4 Things a False Convert Believes

Written on 6 April 2025.

Four Things a False Convert Believes

This article outlines a sermon entitled "Four Things That a False Convert Believes." The purpose is to clarify how false conversions are based on doctrinal error, not behavior, lifestyle, or sin. A person can seem religious or moral, yet be unsaved if their understanding of salvation is unbiblical.

Introduction

The sermon opens with a prayer and a reading from Proverbs and Psalms, emphasizing that only God, through His perfect Word, can truly convert a soul (Psalm 19:7). Conversion is not about personal change, morality, or religious acts—it is about believing the truth of the Gospel.

God Converts, Not Man

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. This means salvation is the work of God through His Word (1 Peter 1:23). False converts have made a mistake in what they believed at the time of their so-called conversion. The speaker stresses that this mistake is doctrinal, not behavioral.

1. Belief That One Can Lose Salvation

A primary error among false converts is the belief that salvation can be lost. This belief contradicts verses like John 3:16, which promises that those who believe "shall not perish" and "have everlasting life."

False converts fear they might end up in hell through sin or failure, but this is only true because they were never saved in the first place. True believers are secure because they trust in God’s promise, not their own actions.

2. Denial of Faith Alone

Another false belief is that salvation is not by faith alone in Christ. Groups like Catholics, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses add works, rituals, or other requirements to salvation, openly denying sola fide.

Scripture is clear: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" (Titus 3:5), and "To him that worketh not, but believeth... his faith is counted for righteousness" (Romans 4:5).

3. Contradicting Faith Alone

Some profess faith alone, but say things like, "True faith is never alone," implying that works must follow genuine faith. This contradiction leads to confusion.

The speaker argues that many unsaved people (including Muslims, Catholics, and even atheists) do good works without faith in Christ. If good works were evidence of true faith, then many false religions would qualify, which clearly contradicts biblical teaching.

4. Redefining Faith

The final error is changing the meaning of faith. False converts redefine belief to mean obedience, surrender, submission, or commitment. This makes salvation a continuous work rather than a one-time act of trusting Christ.

Biblically, faith means being persuaded that something is true (Romans 4:21). It is not obedience, lifestyle, or moral reform. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31) is a definitive promise, not a process of ongoing obedience.

Conclusion

False converts often believe one or more of these errors. In doing so, they stay lost, clinging to pride, judgment of others, and self-righteousness. In contrast, true salvation is simple: believe on Jesus Christ alone for the free gift of eternal life. Adding works or redefining faith only ensures condemnation.

The four signs of a false convert:

1. They believe salvation can be lost.
2. They deny salvation by faith alone.
3. They contradict faith alone by requiring works.
4. They redefine faith to mean obedience or commitment.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).