The Bible is paradoxical.
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)
OK, great. So if they have good fruit, then they’re a good apple, right? Um… not so fast.
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22)
Clearly, these people had good fruit, but they were bad apples.
So how exactly do know who’s a good apple and who’s a bad apple?
If they have bad fruit, they’re probably a bad apple, but even good apples have bad fruit sometimes. Case in point… The man after God’s own heart, David, who orchestrated a married man’s death to cover up his adultery.
If they have good fruit, they might be a good apple, but they could also be a bad apple.
So the conclusion is… it’s pretty much impossible to know for sure, who’s a good or bad apple.