DEADLY DECEPTION

The Danger of Counterfeit Christianity:

Satan’s greatest weapon isn't outright rebellion through dark rituals; it's religious deception—the belief that external engagement with faith equates to genuine salvation. He is a master counterfeiter (2 Cor. 11:14), busy crafting a version of Christianity that looks attractive, "feels" right, and sounds close to the untrained ear... but it lacks true regeneration, transformation, and fruit production. Jesus warned that many who think they belong to Him will one day hear the most terrifying words in Scripture: “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matt. 7:23).

For many, their belief in Jesus starts with zeal—perhaps sparked by emotion, upbringing, or crisis—but over time, it fades. Whether through trials or comfort, belief that was never truly rooted in the Christ of Scripture or the WORD of God inevitably withers through exposure. Thanks be to God! He refuses to leave us stuck in our delusions so that all are without excuse! Sadly, rather than truly examining the validity of the message (or their hearts) to determine whether they ever had genuine saving faith, many instead despise the messenger carrying the life-giving message of grace, truth, and repentance. The same pattern has been revealed in Scripture from the very beginning. It persists in churches and "Christian" circles still today.

The Counterfeit: A Faith Rooted in Religious Engagement

Many, like Martha (Luke 10:38-42), mistake activity for authenticity—church attendance, Bible study, good works, paying it forward, random acts of kindness, and even ministry involvement can deceive people into thinking they possess legitimate saving faith. But King Jesus warns that religious deeds and externals are not evidence of true salvation or redemption:

• "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21)

• "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us." (1 John 2:19)

• "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

Satan doesn't fear religious people and churchgoers—he fears true disciples of Christ whose lives are fully submitted and abandoned to Christ in joyful obedience.

The Test: Examine Yourselves

Paul commands believers to conduct spiritual self-examination:

• "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Cor. 13:5)

Many will say, "Of course I’m saved! I prayed The Prayer! I was baptized! I’ve been in church for years!" None of these is biblical evidence of salvation—only fruit that remains does (John 15:5-6). The real question is:

• Do I hunger for God’s Word (Ps. 1:2; 119:97)?

• Am I convicted by sin (1 John 3:9)?

• Do I repent of my sin (2 Sam 12:13) or merely feel bad about it (2 Cor 7:10)?

• Do I love my brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 3:14)? My enemies (Matt 5:43-48)?

• Do I endure in faith despite suffering (Matt. 10:22; Heb. 10:39)?

• Is my life bearing real, spiritual fruit based on Scripture's testiomony (Gal. 5:22-23)?

• Is the fruit I'm producing a byproduct of my being a member of Christ's Bride (Eph 2:10; 4:16)?

If these realities are absent—if our faith is marked instead by inconsistency, convenience, lukewarmness, disinterest, rebellion, or hypocrisy—i.e. bearing His Name in emptiness... then we must answer the sobering question: Is that faith genuine or am I masquerading as a servant of righteousness?

The Response: Strengthen What Remains

Jesus’ message to the church in Sardis is His message to many today:

• "Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God." (Rev. 3:2)

For those convicted that their faith is inauthentic, there is no condemnation, only hope! The solution is not to be defensive or resentful but to repent and pursue Christ wholeheartedly as a member of His Body & Bride:

• Cry out to God in repentance (Joel 2:12-13; 1 John 1:9).

• Seek Him with all your heart (Jer. 29:13).

• Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and heart (Rom. 12:2; Ezek. 36:26).

• Obey His Word and bear fruit (John 15:8).

• Serve as a member of a solid New Testament church (1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 4:11-16; Heb 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-27; 1 Thess 5:13-13; Rom 12:4-8; Col 3:4-16; Pr 31:10-31).

  
  

The Call: Will You Examine or Attack?

When the reality of counterfeit faith is exposed, there are only two responses: repentance or resistance. Sadly, many attack the messenger rather than examine the message.

• The Pharisees rejected Jesus because He exposed their hollow religion (John 8:37-40).

• King Ahab called Elijah a “troubler of Israel” because he spoke God’s truth (1 Kings 18:17-18).

• Stephen was stoned because his message cut to the heart (Acts 7:51-54).

Scripture repeatedly warns that true messengers will be hated (Matt. 5:10-12). The question is: Will you be like those who killed the prophets, or will you be like those who heard the truth and repented?

Conclusion: Today, If You Hear His Voice

Jesus’ warning is clear:

• "Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:16)

This is not a call to fear-mongering but to faithful obedience. If our walk with Christ is weak, we must strengthen what remains. If we have merely been playing church, we must repent and seek true transformation. And if we are bearing fruit, we must continue steadfastly in faith, prayer, and mission.

"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." (Heb. 3:15)

The joy of salvation is not lost forever—it is found in wholehearted surrender to Christ. Will you examine yourself, or will you shoot the messenger?

How will you respond?

Blessings & love,

Kevin M. Kelley

Senior Pastor

BigIslandChristianChurch.com