2 John 1

Son of the Father

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. 2 John 1:3

John names the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of the Father, distinct from the Father, and both are sources of grace, mercy, and peace.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

Birth (Christ come in the flesh)

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. 2 John 1:7

Anyone who denies that Jesus Christ came in a real body is working against Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alludes to 1 John 4:2-3 — every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God

Doctrine of 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. 2 John 1:9

Staying true to the doctrine of Christ brings a person into relationship with both the Father and the Son.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alludes to 1 John 2:23 — he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also