Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 9-11)

The Doctrine Of Christ

What is the doctrine of Christ? A doctrine is a body of beliefs or principles of law established by teaching or instruction. The doctrine of Christ is the formation of the laws of God concerning the salvation of man. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of His words as the words of the Father. After His death, the disciples of Jesus took the words of their Lord and taught them to others who were disciples or learners of the doctrine of Christ. The complete body of truth is found in the doctrine given by God through His Son Jesus Christ and Him alone. There is no other true doctrine. If a belief or teaching is not according to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, there is no truth.

John makes it clear that not abiding within the teachings of Jesus would bring the disfavor of God. When a man does walk according to the precepts of Christ, he has no relationship with God. Fellowship with the Father demands obedience to the word of Christ. Someone can’t claim to be a Christian and refuse to follow the law of God in Christ. Jesus reminded His disciples in the mountain sermon that calling Him “Lord, Lord” did not suggest salvation. Truth must be founded upon the will of the Father, and without obedience to the law, there is no salvation. Since there is only one Lord, there can only be one doctrine.

John made it very clear to the early disciples of Christ, accepting any other gospel than that which was delivered to the saints would bring the wrath of God. There was to be no fellowship with those who refused to abide in the doctrine of Christ. In the first century church, there were no other doctrines accepted. Apostasy came from doctrines such as John writes about in the Revelation, like the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (which God hated) and the doctrine of Balaam. These were doctrines contrary to the doctrine of Christ. There was only one church and one doctrine. Accepting any other doctrine was sinful. John goes further to tell the saints not to allow false doctrines to come into the home. There can be no harmony between the doctrines of men and the doctrine of Christ. Accepting a person who teaches error is to join in their evil deeds.

Religion has become more of a compromise than a distinct set of doctrines. In a ‘cancel’ world of denying distinct laws of authority, people look at the many churches and faiths as an expression of the will of men serving the will of God. Prayers are offered thanking God for the diversity of religion that abounds in the world. The apostle John, by authority of the Holy Spirit, writes that to abide in any doctrine other than the doctrine of Christ will not bring blessing but wrath. There is only one doctrine, one faith, one church (body), one Lord, and there is only one God (authority). Rejecting the teachings and instructions of Jesus Christ will not bring joy. Accepting the doctrines of men does not please the Lord. Abiding in the doctrine of Christ brings the blessing of the Father and the Son. There is only one doctrine: Jesus Christ.