The Bible warns that not everyone who claims to believe is truly born again, as seen in Matthew 7:21-23.
The concept of a false convert is addressed directly in scripture, particularly in Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus cautions that not everyone who calls Him 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven. This implies that genuine faith is not merely a verbal profession but must be accompanied by a changed heart and life. In Acts 8, Simon Magnus is a prime example of a false convert, as he exhibited outward signs of faith, such as baptism, while his heart remained unregenerate, seeking to purchase the gifts of God with money (Acts 8:18-20). This serves as a sobering reminder to believers to examine their faith and ensure it is rooted in a true relationship with Christ rather than superficial agreement or external observance.
Scripture References:
Matthew 7:21-23, Acts 8:18-20
Commentary