Mailing: 30251 Golden Lantern Ste E #380, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 | Services: 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604

Deceivers


[II John 1:1–13; Mark 15:22–25, 33–41] Saint John the Theologian writes, many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (II John 1:7). Such it was in his time, whereas now deceivers enter the world, who confess that Christ is come in the flesh, but who never­ theless are “deceivers and anti­ christs” (cf. II John 1:7). This more o­ penly began in the time of Arias and continues to this day. However, the ancient deceivers stumbled more in the dogma about the person of Jesus Christ our Saviour, whereas from the time of Luther they began to stumble in the teaching about sal­ vation in Him. How many such “teachers” have there been? Such “deceivers and antichrists” have ap­ peared among us, who say “believe and it is enough;” nothing more is needed — neither the Church, nor the Sacraments, nor the priesthood. These too begin their deception starting with Christ the Lord and salvation in Him. But since they do not interpret these correctly, they are antichrists, and subject to con­ demnation. Beware of them. Who­ soever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God (II John 1:9). These people do not have Him, because they do not have the doctrine of Christ. This doctrine is in the Church, and they have separated themselves from the Church. Only those who follow the Church have the doctrine of Christ and abide in it. They therefore have both Christ, the Son of God, and God the Father. But the others do not, al­ though they keep saying that they do. Do not receive them, neither bid them God-speed (cf. II John 1:10).


Discover more from Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading