Do we have clear biblical instruction to not bring Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses into our homes when they come knocking?

Let's begin by taking a look at 2 John 7-11, which reads:

“I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”

There was a system in biblical times that is no longer really practiced today, where people would go and stay for a few days at someone’s house and encourage the hosts and witness to them. They would move from house to house and by supporting them, they would receive food and shelter from the host.

This particular passage above discusses a traveler of sorts, who brought with them a philosophy or teaching that opposed the Christian doctrine. To "not take them into your house or welcome them" meant that you should not provide them with support and hospitality. These travelers relied on the hospitality of people they were teaching so much that they could not go on unless they had food and rest. By providing food and shelter to these people who opposed the Christian doctrine, one would essentially be condoning and advancing their oppositional philosophies and doctrines because it would enable them to continue to spread their false teaching.

Does it suggest that when a Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon comes to your house and if you want to contend, that you should go outside? I think a study of the historical background is helpful here, which suggests that we are not to support them in a manner that keeps them going. If we invite them into our house solely to plant seeds of doubt, then we are not supporting them, but practically the opposite. This biblical passage does not mean that you can't be in the comfort of your own home as you contend for the faith (Jude 3).

Just do not support them by any means. You do not want to be a part of advancing or condoning something deceiving. At the same time, especially if you are well versed in the Bible and know what it teaches, by all means, invite them in for a discussion. Be prepared for when they come knocking by reviewing the material in the links underlined in this article.

For more, see my book on Mormonism:

https://www.amazon.com/Mormonism-Refuting-Fundamental-Apologetics-Latter-Day/dp/1662885377/

Written by Nace Howell through the grace of the Lord Jesus
© Nace Howell, 2017

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