So one can know for themself, but not if the preacher in the pulpit is truly saved?
But What John wrote only applied to those who truly believed. Who didn’t believe, but thought they did?
>> So one can know for themself
Yes
>> but not if the preacher in the pulpit is truly saved?
No. WAAAAAY above my pay grade to “know” if ANYone other than me is saved. I can hold opinions though, and those opinions, open to the guidance of the Spirit, can guide my interactions with others.
Check out Romans 10 (in part here, emphasis of course is mine):
Romans 10:5-11 (ESV)
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them.
>>>>>>
6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down)
7 or “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
<<<<<<<
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
>>>>>> 10 For with the heart one believes <<<<<<
and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”