“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” (1 John 2:19 ESV)
In recent years in Evangelical circles, we have seen a number of well-known figures go through a self-professed “deconversion.” They say that they have lost their faith and no longer hold to the beliefs they once professed as foundational to their identity. Often this results from the expressive individualism that has inundated our culture, as those who formerly professed faith follow the culture’s encouragement to seek a new understanding of their identity, reject the structural constraints of a bygone religion, and embrace their supposed autonomy.
Such instances cause us to wonder how someone could deny the faith which he or she once appeared to hold so strongly. Not only that, but many who deconverted were once leaders in churches and ministries that had a profound impact on our lives. The fall of such prominent figures may even cast doubt on our own faith and cause our assurance to be shaken.
Deconversion—or, to use language that is more biblically accurate, apostasy—is a dreadful reality. To see someone who was once part of the visible body of Christ abandon their profession of faith is something that should grieve us deeply. When it does occur, however, it is critical to understand that even though they speak of faith being lost, in reality, it was never truly possessed.
In a similar way, John’s audience saw some who formerly identified with the body of Christ depart from it as antichrists. Though they were united to the visible church for a time, they were never united to Christ. As John says, “They went out from us, but they were not of us” (emphasis added). There is a clear distinction between church attendance—and even church membership—and union with Christ.
This exposes the dangerous inaccuracy of the term “deconversion.” Conversion is the work of God by which one is united to Christ, and it is a work that cannot be undone. Conversion is more than just a public profession of Christ; it is an irrevocable union to Christ. It is impossible for those who have been converted to later be deconverted because the Savior to whom they have been united is faithful to preserve them (John 6:39).
As John says, “if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.” This is a clear affirmation of the perseverance of the saints. It is not that those who believe have the power to preserve themselves, but the Spirit who indwells the elect will never abandon them. While we ought to grieve apostasy, if we truly believe in Christ, we need not fear it. Our assurance of persevering in the faith is not based on our certainty that we will not abandon Christ, but that he will not abandon us.
The fact that many abandon Christ highlights the urgency of Peter’s words to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10). As J. C. Ryle explains,
Every one needs a “Great salvation,” whether young or old; all need to be born again—all need to be washed in Christ’s blood—all need to be sanctified by the Spirit. Happy is that man who does not leave these things uncertain, but never rests until he has the witness of the Spirit within him, testifying to him that he is a child of God.
Today is the day of salvation, and you ought never rest until you trust in Christ and have been united to him. Once you have placed your faith in him, you can rest with full confidence that you will persevere to the end. You will persevere, not because of your resolve or worthiness, but because you have been bought with the blood of Christ, you have been indwelt by the Spirit, and you will enter into a glorious inheritance.
If you are a believer, you are, as Jude says, “called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We grieve to see the body of Christ besmirched by false profession and apostasy. Yet, we take comfort in knowing that, despite such abandonments, Christ will lose none of those who have been given to him. Remind us of your faithfulness to preserve us in the faith. May it strengthen us to press on to the end.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Tuesday: Pray for missionaries serving with Impacto Biblico Baptist Church in Santa Marta, Colombia.
- Wednesday: Pray for Live Global partners Felix and Oana as they plant churches in Romania.
- Thursday: Pray for missionaries and national partners reaching rural Burmese communities.
- Friday: Pray for the students and staff at Goroka Baptist Bible College in Papua New Guinea.
- Saturday: Pray for the ABWE missionary team serving in the Czech Republic.
- Sunday: Pray for missionaries in Argentina.
- Monday: Pray for missionaries serving in Communications and Media roles.
Featured Opportunity to Serve:
Director/Coordinator of Administration Management
Location: South Asia
Our team needs a humble and willing individual skilled in administration and management to come serve as the director/coordinator of Memorial Christian Hospital in Bangladesh.
