2 John

Truth or Consequences: What You Believe about Jesus Really Matters

When Jesus was in the "upper room" with His disciples the night before His crucifixion, He made a number of profound and lasting statements. One concerned truth; another concerned love. John 14:6 reports that He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." And John 13:35 records, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Truth and love are the twin rails on which Christianity runs. They bring authenticity and balance to our Christian confession and conduct. Yet both are endangered species, especially in a post-modern twenty-first-century world where relativism and sentimentalism reign. Blaise Pascal (1623-62), the brilliant Christian philosopher and mathematician, well said of his own day, "Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that unless we love the truth, we cannot know it" (Pensees, 14:863). The apostle Paul echoed this same152 concern in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 when he wrote of those deceived by "the lawless one" (i.e., "the Antichrist"), "They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved." The apostle John was so concerned about the issue that he penned an entire letter to address the problem. We call it 2 John.

Second John is a tiny and much-neglected epistle filled with wisdom and insight. It addresses both the heart and the mind, both love and truth. Despite being so short, it is striking in its comprehensiveness. The letter, though anonymous, was almost certainly penned by the apostle John. It is 245 words in Greek, making it the second shortest book in the Bible (3 John is 219 Greek words). It was written, most likely, from Ephesus between ad 80 and 95. The early church historian Eusebius suggests that it and its twin sister, 3 John, were written after John was released from the Island of Patmos where he had been exiled and where he wrote the book of Revelation. If this is correct, 2 and 3 John are the last New Testament books to be written. John is short and to the point in this letter, and provides several words of encouragement and instruction for those who care for truth and love. It is no surprise that both themes are tied to the gospel, particularly to the person of Jesus Christ.

Several key themes and contrasts weave this short epistle into a beautiful tapestry of spiritual significance. First, there are the key words and their repetition. The word "truth" occurs five times in verses 1-4; the word "love" occurs four times in verses 1-6; the word "command" occurs four times in verses 4-6; the word "walk," which addresses one's entire lifestyle and behavior, occurs three times in verses 4-6; and the word "teaching" occurs three times in verses 9-10. Second, the letter is linked by three commands: the command to continue to love each other as the Lord had said from the beginning (vv. 5-6), the command to be on the lookout for false teachers (v. 8), and the command to reject false teachers (v. 10). Third, there are several contrasts that tie the epistle together: (1) those who walk in truth (v. 4a) versus those who deny the truth (v. 7); (2) the command from the beginning (vv. 5-6) versus those who go beyond (v. 9); (3) deeds worthy of a full reward (v. 8) versus evil works (v. 11); and (4) those who reject antichrist (v. 10) versus those who receive antichrist (v. 11). Second John's major point appears to be that we must walk in the commands of Christ as we love the truth of His teaching.

153John drives home several important ideas concerning truth in verses 1-2. Love is to be expressed in the context of truth (cf. Eph 4:15). Truth can be known as an objective reality ("know" in verse 1 is in the perfect tense). Truth can be embraced experientially ("in us") and continually ("remains"). Truth is eternal. It has its source in God (cf. 1 John 5:20).

Though truth is not really defined in this letter, it seems clear that John uses the word theologically and practically, not philosophically. He has in mind the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ as God's self-revelation in the incarnation (John 1:14). John's purpose is not to denigrate whatever truths we glean from reason, experience, or tradition. It is the case, however, that John's epistemological foundation is rooted in Christ and the teachings and testimony of the apostles to that historical manifestation. God has revealed His truth supremely in Christ.

We Must Love the Truth

We Must Love the Truth

2 John 1-3

The author of this short letter is simply identified as "the Elder" (Gk presbuteros), an introduction unique to 2 and 3 John. It emphasizes the position and personal relationship he has with the recipients of the letter. The title "elder" carries the idea of an aged man, but also a man who has earned authority and respect by virtue of his experience, character, integrity, moral standing, and reputation.

The recipient is also simply identified as "the elect [chosen] lady and her children." This may refer to either a local church and its members (the best view), the church universal, or an individual lady and her children. Elect lady is a term of respect, endearment, privilege, and protection. God chose this community of faith as His very own. They belong to Him and He cares for them personally and individually. Now, what word does the Lord have for this people near and dear to His heart?

Embrace the Truth (2 John 1-2)

John's statement, "I love all of you in the truth," is emphatic (i.e., "I, myself, love ..."). He truly loves them. "Love" also is a present tense verb denoting continuous action. Love and truth, as we noted earlier, dominate this letter in verses 1-6 by virtue of the number of times each word occurs. John expresses his love for this local body of believers in 154the context of truth, a love that is grounded in truth and shared by all who know the truth. Further, this truth abides or remains continually both in us and with us forever.

The Christian philosopher Arthur Holmes has reminded us that "all truth is God's truth wherever it is found" (All Truth Is God's Truth). Truth in the biblical sense is essential not optional, eternal not relative, consistent not changing, and permanent not perspectival. Flowing from the One who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), who is Himself "the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:20), this truth must be embraced as our very own. Indeed, we must have a consuming passion for this truth, truth that is bathed in love.

Enjoy the Truth (2 John 3)

Truth has wonderful companions who accompany it. Truth also has a definite and exclusive source from which it originates. Truth's companions are threefold in our text. They are grace, mercy, and peace. Grace is God doing for us what we do not deserve (unmerited favor and divine kindness). Mercy is God not doing to us what we do deserve (God's compassion, pity, and tenderness). Peace is personal wholeness and well-being in all aspects of life. Regarding this peace, Romans 5:1 reminds us, "Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." And Philippians 4:9 says, "Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you."

These three Christian virtues have a very specific and distinct source, as do love and truth. Grace, mercy, peace, truth, and love all flow into our lives "from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father" (cf. 1 John 1:3). The repetition of the preposition "from" is significant. It conveys the idea of equality of position while maintaining distinction in person. The Father and Son are equally and fully God, yet there is a true and genuine distinction in person. To make this clear, God is identified as Father twice. In terms of the inner relationship within the Godhead, Jesus Christ is God, but He is also God the Father's Son. He is the anointed Messiah, the Christ, sent by the Father into this world for the purpose of redeeming sinful humanity. All of this, again, occurs within the context of truth and love. John was well aware of the fact that "To maintain a healthy and growing community the church must exhibit a fidelity to the truth that knows no compromise, and they must love one another in a way that knows no boundaries" (Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, 223).

We Must Live the Truth

155

We Must Live the Truth

2 John 4-6

Vance Havner (1901-1986) was a wonderful North Carolina evangelist and preacher. He was also a reservoir of wisdom and wit. He often said, "What we live is what we really believe. Everything else is just so much religious talk!" Wow! Ouch! Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) said it this way: "The informing of the understanding is all vain, any farther than it affects the heart, or, which is the same thing, has influence on the affections" (Some Thoughts, 367; emphasis in original). The apostle John agreed. He was convinced that unless truth reaches and affects the heart, the inner man, it is of no real value, regardless of what it may do in the head. Truth should grab hold of head, heart, and hands.

Be Concerned with What You Believe (Creed) (2 John 4)

John extends words of both joy and encouragement. He "was very glad to find some of your children walking in the truth." This was "in keeping with a command we have received from the Father." Verse 5 informs us that this command is "that we love one another." Moreover, when John talks about truth, he is not interested in philosophy. He focuses on the gospel and the transformed life it makes possible. He is interested in a right understanding of the incarnation (v. 7). He is concerned that we "remain in Christ's teachings" (v. 9). He focuses on that truth of the gospel that extends "grace, mercy, and peace" (v. 3) to all who come to God as Father by way of the Son, Jesus Christ.

John knew well the source of His spiritual authority, of his life's authority. Tragically many today do not. As a result we are awash in spiritual, moral, and religious confusion. There are basically four options when it comes to the source of the authority to which we will submit. We will either submit to reason (what we think), tradition (what we've always done), experience (what we feel), or revelation (what God says). For John, God had revealed Himself in Jesus Christ His Son and in His Word. The matter was settled. We don't debate Him or the Word. We proclaim both.

Be Concerned with How You Behave (Conduct) (2 John 5-6)

Wrong thinking inevitably leads to wrong living. If the mind is confused, the heart will be corrupted. Right thinking, however, is the right soil from which emerges the fruit of right living. For John, right living is a 156life of love that is the supernatural response to the love one experiences in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Next, John urges this local body of believers in Jesus (called "dear lady") to "love one another." He says it is not a new command, "but one we have had from the beginning," that is, the beginning of their Christian experience, and a command given directly to John by Jesus (John 13:34-35). False teachers may have a new, an additional, word for this elect lady and her children (v. 1), this dear lady (v. 5), but John simply reminds them of an old word. What they heard from the beginning should stay with them to the end.

In verse 6 John tells them to demonstrate their love for God not only by loving one another (v. 5), but by walking "according to His commands." This is something they also heard from the beginning: "you must walk in love." Verses 4-6 are so simple; they are almost poetic. Walk in the command to love, and love the commands in which you walk. Truth is something we believe. Truth is also something we live.

We Must Look for the Truth

We Must Look for the Truth

2 John 7-11

The church father Augustine (ad 354-430) well said of our God, "You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee" (Confessions, 1). Augustine adds further, "Therefore hold fast love, and set your minds at rest" (Homilies, 10.7), and you are to "love God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind ... concentrate all your thoughts, your whole life, and your whole intelligence upon Him from whom you derive all that you bring" (On Christine Doctrine, 1.22). The only hope humanity has for peace and rest is in wholehearted devotion to the pursuit of truth in God.

My friend Al Mohler says, "Where truth is denied, only therapy remains." The apostle John might add, "Where truth is adjusted, heresy will reign." John was confronted with the spiritual, mystical theology of his day, an early form of Gnosticism. Gnosticism—the term is based on the Greek word for "knowledge"—took many forms as it developed, but most forms usually held two main propositions in common: (1) salvation is by (mystical) knowledge, and (2) the material world is evil or inferior to the spiritual. As a result of their worldview, they attacked the reality of the incarnation. Similarly, the Docetists (from the Greek word meaning "to appear") said Jesus only appeared to be human or have a physical 157body. Another form of the heresy led by Cerinthus said the Christ-spirit came on the man Jesus at His baptism but left Him at the cross.

John knew that Christology is the heart of Christianity. If you are wrong on who Christ is, you will be wrong everywhere. John therefore issued a strong warning to be on the lookout for anyone who challenged the full deity, true and perfect humanity, sinless life, and completed work of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father.

Recognize the Deceptive (2 John 7)

Verse 7 is closely connected to verse 6. We must walk in the truth because "many deceivers" have gone out to evangelize in the evil world system. These spiritual defectors are Satan's missionaries on assignment. Their message is that Jesus is not the Messiah, the Son of God coming in the flesh. Their message is a denial of the true gospel, attacking the factuality of the incarnation and the genuine uniting of deity and humanity in the person of Jesus.

The heart of all false teaching will be a defective view of Jesus. It will distort who He is and what He has done. Such teaching will, without exception, deny His full deity and reject His perfect work of atonement through His crucifixion and resurrection. Take as an example the "Jesus Seminar," which in 1998 released the book The Acts of Jesus and arrogantly proclaimed that the resurrection of Jesus did not involve the resuscitation of a corpse, that belief in Jesus' resurrection did not depend on what happened to His body, that the body of Jesus decayed like all other corpses, and that the resurrection was not an event that happened on the first Easter Sunday. They explained that it was not an event that could have been recorded by a video camera. In addition, they assured us it is not necessary to believe in the historical veracity of the resurrection narratives.

To such opinions John fires back, "This is the deceiver and the antichrist." The word "antichrist" means "against" or "in the place of" Christ. Here "against" is clearly the meaning. The word itself occurs only in 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3 and here in 2 John 7. While interest in this sinister figure's coming is as popular as ever, John informs us that his minions are here and have been here since the first century. New Testament scholar I. Howard Marshall puts this teaching in perspective when he notes,

Apocalyptic thought prophesied the coming of a supremely evil antagonist of God in the last days—the lawless one 158(2 Thess. 2:1-12) or the beast (Rev. 13). [Actually, there are two beasts in Revelation 13, the first in verses 1-10 from the sea, usually identified with the antichrist both personally and politically, and the second in verses 11-18 from the land, being identified with the false prophet (cf. Rev 19:20).] This figure is certainly opposed to Christ and attempts to emulate his powers.... The elder's point is that the spirit of opposition to Christ is already present in those who oppose the truth about Christ. (The Epistles of John, note 9)

[Antichrist] is used to characterize people who are radically opposed to the true doctrine about Christ and are thus supremely his opponents, even if they protest that they hold the truth about him and are Christians. The elder says that anybody who denies the truth is a very antichrist, just as we might speak of a supremely evil person as "the very devil." (The Epistles of John, 71)

The deceivers, John says, are many and their message is destructive. Look and listen carefully, for their true colors are revealed in what they say and in the One they oppose: they are enemies of the truth about Jesus.

Resist the Destructive (2 John 8)

"Watch yourselves" is a present tense imperative. It means to continually be on guard. It is intended to come across as a strong warning. John implores his readers to not be lulled into a spiritual stupor. Why? Their "full reward" is at stake. What does this mean? One option is the possible loss of salvation. The other is the loss of some reward. The latter seems more likely, given the context and that it is a "full reward" that is mentioned. While the exact meaning of the reward is unclear, what we do know is this: John believes perseverance is the proof of possession (cf. 1 John 2:19). As Vance Havner said, "Faith that fizzles before the finish was faulty from the first."

There is a theological tension here we must understand. For those who have been born from above by the Spirit of God through faith in Christ, it is certain that you will persevere. It is also essential that you do persevere. Day in and day out, we must be on guard and resist destructive persons and philosophies that deny the truth about Jesus and that would take from us our full reward. Such spiritual destroyers 159will deny the complete truthfulness and sufficiency of the Bible. They will deny the person and work of Jesus Christ—His full deity and/or perfect humanity; His work of atonement on the cross as the perfect sacrifice and satisfaction for our sin. They will deny His sinless life, virgin birth, bodily resurrection, and future return in glory. They will deny that salvation is a free gift received by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. And they will deny Jesus as the only Lord and Savior of mankind. Knowing these things, we must recognize the deceptive and resist the destructive.

Reprove the Destitute (2 John 9)

Anyone who does not remain in Christ's teaching but goes beyond it offers what I call a "Bible plus" doctrine and a "Jesus plus" theology. They leave the basic, biblical truths about Jesus and claim to offer something new and something better. John's judgment on such persons is quick and to the point: they are lost. That person "does not have God." John is clear. There is no ambiguity. When you take Jesus as your Savior, you get God as your Father. But if you say "No" to Jesus, you are also saying "No" to the Father who sent Him. The two always go together. They are one and they cannot be separated. Only one road leads to the living and true God. That road, that way, is Jesus.

What does the theology of the destitute look like? You only need to look at the thousands of cults and the liberal theologies and modern ideologies of our day and you have a fairly accurate picture. Yet they are not as complex as they appear. All deceivers, all false teachers, practice a very similar "spiritual mathematical strategy" (Walker, personal correspondence).

The Mathematics of the Cults

The Mathematics of the Cults

Addition (+)	They add an extra-biblical source of authority by prophet, pen, or professor.
Subtraction (–)	They subtract from the person and work of Jesus Christ the Son of God. They deny His deity and find inadequate His work of redemption.
Division (÷)	They divide our allegiance from God through Christ alone to others.
Multiplication (×)	They multiply requirements for salvation. All advocate some form of works salvation.

160These four simple principles will enable us to spot and expose those spiritual movements that, regardless of their profession, do not know or have God.

Reject the Dangerous (2 John 10-11)

John's use of "anyone" here is comprehensive. And the "teaching" John referred to is our doctrine, what we believe and confess concerning the gospel and the person and work of Jesus. John commanded his readers to "not receive" a false teacher. We are not to give them a base of operation from our home, nor are we to "welcome" them as friends and fellow laborers for the truth of the gospel. To do so is to "share in his evil works."

What was John saying? He was instructing them to not provide support and assistance to these false teachers. Do not help them along in their evil assignment because if you do, you go with them (cf. 3 John 8). John was not unloving or unkind. He was being both pastoral and practical. We cannot pray God's blessing on those who deny our Lord and reject the teachings of God's Word.

What is John not saying? He is not saying that we cannot allow them in our home for a visit whereby we share the gospel of Jesus with them. Indeed, we most certainly ought to be doing this. You might say, "I can't; I'm not equipped." This is a common fear, but here is a simple and sure strategy that anyone can use who truly knows Jesus as Lord and Savior as they witness to someone involved in false teaching. There are a few principles to remember. First, always be kind. Second, be a good listener. Third, pray for them. And fourth, love them. These will guide you as you share truth in love.

Here also is a general procedure to follow. Give them 15 minutes uninterrupted in which they can tell you what they believe you must do to be saved and go to heaven when you die. Then, ask them to give you 15 minutes uninterrupted so that you can tell them how you believe a person can be saved and go to heaven when they die. Then pray with them, praying evangelistically so as to share clearly and completely the gospel in your prayer. Afterwards, invite them (and their friends) back to do it again!

We Must Long for the Truth

We Must Long for the Truth

2 John 12-13

John has shared his heart but there is much more that he wants to say. Paper and pen have been sufficient for the immediate situation, but 161they are a poor substitute for a face-to-face meeting. In closing, John reminds all of us of two precious truths never to be taken for granted.

Experience the Fullness of Joy (2 John 12)

"Face to face" is a beautiful Greek idiom, which is literally "mouth to mouth." When believers who love the Lord Jesus and each other come together, there is indeed a fullness of joy (cf. 1 John 1:4) that words on paper cannot express. John loves this people and they love him. Their coming reunion was something all looked forward to. It could not happen soon enough.

Experience the Fellowship of the Family (2 John 13)

The letter closes with a greeting either from the elect lady's sister or more probably a sister church. They stand with John in what he has said. Indeed, the truth about Jesus brings together brothers and sisters from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Rev 5:9; 7:9). We are one big family with the same Father, Savior, and Spirit. Nothing should tear down the walls of sinful bigotry and prejudice like the gospel of Jesus. Love and truth flow freely from Him to us all. Love and truth should flow freely from all of us to one another.

Conclusion

Conclusion

I was on an airplane some years ago when I looked over and saw a woman reading the Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature (1902) by William James (1842-1910), the American psychologist and philosopher. Being prompted, I believe, of the Lord, I sought to engage her in conversation and so I commented on the book, pointing out that there were things in it with which I agreed, but also there were things in it with which I strongly disagreed. She very graciously responded that she had never read anything or met anyone with whom she completely agreed. I responded and told her I had only met one. She asked "Who?" I told her, "His name is Jesus." From there we engaged in a calm but intense dialogue for almost an hour. As the conversation moved toward closure, I told her that the bottom line, the crucial issue of history, is Jesus and His resurrection. If the resurrection is true, it does follow logically and quite clearly that (1) there is a God, (2) Jesus is that God, (3) all of humanity needs to know this God, and (4) this Jesus and the message about Him is the focal point of all history, all knowledge, and all life.

162Ravi Zacharias says that former television talk show host Larry King was once asked who he would like to interview from history. One of the persons he named was Jesus. When questioned as to what he would ask Jesus, Larry King said, "I would like to ask Him if He was indeed virgin born, because the answer to that question would define history" (Can Man Live Without God, xviii). I believe Larry King is right. When the virgin birth is wedded to His resurrection, Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Son of God, does define history. He also defines eternity.

We must love this truth. We must live this truth. After all, it is Jesus who said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Reflect and Discuss

Reflect and Discuss

1. Why does truth matter to Christianity? Why is it impossible for the truth about Jesus to be relative?
2. What other passages of Scripture reinforce the truth as central to biblical faith?
3. How are grace, mercy, peace, truth, and love related? How do these connections help you as you live out the Christian life?
4. Why must truth be lived rather than simply believed? Does failing to live out a belief mean it isn't true?
5. Why does John identify love with obedience to God's commands in this passage? What does that teach us about love?
6. What is significant about the incarnation of Jesus being at the center of the heresy John is combating? Why is the incarnation so scandalous? Why is it so important?
7. Why is going beyond the Word of God so dangerous? How has this strategy been used to lead people astray?
8. What is the "full reward" that John refers to, and how can believers pursue and preserve it?
9. Looking at the chart "The Mathematics of the Cults" on page 159, give examples of each of these errors. How can we be on guard against them all at the same time?
10. Why does the body of Christ bring such joy to John? When have you experienced fellowship like that?