Topical Teachings > A - F

Cults

To the Christian, a cult can be defined as any group that has a form of godliness, but does not recognize Jesus Christ as the unique Son of God. Walter R. Martin in The Kingdom Of The Cults states that a cult "is a religious group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to belief or practice, from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture."

A cult may be oriented around a personality or around a "revelation" or "interpretation" of one individual. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses are, for the most part, followers of the interpretations and teachings of Charles T. Russell and J.F. Rutherford. Mormons are followers of the interpretations and teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

There are many kinds of religions in the world today. Each group says that theirs is a true religion. However, if you wish to know the true and living God, you must receive the Word of God with all readiness of mind and search the Scriptures daily, to find "whether those things are so" (Acts 17:11b).

What Scripture Says
How To Recognize A Cult
There Is Freedom In Christ
As You Pray
Suggested Reading

What Scripture Says

"Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104).

"And then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ! or, Look, He is there! do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have foretold you all things" (Mark 13:21-23).

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

[top]

How To Recognize A Cult

When you know the truth, that which is authentic, you will easily recognize the "less than authentic." Take the Bible at face value in all its simplicity. Search the Bible, to judge whether a teaching is cultish. See if it deviates from God's Word so as to pervert the clear teaching on important matters of faith and practice. Keep in mind this important truth: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16).

To help you identify a cult, the following questions can be used as guidelines:

Do they believe that the Bible is the holy, inspired Word of God and the only inspired book given according to Scripture? Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21
Do they accept any other "sacred" book as equal to or a perfect supplement to the Bible? God's Word condemns this. Revelation 22:18-19
Do they believe that the only salvation from sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ? Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22
Do they believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day in His glorified, changed, yet, physical body? Luke 22-24:39
Do they believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ? Luke 1:27-33; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18,25
Do they believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God? John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12
Do they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God? John 3:16,17; Colossians 1:15-17
Do they believe that there is only one God, and that there is none other like Him? Deuteronomy 4:35; 6:4; Ephesians 4:6
Do they believe in a literal heaven and literal hell? Luke 16:19-31; Isaiah 5:14; Matthew 6:10; Revelations 21:1
Do they believe that Jesus, being God's Son, is co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father? John 8:58; 17:5,24; Hebrews 1:1-3

[top]

There Is Freedom In Christ

If you have been entangled with any of the above groups, repent, renouncing your involvement with them. Call on the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9) and ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Participate in a local church fellowship and Bible study/prayer group where the Bible is the only rule for faith and practice (Acts 17:11b).

Revelation 22:18-19 warns us about subtracting or adding to God's Word. Jesus longs for and invites us to come to Him, because He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Simply by a heartfelt prayer of genuine repentance, any person can come to Him and be cleansed from every sin (Ephesians 1:7).

[top]

As You Pray

Use the armour that God has given in Ephesians 6. Through prayer and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, you can be free from false teaching and beliefs. Jesus said in John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."

[top]

Cults

What Scripture Says

How To Recognize A Cult

There Is Freedom In Christ

As You Pray

Suggested Reading

PRAYER CENTRE