“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free,” John 8:32.
This week, I had a conversation with a dear friend about a radio program some other friends were listening to. My friend was concerned about the strange mixture of truth and error that was being broadcast by this “Pastor.” As she spoke, the term, “False Prophet” came to mind as I remembered the verse, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect,” Mark 13:22. It piqued my interest to do a little research on the subject of “Cults.” I found a few easily understood “marks of cults” that might shine some light on the subject.
The Watchman Fellowship developed an easy to remember framework to differentiate a cult from a true church. The marks are as simple as add, subtract, multiply and divide.
- ADD: Cults add to Scripture. The revelation of God in the Bible is never sufficient for a cult. They must add to the inspired revelation of Scripture, usually with additional scriptures or their own translation. In this case, doctrines are taken from the “Book of Enoch.” Since the book of Enoch is not found in God’s Word, it can’t be inspired by God. “If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book…….God will take away his part from the Book of Life…..” Revelation 22:18-19.
- SUBTRACT: Cults subtract from the person of Jesus Christ. They cannot tolerate the divinity and exclusivity of Jesus and attempt to reduce Him to a created being. The role of Jesus as God’s Son is diminished. “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Mark 1:11.
- MULTIPLY: Cults multiply the requirements of salvation. Salvation, as is presented in the Scriptures, is by God’s grace through faith alone. Cults add to the requirements of salvation, adding works as a prerequisite to salvation. No cult teaches justification by faith alone. They might revere Jesus, but reject the heart of the gospel. “For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
- DIVIDE: Cults divide the love of believers in the Body of Christ. Each cult believes it has exclusive revelation and understanding of God, teaching their followers they are more blessed than other believers. Cults are by their very nature, divisive. Usually they have a charismatic, emphatic leader who preaches in “black and white.” Some cults today are getting into the arguments about whether to take the Covid vaccine or not. Some say, it’s the “Mark of the Beast,” others say if you take the vaccine, you’re probably not saved. Both are ridiculous!! As my son told me, “A vaccine cannot overrule the blood of Christ.” As for the Mark of the Beast, if the Church is still on earth, the vaccine is not the Mark. Jesus told his disciples, “I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves,” Matthew 10:16.
The truth will set us free! A true disciple has no power in himself to live the Christian life, but instead relies on God’s grace, the power of God’s Word and the indwelling power of the Holy spirit to live a life worthy of Christ. Don’t be deceived by false christs and false prophets who will steal your joy. Persevere to the end!! We’re on the winning side!!
Your friend, Jean