ANY group that sponsors/spreads/supports teachings or beliefs, contrary to the Word of God, AND uses deception in order to maintain its membership base, or draw in NEW followers to the group.
Top Ten Things Cults / False Religions Have In Common
Hatred of Christians and Christian institutions, while maintaining an outward 'form' of Godliness. (II Timothy 3:5)
Denial of the Deity of Christ.
Denial of the Blood of Christ.
Misrepresentation of God.
Denial / Misrepresentation of Satan.
Denial / Misrepresentation/Misinterpretation of the Word of God.
Love of Religion, including ritualization and legalism.
Denial / Misrepresentation of the Plan of God concerning Salvation.
Oppression of the poor and needy, unless they can be used to manipulate public opinion in favor of their cause.
No Visible Evidence of the Holy Spirit, nor the Fruits associated with Him.
ALL Cults/False Religions are of Satan. Some have better backing and publicity than others. Some even own media outlets and press organizations, but are still controlled by Satan.
Satan has Intellect (II Cor. 11:3), Emotion (Rev. 12:17), and a Strong Will (II Tim. 2:26). BUT SATAN IS A DEFEATED FOE (Col. 2:15)!
Cults / False Religions Fall Into One Of Three Categories
I. Head / Intellect Groups: Filling of the mind with facts, figures, and twisted Scriptures, instead of the Bible truth.
Examples: Islam, Freemasonry, Hinduism.
Counters: Personal testimony, Fruit of the Spirit.
II. Heart / Emotion Groups: Going by the five senses, feelings, and emotions.
Examples: EST, UFOs, Dianetics, Word of Faith.
Counters: Personal testimony, Scriptures, Sound Doctrine.
III. Works / Will Groups: Compilation of Good Works in order to please God, including door-to-door selling of books, congregating in airports, flowers sold on street corners.
