There are false teachers. This is why you need to know the truth, need to know Jesus, need to know God’s Word for yourself. This is why you need the Holy Spirit in you so that you have discernment to know something is wrong.

Who are false teachers? They teach heresy, for one. They follow sensuality, teaching experiences instead of truth. They are greedy; they want your money. They talk big about their spiritual authority and power. They don’t submit to authority.

They make big promises, but they are slaves.

Peter says it would have been better for them to have not known the way of righteousness than to turn back. They will end up worse than how they started.

So, what’s happening? Can you lose your salvation? Were these people saved?

The truth is that the elect will be saved because our salvation is completely reliant on God and He cannot fail.

The truth is that other people will respond to the gospel, maybe out of fear of hell or desire for peace.

Judas was a disciple and an apostle. He sat under Jesus’ teaching and was sent out in Jesus’ authority with power to heal and cast out demons. He went to hell. The people who say, “Lord, Lord” and Jesus responds, “I never knew you,” were ones who sat under His teaching and had authority to cast out demons.

Judas chose his own destiny. He was a thief. These people are choosing their own destiny. God freely offers all things to us. Jesus died for all. God can and does love them all.

But these false teachers chose greed. These teachers are going after money, not righteousness.

If your heart is set on Jesus, God gives us the desires of our hearts. Rest assured He is faithful to all His promises. Trust Him to keep your heart.