A young minister in Canada suggests that the Gnostics, whom John denounced in 1 and 2 John as “antichrists,” taught “faith only” and “eternal security,” and that the Reformers Luther and Calvin were therefore “antichrists” as well since they also taught both doctrines.
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It is absurd for anyone to compare the Gnostics against whom John wrote (and Paul, and the later Church Fathers) to the great Christian reformers Luther and Calvin, or to any evangelical or orthodox group of Christians today. The Gnostics (a very fluid term for a wide variety of individuals over a period of several centuries) were opposed by New Testament writers because they variously: (1) denied that the Father of Jesus Christ was the Creator of the material universe; (2) affirmed that all matter (including the human body) is inherently evil; (3) denied that Jesus was truly human; (4) affirmed that “salvation” came through gaining special “spiritual” knowledge (Greek: “gnosis,” giving the name “Gnostic”) which enabled one to be “saved” from the “ignorance” inherent in materiality; and (5) denied that the “soul” is negatively affected by what the “body” does — as in enjoying the services of prostitutes.
I would encourage you to go to a library and read some standard reference works (dictionary of theology, encyclopedia of Christian history, etc.) concerning these ancient heretics before you repeat this material to anyone else. You will not only find it fascinating and helpful for Bible study, but you can avoid embarrassing yourself by saying something that is patently ridiculous. (I had to learn that the hard way myself as a young man, so I speak from experience and as a fellow-traveller with you on the road to understanding.)
Most of all, take a look at what John affirms that believers in Jesus “know” throughout 1 John, and how he says we know it. Then notice carefully what he says about the people he is opposing in 2 John, comparing that language with similar language in 1 John. You are on to something important about these Gnostics, but you need to obtain some solid material for your basic information. Unfortunately, what you have cited so far does not fit in that category.
