Grace, Mercy, and Peace to You

2 John 1:1-3 

1 The Elder,
To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

John was a πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros), a church leader and an apostle, but he was also an older and respected man who was writing this letter.  He begins by mentioning who he is and from what spiritual authority and experience he is coming from.  He writes to a prominent woman who has been called and chosen by God in Christ, one of His elect.  Some say the woman is representative of a local church as well, but it appears she was an actual person.  He also is writing to her children, whether spiritual as in a congregation, or literal children of her own.  Either way, John begins with his love and concern for them especially because they also know the truth of the gospel of grace which he preaches and lives for.  This truth, he reminds them, lives in them forever.  It is not a truth which is only a fact to hear and forget, but is a transformational reality from God’s living Word and scriptures who has given them life that never fades away like ordinary facts do.  He sums up the greeting by reminding them God the Father will continue to give His grace, mercy, and peace to them through Jesus Christ. The grace reminds us that we have this gospel truth as a completely undeserved and unearned gift by God’s good pleasure.  The mercy reminds us that we deserve judgement and the resulting punishment by His wrath on our sin, which has been paid for.  Peace is ours because Christ has become our peace with the Father by His imputed righteousness for eternal justification.  He offers this assurance with truth and love, love because he cares for their spiritual state, and truth because that is where hope comes from, all Christ has done for God’s Chosen ones.  The letter applies to all God’s elect in Christ whom He calls out, and is therefore for us as well.