The short letter of 2 John is written in part to warn believers against the influence of false teachers. John identifies them as those “who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” and describes them as deceivers and antichrists (2 John 7). He goes on to prohibit receiving them into our homes or wishing them well. The question is whether this prohibition refers to those who knock on our doors today, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Are we to deny members of these sects access to our homes?
It is important to understand exactly what it means that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Many cultists will agree that Jesus was a man of flesh and bone who walked the earth around 2,000 years ago. But that is not what John means here. He first addressed this issue in 1 John 4:2, telling us how to identify false teachers and the spirits who drive them. The first test of a true teacher/prophet of God is that he proclaims that Jesus is God incarnate in human flesh (John 1:14). A godly teacher will teach both the full deity and full humanity of Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies to the true nature of Christ, while Satan and his demonic host deny that true nature. That is why John identifies anyone who denies the deity of Christ—which both the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses do—as deceivers and antichrists.
It is also important to understand the context of John’s epistle. John is writing to “the elect lady and her children” (verse 1). This lady was engaged in a ministry of hospitality. In the name of Christian love (verse 6), this kind-hearted woman was receiving itinerant preachers into her home, providing room and board for them, and sending them on their way with her blessing. John writes this quick note to her to warn her about the many false teachers who would gladly take advantage of her generosity. Her love needed to be tempered by truth. Boundaries had to be drawn. Hospitality should not be extended to charlatans, hucksters, and the devil’s own emissaries.
John gives the lady a litmus test: what does the preacher teach about Jesus Christ? If he is presenting the full deity and full humanity of Christ, then he can be welcomed into her home. However, if the teacher mitigates, obscures, or equivocates on the fact that Jesus was fully man and fully God, then the lady is to have nothing to do with him. Such false teachers are not to receive help from believers, not even so much as a greeting (verse 10). To give aid to the purveyors of false doctrine is to partake of their wickedness (verse 11).
What should be our response, then, when cultists come knocking at the door? It is not wrong to share the truth with them or to relate your testimony. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). However, we must be careful not to do anything that would give the appearance that we approve of the cultists’ message. Never invite them into your home for an extended stay, never donate money to their cause, and never allow them to conduct a “Bible study” with you.
Here are some things to remember: First, cultists are master deceivers who are well trained in techniques that will confuse those whose knowledge of Scripture is limited—the very ones cultists most often seek out. Well-meaning and compassionate souls (like the “elect lady” in 2 John) dialog with cultists and can be fooled by them. Second, Christians are of Christ; cultists are anti-Christ (2 John 7), no matter how kind, sincere, and charming they may appear. Third, we are not to give the cultists or anyone else the impression that we see the cult as having legitimate claims, doctrines, or opinions. Fourth, Jesus tells us to “watch out” for false teachers (Matthew 7:15), and Paul tells us to “avoid them” (Romans 16:17) and declares them to be “accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Therefore, we should build no close associations with them. Fifth, John tells the lady not to “welcome” a false teacher (or bid him “God speed” in the KJV). This phrase in the Greek means to cheerfully or joyfully hail someone. In other words, we are not to bless false teachers or wish them well.
We are, of course, to be always ready with an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), but we must do so in the Holy Spirit’s power, following His lead. When cultists knock at the door, it could be an opportunity to relate the truth about Jesus to them, or it could be an opportunity to “leave them; they are blind guides” (Matthew 15:14). In any case, we must rely the Lord’s wisdom (James 1:5) and be cautious not to cast our pearls before pigs (Matthew 7:6).
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me chuckle Michael, as I pray often for both the Mormons or the JWs to show up at my door. Sadly, they never come when I am home, and only leave their literature such as the Watchtower stuff. One would think they would realize Wednesday night is not the best time to catch local folks at home. Or, perhaps they are specifically looking for those professing Christian faith but not in His house on a traditional evening of worship.
I did encounter a pair of JWs working one time, and it was a huge blessing. I was at a customers house working and they knocked on his door. He promptly sent them packing by telling them, no thanks…I am Baptist! Ugh. Missed chance there. As they came by I asked the young one what tey were up to and she handed me the literature. Before I asked her right up front if she knew what would happen to he if she were to drop dead as we spoke. Perhaps not the tactic for every occasion, but time was limited. Her eyes got big, and her partner got very nervous looking and immediately came to see what I was doing to her young protege. So, I just scribbled my number on her material and handed it back, and told her if she wanted my question answered, she could call me any time.
After they left, my customer came over and said to me, “I should have said something huh?.” Older believer too, who had been in church for literally decades.
So, yes if they come to my home, when they ask if they can come in and talk about Jesus…Yes, yes and more yes! You certainly can.
🙂
LikeLike
I think when we are overly anxious to engage someone, or something, we do so out of over confidence or pride. I’m not saying this is your motive or reason; but it is worthy to mention.
Currently I am confronted with a question from Kia on the topic of “Should we allow false teachers into our home?” The question, “What about the entry to your home that the Internet and TV is? Wouldn’t that be included as well?” On the surface this may seem like a simple, straight forward question of simplistic means. But what is the underlying intension of the question? Discernment already reveals to me the intension of this loaded question; but what about my response?
In my particular situation I have the luxury (if I can use that word) of postponing my response until a Godly answer is revealed and then shared. However, in a one-on-one encounter, in which you anticipate, there is little time to discern the true meaning of a loaded question and make a full and godly response. We know that Satan is the Father of all Lies and a master deceiver.
In bible times no one could have foretold of such devices as the internet or television; but they knew about false teachers/prophets, deceit and lies; warning “have nothing to do with these things or the people who practice them”. My advice to you and to other Christians who are confronted with JW’s and Mormons (or any cultist) is to type out everything you know about Jesus and salvation through Jesus Christ and when they come to handout their packets, share yours. Keep them on you and keep them close to your front door. In this way you convey your message without possible confrontation.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours, Wally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good input, Michael..thanks friend and many blessings in return.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Wally, and you’re welcome. Glad I was able to help.
God bless you too.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
LikeLike
What about the entry to your home that the Internet and TV is? Wouldn’t that be included as well?
LikeLike
The article herein question: “Should we allow false teachers into our home?” opens with “The short letter of 2 John is written in part to warn believers against the influence of false teachers. John identifies them as those “who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” and describes them as deceivers and antichrists (2 John 7). He goes on to prohibit receiving them into our homes or wishing them well.
You introduce the question of whether, or not, the internet and television would constitute a means of “entry into our homes?” I would have to say yes. Although the Bible does not specifically mention the internet or television it is quite clear concerning what constitutes “false teaching.” Neither the Bible, nor John’s message, outline the means or method of entry into the home; only that we are to “prohibit receiving them” into our homes. When it comes to “believers in Jesus Christ” “a false teacher/teaching” would also include atheists and atheism and their message regardless of how it is delivered.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
LikeLike
why then have you not cancelled your television and internet access? seems to me that this would be the prime ways nowadays that ‘false teaching’ and unbiblical ideas and images are ‘invited’ into the homes of christians. -KIA
LikeLike
Let’s be realistic; the world is filed with temptation and no-one is exempt from it. Yet, I don’t necessarily believe we must “throw out the baby with the bath water;” “Nor wall ourselves in”, from the outside world, in hopes of preventing “false teachings and doctrine” from finding us. Internet and television can be a good source of reference for good or evil. As in life the freedom to choose one or the other is there.
If one has good, sound Christian principles they can discern what is truth and what is not. What is healthy for their spiritual life and what is not. This is not to be confused with good, sound morals; for even an atheist can have good moral character; and, most atheists do.
You are correct, Kia; the internet and television are prime ways nowadays that ‘false teaching’ and unbiblical ideas and images are ‘invited’ into the homes of Christians. A true Christian knows what is truth based in Biblical knowledge and what is not. If it’s not Bible based it isn’t sound Christian Doctrine and should be avoided.
Thank you, Kia, for your comment. It is greatly appreciated.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
LikeLike