False Believers

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” -Matthew 24:24

What is so disturbing is that most of us read passages like the one above and immediately assume that we cannot or will not be deceived by those who come in Christ’s name but are really wolves in sheep’s clothing. It is almost as if we hide behind the words of Jesus as if they will shield us from being deceived by false Christs and false prophets. After all, when we do see someone claiming to be Christ, it is blatantly obvious that such a one is a liar. And when we hear a person claim to be a prophet of God, we almost reflexively disbelieve him and recognize him as a deceiver.

But what if the most dangerous false Christs and false prophets are not the ones who openly claim such status, but rather feign humility, love, friendship, and even a relationship with the Lord Himself? Such a prospect is frightening, but I think most every Christian in America today who is not living in a monastery or cave either is or has been friends with an unbeliever who claims the name of Christ.

Mind you, I am not talking about a person who says that they are “Christian” because that’s how they were raised, or because they go to church, or because they believe in God. We recognize that such people do not really understand what a Christian is.

No, I am talking about one who not only “talks the talk” but even appears to “walk the walk.” Such a person might go to Bible study, teach at the church, invite others to church, and even lead worship at services. They might be able to quote relevant verses from Scripture in a variety of situations. You may catch them offering to lead prayer before a meal. By all accounts, such a person appears to be a follower of Christ. So how do you know the difference between a false believer and a true Christian who is just struggling?

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” -Matthew 7:20

Think about the Christians you know. Their identity as a Christian may be so ingrained in your mind that when they repeatedly bear “bad fruit” you might just pass it off as spiritual immaturity or simply the flesh rearing its ugly head. After all, none of us can claim that we never make mistakes.

But have you ever looked at any of the Christians you know and wondered, “Is (s)he really a Christian, or is it all just an act?”

If you have ever asked this question, beware. You may be dealing not with a false Christ or a false prophet, but with a false believer. Ask the following questions as you carefully consider the fruits they bear.

Do they demonstrate the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, self-control)?

Are they trustworthy?

Do they have a dismissive or haughty attitude toward the more “hard-to-swallow” parts of the Bible?

Are they legalistic?

Are they boastful, either materially or spiritually?

Are they humble, “submitting [themselves] one to another in the fear of God?” (Ephesians 5:21)

When confronted with their own error, do they become defensive or humbly accept rebuke?

These questions are based on my own experience with people who falsely used the name of Christ to gain trust, authority, and even material wealth. The Lord warned us about wolves in sheep’s clothing, and even had He not been so specific, we could logically conclude that if false Christs and false prophets will come, it is a certainty that false believers will come as well, and in even greater numbers.