Church as Chosen Lady #4 of 7:

Beyond the Teaching of Christ

(Second John vs 9)

John writes because the love and truth of the Chosen Lady that has brought so much joy to her children is now at risk by a deceptive teaching that is making its way from house church to house church; and, is now heading her way. John tips them off to this deception which teaches…

            a. that Christ has not really come in the flesh; and,

            b. that they know a truth “beyond the teaching of Christ.” (vss 7-11)

They claim to know of a bigger and better Christ than this Christ of flesh—this Christ of Christmas Morning.

John calls their teaching “deceptive” (v 7) because it appears to be more spiritual (no carnal flesh involved) and to take us to a higher consciousness (no cross to bear). Their Christ is too spiritual and too enlightened to get tangled up in flesh. Their Christ just pretends to be a man, but isn’t really. He pretends to suffer the terror of death, but doesn’t really, actually, die on a cross. Their Christ is above all that. John calls their Christ the “antichrist” (v 7). Their Christ is a different Christ than the Christ of the gospel.

My mind drifts back to Lady Wisdom with her “seven crafted pillars” calling whosoever will to eat at her table spread with bread and wine. Yet, at the same time, there is that other woman who…

Sits at the door of her house,

      on a seat at the high places of the town,

      calling to those who pass by…

"Stolen water is sweet,

      and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

      But her guests descend into darkness (Pr 9:13-18).

That other voice is always present. It will not go away this side of Glory. Neither John nor Solomon suggest it can be removed. We are simply warned.