THE HYPOCRITES' LADDER OR LOOKING GLASS-Modernized Edition: A Discourse on Hypocrisy’s Deadly Deceit — Showing the Soul’s Ascent Toward Heaven and the Mirror That Tests the Truth of Grace

PART ONE: THE HYPOCRITE'S LADDER - How Far Can You Climb Without True Faith?The book opens with an exposition of Matthew 11:23-24, where Jesus pronounces judgment on Capernaum—a city that had witnessed more of Christ's miracles than anywhere else, yet remained unconverted. Christ declares it would be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment than for Capernaum. Why? Because Capernaum had extraordinary spiritual privileges but no genuine transformation.Sheffield uses this text as a launching point to explore what he calls "the Hypocrite's Ladder"—a detailed analysis of how high someone can rise in religious profession without possessing saving faith. He systematically identifiessixty distinct stepsthat can be climbed by those who are ultimately self-deceived.The Four Types of Grace That Hypocrites Can Possess:1. Preparatory Graces- These include:Illumination of the mind to understand spiritual truths intellectuallyConviction of sin that produces temporary remorseLegal terrors and fear of hell's consequencesDesires for salvation (but not for holiness)Temporary reformations of outward behaviorProfessions of faith and public religious commitments2. Fundamental Graces (in counterfeit form)- The hypocrite can exhibit what appears to be:Faith (but only historical or temporary, not saving)Repentance (but only from fear, not genuine heart change)Love (but for personal benefit, not for God's glory)Hope (but presumptuous, not grounded in true conversion)3. Nutritive Graces- These are the ongoing practices that seem to sustain spiritual life:Regular prayer (lengthy, eloquent, even emotional)Diligent hearing of sermons and Bible studyParticipation in sacramentsFellowship with believersFinancial giving and acts of charityZeal for sound doctrine and defending the faith4. Consummative Graces- Even advanced spiritual experiences can be counterfeited:Joy in worship and spiritual exercisesComfort from Scripture and promisesConfidence in God's favorBoldness in witnessingSuffering for the faithPerseverance for many years in rel