Daily Scripture Reading 2John 1:7-13

Over the past several decades there have been many who have taught that all churches and all denominations should get along and work together for the sake of Christian unity. This is in line with the false idea held by many that unity trumps everything.

The second half of 2John gives us a litmus test that must be passed before any true church agrees to work with any other church or so-called church.

2John 7 ¶ For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

This verse contains a definition of the deceiver and the antichrist. It is someone who denies that Jesus came in the flesh.

2John 8 See to yourselves, that you do not lose what we accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

2John 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. The one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

Notice what this verse does not say. It does not say the one who has God is the one who has an emotional connection to God. Nor does it tell us to abide in feelings or emotions.

Instead, this verse tells us to abide in the teaching of Christ.

2John 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting,

The term “this teaching” refers to the teaching of Christ, the fact that Jesus came in the flesh. The author gave a command that Christians should not receive or greet any so-called preacher who does not teach that Jesus came in the flesh.

Over the past several decades there have been many who have taught that all churches and all denominations should work together for the sake of Christian unity. However, this verse teaches that true Christians should not work with fake Christians. True churches should not pretend to get along with fake churches. True churches which preach a true gospel should not participate in the effort to get along with all churches and all denominations.

2John 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

Any person who partners with those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh is partnering with evil.

2John 12 ¶ Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made complete.

2John 13 ¶ The children of your elect sister greet you.

Over the past several decades there have been many who have taught that all churches and all denominations should work together for the sake of Christian unity. However, 2John teaches us that true believers should not get along or work with so-called believers who deny that Jesus came in the flesh. Jesus coming in the flesh is a non-negotiable litmus test.

To what extent has your church bought into the errant idea that all churches should put aside all theological differences in order to work together?

Does your pastor or church partner with anyone who denies that Jesus came in the flesh?

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“Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com.”