In our day of “tolerance,” political correctness, and religious pluralism, we would never call someone a liar! Only the judgmental and narrow-minded would do such a thing in the “progressive” era in which we have achieved! Never mind the fact that the individual just may in fact be telling an untruth and thereby deceiving others and himself and leading people astray.
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, had no qualm or problem with calling someone a liar! Especially when it came to the absolute most important topic of discussion in this life: salvation! One of John’s main themes, main points, main emphases in his First Epistle is to stress that if someone’s life does not match his profession of faith in Christ, he is NOT a true believer! He is a liar! He lies when he says he is a disciple because his lifestyle, his habits, his attitude speak much louder than his words!
1:6 - If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 2:3-4 - And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. Whoever says “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 2:9 - Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 2:15 - If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2:29 - If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.
Why did John write this truth over and over? Surely because he faced the same twisting of the Gospel we face today. Many believe that salvation involves a mere decision without a necessary change of life. Justification without sanctification is NOT biblical salvation! Don’t be a liar!
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