From the desk of Pastor Ben

False Disciples Versus The Word of Truth

Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.” As a result of this, many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.         (John 6:64-66)

Believing or rejecting the divine Word is the crucial line of demarcation between true and false disciples. True disciples will continue in God’s Word (John 8:31), which abides in them (John 15:7). In stark contrast, false disciples will ultimately reject God’s Word (John 8:37). Scripture is essential for bringing any sinner to salvation:

“Now the parable is this: the seed is the Word of God. . . . The seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.”     (Luke 8:11)

“For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”     (1 Peter 1:23)

Jesus held the false disciples personally responsible for their rejection of him, not because they could not understand, but because they refused to believe. Their unbelief, however, was no surprise to Him because He always knew who would and wouldn’t have faith. These teachings again underscore the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility — God condemns unbelievers because of their unbelief, but they are also lost because He chooses not to draw them to saving faith. So, false disciples are always at odds with God’s Word.

Ask Yourself:
Do you find yourself resisting any clear teaching of Scripture? What are the chief fears or factors at work that keep you from giving your wholehearted best to obedience?