2 JOHN 1-3: The Elect: It's Not What You Think (It's Better)

You're trying to figure out who to trust these days, especially when everyone online claims to have "the truth." It's like trying to find an honest mechanic – a lot of talk, but who's actually got the goods? Navigating what's real and what's fake in the Christian world can be tough.

Imagine a situation like this: A well-known worship leader, charismatic and seemingly devout, begins to introduce subtle shifts in their teaching. They're still using Christian language, still talking about Jesus, but the core message starts to twist. Perhaps they emphasize a "new revelation" that downplays established biblical doctrines, or they subtly question the authority of traditional church leadership, hinting at a more direct, exclusive line to God's truth. Initially, it might feel profound and exciting, like you're getting access to deeper spiritual insights. But over time, that slow, subtle drift can lead people far astray. Individuals, once firmly rooted in their faith, might find themselves confused, their understanding of God and the Bible subtly warped by these seemingly minor adjustments. It's a painful process to witness, as sincere believers grapple with what they thought was true and who they thought they could trust.

This isn't just a modern phenomenon. Back in the early church, the Apostle John saw this very same dynamic playing out. He observed "deceivers" and "anti-Christs" who, much like our hypothetical worship leader, weren't always obvious villains. They were often charming, persuasive, and claimed to have a special insight into the truth. They would infiltrate Christian communities, subtly twisting the message of Jesus and leading people astray. John's letter, 2 John, is a short but powerful warning against these spiritual con artists and a passionate plea to hold fast to the authentic truth of Christ. He understood that true faith isn't just about believing in Jesus, but about believing the truth about Jesus, and living accordingly, even when it's uncomfortable.

Did you catch that? It's a REALLY IMPORTANT statement: True faith isn't just about believing in Jesus, but about believing the TRUTH about JESUS, and then LIVING accordingly, even when it's uncomfortable!

Before we dive into 2 John 1-3, take some time to read it on your own. Grab your Bible and read it in at least two different translations. We suggest choosing two from this list: NIV, ESV, NLT, NKJV, NASB. This will help you get a better feel for the passage before we break it down together.

Setting the Scene 2 JOHN 1-3: Sticking to the Truth When Fakes Are Everywhere

Picture this: It's the early days of the church, and things are getting messy. John, one of Jesus's closest buddies, is writing this super short letter – it's barely a page long – to "the elect lady and her children." Now, that might sound like he's writing to some specific woman and her kids, but think bigger. N.T. Wright, a smart guy who’s dug deep into the Bible, figures this "elect lady" is probably a local church, and her "children" are the folks in that church. It’s like how we call the church the "bride of Christ" today.

Back then, just like now, there were con artists and snake oil salesmen peddling all sorts of bogus ideas, especially about Jesus. These guys, who John calls "deceivers" or "anti-Christs," would travel around, trying to sneak into house churches and mess up people's faith with their twisted teachings. In those days, being hospitable – basically, taking in travelers – was a huge deal for Christians. It was how they supported preachers and helped each other out. But this good thing could also be a trap. As another scholar, Craig S. Keener, points out, if you welcomed one of these phony teachers, it was like you were helping them with their "evil deeds" (2 John 10). Understanding these old customs helps us get what John was really driving at.

When John talks about "truth" (2 John 1-2), he's not just talking about facts and figures. For John, the truth is tied right to Jesus Himself – Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." So, living in the truth means living the way Jesus taught, especially when it comes to loving each other. But this love isn't just a warm fuzzy feeling; it's a firm commitment to "the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever" (2 John 2). It's a love that knows what's real and what’s fake about God's Word.

The "grace, mercy, and peace" (2 John 3) John sends their way are standard greetings from back then, but they mean a lot when folks are dealing with outside pressure and bad ideas from inside their own groups. They aren’t just polite words; they're a deep prayer for God to keep them strong when things get tough. This peace isn't about everything being calm; it's God’s kind of peace, a deep well-being that comes from being squared away with Him.

RABBIT TRAIL: What "The Elect" Really Means: God's Called-Out Crew

Now, when you read "the elect" or "chosen" in the Bible, it can throw people for a loop. A lot of folks hear that and think, "Wait, does that mean God picked some people for heaven and others for hell before they were even born?" That kind of thinking can really mess with your head, making God seem unfair or distant.

This is where the theological concept of predestination often enters the conversation, particularly within Calvinism.

Imagine you're the boss of a huge factory, building everything from cars to spaceships. Before you even pour the first bit of steel, you've got a master blueprint that lays out everything that's ever going to happen in that factory, right down to the last bolt. You decide exactly who works where, what each person builds, and what happens to every single product.

Now, in Calvinist thinking, God is like that ultimate factory boss. They believe that before anything even existed, God drew up a complete, detailed plan for absolutely everything that would ever happen in the world. And when it comes to people being saved and going to heaven, it's already written in that plan.

So, according to this view, God has already picked certain folks to be saved (they call them the "elect") and others who won't be saved (called "reprobation"). This decision was made before anyone was even born, and it has nothing to do with whether someone is good or bad, or what choices they make later on. It's all based on God's big plan, and He decided it for His own reasons. 

Key biblical passages often cited to support this view include Ephesians 1:4-5: "He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Romans 8:29-30 also speaks of God "foreknowing" and "predestining" those whom He calls, justifies, and glorifies.

For many modern believers coming to Christ, this can be incredibly confusing and even off-putting. The idea that their eternal destiny was sealed before they were born, regardless of their own decision to follow Jesus, can feel like a contradiction to the widely preached message of God's love for all people and the invitation to repent and believe. It can raise unsettling questions:

• Is God fair? If some are chosen and others are not, does that make God arbitrary or unjust?

  
  

• Does my choice matter? If salvation is predetermined, what is the point of evangelism or personal commitment? Does my faith even make a difference?

  
  

• Am I truly loved? If God didn't choose everyone, does that mean He loves some more than others, or that some are simply not worthy of His love?

  
  

Beyond Calvinism, people can get mixed up about election and predestination in other ways. Some might conflate it with a fatalistic view, believing that every event in their life, good or bad, is "meant to be" in a way that negates personal responsibility or effort. This can lead to apathy or a sense of helplessness. Others might misunderstand "chosen" as meaning "superior" or "exclusive," leading to spiritual pride or a judgmental attitude towards those outside their group.

These misunderstandings can profoundly affect a person's view of God, Christians, and eternity:

• View of God: God can appear distant, unloving, or arbitrary, rather than intimately involved, just, and merciful.

  
  

• View of Christians: The church can seem like an exclusive club, rather than a welcoming community for all who believe. This can foster division and elitism.

  
  

• View of Eternity: The hope of salvation can be overshadowed by anxiety about whether one is truly "chosen," leading to a lack of assurance or constant self-doubt.

  
  

But here’s the straight dope: when John talks about "the elect," he's not talking about God rigging the game in a way that negates human choice or God's universal love. N.T. Wright explains it well: being "chosen" in the Bible is mostly about being picked for a job or a purpose, not just a predetermined ticket to heaven or hell.

Think about it like this: God "chose" the nation of Israel a long time ago. He didn't do that so everyone else would be doomed. He chose them to be His go-to guys, a shining light to all other nations, so His blessings could spread to everyone (Genesis 12:3). They were chosen for a mission, to show the world what God is like and to bring His truth out there.

So, when John writes to "the elect lady and her children," he's talking to a group of people – the church – who have been picked by God for a specific job: to stand up for the truth about Jesus Christ in a world that’s getting more and more against it. They are "chosen" to guard the gospel message, to live by the truth, and to fight against the crooked teachings that are trying to tear down their faith.

This "election" John mentions isn't about God playing favorites. It’s about God setting apart a group of people – His church – to be His representatives right here on earth. This choosing happens through Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes in Jesus and lives by His truth gets brought into this "elect" community. It's a call to be part of God's team, to live His way, and to get in on His plan to fix the world. The people who first got this letter wouldn't have thought "elect" meant some exclusive club. They'd have understood it as a special call to a big responsibility in God's ongoing plan. It reminded them that they were God's special people, called to live by truth and love even when things got tough.

For modern readers who are newer to the faith, understanding "being chosen" in line with Scripture and God's plans can be helped by focusing on several key biblical ideas:

• God's Universal Invitation: Scripture consistently presents God's desire for all to come to repentance and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). Jesus's sacrifice was for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). This means God's love and invitation extend to everyone.

  
  

• The Role of Faith: Salvation is consistently linked to faith and belief (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10). God's "choosing" is often presented as being "in Christ," meaning those who place their faith in Him become part of the elect. This doesn't diminish God's sovereignty but highlights the means by which His plan unfolds for individuals.

  
  

• Chosen for Purpose, Not Just Privilege: Like Israel, the church is chosen for a mission. We are chosen to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8), to bear fruit (John 15:16), to proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9). This emphasizes responsibility and active participation in God's kingdom work, rather than passive acceptance of a predetermined fate.

  
  

• Security in Christ: For those who do believe, there is immense comfort in knowing they are chosen and eternally secure in Christ (John 10:28-29, Philippians 1:6). This security comes from God's faithfulness, not from a constant re-evaluation of one's "elect" status.

  
  

Ultimately, the message of election for a new believer should be one of profound grace, purpose, and assurance. It is God's initiative, reaching out to us, inviting us into His family and His mission, and empowering us to live a life of truth and love. It’s not about exclusion or confusion, but inclusion and clear calling.

There's more to this STUDY GUIDE

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:

• Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)

• A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)

• Modern Day Application Ideas

Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!

Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss

• If "elect" means being chosen for a purpose instead of just a final destination, how does that change how you see God and your place in His plan?

  
  

• How might Christians today accidentally help spread bad ideas, even if they don't mean to? How can we tell what’s real and what’s fake when there's so much info flying around?

Journey Group Discussion Starter

Think about a time when you or someone you knew heard a "Christian" idea that just didn't sit right. How did you figure out if it was true or false? What did you lean on?

JOURNEY GROUPS

Modern-Day Application:

John's words, even though they're ancient, hit hard today. In our super-connected world, bad teachings can spread like wildfire online. John’s warning, "watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully" (2 John 8), is a kick in the pants to stay sharp.

For us, putting these ideas to work means a few things:

• Be Smart: We gotta hit the books – the Bible, that is. Learn it inside and out so you can spot the fakes. It’s like a bank teller who knows real money so well they can spot a counterfeit in a second.

  
  

• Make Disciples: The best way to fight bad teaching is to get out there and make more disciples. When we’re strong in our faith and can teach others, we make the whole Christian team tougher against bad ideas.

  
  

• Be Careful Who You Welcome: Being good to people is important, but we also need to be smart about who we hang with and who we give a platform to. You don't have to be a jerk, but be wise about who you let influence you or your church, especially when it comes to what they teach.

  
  

• Love with Truth: Our love for each other has to be built on truth. It's not loving to say "anything goes" or to pretend something false is okay, even if telling the truth is a bit uncomfortable.

  
  

The early church had to deal with a lot of junk trying to twist the truth, and we do too. John’s short letter is a powerhouse reminder to hold onto the core truths of the gospel and to live with love that's backed by truth, even when it means making some tough calls.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN

Ready to dig into God's Word with some good folks who actually want to talk about this stuff? Seriously, it's not as dry as it sounds (mostly!). Join a Journey Group today! You can find out more, get connected with a group, or learn about starting one yourself by visiting https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups. Don't go it alone in your faith journey; even Jesus had a crew!

If you're tired of sifting through all the noise, you'll want to visit our website, YourJesusJourney.com, to learn more and grab our Free Resource, "Stop Reading the Bible Wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just hit the Free Gift button at the top of the website, and we'll send you this game-changing E-Book today.

Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!

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To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.

There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!

EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE

From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇

For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!

As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.

Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.

There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.

We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!