A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

d. Test one: The doctrinal test. Whoever denies that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and that he has come in the flesh is a liar . (1) 1 John 2.22 – Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. (2) 2 John 1.9 – Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. e. Test two: The moral test. Whoever claims to be in intimate fellowship with God and yet continues to walk in darkness is a liar . (1) 1 John 1.5-6 – This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say we (2) 3 John 1.3-4 – For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3) 1 John 2.3-5 – And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, [5] but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him. have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

f. Test three: The social test. Whoever says that they love and know God and yet hates his brother or sister in Christ is a liar.