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. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doc-trine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed (II John 9-10).
Spiritual fellowship between men is only possible with those people who are in fellowship with God. People are brought into fellowship with God when they are obedient to the Gospel. What does it mean to be obedient to the Gospel? It means: 1) People must hear and understand the Gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-4); 2) Believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God; 3) Repent of one’s sins; 4) Confess that one believes that Jesus is the Son of God; 5) Be im-mersed in water by the authority of Jesus Christ into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in order to obtain the remission or forgiveness of one’s sins (John 14:6; 14:15; James 2: 17-24; Colossians 3:17; I Thessalonians 1:8; I Peter 4:17; Romans 10:14; Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16; John 8:24; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:10, 17; Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19: Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16; Romans 6:3, 4; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26, 27; I Peter 3:21; Hebrews; 5:8, 9; Romans 6:17:18; Acts 2:41, 42, 47; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23-27; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:3). Please study very closely the preceding verses.
The aforementioned is God’s great plan of salvation from sin for mankind (I John 3:4; James 4:17; Romans 3:23; 6:23). More than this God does not require of anyone in order to be saved from past sins and, thus, be brought into fellowship with Him. Less than this and one cannot be forgiven of one’s sins and, therefore, remains lost and out of fellow-ship with God, and God’s faithful children, which children are only in His family, the church (I Timothy 3:15). God’s plan of salvation is that simple, regard-less of what others erroneously teach. Thus, the truth of God pertaining to man’s salvation must be believed and adhered to before fellowship can be obtained with God. Those who have been saved from their sins by their obedience to the Gospel of Christ, and thereby brought into fellowship with God, are authorized by the New Testament to fellowship only those people who are themselves in fellowship with God through their own obedience to the Gospel, and who remain in fellowship with Him by living as the New Testament teaches Christians to live—that is what it means to be faithful in Christ's church.
In II John 9-10, the apostle makes it clear that in order to remain in fellowship with God, and all of those who are in fellowship with Him, one must continue to be obedient to the doctrine of Christ concerning those things the New Testament obligates one to do in order to be faithful to Christ in His church. There is no other way that is acceptable to God. Take it or leave it. Be saved or be lost. It is strictly up to you and no one else. Thus, with the Holy Spirit inspired James, we beg and plead with everyone, by the mercies of Jesus Christ, to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21; also see James 1:25; 1 Peter 1:22; Luke 8:11, 15; John 12:48). Furthermore, we exhort all who are Christians to, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10; Also see I Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 25:21).
If you do not have enough interest to take the time to study the scriptures, you don’t have enough interest or time to go to heaven (II Timothy 2:15). No one will accidentally stumble into heaven. It is a pre-pared place for a prepared people (John 14:3). And, our life in the flesh on earth is the only place and time to prepare for eternity (II Peter 3:9; Hebrews 9:27; II Corinthians 5:10).
All of us are but one heart beat away from eternity. Think about the uncertainty and brevity of life in the flesh on earth, be honest with yourself (Luke 8:11,15), and respond to the gospel call accordingly. “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
David P. Brown