Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 2 John to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
Authored by the Apostle John, the Second Epistle of John is a poignant letter addressed to the “elect lady and her children,” which could refer to a specific Christian woman and her family or symbolize a local church. This epistle covers truth and love, which showcase the importance of adhering to the teachings of Jesus. It also warns against false teachers who distort the Gospel of Christ.
Central to 2 John is the message that the Gospel, which is the foundation of the Christian faith, must be preserved and lived out through genuine obedience to God’s commandments. We see in this book the importance of abiding in the truth of the Gospel. See 2 John 1:4: “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.”
John also urges the recipients to continue in this truth, warning them of the dangers posed by deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. See 2 John 1:7: “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.”
In this guide to the Gospel in 2 John, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how 2 John presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel in 2 John
The Gospel in 2 John Showcased in Scripture
- 2 John 1:3: “Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”
John extends a blessing, stating that grace, mercy, and peace will be with believers from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, in truth and love.
- 2 John 1:5-6: “And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.”
Here, love is defined not merely as an emotion but as obedience to God’s commandments, particularly the command to love one another.
- 2 John 1:9: “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.”
John warns that anyone who does not remain in the teachings of Christ does not have God, but whoever abides in the teachings of Christ has both the Father and the Son. As such, continuing in His teachings is essential for maintaining a relationship with both God the Father and Jesus Christ.
As we can see, 2 John provides a stern warning against false teaching and the necessity of maintaining doctrinal purity. John advises believers in 2 John 1:8: “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”
It’s our sincere hope in this short study to showcase how these verses highlight the grace, mercy, and peace that come from God through Jesus Christ; especially the calls to love one another and the importance of abiding in the doctrine of Christ. While 2 John does not explicitly detail the Gospel message as other books do, it reinforces the foundational Christian principles of grace, love, and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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