Abide in Christ’s Doctrine
(II John 9-11)
Consider a warning found in II John 9-11. These verses say, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”
It is very clear from these verses that we stand condemned if we teach or practice anything contrary to God’s Will. If we transgress and do not abide in the doctrine (or teaching) of Christ, then, “we do not have God.” If we do “abide in” the teaching of Christ, then we do have God. We also stand condemned if we “receive” a false teacher. People who teach and practice false doctrine are not abiding in the doctrine of Christ and do not have God. Thus, it is imperative to abide in the teaching of God’s Word.