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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF
JOHN.
HE elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the
truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with
us for ever.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col., 3:16)."
3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth
and love.
4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in
truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new
commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning,
that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk after
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his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from
the beginning, ye should walk in it.
"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you.
Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that
walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth (Jno., 12:35)."
7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an
antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we
have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
"But take heed to yourselves (Mark, 13:9)."
4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet
in vain (Gal., 3:4)."
9 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.
"Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father
(I. Jno., 2:23)."
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them (Rom., 16:17)."
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds.
12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write
with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face
to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
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