Some parents of prodigals have walked the hard road of a false profession of faith by their son or daughter—only to be heartbroken, realizing it was a manipulative effort to gain some advantage. Having grown up in a Christian home, prodigals are well versed in what to say and do to give their parents hope that their profession may be real.
Not wanting to thwart the work of the Spirit, and excited to think that their prayers have been answered, parents may take the profession at face value and welcome their prodigal home. Soon, the reality brings disappointment and the deep pain of betrayal.
We should regard with realism any profession of faith. Proverbs 14:15 points out that “[t]he simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Simply put, faith professed should not be trusted until it is tested, even by the one making the profession. Only time and trials will enable us to discern if the profession reflects genuine saving faith.
Does this mean we should treat those professing faith with skepticism? The Bible would not support such an approach… however, the pattern we see in the Bible for responding to professions of faith does not
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