As we continue our study of 2 John, we pick up at verse 7. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John writes: “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and antichrist.” 2 John 7
The great Apostle of Christ was probably in his nineties as he was penning this letter, but in this as well as in the most that he wrote, he always cautioned about being deceived.
John was there when it all happened. When Jesus called His disciples from their jobs, and put them on the field of full time Ministry. He was there when Jesus began to teach, and preach the Word, and revealed that He Himself was the Word incarnate.(John 1) He saw the miracles of healing, and provision, and restoring, and authority over death, and deliverance from evil possession, and sat at the Master’s feet as He delivered the message of God’s love for the world. He knew who Jesus was and is as the Savior of the world, the One who was wounded for us (Isaiah 53:5) at the whipping post, who shed His life’s blood for us at the cross, who showed He had justified us through His resurrection from the dead, who showed His nailed scarred hands to His disciples (more than 500 of them) to show His finished work for us, and who now sits at the right hand of Majesty having all authority as King, and intercessor for us given to Him by our Father for what He did.
John saw it all, and knew what was real, and what was just talk from those who had been deceived by the evil one, and were out doing his work. They were saying that Jesus was a good man, a great Teacher, and a Prophet. But they denied that He was the Son of God. They used parts of the teaching of those who knew the truth, like John and others who knew, to tell half truths and lead many astray. (This is the mark of a deceiver. Half truths.) They were indeed anchrists in the service of the one who tries to kill and destroy the true gospel. For it is the Gospel that sets us free. As Paul wrote: “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel….because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” ( Romans 1:15-16.)
The Gospel is the Good News. Christ Jesus has taken the curses of the fall of man, and of the law, and has set us free in grace. When we believe in Him, that gift of love from our Father is ours. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16)
Never allow yourself to be deceived, my Friends. Learn the truth from God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will lead you to it as you pray and ask Him to in faith. Read good devotionals from proven teachers. Listen to good messages from proven preachers. You can never be deceived if you know the truth.
As Peter wrote: “May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.” (2 Peter 3:18) Amen.
You are greatly blessed, and highly loved, God’s Beloveds. May you prosper and be in good health.
Poppa B.