Topical Bible: Faith: The Wicked often Profess

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In the biblical context, faith is a profound trust and confidence in God, His promises, and His character. However, Scripture also acknowledges that not all who profess faith genuinely possess it. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the disparity between true faith and the superficial faith often professed by the wicked.

Superficial Faith in the Old Testament

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of insincere faith among the people of Israel. The prophets often rebuked the Israelites for their outward religious practices that lacked genuine devotion. Isaiah 29:13 states, "Therefore the Lord said: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me; their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.'" This verse underscores the tendency of the wicked to profess faith with their lips while their hearts remain distant from God.

The Pharisees and Hypocrisy

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocritical faith. They were known for their strict adherence to the law and outward displays of piety, yet their hearts were often far from God. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This passage illustrates how the wicked can profess faith outwardly while lacking true righteousness.

False Prophets and Deceptive Faith

The New Testament also warns against false prophets who profess faith but lead others astray. In Matthew 7:15-16 , Jesus cautions, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." These individuals may claim to have faith, but their actions reveal their true nature. Their profession of faith is a facade, masking their wicked intentions.

The Parable of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:3-9 and explained in verses 18-23 , further illustrates the concept of superficial faith. Jesus describes different types of soil representing the hearts of those who hear the word of God. The rocky ground symbolizes those who receive the word with joy but have no root, and their faith quickly withers under trials. This parable highlights how some may profess faith initially, but without depth and genuine commitment, it does not endure.

Faith Without Works is Dead

The Epistle of James addresses the issue of faith that lacks corresponding actions. James 2:14-17 states, "What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by works, contrasting with the empty profession of faith by the wicked.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the distinction between genuine faith and the faith often professed by the wicked is evident. True faith is characterized by a heartfelt trust in God, resulting in obedience and righteous living. In contrast, the wicked may profess faith outwardly, but their actions and hearts reveal a lack of true devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 8:13,21
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Victory Over the World through Faith
... In view of facts like these, I have often been astonished ... the world and live by a
faith unknown to ... examples of Christian life before those wicked, sceptical men ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxii victory over the world.htm

The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... who have been sawn asunder thereby, and often cried out ... not only from the troubling
of the wicked, not only ... for the scriptural doctrine of salvation by faith. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation
... How often have I spoken of the pit which God hath digged for the wicked, into which ...
The last thing Noah earned by his faith was this, he became heir of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/noahs faith fear obedience and.htm

Of the Reasons for Administering Correction to Bad and Good ...
... life, and may be driven from the faith; this man's ... use meagre food and raiment, do
often take thought ... abstain from finding fault with the wicked, because they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the reasons for.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... V. Show that gospel justification is by faith. ... 1. Sinners often plead their sinful
nature, as a justification ... own mouth will I condemn thee, thou wicked servant ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... Very often the greatest offence possible to them is to ... The wicked are for throwing
away the threatenings of the ... and use them as the ground of our faith when we ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... notices delivered again and again,
which were as often set at ... Let him exert all the faith which God has given ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Letter clxix. To Leo Augustus.
... by no trace of the heresy now so often condemned: lest ... it is not only the integrity
of his faith that must ... restored by any conditions, yet the wicked and bloody ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxix to leo augustus.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... up against affliction a great deal better than their faith in God's ... groans, and sighs,
and murmurs?" Might not a wicked man come in often, when Christians ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... Sadducees had the hardihood openly to profess that there ... pious worshipers of God
receive by faith only? ... Thus the wicked often experience the beneficence of God ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm