The elect lady and her children were loved by the Apostle John. No doubt there are many interpretations regarding that elect lady and her children addressed in the opening verse of the 2nd Epistle of John. I have no desires to engender strife or disputes or cast away any other interpretations but I believe that this is a love letter to the whole Church of Christ, the elect lady that was in existence during the time that the Apostle John was alive. The children are the Brethren, the members in particular, who as obedient children walked in truth and love finding rest for their souls. John calls himself an Elder in the salutation. I believe anyone called by God, separated by the church and ordained as an Elder should likewise exhibit the same love of the Bride of Christ and exhibit the same compassion for the little children of the household of faith. If they fail to exhibit that love then how should they be fit candidates for the office of Elder?  The Apostle expounds on that love by saying his love is not unique but is shared by those that have known the truth

We find the Apostle rejoicing. The cause of this rejoicing is not simply because the gospel is preached. Indeed the preaching of the gospel is a blessing that none deserve. The preaching of the gospel is only half of the necessary prerequisite to identify the Lord's Church. What "earthly good" would it do to have the gospel preached if it wasn't obeyed? How would one have any "earthly evidence" that the gospel is received if it didn't result in an outward manifestation in the walk of faith?  Does not the "effectual reception" of the gospel necessitate a corresponding change of behavior that we have come to call "gospel obedience"?  What is there to rejoice in if the gospel is preached and it produced no change in conversation or walk? Shall those that claim to be a members of the body of Christ, part of the Lord's church, the Bride of Christ, walk as they did in times past according to the course of this world? God forbid! We should all rejoice when we see children of God walking in truth and love. That is what we have received as a commandment from the Father. The evidence of God's love abiding in us is that we love one another. That love is made manifest by our walk, not by words alone. The scripture says this is love that we walk after his commandments.

Having laid this foundation the Apostle begins to warn and exhort the brethren. "Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh". Brethren, how shall the household of faith, the Church of the living God, those whom have heard the gospel of their salvation and have had personal evidence of the effectual working of Christ in their lives be deceived to believe that Christ shall not finish the work that he hath begun? How shall they believe that He left something unaddressed or in need of alteration in his Kingdom here on earth which would require the works and inventions or men? Those who teach this are here labeled deceivers and an antichrist. 

Alas, perhaps some might imagine those times are past. Some might rejoice that the Church no longer faces the antichrists that confronted the Church and the Brethren in the days of the Apostles. What Scriptures could support those imaginations?  Scriptures tell us that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them (2 Tim 3:13-14)." Are there not still men who will attempt to beguile the Lord's children with enticing words? Are there not those that preach and otherwise publish the doctrine and gospel of Jesus Christ with all joy but privately walk in disorder giving license and encouraging the weak to follow in their errors? Absent from their consciences and hearts is the stedfastness of the faith that is in Christ which is evidenced by their continuation in rebellious ungodly practices.    

Finally, the Apostle addresses the doctrine. There we read "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed (V.9-10)". How can we discern one who is not abiding in the doctrine of Christ? Our Lord said He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Is there evidence of the righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost?  For him that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Should not the Brethren abstain from evil, and in fact abstain from all appearance of evil? Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

What of these evil men and deceivers whose hearts are not repentant and willfully refuse and reject to seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness? Shall such a man be added unto you? Our Lord said if a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 1/20/2004 Elder Marty Hoogasian