Satan counterfeits the attributes of the Lord. His counterfeit of faith is presumption, which is so deceptive that each of us needs a true faith based on the Word so they will not be fooled. “That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption.” Steps to Christ, 61.
In The Desire of Ages, 126, we are told the following: “But faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith.
The heart is deceitfully wicked and man’s feelings cannot be trusted. Daily study of God’s word accompanied with prayers to heaven must be made with a request for a heart cleansing. Plead with God as did David in Psalm 139:23, 24 when he said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” For those who in sincerity pray this prayer, God will help identify any presumptuous thought.
“There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments.” The Acts of the Apostles, 562.
We fall for the devil’s counterfeit when we presume upon God’s word while we do not walk by faith with Him in obedience. Thus the prayer of David should also be our prayer: “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” Psalm 19:13.
| FAITH | PRESUMPTION |
| Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. | Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. |
| Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God, and to obey His commands. | Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of their sin. |
| Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures. | It is not faith (but presumption) that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. |