I John 2: 19: In Brief

Lunapic in the style of Vincent van Gogh, editing a photo I took today.

Early this morning, I viewed a classic American bible film from the 1950's on Turner Classic Movies. I had viewed it years ago and the second viewing was equally, decently, entertaining.

The lead actor of the film on Wikipedia is documented as being an atheist, in fact there is a quote from the actor implying such, or perhaps he was an agnostic.

Adherents.com claims this actor was a Presbyterian, but without any quote by the actor claiming a Christian faith and philosophy. Either way the actor, whether he was ever regenerated or not, acted as a first-century Christian in this film.

I will avoid naming the actor because I am not interested in debating this late actor's worldview, rather I am attempting to make a theological point. But for the sake of argument, let us state the quote correctly documents the actor as an atheist, or at least an agnostic.

It points to a simple, yet very important theological truth.

Reasonably as deduction:

A person can act in a fictional context.

A person can act in a non-fictional context.

A non-Christian can act as a Christian in a fictional context.

A non-Christian can act as a Christian in a non-fictional context.

The New Testament Scripture documents the existence of false Christians.

Therefore, the Christian Church contains some false Christians.
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This would be true regardless of how intentional the falsehood and/or act.

To me in the context of this present earthly realm, it is obvious that not all persons would be true Christians, but the New Testament revelation documents the reality of false Christians. As if it needs to be taught. Notably in I John 2: 19.

1 John 2:19 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

19 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 [a]it would be shown that they all are not of us.

1 John 2:19 English Standard Version (ESV)

19 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.

THE ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (2007) Wheaton, Illinois, Crossway Books.

THE NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (1984) Iowa Falls, Iowa, World Bible Publishers.