In the Doctrine of Christ

      In 2 John 1:7, “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

In this scripture John talks about the false doctrine that Christ did not come and atone for the sins of the world. He refers to the belief that Christ did not exist, and if any many did not exist with such power, that he was not the Christ. The New Testament Institute manual sheds more light on the subject, to help explain the concept with consideration to the biblical times and beliefs. The manual explains that there were different beliefs that created images that Christ was a phantom, or that he only appeared to suffer on the cross. These beliefs are foundations for the false doctrine that John is telling us to avoid.

If this time of false doctrine were to be believed, then there would be little to have hope in. The actual atonement and resurrection of the Savior is what gives us hope and motivation for the future and for life eternal. Without this hope, we have no purpose, we have no reason to strive for better or for more. We would live forever in our sins and not have the chance for complete purity. When this concept is believed we are basically accepting that death is the end, with no consideration for the bountiful testaments of life after death.

     In 2 John 1:8-13 we are given a few words of wisdom as far as what we should do to avoid falling into the temptation of disbelief. John encourages us to self-reflect and to stay focused on the Jesus Christ and His doctrine. We are to serve and love one another as He did, in order to be reminded of Him and His perfect example.

     I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. It may have been so long ago that He came, but He came, live, died, and now lives again for each of us. I hope for eternal life and for a future greater than I can imagine. I hope to obtain more, to earn more by doing good works on the earth today. I am grateful for His atonement and the peace that can come from true repentance and acceptance of Him and His will.