Friday 16 January 2026
They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us. (v. 19)
Background
This week we are reading the second chapter of 1 John and in the last two days we have focused on important asides – about the Church (vs 12-14) and the world (vs 15-17). Prior to that, the author tested true and false ways of living as a Christian. We have read about moral and social tests and now there is a test of belief or doctrine.
The word 'antichrist' appears only in the Bible in the Johannine letters. It is derived from the belief that a figure will arise in the world and there will be an ultimate conflict between Christ and this figure. In the meantime lesser antichrists will appear peddling their versions of Christianity. In the letter the author identifies the human teachers who have left the congregation in this way. It is generally considered that the false doctrine relates to whether or not Jesus had come in the flesh to a group or groups that did not believe Jesus was truly the promised Messiah, and/or that the Jesus was not fully human.
For our author, rejecting a faith that understands Jesus as fully God and fully human is not just a matter of doctrine. There are ethical consequences also – the consequence of sin is minimised, standards of behaviour are selective and love of all fellow Christians gives way to self-serving or worse.
The author does not lay down complicated definitions of what to believe. Rather he trusts in the eyewitness testimony that he has shared, the faith that has built on that, and the wisdom and insight that comes from the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The survival of the Church faces many challenges. Ultimately the enduring community will be saved (Mark 13:13) but there will be times, such as here, that leaders will seek to preserve the flock in times of peril. At the same time, just as we saw in 1 John 2:12-14, every believer is called to grow and mature. The parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-33) reminds us that our faith is, ultimately, not a consequence of the church we attend but of the integrity of our discipleship.
To Ponder:
- Do you look back at any parts of your development as a Christian and sense there were occasions when you were misled by other believers or congregations?
- How do you deal with choices about the same thing that different parts of the Christian community defend or deny?
Prayer
Father, I pray that you will give me a heart of wisdom. I pray that you will help me to make wise choices. When two paths seem to be equal, help me to trust you even as I make my decision. Give me a heart that is willing to obey you and faith to trust you. Amen. (Author unknown)
Bible notes author: The Revd Bob Sneddon
Bob Sneddon is a retired presbyter who lives on the south coast of England. He has had five varied circuit appointments over some 40 years and before that worked in India for a year. In retirement he is enjoying making a garden and walking.