This Doctrine Of Christ

John was addressing the prevalence of false doctrines that were infiltrating many of the early churches. They were being carried out by false teachers that come in as wolves “in sheep's clothing” (Mt 7:15). They often prey upon new believers who are more vulnerable to such attacks! John told them to “lose not those things” (v. 8), which they were taught, especially the doctrine concerning the deity (Col 1:16), and the humanity (Jn 1:14), of our Lord Jesus. Abiding “in the doctrine of Christ” (v. 9), should also be true for all bible-believing Christians today. These fundamental truths are the bedrock of our Christian faith: His virgin birth (Isa 7:14), His sinlessness (Heb 4:15), His blood atonement (1 Jn 1:7), His bodily resurrection (1 Cor 15:4), His ascension (Acts 1:11), and His second coming (Rev 19:11).

 If anyone comes to us, “and bring not this doctrine,” then we should neither receive them nor greet them “God speed.” This does not mean that we cannot show them any acts of kindness (Col 3:2), but we must neither endorse nor encourage their teachings! We should honestly and compassionately (Jude 1:22), tell them about our firm convictions and the “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9), wherein we stand (1 Tim 3:15). But if they push their agenda and start causing divisions and offences contrary to our doctrine, then we are commanded to mark “and avoid them” (Rom 16:17). We must learn how “to discern both good and evil” (Heb 5:14), because the Internet is full of such teachers.

Under no circumstance are we to attend to any of their instructions that can cause us “to err from the words of knowledge” (Prov 19:27). We are to warn others about the dangers of their potential influence in spreading lies and heresies (Titus 3:10). We may not be able to completely isolate ourselves from them (Jn 15:19); but if we earnestly contend “for the faith” (Jude 1:3), we can surely insulate ourselves from false doctrine! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera