The doctrine of Christ is the key issue emphasized by John for the church. As believers we must be faithful and abide in Christ. The world has a false definition of “progress” that we must reject. What is really important was once for all handed down to the saints. We know that there is no inerrant, binding revelation after the death of the Biblical apostles. Since Christ is the same “yesterday, today and forever,” there is nothing “progressive” about Christ. Those who reject Christ do not have a saving relationship with God. We must not welcome false teachers, but rather guard the flock so that they are safe from false doctrine. The joy of true fellowship is only found with the truly redeemed. The progress that God endorses is to grow more into the image of Christ and for the gospel to go to new people all over the world.

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