7 For 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. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 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. (2 John 1:7-9 KJV)
Beware of Antichrist Deceivers
In this main part of the epistle, we find the apostle communicating troubling news to the lady—deceivers are abroad: “For many deceivers have entered into the world” (2 John 1:7). This is introduced with a note of warning: you need to maintain your love, for there are those who threaten it. Those who subvert the faith also destroy love, since shared faith is a foundation for shared love. Or, to put it another way, you must remain steadfast in obedience to God’s commands; that will be your safeguard, especially since your stability is about to be tested.
Such sad news may be shared with Christian friends, not to burden them, but to prepare them. To warn is to equip them for trials ahead. Now here is the description of the deceiver and his error: he does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (2 John 1:7). He denies that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the anointed one sent by God, or that the promised Messiah has truly come into the world and taken on human nature. Such a person teaches that the Christ is still to come. It is astonishing that, after such clear evidence, some still deny that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world.
This is serious: such a person is both a deceiver and an antichrist (2 John 1:7). He misleads souls and undermines Christ’s glory and kingdom. He is a willful deceiver despite all the light and testimony God has given concerning his Son. As such, he stands in opposition to Christ and will be dealt with when Christ returns. So we should not be surprised that there are still opponents of Christ today—there were already many in the apostle’s own time.
In light of this, the apostle gives counsel to this elect household: “Look to yourselves” (2 John 1:8). The more deceit and deceivers increase, the more watchful Christ’s followers must be. Even the elect could be at risk. They must guard against two dangers.
First, they must not lose what they have worked for (2 John 1:8). Some begin well but lose everything in the end. The rich young man who had kept many commands from youth still missed everything because he loved the world more than Christ. Many have gained not just a reputation for religion, but deep understanding of sin’s evil, the world’s vanity, the value of holiness, and the power of God’s Word. They’ve tasted the gifts of the Spirit and the world to come, and still fall away. “You were running well—who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). It is truly sad when people make great progress in faith only to lose it all.
Second, they must not lose their reward. “That we receive a full reward” (2 John 1:8). Strive to receive as full a reward as any in God’s church. If there are degrees of glory, do not lose the grace—light, love, or peace—that prepares you for the highest. “Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11). The way to gain the full reward is to remain true to Christ and persevere in faith to the end.
The apostle gives two reasons for this counsel and their need for vigilance. First, the danger of turning away from the gospel: “Whoever goes too far and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God” (2 John 1:9). The doctrine of Christ leads us to God, and through it, God draws us to salvation. To reject that teaching is to reject God himself.
Second, the blessing of holding firmly to the truth: “Whoever remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9). Through Christ’s teaching, we gain knowledge of the Father and the Son, are sanctified for them, and grow in holy love toward them, preparing us for eternal life with them. “Now you are clean through the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). This cleansing fits us for heaven. God values the doctrine of Christ and expects us to hold to it in faith and love, as we seek fellowship with the Father and the Son.