Prophetic Prospective Daily Devotional

There are many today that say "doctrine divides" and it is better to "love" than to allow doctrine to divide believers. As we look at another book written by the apostle John, we see the view of the crowd who says doctrine divides is wrong.

John's perspective is that true Bible doctrine will "unite", not divide. John gives us some directives for the last days that we should pay close attention too found here in our devotional reading for today.

John tells us about deceivers - many of them will enter this world at the time of the end. These deceivers will deny that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is come in the flesh. John is pretty tough on these deceivers - he calls them an "antichrist". Now that is not the "antichrist" - but an antichrist, verse 7.

Then John reveals the method for us to deal with these antichrists - these deceivers. He says if they come and bring their false doctrine, do not allow them to enter your house.

John also says do not bid them God speed. In fact, if we do allow them into our homes and bid them God speed, we are partakers of their evil deeds. John is straightforward with this message warning of false doctrine and those who propagate it in this world. We need to not only heed his warning, but follow his example in our associations as well.

Again John has a practical word for us. Verse 8 tells us that we must do as he has instructed or we are in danger of not receiving our "full reward". Now this has nothing to do with salvation but with the rewards we receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

You may remember that at the "judgment seat" we will receive "crowns" that we will lay at the Lord's feet in thanksgiving for what he has done for us, Revelation 4:10.

You know, having a daily dose of prophetic truth is a blessing as it tells us how to live in these last days. Our passage today also reminds us that doctrine does not divide. It unites us all in Christ, as we await His call for us to join Him in the heavenlies.