They left us because they were not of us (1 John 2:19)

Does 1 John 2:19 mean people that leave us are not saved?

The interpretation of 1 John 2:19 has sparked debate among Christian groups, with some using the verse to label those who leave their local fellowship as unsaved and dangerous. This has led to the prohibition of fellowship, prayer, or even sharing meals with such individuals. However, it is important to examine the context of this verse and understand the Apostle John’s original intent in order to avoid misinterpretation and the dangers of overzealous faith. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of 1 John 2:19, explore its context, and discuss the implications of this verse for believers who leave a fellowship.

They went out from us,
but they were not of us;
for if they had been of us,
they would no doubt have continued with us:
but they went out,
that they might be made manifest
that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:19 KJV)

These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. (1 John 2:19 NLT)

What is the context of 1 John 2:19?

Almost all false doctrine comes from plucking one sentence out of context and declaring that it means something other than the author intended. This is true in news reporting. And it is true in Bible exposition. So, let’s look at the entire context of what the Apostle John was saying…

Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour.  They went out from us, but they didn’t belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that they might be revealed that none of them belong to us. 
     You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.
     Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father. This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.
     These things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray. As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him. (1 John 2:18-24 WEB)

Who is “they” in 1 John 2:19 and why did they leave us?

In 1 John 2:19, the “they” referred to are individuals who left the community of believers. These people are often associated with antichrists or false teachers who deny essential Christian doctrines, such as Jesus being the Christ or the relationship between the Father and the Son. The departure of these individuals from the community serves as a way to reveal that they were never genuinely part of the body of believers. Their leaving exposes their true nature and lack of genuine faith or commitment to the teachings of Christ.

• They are antichrists (1 John 2:18; Matthew 24)
• They deny that Jesus is the Christ (1 John 2:22)
• They were never saved (1 John 2:23; 1 Timothy 4)
• They do not have eternal life (1 John 2:25)
• They were never in fellowship with Christ (1 John 2:27)
• 10 differences between team Jesus Christ and team Antichrist

Who is “us” in 1 John 2:19 and why did they leave us?

In 1 John 2:19, the “us” encompasses the whole body of believers, not just a local congregation or smaller group. The verse highlights the distinction between those who truly belong to the community of believers and those who leave, suggesting that the latter did not genuinely belong in the first place.

• The whole body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 2:19-22)
• A small company of believers (Acts 2:41-42)
• What is the One True Church? (many ekklēsía one sṓma) – Among the thousands of denominations, sects, and churches, is there one true church? Many churches claim the title. What does the Bible say?
• More impossible ways to lose your salvation – All these impossible things would have to happen for you to lose your salvation. None of these things can happen. Therefore, your salvation is secure.
• The sin of sectarianism – Paul criticizes the sin of schisma (cleft, rent, division of opinion, dissension) and appeals for them to katartízō (repair, mend, restore) fellowship
• The sin of unity – The coin of division has two sides: the sin of sectarianism and the sin of unity. They are both division and they are both wrong.

1 John 2:19 addresses the departure of certain individuals from the community of believers, referring to them as “they.” The verse emphasizes that their departure serves to reveal their true nature and lack of genuine faith, suggesting they were never truly part of the faithful community, referred to as “us.” Understanding the distinction between “us” and “they” in this context helps to clarify the Apostle John’s message and highlights the importance of discerning true believers from those who may attempt to lead others astray.

If you believe the “us” in 1 John 2:19 is just your company of believers, just your assembly, just your Ecclesia, or just your church, you have missed the point. If you believe the “they” in 1 John 2:19 refers to anyone who leaves your company of believers, your assembly, your Ecclesia, or your church, you might have crossed over the line into the sin of sectarianism.

• How does sectarian opinion become a doctrine of sectarianism? – Sectarianism is bigotry, discrimination, or hatred arising from attaching importance to perceived sectarian differences between subdivisions within a group
• Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith by Larry Osborne – Zealous faith can have a dangerous, dark side. While recent calls for radical Christians have challenged many to be more passionate about their faith, the downside can be a budding arrogance and self-righteousness that “accidentally” sneaks into our outlook. In Accidental Pharisees, bestselling author Larry Osborne diagnoses nine of the most common traps that can ensnare Christians on the road to a deeper life of faith. Rejecting attempts to turn the call to follow Christ into a new form of legalism, he shows readers how to avoid the temptations of pride, exclusivity, legalism, and hypocrisy. Larry reminds us that attempts to fan the flames of full-on discipleship and call people to Christlikeness should be rooted in love and humility. Christians stirred by calls to radical discipleship, but unsure how to respond, will be challenged and encouraged to develop a truly Christlike zeal for God.

Will you be ashamed when Jesus returns?

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1 John 2:28-29 KJV)