Recognizing True Christianity

A genuine Christian is one who has repented of sin, put faith in Christ, and now strives to live in harmony with the inspired Scriptures. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” A sincere Christian, therefore, abandons a sinful life and walks faithfully after the Savior (Matthew 16:24). True Christians subject every aspect of life—thought, speech, and conduct—to God’s standards (Romans 6:17–18). They uphold the Bible’s moral guidelines, including clean speech, purity, and honest dealing (Ephesians 4:29; 5:3; Philippians 4:8). They endeavor to show love to fellow believers and to unbelievers, knowing that “love for one another” is the identifying mark of Christ’s disciples (John 13:34–35). They maintain a steadfast commitment to the central truths of the Christian faith, including Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and the authority of Scripture (1 John 4:2–3; 2 Timothy 3:16).

A devoted follower of Christ seeks to please God, not men. Jesus’ warning at Matthew 6:1 shows that public acts of righteousness, when motivated by a desire for human approval, forfeit God’s blessing. Individuals guided by the Holy Spirit–inspired Word will do good in order to honor Jehovah. The apostle Paul taught that a Christian’s works should result in God being glorified, never as a means to indulge selfish ambition (Philippians 1:9–11).

Indicators of Hypocrisy

A “fake Christian” is anyone who professes allegiance to Christ but fundamentally lives by worldly motives rather than the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21–23). The Scriptures describe such a person as a deceiver, or one who outwardly appears to uphold the faith while embracing attitudes and actions condemned by God’s Word (Titus 1:16). Though they might recite biblical language, their lifestyle reveals a refusal to follow Christ’s example. James 1:26 underscores that if someone claims devotion to God but cannot restrain a venomous tongue, his religion is worthless.

Those who love the present world instead of loving God fall into the category of fake Christians (1 John 2:15–17). Although they might associate with fellow believers, they lack genuine heart devotion. Like those in Sardis, they have a name for being spiritually alive but are dead (Revelation 3:1). They may indulge in secret wrongdoing, comforted by an outward reputation for faith. Yet Jesus said, “Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest” (Luke 8:17). Eventually, hypocrisy is exposed, whether in this life or before God’s judgment seat. The apostle Paul foresaw that false teachers would infiltrate Christian congregations, “speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples” (Acts 20:30). These individuals rely on flattery, persuasive speech, or novel doctrines. Their aim is not to preserve scriptural truth but to gain followers and promote themselves. Fake Christians also distort hard-to-understand biblical passages, turning pure doctrine into excuses for sin (2 Peter 3:16). Their manner of living is often dominated by immorality, greed, or ambition (2 Timothy 3:4–5). Such conduct betrays that they have never genuinely known Christ (1 John 2:3–4).

Scriptural Examples of Counterfeit Faith

Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43) illustrates how insincere believers can mingle with genuine ones in the same congregation. Although they may appear outwardly similar—attending meetings, professing belief, and using religious language—the difference becomes evident in their fruitage. Just as useless weeds are destined for destruction, fake Christians face accountability for misrepresenting Christ. Another clear example is Judas Iscariot. For a time, he held a privileged position among the apostles. Outwardly, he fulfilled an apostle’s role, even managing the group’s funds. Inwardly, he was a thief who eventually betrayed Jesus for money (John 12:6; 13:21–27). Judas’s story confirms that external association with Christianity is no safeguard against hypocrisy.

Revelation’s letters to congregations also show that some within the church developed complacency and spiritual self-deception (Revelation 3:15–16). Though they identified as followers of Jesus, they lost genuine zeal and conviction. Likewise, Paul reproved certain members of Corinth who boasted in spiritual gifts but excused grave sins (1 Corinthians 5:1–2). A true believer repents immediately upon realizing sin, whereas a fake Christian resists correction (Hebrews 3:12–13). Their desire is not to be made right with God but to retain appearances. In short, fakes may display enthusiasm or use religious vocabulary, but they refuse the hard demands of discipleship (Luke 6:46).

Protecting Yourself from Religious Deception

Christians are urged to test their own faith to ensure it is sincere and not self-deluded (2 Corinthians 13:5). They do this by aligning their beliefs and actions with Scripture. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). Humble acknowledgement of sin and earnest repentance mark genuine faith, whereas excuses and denial indicate hypocrisy. Disciples of Christ maintain watchfulness, knowing that “fierce wolves” can enter a congregation (Acts 20:29–31). The apostle Paul commanded Timothy to be an “example of good works,” using language that is “sound” and “beyond reproach,” so that an opponent has nothing legitimate to condemn (Titus 2:7–8).

Another safeguard is love, “which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). Fake Christians neglect scriptural love, indulging instead in envy, jealousy, and malice, thereby causing division (Galatians 5:19–21). By contrast, true love reflects Christ’s example of humility and service (Philippians 2:3–5). Finally, total devotion to God’s revealed truth guards against counterfeit faith. Jesus prayed that his followers be sanctified by the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17). Those who wholeheartedly embrace that truth will steadily produce works of obedience, patience, kindness, and moral purity. Their conduct, both in private and public, testifies that they belong to Christ.

Conclusion

Scripture emphasizes that sincerity of heart, obedience to God’s will, and devotion to Christ define a real Christian. Anyone who plays the part outwardly but cherishes wickedness inwardly is faking devotion. Such ones can imitate the language and motions of faith, yet their deeds betray them. Genuine followers of Christ stand on biblical truth, living in accordance with Jesus’ commands, and loving one another with unfeigned hearts. Jesus’ words at Matthew 7:21–23 remain a sober warning: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of the heavens, but the one who does the will of my Father.” Those who practice what they profess are confirmed as authentic believers, while pretenders ultimately face exposure. May each person examine his own life, ensuring that faith rests firmly on Scripture and that deeds align with Christ’s teaching. A life that honors Jehovah and exemplifies the righteousness of Christ furnishes unmistakable evidence of genuine discipleship.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).