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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
2 John 1:10-11
- Thread starter Leah71
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graceandpeace
Episcopalian
Let's back up to a key verse:
Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! -2 John 1:7 (NRSV)
This passage then seems to be a condemnation of docetism (the teaching that the humanity of Jesus, his body, was only an illusion, a semblance of a real body) & perhaps early gnostic beliefs (that matter is evil & only the spirit is good). Docetism was officially condemned at the First Council of Nicaea.
The idea that a modern application of this passage would be for a Christian to bar a non-Christian from their home is absurd.
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It means the same thing to Christians today as it did in the beginning. It is speaking of those who would come into our fellowships, our churches, in an attempt to sway the brethren from the truth with unsound doctrines, false teachings.
We certainly would not want to encourage such a person by befriending them, nor do we want to give them further opportunity for deception. To do so would be to make ourselves complicit in their evil doings.
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theophilus777
Guest
The above posters are both correct, and their content needs to be harmonized to grasp the content of that passage. IOW, the OP is not really addressing things by attempting to "use that verse." It might be better just to say "no" if you don't want to go?
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faroukfarouk
Fading curmudgeon
It is in any case a reminder of the great importance of doctrine. One of John's great themes in his First Epistle is walking in the light, and without a clear conception of what the truth is, we stumble. So it all fits in thematically with the rest of the Epistle.
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theophilus777
Guest
This creates a genuine curiosity in me, to know how your religion may (or may not) impact that? Of course there are many other factors that may contribute to this, far moreso than any religion.
Interesting thing about this author, John; he simplifies great mysteries into broad categories we can all relate to, like light vs darkness. This isn't to be confused with natural phenomenon like daylight vs night. Just imagine how beautiful the night sky was in his part of the world when he lived! But as Spiritual forces, these descriptors transcend any religious borders our species can devise ... I urge you to pursue the Light, wherever you may find it.
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Paul's position is similar: he tells Christians to avoid immoral Christians, but explicitly says that this doesn't apply to non-Christians.
Two motivations have been suggested: (1) to avoid exposing Christians to erroneous teachings, (2) to not give the impression to others that we accept immoral behavior in our fellowship.
Jesus, of course, got in trouble for eating with "sinners."
Two motivations have been suggested: (1) to avoid exposing Christians to erroneous teachings, (2) to not give the impression to others that we accept immoral behavior in our fellowship.
Jesus, of course, got in trouble for eating with "sinners."
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Receiver
Guest
Simple, do not fellowship with people that reject the true gospel, that would encourage them to think they are serving God whereas in fact they are his enemy (and their own at the end of the day!)
The doctrine of Christ
1 John 4:2-3
"Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist" (in place of Christ)
Colossians 1:27:
"mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory"
Many so-called Christians say "Jesus came in the flesh", that is not the same as "Christ is come in the flesh".
The revelation that must not be rejected is that that Life must be received by people today, making them new creatures.
There was never any debate in the original church about the receiving of that Life - Acts 2:4, 33; 10:44-46, John 3:8 etc.
Without that you are left with man's best efforts, religion, not Father-son relationship which is what it is all really about.
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- Oct 28, 2006
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Hi Leah,
For the most part, I agree with many of the other Christians in forum. The verses you've cited tell Christians not to welcome those who come to their door claiming to be Christian but don't actually share the correct beliefs or morals; the meaning of these verses are shown in that they are an application of the previous four verses.
OTHERWISE, despite the fact that Christians are told to be cautious, they are still to generally welcome people into their homes with hospitality and care.
Peace
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