True and False Believers

Aim: To be true believers—through saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Doctrine: The difference between true and false believers is not always initially discernible. This is because not all ''belief'' is salvific, but false ''faith'' is always exposed, given enough time.

Exegesis: Some characteristics of true and false believers: before hearing the gospel, all sinners are deluded (vv. 9-11); after hearing the gospel, elect sinners get saved (v. 12) and hypocritical sinners may appear genuine (v. 13).

Further application: Why the Bible's doctrine of true and false believers is really important: because there are a lot of deceived people in the world of religion, and God would have His true church be established in Christ.

Key verse: v. 12 ''But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.''