The Elect Lady
THE Elder: to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not only I; but also all those that have known the truth;
2 On account of the truth, which abides in us, and will be with us forever.
3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Walk in His Commandments
4 ¶ I rejoiced greatly that I found your children walking in truth, as we have received commandment from the Father.
5 And now I beseech you dear lady, not as though I write a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment: That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in Him.
7 For many deceivers have entered into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we do not destroy those things for which we have laboured; rather, that we receive a full reward.
Christ’s Doctrine
9 ¶ Whosoever goes by, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.
10 If any come to you, and bring not this doctrine: do not receive him into your house, and do not speak on him blessing.
11 For he that bids him blessing is partaker of his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: rather, I hope to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister, greet you. Amen.