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Answer
The decision of a Christian leader to abandon his or her faith is heartbreaking. We mourn such an occurrence, and the sadness we experience is intensified by the fact that the departure is often accompanied by other distressing news: a divorce, the exposure of hidden sins, the acceptance of worldly moral standards, and so on. The far-reaching consequences of a Christian leader renouncing faith impact him, his family, his former congregation, and the broader church community. While most apostates go unnoticed, those in prominent (some might say “celebrity”) positions within the church attract attention when they walk away from their beliefs.
The issue of false believers within the church, even in positions of authority, is not a new one. Jesus cautioned us about false prophets (Matthew 7:15;Matthew 24:11). Paul warned the elders in Ephesus about apostates emerging from within their own ranks (Acts 20:29-31). He alerted Timothy to spiritual dangers and provided examples: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:12-14). John shed light on the spiritual state of apostates: “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us” «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). In essence, apostates are not individuals who have “lost” their salvation; instead, they are individuals who were never saved initially. False believers eventually reveal their true nature. Tares can be distinguished from wheat over time.
How should we react when individuals whom we relied on as good leaders in the church stray? Here are some suggestions for the Christian:
1. Reflect on yourself. We are called to humility, not arrogance. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” «Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. », (1 Corinthians 10:12). Peter believed his dedication to Christ was greater than that of the other disciples, affirming to Jesus: “Even if all fall away, I will not” «But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. », (Mark 14:29). However, Peter was not as steadfast as he assumed (verse 30). Each of us has a duty to take our relationship with God seriously: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” «Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? », (2 Corinthians 13:5). Are we genuinely in the faith, or are we merely giving lip service to Christ and pretending to follow Him?
2. Pray for the apostate. The choice of an individual to “fall away” from the faith should grieve us. Pray for reconciliation and that they may come to truly know the Lord. Pray for everyone in the apostate’s circle.
of influence: family members, church members, and others close to the apostate who are sure to be devastated by the news.
3. Look to Jesus. He alone is the author and finisher of our faith “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”, (Hebrews 12:2). Right now, it may be a certain pastor or best-selling author who holds the headlines. Tomorrow, it may be someone else. But our focus should be Jesus. He never changes “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”, (Hebrews 13:8). His love, His purity, and His truthfulness are constant. The headlines of our hearts should always feature Christ and His perfect work.
4. Remember that the gospel is not affected by the actions of fallible men. The decision of an apostate to leave the faith says exactly nothing about who Jesus is or the truth of the Bible. It does say much about the apostate, though. Drawing a window shade does not cause the sun to go away, and the choice of someone to reject the truth does not change the truth. The gospel remains unsullied: repentance and faith in the death and resurrection of Christ will result in the Holy Spirit’s supernatural transformation of a person from a child of the devil into a child of God.
5. Look for the good that true followers of Christ are doing every day. It’s easy to dwell on negative stories about Christian leaders in the news. But the church is doing wonderful things every single day around the world. To quote GARBC national representative Mike Hess, “Consider how God has used His church over the past week. All around the world faithful pastors have stood and unashamedly proclaimed the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faithful servants have sacrifiEspecially, some have served children in churches during Vacation Bible School. Others have patiently listened and prayed with those experiencing unspeakable suffering and pain. Neighbors have been welcomed into homes where the love of Christ has been shown by Christians demonstrating generous hospitality. Orphans have been embraced. Loving and restorative church discipline has led to heartfelt repentance and reconciliation. Local churches have dispatched teams on short-term missions trips worldwide. New hope has been instilled in struggling marriages through compassionate Biblical counseling that aims to help rather than harshly judge. Prodigals have returned home. New believers have publicly declared their faith and identified with the gospel through believer’s baptism. And perhaps most importantly, many have come to faith in Christ” (from a GARBC website commentary, accessed 8/1/2019). None of these things attract national attention. Perhaps they should.
6. Put on the whole armor of God. This spiritual battle we are in is real. Our enemy is active and seeking whom he may devour “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”, (1 Peter 5:8). But God has given us protection (Ephesians 6:10-18) that we would be wise to wear.
7. Stay connected to the believers in your church. We have a great asset in fellow believers who can exhort, encourage, and edify us. We can hold each other accountable and help guard against the subtle encroachment of sin. “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Encouragement serves as a remedy that counters the effects of sin poisoning and spiritual hardening. It is recommended to receive a daily dose of encouragement.
Doctrine holds significance, along with maintaining a sincere daily relationship with God. May the Lord protect us all from straying and bringing dishonor to His name.
