Truth That Remains

The elder writes to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth, for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever. Truth here is not only correct ideas but a shared life in Christ that lasts. Grace, mercy, and peace will be with them from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, in truth and love.

The elder rejoices greatly that some of her children are walking in truth. He asks that they love one another, not as a new commandment, but the one they had from the beginning. He explains: This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. Love is shown by obedience, and obedience is the way of love.

He warns that many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Watch yourselves, he says, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. Whoever goes beyond and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ doesn’t have God. Believers should not give such teachers a welcome that would share in their evil works. The elder closes by saying he would rather speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.