Discerning Genuine Faith
Many claim to follow Christ, but not all conversions are genuine. Learn how to discern true salvation by the fruit it produces and the surrender it requires.
Unfortunately, not all conversions to Christianity are genuine. A counterfeit conversion is one that appears real on the surface but lacks the true transformation of the heart. It shows outward displays of religious behavior without the inward change brought by the Holy Spirit.
In a counterfeit conversion, there is no death to self, no submission to the Lordship of Christ, no taking up a cross, no obedience in following Christ, and no fruit of repentance—only empty words, shallow feelings, and barren religious activity. Many have a conversion of their emotions or their brain, but not their heart.
Sadly, there are many who grow up in the church and assume they are saved. They attend church and read the Bible their whole lives, yet never fully understand what true salvation is. That understanding only comes through the Holy Spirit—and He only comes to those who completely surrender their lives to Christ. Just saying the right words or praying the sinner’s prayer does not make someone a child of God.
It’s not a genuine conversion if it’s done for the wrong reasons. Many times, it’s based on emotion—not the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. True conversion involves a transformation where our own desires and ego are set aside to live according to God’s will. This is what it means to “die to self.”
“And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it.’” Luke 9:23–24
Genuine believers recognize Jesus not only as Savior but also as Lord—submitting to His authority in every area of life.
“For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9–11
True faith is demonstrated by obedience to Christ’s teachings.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Genuine repentance leads to a changed life—producing good fruit as evidence of true conversion.
“Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.” Matthew 3:8
When someone is truly saved and has fully surrendered their life to Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work in them—shaping their character and transforming their desires. Their life will begin to show the fruit of the Spirit, not by effort alone, but because of the Spirit now living in them.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23
These verses show the importance of authentic faith that transforms lives and bears fruit. They serve as a clear warning against a shallow, surface-level faith that lacks true commitment and obedience to Christ.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
