“Many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them….. for He knew what was in man.” John 2:23 – 25

       The text quoted above is one of those profound gospel portions that every Christian should seriously consider. Here, many believed in Christ seeing His mighty acts, but the Lord Jesus did not trust them because He knew what was in their heart. This means that there is a possibility that many who consider themselves as followers of Christ or believers could be just having a superficial faith that is not recognized by Christ.
       A similar passage is found in Matthew 7: 21 – 23, where the Lord spoke about the possibility of rejecting the claims of many of the so-called followers of Christ. There will be a group of people who would approach Christ in His kingdom, calling Him Lord and also claiming to be His disciples who had done great things for Him. Yet the Lord says, I would say to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

False disciples

Both the above passages are a warning against false believers. Throughout the gospel of John we can notice that such people were following Christ. Observe the following passages:

• John 6: 60, 66:- Many of His so-called disciples turned back from following Him when Christ spoke of the deep spiritual truths referring to His person and work.

• John 8:31, 32:- Here, some believed, yet the Lord Jesus tells them that they are not disciples indeed.

• John 8:59:- The same group mentioned above had no hesitation to take up stones to throw at the Lord when He revealed their true identity. V.44

• John 12: 43:- Here, some believed but were not willing to take a public stand for Christ. Johns says, “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” As we go further, we can notice that it was this same crowd that cried “crucify Him”!
         That’s why the Lord did not trust them. Just imagine, if those who saw Christ personally and heard His teachings were proved to be false, how much more we need to be careful today!
         During the times of apostles too, such false believers were prevalent.

• Acts 8: 13, 21:- One person by name Simon believed and was baptized, but Apostle Peter recognized his diabolic intentions. He joined Philip falsely for monetary benefits.

• 1John 2:19:- Apostle John talks about some who left the assembly that it may be proved that they were not part of the church.

Such people join the congregations with ulterior motives; they move along with the brethren for some time and when the going becomes tough, they just leave the saints. In addition to false Christians, there were false apostles, false preachers, false brethren, false gospel, etc., in the first century itself. 2Corinthians 11: 13 – 15, 26; 2Peter 2:1ff.
       Paul says, “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:16. They are only professing Christians.

Scrutinize Faith

What do we learn from all this? The Lord does not value the crowd that is only concerned about miracles and personal gain. He is looking for individuals who follow Christ forsaking all other things. The Lord Jesus never expected a large multitude to follow Him, for He says, "Do not fear, little flock…” Luk 12:32a
       Also, we have to make every effort to make sure of our calling and election as Apostle Peter exhorts his readers. 2Peter 1:10. James too challenges his readers to be sure that their faith is true and living, reminding them of the faith of demons. He says, “Even the demons believe—and tremble!” James 2:19. What kind of faith do demons have? It cannot be the faith that saves a sinner. This means that we have to look at faith in its different connotations. Then experience true faith that saves a sinner as revealed in the New Testament.
       Dear reader, before it is too late, examine your true spiritual state in the light of the word of God. Do not just consider yourself to be a Christian based on your feelings or man-made traditions. Any tradition or teaching that is not in accordance with the Bible is deception. Do not neglect the warnings that came from the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles. It’s not enough to believe Christ; He also must trust and own us.

NTK

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Out line:-

Four Aspects of Faith.

1. The security of Faith.     1Peter 1:5
2. The trials of Faith.     1Peter 1:7
3. The joy of faith.     1Peter 1: 8
4. The end of faith.     1Peter 1:9
W E V BC

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Anecdote:

Misplaced Faith

        In April 1988 the evening news reported on a photographer who was a skydiver. He had jumped from a plane along with numerous other skydivers and filmed the group as they fell and opened their parachutes. On the film shown on the telecast, as the final skydiver opened his chute, the picture went berserk.
        The announcer reported that the cameraman had fallen to his death, having jumped out of the plane without his parachute. It wasn't until he reached for the absent ripcord that he realized he was freefalling without a parachute.
        Until that point, the jump probably seemed exciting and fun. But tragically, he had acted with thoughtless haste and deadly foolishness. Nothing could save him, for his faith was in a parachute never buckled on.
        Faith in anything but an all-sufficient God can be just as tragic spiritually. Only with faith in Jesus Christ dare we step into the dangerous excitement of life.

Unknown

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Worthy Quotes:-