2 John 1:1-3
1 “The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth which remains in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”
The chosen lady: John is likely referring to an entire congregation. These children are all who believe in Jesus within a specific local church though it is certainly applicable to all believers. All who believe in Jesus have an inborn love for all who love the truth of God’s grace. John is writing from this indwelling love for other Christians. Unbelievers do not have the same natural agape love for truth because they are incompatible with truth until they have received the Gospel.
Remains in us…forever: Contrary to the message John speaks to unbelievers (1 John 1:9) John does not hesitate to remind believers that they are in the truth and that the truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, lives in them forever. They have believed the Gospel and have been perfectly forgiven and cleansed from all sin. Because they have believed in the Gospel, they will forever be one with the grace, mercy, and peace offered by God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Grace, mercy, and peace: Grace is not a buzzword for popular teaching movements. Grace is the entire framework of God. Because of God’s grace, there is mercy from God. God decides to not condemn us even though we deserve it. This grace and mercy lead to a peaceful relationship with the Trinity. There is no longer enmity between believers and God. God is not ticked off. This is a reality regardless of our feelings and emotional experiences.
