November 9

2 John 9‑11
“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 doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” ―§ John 9:1111He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. (John 9:11).
CHRIST is the great touchstone of our Christian fellowship. If the heart is rightly disposed toward Him, and we confess the truth as to His Person, there will always be real fellowship. We are to receive all whom He has received, to the glory of God (Rom. 15:77Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)). On the other hand, we are called to separation from evil doctrine, as well as sinful and worldly behavior. To fellowship with those who deny the truth as to Christ is to be unfaithful to Him (Eph. 5:1111And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)). It is a false and unsafe principle to insist on, that we should extend our confidence and lend our influence to men and systems that are antagonistic to the revelation given in the Holy Scriptures. To do this is to become partakers of their evil deeds.
“In the Paradise of glory
In the Man Divine;
There my heart, O God, is tasting
Fellowship with Thine.
Called to share Thy joy unmeasured,
Now is heaven begun;
I rejoice with Thee, O Father,
In Thy glorious Son,
Here, who follows Him the nearest,
Needs must walk alone;
There, like many seas the chorus,
Praise surrounds the throne
Here a dark and silent pathway;
In those courts so fair
Countless hosts, yet each beholding
Jesus only, there.”
―T. P.