last time:

You may read the passage, "It is the last hour," as if John wanted to show how late it was and how soon Christ would come: "It is the last hour."

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

And now, I think, even more than when John wrote, this is the case, for antichrists are multiplying on all sides, and there are even worse evils to come than we have seen so far. It is therefore fitting for Christians to be on watch and to let this truth comfort them, that it is the last time.

Once we get through this dispensation, the battle is ended. Even though the dispensation should be protracted beyond our hope and desire, yet, still, once we get through it, it is over.

This is to be the last charge of our great adversary and all his hosts. Stand fast, therefore, you soldiers of the Cross, stand like rocks amidst the onslaught of the waves, and the victory will yet be yours.