2 John. Abide “in the Doctrine of Christ”

1. Read 2 John 1:7 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 John 7, “For Many Deceivers Are Entered into the World” (p. 437). Summarize in one or two paragraphs the false doctrine John warned against, where it came from, and what effect it would have if it were believed.

The false doctrine that John warned against is any argument or theory that says that Jesus did not come in the flesh. This point is central to the gospel. Members of the Church of Christ, in those days as now govern their lives under the doctrine of atonement and the principle of repentance (among others). To deny this would imply that “our sins would have remained unremitted” and “we and all before us would have remained dead forever and ever. All of our expectations for eternal life would have been shattered.”

This kind of teaching comes from Satan Satan and his emissaries and those who follow it will be deceived and took away from the truths revealed by God.

2. Read 2 John 1:8–13. Write one or two sentences explaining what counsel John gave that could help avoid this and other false doctrines generally.

John recommended that the members continue to keep the commandments and stay close to the church to avoid false doctrine. He said “abide in the doctrine of Christ”, this means to live the doctrine, apply the doctrine, to make it a part of your life. When he said that they should “not receive them into their house” he also gave the counsel that the members not spend time with those that teach things that are contrary to the teachings of the church.