Fellowship with God is impossible while walking in darkness. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5–7).
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” - Ephesians 5:11
Fellowship with God is impossible while being wrong in doctrine. “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. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 9–11). Contextually, John addressed Gnosticism and Christians who embraced its disgusting teachings. They were false teachers by choice, not ignorance.
They were arrogant and closed to the truth of Christ as God in the flesh. Because of their ongoing transgression, refusal to repent, and continual teaching of things contrary to the teachings of Jesus, they were to be refused fellowship and farewell (2 John 10–11).
Let us avoid taking this principle to extremes God did not intend. If we hear a preacher for the first time and he teaches something believed to be false, withdrawal of fellowship is not the appropriate immediate action. Consider how Aquila and Priscilla addressed such a situation (Acts 18:24–28). Furthermore, The physical location of a preacher—or even the faith of those assembled to hear—does not automatically determine the soundness or faithfulness of the preacher. Next, quoting or citing a statement of truth from a known false teacher does not make the person quoting him a false teacher. However, infatuation with and praise of said false teachers is not fitting. While not necessarily literally or personally, but through literature and media, brothers and sisters are receiving false teachers into their homes and bidding them farewell. Such ought not to be so (2 John 9–11). Finally, intellectual humility is important; yet, may we never use intellectual humility to refuse to plain teachings of Scripture. John writes clearly that we can “know” God’s truths. “Being wrong in doctrine” is continuing to believe and teach falsely, after being shown clear truths contrary to one’s teachings.
Fellowship, or communion, with God is a blessing that no sinner deserves. Yet, God desires communion with His creation. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1).
Clifton Angel preaches for Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater.
