Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 John 1:9 together. It's a really important one for understanding what it means to be truly Christian. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, this verse is saying: Those who don’t follow Christ’s teachings and live a life that isn’t centered on Him are not truly Christians. Let's unpack it word by word: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ” : "Transgresseth" means "goes against," “abideth not” means "doesn’t stay," and "doctrine of Christ" refers to what Christians believe about God. So, this part is saying someone who breaks or disobey the teachings of Jesus Christ – that's the core of being a Christian – isn't following Him. “has not God” : This is a direct statement – those who don’t follow Christ’s way are not in relationship with God. “He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” : This is the really crucial part! "Abide" means to stay or remain. “The doctrine of Christ” refers to the core beliefs about Jesus – his life, his sacrifice, his identity, etc. “He hath both the Father and the Son” means that a person who follows Christ’s teachings has both: The Father: This is God as revealed in scripture – the creator of everything. The Son (Jesus): This is Jesus Christ, the perfect and eternal version of God. In simpler terms: It means that genuine faith is about being united with, and following, God’s son, Jesus Christ. It’s not just believing in him; it's actively living according to his teachings. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of believing and following Jesus. It’s a reminder that true faith isn't just about feeling good or having certain beliefs, but about being actively devoted to God’s Son. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to real-life situations?