1 John 2:19¹⁹They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us, but in order that they might be revealed that they all were not from us.

They of this verse refer back to the “antichrists” of the previous verse. This group had apparently been part of John’s church but had left. They could not make the commitment to follow Christ. Something enticed them away from the truth. Perhaps they harbored their sin and would not confess it. They may have loved the world too much and could not embrace the selfless way of Christ. The gospel’s promise of eternal life sounded nice to them but they were not willing to commit to the obedience that faith requires. The first and most crucial step of obedience is confession and repentance.

This group left on their own accord. They were Christians by name only but not by heart. Their darkened hearts could not handle living in the light of the true believers. Their departure could have discouraged the true believers, but it is usually a sad situation when people leave a church. Often, “leaving” a church just means the people are looking for greener pastures somewhere else, perhaps with people who accept their views or lifestyles. Church hoppers sometimes are also troublemakers. Hopefully, this leaving is not because of bitterness in their hearts that results from putting self before God or others. Even looking for greener pastures at the more exciting church with bigger programs or better music down the street may indicate a heart issue. The genuineness or hypocrisy of those who left the Johannine community became apparent when they left. They were not genuine believers. Those who truly believe are kept safe in the grace of God.