Ministry of John
45
be exposed, should they receive these ideas, and he met them with
promptness and decision. He wrote to a most honorable helper in the
[64]
gospel, a lady of good ree and extensive influence:
“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.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have
wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 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: for he that biddeth him God
speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (
2 John 7-11
).
John was not to prosecute his work without great hindrances. Satan
was not idle. He instigated evil men to cut short the useful life of this
man of God, but holy angels protected him from their assaults. John
must stand as a faithful witness for Christ. The church in its peril
needed his testimony.
By misrepresentation and falsehood the emissaries of Satan had
sought to stir up opposition against John and against the doctrine of
Christ. In consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling the
church. John met these errors unflinchingly. He hedged up the way
of the adversaries of truth. He wrote and exhorted, that the leaders in
these heresies should not have the least encouragement. There are at
the present day evils similar to those that threatened the prosperity of
the early church, and the teachings of the apostle upon these points
should be carefully heeded. “You must have charity,” is the cry to be
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heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification.
But charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. John’s teachings
are important for those who are living amid the perils of the last days.
He had been intimately associated with Christ, he had listened to
His teachings and had witnessed His mighty miracles. He bore a
convincing testimony, which made the falsehoods of His enemies of
none effect.
No Compromise With Sin
John enjoyed the blessing of true sanctification. But mark, the
apostle does not claim to be sinless; he is seeking perfection by walk-