John is robust in his countering of the antichrists. These people have tried to lead the church astray in their divine experiences of the Spirit and supposed love and yet have dethroned Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Basically John is asking these questions:
- Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
- Do you believe that Jesus Christ was alive on earth and experienced as a human by people like John?
- Do you believe in the water (his baptism) and the blood (his cross)?
“Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5 v 10-11)
Anything less not only negates whatever divine spiritual moment the antichrists are having and the love they are proclaiming but it also puts their eternity/salvation at risk.
Is Jesus Christ as home in His church? That depends on the accepting of the testimony about Him. Do we hold to His baptism and what that means (ie repentance from sinful lifestyles)? Do we hold to His cross and the power of His blood (what sin are people being cleansed from?)
It is possible that the message of Jesus Christ is an offence to those who are making their home in the church. An inclusive church needs to give Jesus Christ, the Son of God His rightful place. He needs to be at home.
Missions Paul 