13 June 2026
John draws a clear doctrinal line. “Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh” (2 John 7, CSB). Mark Penrith said, “The incarnation is not merely a birth. It is the whole mission. Life. Death. Resurrection.” Christianity stands upon historical reality. Jesus Christ truly entered history. Real flesh. Real blood. Real suffering. Real victory over death. This is not religious symbolism or spiritual metaphor. This is the gospel itself.
Paul says Jesus Christ “was descended from David according to the flesh and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead” (Romans 1:3–4, CSB). The eternal Son of God became fully man to save sinners. Mark said it plainly, “Without the incarnation, there is no salvation.” If Christ did not truly come in the flesh, then He could not truly die in our place. And if He did not rise bodily from the grave, then sin still holds its curse over us. The real Jesus alone reconciles sinners to God.
The world prefers a softer christ. A comfortable christ. A motivational christ who exists to affirm people rather than rescue them. Mark warned, “The cultural Christ is a dream. All affirmation. No incarnation. No cross. No blood. No judgment.” That false christ cannot save because he does not exist. Only the crucified and risen Christ has power to forgive sin and conquer death. Behold the wonder of the gospel. “The same Jesus who came in flesh died for flesh. Your flesh. My flesh.” Verily, this is the love of God toward sinners.
John’s warning is therefore an act of love. Mark said, “True love demands gospel fidelity.” Christians remain faithful to the real Jesus because eternal life depends upon Him. Spend time today thanking Christ specifically for His incarnation, death, and resurrection. Preach the gospel to yourself again. Remind your weary heart that Jesus truly came. Truly died. Truly rose. Then speak about Him to someone else today. Your family especially needs to hear this truth often.
At bedtime tonight, remind your children that Jesus is not merely a good teacher. He is the Son of God who came to rescue sinners. Mark said, “He came in flesh to save flesh.” That includes us.
Prayer: Father, anchor our hearts firmly in the true gospel. Help us love and follow the real Jesus faithfully, with gratitude for His incarnation, His cross, and His resurrection. Amen.