This concept of the faux believer brings to mind
an amusing exchange I read between apologist John Martignoni and a non-Catholic Christian:
Every believer in once saved always saved that I have ever met, also believes that there are those out there who think they are saved, but really are not – the faux believers, as I call them. So, ask anyone who believes in OSAS these questions (this is from an actual conversation):
Question: Are there people who think they’re saved, but they really aren’t?
Answer: Yes, there are.
Question: Are you saved?
Answer: Yes, I am.
Question: How do you know you’re not one of those people who think they’re saved, but they really aren’t?
Answer: I know in my heart that I am saved.
Question: Wouldn’t someone who thinks they’re saved, but really aren’t saved, say the same thing?
Answer: I suppose so.
Question: Then how do you know you’re really saved?
Answer: I just know.
Question: How do you know?
Answer: I just do.
The whole point of this line of questioning is that, if it is possible to think you’re saved, but not really be saved, then no one can have eternal security – no one can know for sure that they are saved – because anyone who thinks they’re saved could actually be one of those who think they are but really aren’t.
Indeed, there is not a single soul out in the OSAS world that believes he’s a faux believer. But he believes that there’s lots of other hapless folks who are these faux believers.