We are going to be taking a look at the second letter from John recorded in the Bible. This one is penned with the Gnostic movement in mind. The Gnostics are a completely alien belief that bastardized most of Christianity in order to sustain itself. They have many weird beliefs. The old testament God, was an evil God. It is ridiculous. However, we are not studying the tenants of Gnosticism, we are studying the Bible.

¹ The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

² For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

2nd John 1:1-2 KJV

John introduces himself as an elder of the church, but then, this is odd. I want you to notice that there is a lady that John is writing to. This is evidence of women being involved in the Church from the beginning. In fact they are saying her children. This might not be biological, because normally a “child” is someone you have brought to Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ is not an actual brother and sister. It is something more. While flesh and blood may betray you, your brothers and sisters in Christ should never.

Likewise, if you are an elder it means you have a following. A following suggests some of those people following you are saved, thus they are your children. So in the hierarchy of things you would see John, then this lady, then the “children”. Then again, don’t make doctrine of this. This very well may be her children biologically. Just keep it in mind.

The truth John is speaking of is the truth of Jesus Christ dying as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of man. That all who believe in him and keep his ways and commands are indeed saved from eternal death but rather shall have eternal life. Be assured it is the truth.

³ Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

2nd John 1:3 KJV

This parallels very nicely with Ephesians.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV

It is always good to remember that our Peace comes from the knowledge that we are saved through Grace; receiving something we do not deserve, aka eternal life, and Mecry; which is not receiving something we do deserve which is death. Once again John is making this a key point in his letter. It is central to all things. To know these things will provide peace and through peace we have strength because if God is with you, who can stand against you. Surely you will be fearless because God has your back.

⁴ I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

2nd John 1:4 KJV

For me, and I am sure you too, when you witness someone you have brought to the truth striving, it is a good feeling. It is not easy to watch those around us struggle. I hurts to see. When they are coming to the truth it is good to see. When they reach it, well that is the greatest feeling in the world. Then they start bringing others to Christ and its so wonderful. Imagine how much more pleasurable it is to God.

⁵ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

⁶ And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

2nd John 1:5-6 KJV

Love is a choice. We choose to love one another or we choose not to. It is a choice.

⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

2nd John 1:7 KJV

There are many many religious movements that acknowledge Christ, Yushua/Jesus and yet do not see his deity as in the flesh. Instead they say he was a philosopher, or an ascended or rather was not flesh but a projection. All of this is wrong. Christ was and is flesh. He came to us 100% meat. He lived, he breathed, he went the bathroom. He was FLESH. This means he had all the carnal desires we had. He claimed victory over sin. Jesus went through a sinless life, for our sake and died a crimeless and sinless death. He was the perfect man, what we should strive to be.

⁸ Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

2nd John 1:8 KJV

This here is a rebuke to the once saved always saved thing. There is no sin that can keep you from Jesus but you sure can. We can turn your back on the word that is Christ. If you say with your mouth you believe in Christ but it has not struck your heart, then you honestly do not believe in Christ. You can even believe in Christ and fall into disbelief, and in that disbelief you are not saved. It is important to KNOW that Christ died for you and to personally know it.

⁹ Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

2nd John 1:9 KJV

I don’t care what you do, that is the key to life. Your actions and fruits will be proof of your transformation, but do not delude yourself. You can do all the things a Christian does and be lost. It all is personal, its about your relationship with God and no one comes to the father but through the son.

¹⁰ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

¹¹ For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2nd John 1:10-11 KJV

John is specifically talking about Gnostic teachers of his time but we can extrapolate this to all false teachers in our time. We do not pray for blessings to be upon them. We instead rebuke them. We offer them sound teachings and if they will not listen tell them to get lost. They cannot be aloud among the flock. We have to protect our fellow Christian from such false teachings.

However, we only do this to those claiming to be Christian when they really are not. Non-believers we don’t need to hold to such standards because they are honest about not knowing Christ.

¹² Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

¹³ The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

2nd John 1:12-13 KJV

Ah yes, John always ends his letters this way. Simple and sweet. It is short but honestly just what is needed. If you know what is on this page, you are on the right path. However this is not good for teaching someone who is new to a Christian lifestyle but it is great to reinforce a Christian. Let this be a shield for you.

Good blessings to all of you. I pray you are well and that you have a good day and a better tomorrow. Till we meet on earth or in heaven, love you all.