There are tens of thousands of Christian denominations and numerous types and divisions within them. Whether Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, or more modern cults such as IHOP, or any of the many other Christian cults and sects old or new, within them are those who are genuine but deceived Christians, and ‘false’ Christians, along with ‘lukewarm’ or ‘worldly’ Christians.
People are often bewildered as to why there are so many Christian denominations, sects and cults, and confused as to which one of them, if any, could be the right one. False doctrine and bad practices cause problems enough, not the least of which is providing demonic doorways, or licence grounds.
Then there is a very broad array of evidence that there are some dark goings-on in the higher echelons of many of these churches. Although, generally speaking, it is carried out in great secrecy with the help of various ‘levels’ of knowledge, as in freemasonry, and so not much of it gets into the public domain.
Some stricter cults coach their followers not to pay attention to ‘the outside’ or any outside sources of information so that even when something is in the public domain, they are not aware of it.
“For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Corinthians 11:18-19)
“But I fear, lest by any means, AS THE SERPENT BEGUILED EVE THROUGH HIS SUBTILTY, so your minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST. For if he that comes PREACHES ANOTHER JESUS WHOM WE HAVE NOT PREACHED, or if you RECEIVE ANOTHER SPIRIT, WHICH YE HAVE NOT RECEIVED or ANOTHER GOSPEL WHICH YE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED, ye might well bear with him.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness SHALL THEY WITH FEIGNED WORDS MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Often the various cults and sects do not rely only on the Bible – or their interpretation of it – but they have additional books which provide information about their beliefs and practices which are used alongside a Bible to ‘supplement’ or ‘clarify’ etc. the Bible whether a standard Bible or their own ‘translation’.
The Latter Day Saints have the Book of Mormon which they use alongside an AKJV bible. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have a whole library of many hundreds of publications throughout the decades since 1870 which they use along with their own Bible version. In addition, until fairly recently, two magazines were published every month, “Awake” and “The Watchtower”, but now only The Watchtower is published monthly, and Awake is an annual publication.
Christian Scientists have Mary Baker Eddy’s 1875 publication which she called the textbook of Christian Science, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”. Baker Eddy authored 16 other titles that are still in print today, as well as about 600 Christian Science pamphlets and serial publications, newspapers, and magazines.
The Catholics have their own version of the Bible, the Vulgate, and “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” which sets out various Catholic doctrines and dogmas summarising the main beliefs, providing the groundwork for understanding what Catholics believe. There are an endless number of books about the Catholic church, Catholic faith and practice, and other aspects of Catholicism.
The Seventh-day Adventists founded their Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association in 1861 and it is still going strong today. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has ‘literature evangelists’ to distribute their literature and they say they acknowledge literature evangelism as a self-supporting missionary in harmony with the church’s teachings and principles.
One of their founders, Ellen G. White (1827 – 1915) wrote dozens of books, about 5,000 periodical articles, and 200 pamphlets. As of 2019, more than 200 White titles are available in English, including compilations from her 100,000 pages of manuscript published by the Ellen G. White Estate, and accessible at the Adventist Book Center. [Wikipedia]
”I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: IF ANYONE ADDS TO THEM, God will add to him the plagues written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22: 18-19)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENCES contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; AND AVOID THEM. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:17-18)
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, EVIL SURMISINGS, PERVERSE DISPUTINGS OF MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, AND DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
“These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 1:19)
People can get trapped in these organisations through their community or because they were born into them. They have been programmed into believing certain things that seem to them to be correct, if not indisputable. Often they are deceived into believing that their particular organisation is the only one God uses. Many are convinced they are the only group who are saved and everyone else is lost. People are manipulated by cult leaders who are often narcissists and very capable manipulators, using tried and tested techniques, some of which have been developed over centuries.
Typically, an environment of fear is created in which people are subtly coerced into a mindset where they know they should not look outside of the cult literature etc. and it is wrong to ask questions or to question anything they are told by the cult leader/s.
Commonly, people feel fearful – and/or are incapable – of thinking outside of the beliefs they have been indoctrinated into. They are aware – subconsconciously or otherwise – that they can lose position and favour, and they may be excluded or shunned, even by their friends and families if they are also members of the cult.
Those who want to leave a cult may believe that even God will abandon them as a result, or won’t help them, which of course is not true, but it seems to be true to them at the time, and their various combined fears seem to have very real substance. Sometimes people can’t see a way out as their whole life has been wrapped up in the cult and they can’t even conceive of a life different that that. What would it look like? How would it be possible? It seems that everything they know and rely upon is in the cult, and there is nothing for them outside of it. This of course is not true but that situation seems very real to them.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Due to demonic influences among other things, such as clever mind manipulation and control techniques, people can be easily misled and manipulated so that they are utterly convinced that salvation is dependent upon membership of their particular group, or church, or temple (the gold of the temple) or upon their leader/s.
This could not possibly be true because scripture does not contradict itself and it tells us that all the various denominations, sects and cults were started by man, and the Bible is clear that it is God who saves us only through Jesus.
”There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5)
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
God appointed the Apostles to lead the Church after Jesus had ascended to Heaven. From the beginning though, the Christian church was marred by splits, with people wanting to do things their way to get their own following. This only became more pronounced as over time the church has become more and more fragmented and corrupted.
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29-30)
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” (Rev 2:2)
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Cor 11:13-15)
“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, that thou might charge some that they TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE, Neither give heed to FABLES and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
One reason why they became so corrupted is that by whatever means they came into such money and power – in some cases it was by means of sacrilege as they basically used the Bible to make money – they were not faithful and did not adhere to what God has said in the Bible.
“For we have not followed CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:16-21)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptised in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptised none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptised in mine own name. And I baptised also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptised any other. For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:10-20)
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-12)
Who would you rather believe, what God says in the Bible, or what men say?
Christianity ought to be centred on Jesus Christ rather than membership of any particular church or denomination, or follower of any man, preacher or other type of leader. Rather than a Christian cult, or sects, or denomination such as Church of England, Methodism or Lutheranism, with different beliefs or aims than set out in the Bible.
Jesus did not tell people to go out and build organisations and mega-churches and draw followers to themselves. Rather, he said:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Jesus himself told us that to be a Christian, or to be saved, first of all, we need to believe in Him and then to follow what he said and be obedient to it.
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:26-27)
Jesus repeatedly warned that in the Last Days there would be great deception
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” (2 Timothy 4:3)
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; AND THAT FROM A CHILD THOU HAST KNOWN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, WHICH ARE ABLE TO MAKE THEE WISE UNTO SALVATION THROUGH FAITH WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:13-17)
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Cor 4:5-7)
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:13-18)
As Christians, we are to seek a sound relationship with God through His Son, according to what God has communicated to us in the Bible, rather than whatever we have decided for ourselves – or have allowed others to convince us – is the right or wrong thing to do.
“All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)
“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:15-19)
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3)
There is a world of difference between “Christ-ianity” and “Church-ianity”. Jesus said: “Destroy this building made with hands and I will raise up another one made without hands”. What Jesus was telling us is that God’s true building is the body of Christ, those who believe in Him and follow Him, and do what he says, not a temple or a building, or any organisation, etc. made by man.
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5)
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:24-25)
In Revelation 17, Bible prophecy tells us that most of these churches and denominations will end up being part of the ecumenical movement to build the one-world church leading back to Rome and following the antichrist rather than Jesus.
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS: FOR THAT DAY SHALL NOT COME, EXCEPT THERE COME A FALLING AWAY FIRST, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, WHOSE COMING IS AFTER THE WORKING OF SATAN WITH ALL POWER AND SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-13)
“For though we walk In the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
The True Holy Spirit
Invalid Reasons for Staying in a Church You Know Teaches False Doctrine
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