In “A Mere Form of Godliness,” Don Fortner addresses the dangers of false faith as contrasted with true faith in Christ. The central argument posits that many individuals may exhibit outward religious or spiritual characteristics, such as enlightenment and experiences of grace, yet lack a genuine relationship with Christ, as highlighted in Hebrews 6:4-6. Fortner emphasizes that false faith may resemble true faith in various ways, including outward morality and knowledge of Scripture, but ultimately fails to result in a saving union with Christ. He supports his argument through several scriptural references, including Matthew 7:21-23 and 2 Thessalonians 2:10, which illustrate the distinction between mere outward religion and the transformative power of true faith. The significance of this discussion lies in its warning against relying on experiences and superficial religiousity for assurance of salvation, urging believers instead to seek a true, heartfelt faith that results in a genuine love for Christ and a commitment to His glory.
Key Quotes
“Beware of resting your soul upon experiences, gifts, and outward works of religion.”
“It is possible to be ranked with the most spiritual, most gifted, most zealous men and women in the world and yet go to hell in the end.”
“False faith may resemble true faith in many ways, but it is ultimately hollow and devoid of saving grace.”
“True faith trusts no experience, no matter how great, and looks to Christ alone.”
What does the Bible say about false faith?
The Bible warns that false faith may resemble true faith but lacks genuine saving grace and union with Christ.
Hebrews 6:4-6, Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, John 16:8-11
How do we know true faith is real?
True faith is real if it is rooted in a saving relationship with Christ and produces genuine love and obedience.
John 16:8-11, Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:10
Why is understanding false faith important for Christians?
Understanding false faith is crucial as it helps Christians discern genuine believers from those who only exhibit a form of godliness.
Matthew 7:21-23, Hebrews 6:4-6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. - Hebrews 6:4-6A Mere Form of Godliness
In these verses the Spirit of God shows us plainly that there are some people who have what appears to be heavenly gifts who have no grace in their hearts. Multitudes have religion who do not have Christ. Many there are who enjoy great experiences who have never experienced grace. Many have a form of godliness who know nothing of the power of God by which sinners are born again. These verses speak of people who have experienced much, professed much, and demonstrated much in religion. Yet, they have no saving union with Christ. They have faith; but it is a false faith. They have repentance; but it is a repentance that needs to be repented of. They have experienced religion; but they have not experienced the grace of God. Beware of resting your soul upon experiences, gifts, and outward works of religion. To build your house upon these things is to build upon sand. It is possible to be ranked with the most spiritual, most gifted, most zealous men and women in the world, and yet go to hell in the end (Matt. 7:21-23). Is your faith the faith of God's elect; or is it a false faith?
•False faith may be greatly enlightened and knowledgeable of gospel truth. Judas was. True faith receives the love of the Truth (2 Thess. 2:10).
•False faith excites the affections, like the stony ground hearers of the parable, and causes people to spring up like shooting stars, only to fade quickly. True faith is the abiding, growing gift of God.
•False faith reforms the outward life and causes people to live better before men. True faith arises from a regenerate heart and causes people to seek the will and glory of God.
•False faith may speak well of Christ, as the Jews did. True faith loves Christ.
•False faith confesses sins, like King Saul. True faith confesses sin, like David.
•False faith may humble itself in sackcloth and ashes, like Ahab. True faith humbles itself before God.
•False faith may repent in terror, like Esau and Judas. True faith repents in contrition, being convinced of God's way of salvation in Christ (John 16:8-11).
•False faith often performs religious works very diligently. Saul of Tarsus did. True faith is a faith, which "worketh by love."
•False faith is sometimes very generous and charitable (Ananias and Sapphira). True faith causes ransomed sinners to be generous, willingly, constrained only by love and gratitude.
•False faith may tremble at the Word of God, like Felix. True faith trembles and bows.
•False faith often experiences much in religion. True faith trusts no experience, no matter how great, and looks to Christ alone.
•False faith often enjoys great religious privileges, like Lot's wife. True faith places no confidence in the flesh.
•False faith may preach, perform miracles, and cast out demons, like Judas. True faith rejoices in having one's name written in heaven.
•False faith often attains high office in the church, like Diotrephes, and walks with great preachers, as Demas walked with Paul. True faith is honored to keep the doors of God's house and walk with Christ.
•False faith may be peaceful and carnally secure, like the five foolish virgins. True faith presumes nothing, but looks constantly to Christ.
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