False religion is a major problem that has plagued humanity for centuries. As Christians, it is important for us to be able to discern true biblical faith from counterfeit belief systems that may appear attractive but lead people away from God. In this comprehensive blog post, I will explore 12 key signs that help identify false religion and false doctrine. Being able to recognize these signs can help protect ourselves and others from deception.
Introduction
As Evangelical and Charismatic Christians, we believe that faith in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible is the only way to salvation and eternal life. However, not all religious systems and beliefs align with the truth of Scripture. There have always been counterfeit faiths that resemble Christianity on the surface but deviate from biblical doctrine in dangerous ways.
False religions and cults ultimately lead people away from the true knowledge of God. The Bible warns us: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Some common false religions include Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Scientology, the Unification Church, Unitarian Universalism, and the New Age Movement. Many eastern religions and pagan belief systems could also fall under this category.
As Christians, we must be vigilant against false teaching creeping into our churches. The Bible says: “…there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them–bringing swift destruction on themselves.” (2 Peter 2:1)
Examining some key signs can help reveal false doctrine versus true biblical faith:
Key Takeaways:
- False religion distorts the nature, character, and identity of God
- False religion denies the deity of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death and resurrection
- False religion adds to or takes away from the Word of God
- False religion downplays the reality and nature of sin
- False religion promotes salvation by human effort and good works
- False religion focuses on mystical experiences and hidden knowledge
- False religion lacks spiritual power to transform lives
- False religion is often authoritarian and focused on control
- False religion denies the Trinity and personhood of the Holy Spirit
- False religion promotes additional revelatory texts and prophecies
- False religion is rooted in the vain philosophies and traditions of man
- False religion fails to make disciples devoted to Jesus and Scripture
Now let’s explore each of these signs in more detail…
1. False Religion Distorts the Nature and Character of God
One major sign of false religion and false doctrine is a distorted view of who God is. Cults and false religions often present a wrong perspective of God’s nature, character, and attributes revealed in Scripture.
The Bible presents God as supreme over all creation, existing eternally in three persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. False religions deny or distort the biblical revelation of God in significant ways.
For example, the Jehovah’s Witnesses portray Jesus as merely a created being, not eternally God. Mormonism teaches that God was once a finite man who earned his way to divinity. Many eastern religions believe god is an impersonal universal consciousness or force, not a personal being. New Age thought presents God as simply a higher version of our own human selves.
The God of the Bible declares: “I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God.” (Isaiah 45:5). Any religion that rejects the true God of Scripture embraces a false God constructed from human imagination and deceit.
As Christians, we must be careful to present God accurately according to divine revelation in the Bible. False ideas about God lead people into deception and darkness.
2. False Religion Denies the Deity of Jesus Christ
A second major sign of false doctrine is denying or distorting the biblical revelation of who Jesus Christ is. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is God incarnate–the eternal Son of God, one with the Father and Holy Spirit.
Concerning Christ, Scripture declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1). It also states: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” (Colossians 2:9).
However, false religions deny the deity of Jesus and what Scripture reveals about Him. Jehovah’s Witnesses claim Jesus is a created lesser god. Mormonism says He is Lucifer’s spirit brother. New Age thought presents Jesus as just an enlightened human or advanced spiritual master.
A biblical worldview acknowledges Jesus as the divine Son of God and only Savior of the world. He is worthy of worship and obedience. Any group that denies the biblical Christ embraces false doctrine.
The apostle John warns:_ “every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist.”_ (1 John 4:3). We must reject any theology diminishing the divine identity of Jesus Christ.
3. False Religion Adds To or Takes Away From Scripture
The Bible contains God’s completed revelation to humanity. Nothing should be added or removed from Scripture’s teachings. False religions, however, often elevate their own writings or prophecies above the Bible.
Cults like Mormonism and the Unification Church rely on other texts like the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, or Divine Principle which they claim expand upon the Bible. Even many liberal Christian denominations elevate outside sources such as the Book of Common Prayer over biblical authority.
Deuteronomy 4:2 offers this warning:_ “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.”_ Revelation 22:18-19 further warns:_ “…if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City…”_
True Christianity centers on Scripture alone as its authority. False religion corrupts biblical doctrine by supplementing extra texts and prophecies as if they were God’s Word.
4. False Religion Downplays the Reality of Sin
True faith acknowledges humankind’s sin problem and need for redemption. False systems, however, tend to downplay sin and its consequences before God. They paint humanity as generally good and deny man’s fallen nature.
The Bible clearly defines sin, declaring:_ “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)._ Sin has separated us from God and results in eternal death apart from His salvation.
Despite biblical truth, false religions insist humanity is not sinful by nature. They claim we require no radical transformation of our hearts to be acceptable before God. This fails to recognize our helpless condition and need for the Gospel.
As Christians, we must stayed grounded in Scripture’s depiction of sin as rebellion and transgression against God that brings judgment apart from Christ. False doctrine denies sin’s severity and distorts humanity’s true condition.
5. False Religion Promotes Salvation by Works
A false teaching in many world religions and cults is the idea that eternal life can be earned through human effort and good works. However, the Bible declares that salvation is a free gift of God received by faith alone in Christ alone:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Works-based systems feeding human pride include:
- Mormon temple rituals thought to assure salvation.
- Jehovah’s Witness public ministry aimed at earning eternal life.
- New Age spiritual techniques designed to achieve enlightenment.
- Eastern meditation, yoga, or monastic disciplines pursued as paths to God.
- Roman Catholic insistence that faith plus sacraments administered by priests are essential for salvation.
- Liberal churches teaching vaguely that living a good life and doing God’s will earns us heaven.
The Bible rejects any attempt to manufacture holiness or work our way to heaven outside of Christ’s finished work. Jesus declared:_ “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”_ (John 14:6). Great care should be taken to avoid any doctrine of salvation by human effort.
6. False Religion Focuses on Mystical Experiences and Hidden Knowledge
Seeking mystical encounters and tapping into secret spiritual knowledge are common themes in false religion. Many cults and eastern faiths promise metaphysical keys to unlock higher planes of awareness, profound insights, and hidden truths.
However, the Bible does not exalt mystical experiences or secret gnosis. Scripture’s focus is knowing the objective revelation of God through Christ as revealed in the text. Pursuing subjective mystical encounters often devolves into occultic practices condemned in Scripture.
The apostle Paul, for example, renounced his former mystical pursuits as “rubbish” compared to excellency of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). His prayer was that we all might “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” through God’s word, not mystical practices (Ephesians 3:18-19).
As Christians, we have no need to seek out mystical keys, manipulative spiritual techniques, or magic formulas. We have received the full revelation of truth needed for salvation and godly living in God’s word.
7. False Religion Lacks Power to Transform Lives
A vital sign of true biblical faith is its power to radically transform lives. The Holy Spirit applies the Gospel to convert sinners and empower believers to grow in godly character and good works.
By contrast, false religions ultimately lack power to bring significant inner change. Without the Spirit, outward conformity to rules and rituals remains hollow. Ungodly desires, addictions, and fleshly behaviors go unchecked.
The Bible promises:_ “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”_ (2 Corinthians 5:17). False religion cannot replicate this supernatural transformation from sinful lives to new creations in Christ.
Empty forms of godliness without transformed hearts are worthless religion:_ “having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”_ (2 Timothy 3:5). We must rely fully on the Spirit’s power, not false religion devoid of power.
8. False Religion is Often Authoritarian and Controlling
Cults and false religions commonly use fear, manipulation, and threats to command obedience to authoritative leaders. Followers become dependent on the group, unable to question or leave without fear of condemnation.
By contrast, true faith gives room for the Holy Spirit to guide believers’ conscience. While some structure and leadership is beneficial, forced submission to controlling authority figures is dangerous. Leaders in biblical faith are servants, not tyrants.
Beware groups categorizing people into a hierarchical system based on commitment and conformity. Beware any church demanding complete allegiance and forbidding dissent or outside fellowship. False teachers often draw disciples after themselves, not Jesus Christ. We must reject spiritual abuse and legalistic control disguised as godly submission.
9. False Religion Denies the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity identifies God as one being eternally existing in three coequal divine persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This upholds monotheism while explaining God’s distinction of self and interaction as the Father addresses the Son and sends the Spirit.
False religions, however, deny the triune nature of God, often claiming God is only one person. For example:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses only recognize the Father, whom they call Jehovah.
- Oneness Pentecostals maintain God just manifests Himself sometimes as Father, other times as Son or Spirit–but He is not three distinct persons.
- Mormons believe the Father, Son, and Spirit are three separate gods.
- New Age views generally deny God as personal or triune.
Rejecting the Trinity directly undermines biblical revelation about God’s nature. It leaves an incomplete picture of God missing the richness of diversity and relationship within the Godhead. Upholding the Trinity is essential to sound doctrine.
10. False Religion Denies the Personhood of the Holy Spirit
In addition to attacking the Trinity, cult groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the personhood of the Holy Spirit. They regard the Spirit as simply an impersonal active force, electricity, or power from God.
But Scripture reveals the Spirit is a divine person, coequal with the Father and Son. Jesus spoke of the Spirit as “He” not “it” –a conscious personal being, not some mystic cosmic energy.
The Holy Spirit acts, thinks, speaks, grieves, and instructs. He prays on our behalf, testifies to truth, fellowships with us, and imparts spiritual gifts. These reflect personhood.
Rejecting the Spirit’s personhood leads to mystical, New Age views of the Spirit as a mindless mystical power to tap into. In truth, He is the third person of the Trinity sent by God to indwell believers.
11. False Religion Promotes Additional Modern Prophecies and Revelation
False religions often seek authority by claiming new prophecies, revelations, and inspired writings beyond the Bible. But Scripture warns, “Do not go beyond what is written”. (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Groups claiming special modern prophecies include:
- Mormons crediting Joseph Smith’s writings as equal to Scripture.
- Cults invoking prophecies by their contemporary leaders.
- Charismatic extremists relying on alleged new words from God.
- Mystics promoting new spiritual revelations from Inner Light or channeled spiritual entities.
Yet the Bible is complete divine revelation, our sole infallible guide. Nothing should be imposed on believers’ conscience beyond Scripture. The canon is closed and contains all we need for salvation and godliness.
12. False Religion is Rooted in the Vain Philosophies and Traditions of Man
False religion originates from human imagination, not divine revelation. Doctrines rely on mystical experiences, abstract philosophy, and man-made traditions rather than the Bible.
The Lord rebuked those abandoning His commands to keep the traditions of men:_ “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”_ (Mark 7:8). Vain philosophies also undermine sound faith:_ “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.”_ (Colossians 2:8).
False beliefs should be tested against the yardstick of Scripture. We must reject any philosophy or tradition contradicting the Word of God. Our faith and practice should derive from His unchanging revelation, not shifting ideas of human culture.
Conclusion: Lean Fully on Jesus and Scripture
In conclusion, by relying on signs outlined in Scripture, we can better discern true biblical faith from counterfeit religion. Examining a group’s teachings about God, Christ, salvation, spiritual experiences, and modern revelation helps expose deception. Comparing beliefs against Scripture protects us from error.
Above all, true Christianity centers entirely on Jesus Christ as Lord and the Bible as sole authority. Any doctrine downplaying Christ’s deity, denying the Trinity, undermining biblical truth, or merging faith with other religions leads away from Gospel purity.
Let us be vigilant against false religion! The Bible warns teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies. We must develop discernment and stand firm in the historic, apostolic faith handed down in Scripture.
The safest path forward is relying completely on Jesus Christ and the Bible’s life-giving truth as our sole guide and authority in all matters of faith and godly living. Our Savior and His inspired Word will never mislead those who fully trust in Him.
