The Bible clearly condemns all forms of false teaching (Mt. 7:15-19; 2 Pet. 2:1). However, one does not have to physically teach a false doctrine in order to be counted as a false teacher. Everyone will admit that false teachers are wrong, but finding someone who will admit that he or she is a false teacher will be mighty difficult (hence, Jesus said, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them," Mt. 7:20). Again the Bible provides insight on how one can know who is and who is not a false teacher and how to deal with those who proclaim false teachings.

The apostle John wrote, "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. 10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 Jn. 9-11).

Defining the "Doctrine of Christ"

Second John 9-11 is contrasted by those who "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ" versus those who "abideth in the doctrine of Christ." With this contrast there must be an emphasis placed on "the doctrine of Christ." Without knowing the definition of the "doctrine of Christ," there will be endless debates on whether or not one is abiding in it. The simple meaning of the word "doctrine" is "instruction"1 (or teachings). Jesus said (concerning His own doctrine), "My doctrine is not mine, but his [the Father] that sent me" (Jn. 7:16). The doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of the Father are the same doctrine. Therefore, for one to abide in the "doctrine of Christ" is for one to follow and live by the instructions/teachings of Christ and the Father. Those instructions and teachings are found today within the Holy Scriptures (the Bible), which is also the standard by which to measure whether or not one is abiding or not abiding in the "doctrine of Christ."

Denying the "Doctrine of Christ"

"Both the Father and the Son" is with the one who abides in the "doctrine of Christ," but the one who does not abide in that doctrine "hath not God." The thought of "abiding" brings to mind the idea of the "Christian walk."2 Those who abide in the "doctrine of Christ" are those who are living a Christian life; they are those who are constantly and consistently remaining faithful to the word of God. In John's First Epistle he records that to have fellowship with Christ is to have fellowship with the Father, and that to have fellowship with "both the Father and the Son" is to walk in the light (1 Jn. 1:3-7). Failing to abide in the doctrine of Christ is a failure to have fellowship with Christ and the Father. Failing to have fellowship with Christ and the Father is equated with walking in darkness, which in turn, leads to living a life of sin. To deny the "doctrine of Christ" is a failure to abide in the doctrine and to condemn oneself.

Defending the "Doctrine of Christ"

There is a twofold emphasis in Second John 10-11. The first emphasis is placed on the one who does not bring the doctrine of Christ. That person is defined in verse nine as the one who "hath not God." The second emphasis is placed on the one who receives that person who "hath not God." The greater emphasis of these two in verse ten and eleven is placed upon the latter. If one is to abide in the "doctrine of Christ," then one must be willing to defend it. The person who receives the false teacher into his house and "biddeth him Godspeed" fails to defend the doctrine and becomes "a partaker of his evil deeds." The principle being taught in these verses is the principle of having fellowship with and endorsing those that teach error. John directly addresses these things to the "elect lady," instructing her to beware of those that bring not the "doctrine of Christ." If she were to receive a false teacher into her house she would be guilty of that false teacher's evil works. Other passages such as Second Corinthians 6:14-17 and Ephesians 5:11 also condemn the fellowship between God's people and people of the world (i.e., false teachers). Defending the "doctrine of Christ" involves refusal to endorse and fellowship with those who "bring not this doctrine." "He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD" (Pr. 17:15).

Endnotes
1 Strong's Greek Dictionary. Power Bible CD.
2 Robertson's New Testament Word Pictures. Online-Bible CD.