I was having a discussion with a friend and was reminded of a very serious issue of Bible interpretation propagated by Calvinists and Reformed Theologians. I could name names… but what’s the sense?
There are a number of groups mentioned in the New Testament scriptures, and it is VERY IMPORTANT that we separate them and KNOW which group is being referenced. Unfortunately, many well-educated and popular pastors and Bible speakers are MIXING THEM UP. This is resulting in many serious warnings, meant for “The brethren” (true believers), to be ignored.
1 John 2:19 - This is a very popular “Go To” verse for everyone who teaches “once saved, always saved.” Pastors completely pull it out of context to make the point that… Those who serve in the church for years and appear to be such good Christians, but then leave the church and seem to fall away from the faith… THESE WERE NEVER CHRISTIANS TO BEGIN WITH. They were “never a part of us.” And they apply this one verse across the board!
Unfortunately, this is NOT what this verse is saying, at all. Actually, the entire passage supports the teaching that John’s “little children,” true believers, can be seduced and can choose to turn away from the faith they embraced in the beginning.
1 John 2:19 is, clearly and unmistakably, referencing “antichrists” (vs. 18)… those who are, and have always been, opposed to Jesus Christ. Of course, they are going to, at some point, “go out” from among the church… IF the church refuses to be seduced!
“These things have I written unto you concerning them (the antichrists) who seduce you.” (vs. 26)
As you can see, 1 John 2:19, cannot be used to answer the issue of actual Christians falling away from the faith as we read in Hebrews 6:4-6 or 2 Peter 1:4-11. These passages are NOT referencing antichrists. In both of these passages, believers in the faith are those who can choose to fall away.
Now... In 1 John 2:24, after being warned about the seducing antichrists, the brethren are further warned... ) “Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. IF what you heard from the beginning (continues to) abide in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
Vs. 25… “You have the promise of eternal life always before you.” (our blessed hope)
Vs. 26… “For this reason, do not be SEDUCED!”
1. There are tares in the church. 2. There are antichrists in the church. 3. There are weak and feeble believers. 4. There are strong believers. 5. There are those who are lost and dwell in darkness. ("tares" and "antichrists" fit this category)
When Jesus said… “Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I NEVER KNEW YOU,” he was, obviously, referencing the “tares” of the church who acted as believers, but never came to faith.
Please, do not mix up these groups when interpreting the Bible. Warnings will be passed over. Bad things will happen. Your eternal inheritance is at stake.
1 Peter 1:4-9 - God has reserved our eternal inheritance that is waiting for us… AFTER we have suffered with Christ through the fires. And, IF our faith is found unto praise, and honor, and glory (meaning God approves of and assigns value to our personal sacrifice… enduring unto the end) at the appearing of Christ... (As opposed to fearing, or becoming bitter or offended in Christ and turning away)... THEN, you receive the “end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls!” (Please, read the passage again)
Remember… “tares” have no faith. They cannot fall from a position they never held. These serious exhortations are written to ”the elect of God.” (Later, we can discuss how election fits hand in hand with the doctrine of apostasy.)
I must finish with this... We are NOT working our way to heaven. Jesus already paid the price for that!