COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANS (5 OF 8)
by Scott Maze
Scripture: 1 John 2:18-27
This content is part of a series.
Counterfeit Christians (5 of 8)
Series: Truth of Life
Scott Maze
1 John 2:18-27
Multitudes of people claim various religious experiences. Some have had a religious experience as a young child and still others give only mental assent to the Bible's doctrines. So many people claim to have genuine experiences that make them a ''Christian'' [use air quotes here.] Yet, many people have religious experiences that FADE over time. How can you confidently know if you are a truly follower of Christ? WHAT makes Christianity more ''sticky'' in some? What is the proof that determines if a person truly follows Christ? Or, What makes a Christian a Christian?
By assurance, I am referring to a believer's confidence that he or she is already in a right standing with God, and their confidence that their belief will continue until the day of his or her judgment.
1. Four Quick Thoughts about Counterfeit Christians
1.1 Counterfeit Christians will be around until Christ Returns
''having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.'' (2 Timothy 3:5)
1.2 Satan Has Produced Counterfeit Christians Throughout History
Satan works to deceive the disciple of Christ. His plan of attack is to cause him to stop doing what he should be doing (witnessing, Bible reading, charity). Satan stops the true believers by causing him to incessantly question his salvation. The disciple who incessantly questions his experience with Christ finds no traction to confidently witness, pray, or study the Bible.
Satan doesn't assault the counterfeit Christian. Satan is happy that Counterfeit Christian is confident he is saved. He wants the counterfeit Christian to go to his grave with the confidence He is saved. The Pharisee never doubted that they were the true followers of God. They were bold to go to God, they felt confident to come near to Him, and they even thanked God for the great distinction God had made between them and other men (Luke 18:9-14).
The ...
Series: Truth of Life
Scott Maze
1 John 2:18-27
Multitudes of people claim various religious experiences. Some have had a religious experience as a young child and still others give only mental assent to the Bible's doctrines. So many people claim to have genuine experiences that make them a ''Christian'' [use air quotes here.] Yet, many people have religious experiences that FADE over time. How can you confidently know if you are a truly follower of Christ? WHAT makes Christianity more ''sticky'' in some? What is the proof that determines if a person truly follows Christ? Or, What makes a Christian a Christian?
By assurance, I am referring to a believer's confidence that he or she is already in a right standing with God, and their confidence that their belief will continue until the day of his or her judgment.
1. Four Quick Thoughts about Counterfeit Christians
1.1 Counterfeit Christians will be around until Christ Returns
''having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.'' (2 Timothy 3:5)
1.2 Satan Has Produced Counterfeit Christians Throughout History
Satan works to deceive the disciple of Christ. His plan of attack is to cause him to stop doing what he should be doing (witnessing, Bible reading, charity). Satan stops the true believers by causing him to incessantly question his salvation. The disciple who incessantly questions his experience with Christ finds no traction to confidently witness, pray, or study the Bible.
Satan doesn't assault the counterfeit Christian. Satan is happy that Counterfeit Christian is confident he is saved. He wants the counterfeit Christian to go to his grave with the confidence He is saved. The Pharisee never doubted that they were the true followers of God. They were bold to go to God, they felt confident to come near to Him, and they even thanked God for the great distinction God had made between them and other men (Luke 18:9-14).
The ...
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