There are many Christian-like offshoots and fringe groups that claim to be “Christians.” Unfortunately, they either fail the test of Biblical Christianity (Christianity based exclusively on the teachings of the Bible). Or, they pass the test of being a cult, by definition, or both. I’m going to make someone mad with this post. Although, my intention is to teach and not to make anyone angry. But, also, as a Biblical Christian, I feel obligated to share the truth. The truth based on the only stronghold of genuine truth left – the Bible. So, please don’t get angry with me. God wrote the Bible through men that He inspired. So, you have to blame God if you disagree. Read on to learn more.
Biblical Faith and Pseudo-Christian Cults Defined
There are two definitions of a cult. First, the secular definition, which is a religious group that seeks to control its members in accordance with a single person or the organization. A cult is manipulative, demands complete loyalty of its followers, and enforces punishments for failure to comply. Second, is the Christian definition of a cult. A religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth. A cult is a group that teaches doctrines that, if believed, will cause a person to remain unsaved.
Now that we know the secular and Christian definitions of a cult, we can define those that are pseudo-Christian (False Christian) cults. Hence, those claiming to be Christian but deviate from orthodox Bible-based doctrine and theology.
Biblical Christianity Defined
An actual disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies the Bible to follow the example and obey the precepts, of Christ. A believer in Christ who adheres to Biblically orthodox doctrine and theology. As well as, accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith and the only way for salvation. In other words, grace through faith exclusively. No works, penance or self-sacrifice required because Jesus is the all sufficient sacrifice. Our acceptance of the free gift of grace because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection is all that’s required for salvation.
Salvation
First: God loves you! John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Second: We are all sinners: Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Third: We can be redeemed, through the willing substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus: Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Fourth: All may be saved: Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Pseudo-Christian Cult List
C3 Church Pentecostals
Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints – Mormons
Christian Science Church
Freemasonry
Heavenly Gate Church
Jehovah's Witnesses (Kingdom Hall)
New Age Movement
Oneness Pentecostals
Roman Catholicism
Unification Church
Seventh Day Adventist
Scientology
Word of Faith
Biblical Faith and Pseudo-Christian Cults
As I’ve shared, Biblical Faith and Christianity are much different than the beliefs of the Pseudo-Christian cults. I will not go into all of the beliefs of these cults but suffice it to say, they do not conform to Christian doctrine and theology. If you want to learn more about what true Biblical Christians believe, please visit my Biblical Faith & Reasoning Statement of Faith page. It will provide the nuts and bolts of biblical doctrine and theology that you can compare to the beliefs of the listed Pseudo-Christian Cults. Please also note that the list above is not all-inclusive.
Keep this in mind, if the doctrines and theology of a religion or denomination do not reconcile with the Bible, they are false teachings. For many that are trapped in these cults, the only cure is for them to read the Holy Bible themselves. I recommend the KJV, NKJV or NASB. Reading the Bible has set many people free. Not only free from sin but also from false religions and pseudo-Christian cults. Please, read the Bible for yourself.