“They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.” 1J2:19 Ask yourself two questions. 1. Shown to whom? 2. Revealed by what standard?

Apostates almost never see that they are apostates. In fact, they usually feel that they now have an increased enlightenment about spiritual things. The faith is fixed, it never moves. It is they who have “swerved” from the truth. So, who knows that they have moved? 2/6

Answer: The true church. Those who are not moved. It is not a situation CREATED, it is a situation REVEALED. It is true that this is shown in the sense that it is now a matter of demonstrated fact, but it is God’s people who are able to recognize that fact. 3/6

Second question: Revealed by what standard? What does the true church hold fast to? Answer: The apostles doctrine. If anyone refuses to receive the standard of sound words, he is revealed for what he is - OUTSIDE the truth (see 1 Tim 6:1-5). 4/6

Depraved minds that are deprived of the truth. Factious people are to be warned, but if they refuse that discipline, they are rejected (Titus 3:10). By what standard are they judged factious? The apostles doctrine. The truth revealed in Scripture regarding the gospel and 5/6

the teaching that accords with godliness. Apostates, regardless of their claims, or even a passive demeanor, are rebellious and proud people. They are distinguished (God uncloaks them) from the true church by departure. 6/6