"Continue in the Teaching of Christ"

“Continue in the Teaching of Christ”

 

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.          2John 1:9

 

This verse of Scripture is a warning of a doctrinal deviation, to the believers. It does NOT suggest the loss of salvation, but of being “swayed by every wind of doctrine,” and not following the TRUE teachings of Jesus Christ.

 

John wanted his readers to realize the danger of not staying on course, of moving away from the TRUTH.  This seems especially true with new converts, who are babes in Christ, and who fall prey to false teachings.  That is why being faithful to a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching and preaching Church, which holds to the TRUTH of the Holy Word of God is so important to a Christian’s spiritual growth.

 

In verse eight, John warns of the believer losing his rewards, because of them falling away from the TRUTH of God’s word.  He says: “Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”  He does not tell them that they will lose their salvation, but they will be in danger of not receiving their FULL reward.

 

To deviate from the TRUTH is to leave God behind and whatever a person, who deviates from the TRUTH, does, he does WITHOUT God.  In other words, the fellowship between God, Jesus and the erring believer is broken. 

 

Notice that John gives the antidote for the sin of deviating from the TRUTH when he says that those who CONTINUE in the teaching of the TRUTH of God’s Word will “abide” with the Father and the Son.  The fellowship is NOT broken, and that believer has a healthy, vibrant, relationship with God, because of their obedience to God and His Word. 

 

So believers, STAY in the WORD of God and READ, STUDY, and OBEY it.  Do NOT be “swayed by EVERY wind of doctrine,” but CONTINUE in the Word of TRUTH, God’s Holy Word, the Bible. 

 

If you have NOT given your HEART and LIFE to God, then you do NOT possess a relationship with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. And you are headed for an eternity in Hell, where there is nothing but heartache, torture, torment, misery and pain.  You NOW have the opportunity to escape that condemnation, and to receive rewards for being FAITHFUL to the Word of the Almighty God by:  CONFESSING your sins to Him and asking Him for His FORGIVENESS, BELIEVING, with ALL your HEART, that Jesus died for YOU and is ALIVE in Heaven, making intercession for you, before God, then ACCEPT His gift of SALVATION and be OBEDIENT to His Holy Word and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.  Do it NOW, while you still can.  He’s waiting and coming SOON!!!