Here, the Holy Spirit gives us the evidence of that God-given faith of God's elect, and the evidence of phony faith which the flesh produces. True faith will take heed to the warnings of scripture, and search the heart for evidences of unbelief and cry out to God for aid. On the other hand, counterfeit faith is full of presumption and looks to something other than Christ for assurance. True faith will persevere to the end because it is fastened to a living person, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4). While counterfeit faith will end in failure because it is resting on some false grounds of hope(Isa.28.17). True faith in time of trial will bring the believer closer to His Lord, knowing the trial is from His hand and for our good (Rom. 8:28). On the other hand counterfeit faith in time of trouble will result in the person departing from the gospel and from those who believe. An evil heart of unbelief is always manifested by departing from the living God. John said, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for had they been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us, but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us" (John 2:19). Let us not be afraid to examine ourselves to see whether we be in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). True faith is willing to submit to the word of God because it is the foundation of faith.

All those adopted into God's family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the scriptures say!