Abiding In The Doctrine Of Jesus Christ

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 abiddeth him 

God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2John 9-11 

     Last blog I wrote some rules for good translation and interpretation by the use of knowing the operative words, and verbs, good grammar, and most important I will add this for this is the foundation of good translation and understanding: Context, context, context. Both the verses above and below a verse or series of verses, the book or letter written, and the New Testament revelation, and the Old Testament revelation, in fact the Bible as a whole. To not do this is to use what we call "proof" verses which are taken out of context so that the translator might insert his/her theological views. Let us look at some operative words:

1.Whosoever: not just anyone, but anyone, whosoever. This word is an attribute adjective, that which is belonging to something or someone. 

2. Transgresses: To violate a law or moral code. This word is a transitive verb, so it applies to someone or something.

3. Abideth not: to remain not, to continue. To not continue in the doctrine of Christ. What is the doctrine of Christ? The Scriptures are clear that God would send the Messiah to save His people, this is the context of the Old Testament. Jesus revealed that He is the Messiah promised of old. Furthermore: Jesus is revealed to us that He is God, not an angel, not a being with a body although as the Son of God He took on flesh and then ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. God does not have flesh and is a Spirit, so to sit at the right hand of God has these possible meanings: the right hand of God is God's favor, or that Jesus who is God is also now a Spirit, that is, He as returned to the place where He was before, the Second Person, the Word of God, same essence, so was then a Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus died on the cross to pay our debt that man owes to God for that debt was and is death and by the resurrection Jesus overcame death and was an innocent, without guilt a man who died making His death to be propitious. We now can receive that payment by our belief in this fact: Jesus is God and His death, resurrection, ascension and payment eternal and all who receive this doctrine has eternal life. Salvation.

     Anyone, whosoever does not abide in this doctrine of Christ has not God. If you do abide in this doctrine you have God, and you have Jesus Christ, that is, you have the work of Jesus Christ that will save you from your sin, and sins. If anyone does not bring this doctrine then we are to reject that one even going so far as to not allow that person to enter into our homes. This is poorly done in most Churches and not taught in most Churches but this is what the Apostle John, a disciple of Jesus wrote. Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God? If so, good! Then follow what we are instructed. If all you want is to have some happier form of religion, well, there are liberal Churches that will give you what you want. This is not the doctrine of Jesus Christ. If you want a "respectful" form of Christianity, one that allow for all kinds of people, homosexuals, abortionists, those who teach to "itching" ears, well you will find this in liberal Christian Churches. If you want the truth, if you want Authenticity in your Christian faith you can have it but it will cost you everything that you may hold dear. The first is yourself. You must repent of your sins against a Holy God, and you must hold and abide in the doctrine of Jesus Christ. No other way will wipe out the effects of sin. It is Jesus Christ who died to atone for our sins so will we follow Him, or will we follow teachings that seems to scratch our itching ears?   

     God is an angry God! God hates sin! God will punish sin!
This angry God is abhorrent to liberal pastors and teachers, even those who go to such liberal Churches. The New Testament speaks of the wrath of God and of Jesus Christ (remember the temple incident)? Who has the right to to reject this vital element in Jesus' teaching and then to say that they are disciples of Jesus Christ? The liberal Christians who object to this doctrine found in the Bible because they say that is contrary to the love of God, is based upon misunderstanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 

     God is love! God will pour out His love upon His children, even if He has to chastise to bring His children back into the fold, to find those lost sheep, to return them to His pasture: He will do it! This is true love! This is true joy! Let us worship a God in whom we can rejoice. 

But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father;

     we are the clay, and Thou our potter;

and we all are the work of Thy hand. 

     Be not wroth ver sore, O LORD, 

neither remember iniquity for ever:

    Behold, see, we beseech Thee,

we are all Thy people.

                     Isaiah 64:8-9

Abide in the doctrine of Jesus Christ

Richard L. Crumb