A Tour Through John, Lesson 37

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.In the late first century, there were false concepts of Jesus circulating in the Christian world. Just as today there are numerous false Jesuses (perhaps best known is the one begging you to "accept" him, in exchange for nothing -- no commitment), so at the turn of the second century there was a false and idolatrous Jesus. This was being proclaimed in the churches where the apostle John, now an old man, had influence.1 Jn 1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.1 John is a letter from the apostle to Christians in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).These inspired words are addressed to the second (third?) generation of Christians. A whole generation or two of believers has been converted and died; it’s up to their children to carry the torch.The letters of 1 and 2 John address a heresy called Gnosticism, and specifically a version of Gnosticism called Docetism. If you are unfamiliar with these doctrines, be sure to click on the links -- otherwise it will be difficult for you to fully understand these letters. There are other articles on Gnosticism at this website, too.2 Jn 7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! 8 Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9 Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; 11 for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.Christians shouldn't say, “Philosophy and theology don’t matter; just read the Bible.” Training in how to read the Bible benefits us all. The fact is, words and ideas are powerful. We have a moral obligation not only to teach the truth clearly, but also to protect the church from the ravages of false teachers.There are a number of NT references that begin making sense when you realize the nature of the false doctrine being discussed.Colossians 2:18-23 deals with ascetic regulations, and the specific heresy seems to be a fusion of Jewish and Gnostic philosophy.1 Timothy 6:20 addresses the Gnostic superiority complex (“what is falsely called knowledge”).1 and 2 John deal with Docetism. The docetic "Jesus" is nothing but an idol (1 John 5:21).John is emphatic that Jesus Christ came in a physical body (vv.1-3).His life and person were open to verification through the physical senses: sight, hearing and touch.Keep in mind that the Docetists are claiming that he came not in a physical body but as some sort of disembodied spirit.John insists he is a reliable eyewitness of Jesus Christ.It really does matter whether Jesus existed, whether he physically came to earth as a man, preached, loved, and resisted temptation in the flesh, whether he physically died on a cross and bodily rose from the dead (1 Cor 15)!John stresses here not the divinity of Jesus, but his humanity, which was being questioned.So, was Jesus 50% human and 50% divine? No! He was 100% human and 100% divine.As an illustration, Gatorade is totally wet and completely lime-green—100% of each—both at the same time. There are two natures, yet neither excludes the other.In the same way, Jesus is human and divine.Why the mention of fellowship in 1:3?The false teachers, influenced by the Gnostics, had left the fellowship.Either you are in the fellowship or out of it (in both senses of the phrase!).The Gnosticized Christians had “gone out” (1 John 2:19); their new “church” was not in fellowship with the real disciples—they had nothing in common.A modern day phenomenon that is sweeping away many people tired of traditional religion is New Age religion.This is a fusion of eastern mysticism and western concepts, with elements of astrology, pantheism, meditation, the occult and a good deal of snob appeal.Enlightenment is sought within, rather than without—at the foot of the cross of Christ. This is the central flaw of this and many other quasi-religious movements.Sin is downplayed, and the language of love, unity, freedom and tolerance masks the true heart of the movement, which throbs with rebellion and individualism. The movement takes strong exception to the doctrines of sin, judgment, righteousness, hell, and other doctrines clearly set out in the Bible.The message is promoted in such bestsellers asThe Celestine ProphecyThe Care of the SoulA New EarthThe Power of NowA Course in MiraclesFour AgreementsFor an exploration of Gnosticism, with a survey of five Gnostic gospels, see my audio set The Lost Books of the Bible (IPI: Spring, Texas, 2007).The material in this and the next 5 or 10 lessons has been adapted from chapter 17 of my book James, Peter, John, Jude.  Re-read prologue