How can Christians identify false followers of Christ?

The distinction between true believers and false professors is made clear in the account of King Hoshea in 2 Kings 18. While he bore the name of an Israelite, his actions reflected a reliance on false gods and a lack of genuine faith. True believers, in contrast, depend solely on the person and work of Christ for their salvation, acknowledging their inability to earn God's favor through their own efforts. Those who profess faith in Christ but rely on their own works or moral standings may appear outwardly righteous, yet their trust divides their allegiance to God. Therefore, evaluating one's reliance on Christ versus personal merit is crucial in discerning true faith.