The Book of 2 John

Hello Friends!

The book of 2 John is an excellent little letter. Here are a few theological thoughts regarding John’s second epistle to consider in walking out your Christian journey…

The Book of 2 John

The phrase, "many deceivers have entered the world" describes John's day as well as our day. In light of the situation, John in this epistle – the smallest of his writings – gives us instructions for how to walk with the Lord in our day. John lifts up the "truth" which he uses to describe the "revealed truth" the "holy" Scriptures. The Bible, as the only authority and source for Truth and Devine doctrine, is our resource for the day and age we live in today – a day of great spiritual decline and rank apostasy.

In the message to all believers everywhere, John says the truth – true doctrine – is a necessity for our daily walk. Today we hear that "love" is the driving force in relationships – not doctrine. John says love is a key component in our Christian walk, but not to the exclusion of biblical doctrine – teaching. However, John brings the two – love and doctrine – Into perfect harmony.
 
Here John defines love as walking in His commandments: 

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it – 2 John 1:6

This verse is not referring to the external moral "law" of Moses but the internal "law of Christ." God is love and when we received Christ as Savior from our sins, the divine love of God was placed in our renewed heart.
Love then is manifest in following "the law of Christ", which is to "love one another" – our fellow believers in Christ:

And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another – 2 John 1:5

Therefore, "love" and "law" – the law of Christ – are partners in our walk with Him each and every day. To me this is very practical, especially in the world we walk through today. Because we love Him we do what He wants us to do – His Will for our lives. I have found that to be the case with my dear wife Ann of 25-plus years. The longer I am with her, the more I love her and the more I want to do those things that please her. This is a simple illustration of a profound truth that John reminds us of often in his letters.

The Lord wants us to show our love by walking in His law and at the same time, He enables us to do so by the power of His Holy Spirit. The Lord also reminds us through John's letter that "reward day" is coming at the Judgment Seat of Christ for Christians and He does not want us to lose the reward He has for us:

Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward – 2 John 1:8

This verse tells us that we must do as John has instructed or we are in danger of not receiving our "full reward". Now this has nothing to do with our salvation but with the rewards we receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ. You may remember that at the "judgment seat" we will receive "crowns" that we will lay at the Lord's feet in thanksgiving for what He has done for us:

The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne… – Revelation 4:10

There are many folks today that say "doctrine divides" and it is better to "love" than to allow doctrine to divide believers. However, as we read the Scriptures, we can plainly see this view of “doctrine divides” is simply not true – for the believer. John's perspective is that true Bible doctrine will "unite" believers, not divide them. That said, as Jesus Christ promised, doctrine will divide believers from unbelievers.

Biblical Truth is the foundation of Christian love. John also gives us some directives for the last days in which we should pay close attention. John tells us about “deceivers” – many of them will enter this world at the time of the end. These “deceivers” will deny that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and has come in the flesh. John is pretty tough on these deceivers – he calls them "antichrists". Not the "antichrist" - but an “antichrist“ spirit:

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist – 2 John 1:7

Then John reveals the method for us to deal with these “antichrist deceivers.” He says if they come and bring their false doctrine, do not allow them to enter your house – place of worship. John also says do not bid them God speed – blessings. In fact, if we do allow them into our homes and bid them God speed, we are partakers of their evil deeds. 

That said, here is a bit of clarity to this scenario which has caused much debate and confusion. The first-century church operated in smaller group/home settings and not the large “buildings” that we are accustomed to today. Therefore, I believe the reference to “house” outlined here by John is not as we understand the modern term of a living space, but rather an actual church setting – specifically the pulpit. To allow a known false teacher or heretic to speak from our church pulpits today would be a grave mistake indeed – not to mention a major lack of discernment. However, to have a doctrinal discussion with a cult member or other non-Christians at our door step or in a public setting is obviously appropriate – and Biblical.
 
Remember, it was Jude and the Apostle Peter who admonished believers to “defend the faith!”     

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints – Jude 3

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear – 1 Peter 3:15

The Apostle John is straightforward with this message warning of false doctrine and those who propagate it in this world. We must not only heed his warning, but follow his example in our own associations as well. – Amen to that!

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

Blessings!

Shane <><