“Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). In this passage, the apostle John was warning about those who would go too far and, therefore, would not abide in the doctrine of Christ. The Greek word that is translated “goes too far” or “transgresseth” (KJV) is a word that means “to go past or pass over…to overstep” (Thayer). John’s warning was about progressing past what was originally taught by Jesus and His apostles. Many people like to think of the religion of Christ as “progressive” – it adapts and changes with the culture that exists around us. Yet John plainly stated that if we go beyond what has been revealed, we lose our fellowship with God. The Bible consistently calls us not to progress past what God has revealed, but to remain firmly established in His word. Paul told Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). We are to seek “the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). If we progress beyond this and teach “a different gospel,” we will “be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). Rather than progressing past the teaching of Christ, we must be content to remain within the bounds of Scripture. –Andy Sochor
Contact Us | Visit Us || Articles | Sermons | Blog]]>