Twelve Characteristics Of A Cult

Many religious groups today claim to be Christian, yet in reality, they have departed from historic orthodox Christianity by promoting doctrines that contradict the essential tenets of the faith. It is vital for every believer to cultivate spiritual discernment in order to avoid being deceived by groups that outwardly profess allegiance to Christ but inwardly deviate from His truth.

While numerous cult of Christianity movements could be named, the following characteristics are sufficient to identify those that are not faithful to the apostolic teaching—the “word of truth” entrusted once for all to the saints.

As Jude 1:3 exhorts, we are strongly commanded to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” especially in a time when many seek to distort the simplicity and purity of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Below are twelve key marks of a cult of Christianity that every believer should be vigilant to recognize.

1. Denial of the historic, orthodox doctrine of the Trinity.

2. Redefinition of the Trinity in unbiblical or heretical terms.

3. Teaching that Jesus is a created being rather than God equal to the Father.

4. Presenting the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force rather than a divine Person.

5. Claiming that worship on Saturdays is essential for salvation.

6. Asserting that one must make disciples to truly be called a Christian.

7. Teaching that obedience to sacraments and good works is necessary to earn salvation.

8. Insisting that only their founder, prophet, or leader has the correct interpretation of Scripture.

9. Requiring women’s conservative clothing, uncut hair, and rejection of cosmetics as necessary evidence of salvation.

10. Teaching that water baptism is required in order to be saved.

11. Claiming that their religious group is the only true church and sole path to salvation.

12. Teaching that the writings of their founder are divinely inspired and equal in authority to Scripture.

Once you recognize one or more of these false teachings, depart from the group immediately and seek a healthy, Christ-centered church that upholds the historic doctrine of the Trinity and the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith, not by works.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. - Rom. 16:17

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. - Gal. 1:8-9