1 The Elder,
To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,
2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 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. 6 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.
7 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. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
9 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
ReplyDeleteSo much for loving your neighbor. ;p
9 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.
ReplyDeleteEither we're abiding in the doctrine of Christ or not - there's no picking and choosing.
This one reminds me of that chapter in radical about how the church has become this "sterile" haven- keep your kids in private school, go to every church function, don't socialize outside of your small group ;)
ReplyDeleteBut then I think of everything else we have read and I reach the conclusion that its not that we aren't to pnysically open our door, but that we aren't to invite or welcome any conflicting ideology. Maybe I'm wrong (likely) but I had thought we are called to walk with those outside the church so that we can be a light in their lives and hopefully they too will coe to Jesus. Same reason I think there is value in taking courses in evolution (I was close with my animal behavior/darwin course) in that to be able to reach someone you have to go to them.
You bring up a good point. I believe your correct in your first assumption. Notice it says "If anyone COMES TO YOU and does not bring this doctrine..." meaning they're bringing in false doctrine. We are called to live in the world but not be of the world and this includes a worldly doctrine, mindset, etc. That being said, though we are called to be an example to those around us, we aren't to be walking with those that are not of the Faith. We can have non-christian friends no doubt but we ought not welcome their doctrine (ie lifestyle, mindset, etc). As you have seen, it's pretty much impossible to live a Christ-centered life and develop close friendships with those who are not interested in such a lifestyle without compromising in one way or another. This, I believe, is the author's point.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right Josh and Mary. My tongue was in my cheek with my first comment. I think John is speaking more about Gospel denying views than the people themselves.
ReplyDeleteBeing the King of Sarcasm, I knew you were kidding around.
ReplyDelete