False: Understanding Counterfeit Faith and Deception

False, sham, and counterfeit—these terms describe what is not genuine but a distortion of truth, designed to mislead and deceive. What is artificial gives the appearance of being real yet leads people astray.

The Nature of Falsehood

Something false is a counterfeit; it is not genuine but a distortion of the truth, designed to give a wrong impression, and is thus a form of deception. What is artificial gives the appearance of being real yet misleads people.

"Put off falsehood and speak truthfully…" – Ephesians 4:25

People who know the facts about Christ and claim to be Christians yet do not live as He instructs are in fact false disciples, and He said they will not enter heaven, neither will all who "love and practice falsehood" (Mt 7:21; Rev 2:15). Not everyone who claims to have been converted has, in fact, been converted.

Understanding False Conversion

A 'false conversion' can be to oblige and satisfy the seeming demands of a persistent and overzealous Christian who is intent on meeting targets and embraces the cheap gospel approach. It may be a confessing with the lips but without any input from the heart it is futile (Mt 15:8; Rom 10:9-10).

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven…" – Matthew 7:21

Another reason is these alleged new converts may have said 'Yes' to Jesus with little understanding of the implications of what is required from them, including to leave the old way of life – "Repent and believe the gospel...Produce fruit in keeping [consistent with] with repentance" (Mt 3:8). While false Christians may sometimes deceive us, they cannot deceive God.

Evidence of True Faith

True faith in Christ profoundly changes a person's life from the inside out, and the outworking of the new life will produce different fruit from pre-salvation days. As a result of being a new creation in Christ a real Christian will not repeatedly engage in sinful behaviour (Rom 6:1; 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Jn 3:9).

Jesus said, "By their fruit you will know them...A healthy tree cannot produce bad fruit and a diseased tree cannot produce good fruit" (Mt 7:16,18). Although like in the natural realm fruit will take time to develop, so it is in the spirit realm, where holiness and Christian character are to increase (Rom 6:22; Gal 5:22-23).

"By their fruit you will recognize them…" – Matthew 7:16

Reflection and Application:

Examine your own heart—are you living as a genuine disciple of Christ, or merely professing faith without transformation?
Consider whether your understanding of conversion includes the call to repentance and leaving behind the old way of life.
Evaluate the fruit in your life—does it evidence the work of the Holy Spirit and growth in holiness?
Reflect on the importance of authenticity in your walk with God, knowing that He cannot be deceived by outward appearances.