“Second John 1:7-8”

Sunday, November 05, 2017

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Deception is a key theme in John’s short epistles that sharply contrasts with love and obedience to the Lord’s commandments. Those walking in the light are illuminated by their observance of God’s commands and precepts; consequently, they reflect that light in the lives of all those to whom they come into contact. Conversely those who willfully reject God abide in darkness and exercise a gangrene-like impact upon all those to whom they hold influence. These latter individuals characterize the spirit of the rebellious (Titus 1:10). These are children of Satan, the original and most pervasive deceiver in any realm. “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

Pay particular attention here to the phrasing in verse 7. These deceivers “have gone out.” Just as Christ had Apostles, the forces of the evil one launched a counterattack by deploying his own apostles. That these individuals had their own warped minds was not the end of the deception; their influence radiated and permeated the Roman Empire as fast as the gospel. There’s an old saying that goes “A lie can travel the span of the world before truth can get its boots on.” And the extent of Satan and his minion’s deception is incomprehensible. These enemies of all truth no doubt were of the same ilk as those who had permeated at Corinth and as such they were to be regarded with utmost rejection – “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Louie Taylor has mentioned in earlier treatments the influence of early forms of Gnosticism and how understanding this backdrop establishes the proper context in which we are to read these inspired epistles of John. We won’t reestablish the same points but we will ask you to specially note the import of this background in understanding the second part of verse 7, especially as it relates to the “antichrist” theme picked up again from the first letter. The Gnostics rejected the concept that Jesus came into the flesh; the very concept of God incarnate was repugnant. Their concept was that their spiritual enlightenment could not allow such a defilement of theology.

Sadly, this deception is the exact opposite of the essential facts of Christianity – “By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16) “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law” (Galatians 4:4). “He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:16-17)

To deny that Jesus came in the flesh is to stand for the EXACT opposite of what Jesus came to do, the exact opposite of who Jesus is, and the exact opposite of Jesus’ purpose. It is for this reason that such an individual is labeled an “antichrist.” And no, that moniker does not simply apply to a singular person in the near future as some harbinger of the end of days. The premillennial concept of “The Antichrist” is fraught with biblical misinterpretation and deception. Recall the straightforward description in 1 John 2:18-24, that in conjunction with this reference, makes clear who and what being antichrist is all about. Recall that in that passage many antichrists had already gone out, that more would come. That the antichrist(s) is any individual or group that denies that Jesus is Christ, including the fact that He inhabited the fullness of human form, without which He could offer no hope. Any who would deny Christ are exactly that – anti-Christ! John is saying exactly what Jesus said: “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30) The only difference between “against Me” and “antichrist” is the use of a synonymous Greek preposition (“kata” instead of “anti”) and the title as opposed to the pronoun (“Christ” instead of “Me”). Conceptually, these are exact parallels. And to make his point more strongly, John uses definite articles in 2 John 1:7-8 to describe the person characterized by this antagonistic disposition.

Verse 8 contains an admonition. Remember, John has expresses joyous confidence and faith in these brethren in verses 4-6. But the threat of deception was powerful and vigilance was to be maintained at all costs. Not only could they become sycophants of these false teachers, they could also join their ranks. Too many examples could be cited of those who at one time in their lives were pillars of spiritual excellence, only to squander their potential and influence by conforming to the will of Satan rather than Christ. This has contributed to such a pronounced loss to the kingdom, all because of a failure to keep watch. If we watch, we have no concern for losing our reward (compare Mark 9:40ff; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). And notice the change to the plural pronoun. John’s emphasis is fellowship-oriented. As we wrap these two verses out, we leave you with the same exhortation and admonition: keep watch, keep your eye on the prize, and do not fall into the condemnation of the devil by becoming prey to his deceptions. May God grant you the power and the wherewithal to always be this circumspect. May you be found a Christian and not an antichrist.

Please read 2 John 1:9-11 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

-Eric Parker

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