2 John

Overview – September 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine

2 John

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. —2 John 9 NKJV

Second John is the only epistle in Scripture addressed to a woman. First John laid down the blessed principles of truth – or light – and of love, revealed in the person of the Son of God. Now this second epistle emphasizes the truth as necessary to be maintained faithfully, even by a gentle, tenderhearted woman.

Many deceivers were circulating everywhere, and Satan’s chief target was the home. He would especially appeal to the courteous, responsive nature of the woman. Although John intended to visit there soon, God required him to write without delay. This godly woman must be protected from such insidious wickedness – intended to entrap with grave effect. Deceivers of this type, who do not confess Jesus Christ come in flesh, are multiplied today. His eternal deity and true, pure Manhood are vital matters. If one goes forward in this respect, claiming to have advanced truth and knowledge beyond what is revealed in the person of Christ, that one “does not have God” (v.9).

Many of this class today – so-called Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and many others – seek to enter homes with their subtle and deadly doctrines. Not only was the “elect lady” to refuse them entry, but she was not to give them a common greeting, for even such a greeting would link her with their evil deeds. She must not show love to evil, for love must be “in truth.” This is a strong example of the doctrine of associations. She did not have to imbibe, or believe, the false doctrine in order to be associated with it, if she associated with the person bringing it.

Let us solemnly abhor such evil and detach ourselves totally from it in true devotion to Him who is “the Son of the Father in truth and love” (v.3).

By Leslie M. Grant

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.”
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA and Believers Bookshelf Canada.