EXPOSING CULTS

When many of us think of a "cult", we automatically think of groups such as Moonies, Hari Krishna, and the like. We almost never hear sermons on cults, and more rarely even acknowledge that in our world today there are in fact many cults out there masquerading as Christian based organizations, easily misleading those who are searching for God and salvation that only Christ can give.

How do you know the difference between cultic teachings, and true teaching? With many non-Christian cults, it's easy and fairly obvious. On the flip side of the coin, when you start looking at the many different doctrines and denominations in the Christian world today, it's not as easy to determine which are cults, and which are not.

Words of Caution

The Body of Christ has many parts (1Cor 12:12-27). When discussing the discernment of cults we must be cautious that we do not mistake simple differences in doctrine or denominational differences as cultic. To do so would be the equivalent of a "witch hunt" resulting in persecution of not only the innocent, but the workings of God and the Holy Spirit. To falsely accuse the Holy Spirit is not something any God-fearing person ever wants to do. So anytime you accuse someone of false teachings and cultic activities, proceed with prayer and caution.

Although Jesus prayed for unity of the church, and Paul warned against separation and disunity among believers, such differences do not necessarily mean that you are in, or have experienced the teachings of a cult. In fact, scripture tells us that there will be different ministries, but of the same Lord, and differences of workings, but the same God working in all things (1Cor 12:5-6). Scripture also tells us that just because someone does not belong to our "group", or is not "with us" does not mean the other "group" or physical church is wrong, a cult, or promoting false teachings (Mar 9:39-40, Luke 9:49-50).

So how do you know who may promoting cultic activities, thoughts, or misleading well meaning believers with false teachings?

Signs of Cultic Beliefs

There are many clear signs of cults and false teachings. Many are very COMMON signs even when discussing the various different cults:

• Teachings that contain "extra biblical" or "special revelations". The bible contains 66 books in the Old and New testaments. Many cults add their own revelations that take precedence over the bible. Or, more commonly, you will see a limited number of scriptures taken out of context, resulting in totally different interpretations. (I have seen many times where specific scriptures are referenced to support a doctrinal position, yet the scripture even by itself does not have anything to do with the intended reference!) - Gal 1:9, Rev 22:18-19
• Salvation by Works. Any teaching that encourages people to seek a relationship with God apart from the person and work of Jesus is in error. For some, this may mean a complete rejection of Christ and his work, or more commonly a partial rejection that adds or takes away from the gospels and Christ's work. Even more common are claims or interpretations of scripture that say besides trusting or having faith in Christ, that you must do certain other things to be saved. The Gospels consist of salvation by grace, nothing more nothing less. - Eph 2:8-9
• The teaching of anything not "completely" scriptural in nature, teaching of partial truth using part of scripture out of context, teachings based on someone's "interpretation of scripture", or teachings and interpretations that conflict with other scriptures. Many cults hold up just a few words or sentences to support their beliefs, and totally ignore the bulk of other scripture that does not support their beliefs. Awhile back I reviewed a bible study where one of the categories listed was titled; "the promise of tongues". But when you read the scriptures used to prove the author's point in context, you do not find the "promise of tongues" anywhere! Instead, you find the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, of which speaking in tongues is just one of the many signs or gifts bestowed on believers when the promise is fulfilled. By purposely confusing "receiving" the Holy Spirit with "receiving" the gift of tongues, the "interpreted" scripture is twisted to match the doctrine being taught. - Gal 1:9, Rev 22:18-19
• Denial or lack of Full recognition of Jesus Christ as God's son, equal with the Father. Cults either totally deny Christ, or relegate him to a position less than what he merits (such as saying Jesus was a prophet instead of the Messiah) - 1John 2:22, 1Cor 3:11
• Cults often encourage and/or create division among all believers, preaching a doctrine of isolation. In many cases, this extends to separation from, or restricting communication with family members and friends outside the church, again emanating from mislead "interpretations" of scripture where the "interpretation" conflicts with other scriptures regarding the same subject. True Christians preach and practice unity not just among themselves, but among other believers as well understanding that the body of Christ is not made up of an eye or a foot, but many different parts. - Eph 4:13, John 17:11, 1Cor 1:10-13

False Teaching, False Doctrines were Prophesied

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve" (2 Corinthians 11:13–15).

"But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit" (Jude 17–19).

How to know the difference

"Evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:13–15).

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world" (1 John 4:1–3).

"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruits, nor can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." (Matthew 7:15-18)

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"All the way through the Bible we are warned against false prophets and false teachers ‘who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves’ (Matthew 7:15). Sometimes it is extremely difficult for Christians to discern a false prophet. . . . Jesus spoke of ‘false prophets’ . . . who will ‘show great signs and wonders . . . to deceive, if possible, even the elect’ (Matthew 24:24)." - Billy Graham

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These are difficult times for all Christians. Activity in the Middle-east is sparking more and more discussion among Christians about bible prophecies, people are thinking seriously about how each of us can have a unique identification placed on our bodies, children are killing their parents, their young brothers and sisters, school mates, Christian leaders are being used by Satan, causing others to question the sincerity of Christianity itself, even the most popular television shows preach a message where many sins are now portrayed as "normal", and worst of all the body of Christ, the true church is divided into hundreds of doctrines split into so many denominations that it is difficult for people to determine what is of Christ, and what is not. There is no unity among followers of Christ. Everyone who has a church says "our teaching will lead you to eternal life", not realizing that it's not a physical church, a variation on doctrine or a certain denomination Jesus is coming back for.

A cult can be defined as a religious group which teaches doctrines or beliefs which deviate from the broad consensus of orthodox Christian doctrine. Cults either distort biblical truth or focus on half-truths. The truth which they do proclaim is often mixed with doctrinal error and is therefore dangerous. Cults succeed in deceiving many.

What is a false teaching? It is any teaching which is contrary to the basic doctrines of God’s Word, such as those having to do with the Trinity, the virgin birth of Christ, His atoning death, His bodily resurrection and second coming, salvation by grace through faith, the bodily resurrection of all believers, and the reality of heaven and hell.

More than ever, this is a time for Christians to pray for guidance and for God to light the path to his Son so that we are not mislead by the many false prophets and ministers of light who in reality are knowingly and unknowingly serving the interest of Satan.

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak" (Mark 14:38).

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings" (1 Peter 5:8–9, NIV).

Pray for wisdom, study God's word with the heart and mind of a child, placing your faith and understanding in God, not man.

Yours in Christ,catcmo2006