I. DEIFY MAN
Man may become a god. Man only
needs to 'progress' (as defined by the
cult and only with the cult's help) to
become like God. Genesis 3:1-13 |
Isaiah 14:9-19 [the same sin Satan was
guilty of] | II Thess 2:3-4.
II. HUMANIZE GOD
Deny that God is ONE eternally.
Deny the Trinity. There are 'many'
gods, and redefine God to Man's
image. Romans 1:21-25 | Isaiah 43:10-11
and 44:6-8 | Psalm 90:2
III. MINIMIZE SIN
Instead of man's very nature being
separated from God, sin is only
specific acts that through good works
can be perfected. Hell is redefined
into bland or non existent punishment.
Romans 3:23 | I John 1:8-10 | Gal 3:10
Revelation 20:14-15
IV. OSTRACIZE THE SCRIPTURES
They will add additional scripture
and claim that there is error in God's
Word. There will be a continual change
of meaning in scripture. Luke 21:33 |
Revelation 22:18-19 | Isaiah 40:8 |
Acts 17:11
V. A DIFFERENT JESUS
Jesus is not the Son of God, but
rather a son of A god - or He was just
a prophet - or a created god - or our
elder brother - or just a good man or a
teacher. Isaiah 9:6-7 | John 1:1-14 |
Col 1:15-20 | Hebrews 1:1-12
VI. A DIFFERENT SALVATION
Deny Salvation by Grace, by the
shed blood of Jesus on the Cross at
Calvary and by true repentance of sin
by a sinner. Usually will not see a
cross on the cult's structures.
Salvation must be by works, and
quite often by a system dictated by the
cult. Eph 2:8-10 | Gal 3:1-26 | I
Peter 2:24
VII. DIFFERENT SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is changed into a
'good force' or impersonal entity. Deny
God the Spirit. Spiritism is,
generally, rampant by having visits
from spirits, counterfeit miracles,
etc. I Timothy 4:1 | Deut 18:9-14 |
John 14:17
VIII. MODERN DAY PROPHET
Founded by man, followed by
others, who claim to be God's one true
spokesman on Earth. Accountable to no
one but God. Gives revelation and
scripture. Jeremiah 23 | Matthew 24:24
Hebrews 1:1-2 | Deut 13:1-10,18:20-22
IX. THE ONLY TRUE CHURCH
Their group is the only true way
to perfection. The word 'truth' used
over and over. Unless you are active
part of their organization, you are
lost. Deny the spiritual union of
believers. Col 1:18 | Eph 1:22-23 |
Romans 12:1-8
X. SECRETS ..
CLOSED TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Secret rituals, temples and
doctrines. Finances not public. No
communion with Christian body. All
others are outsiders. No one knows the
truth as they (and their prophet) do.
Persecution complex. XI. CANNOT LEAVE
Always testing loyalty of
followers. Obedience (blind) is
primary. Leaders have all power - are
followers intermediary with God - not
Jesus. Only way to leave is by
excommunication, threats. Spiritual
bondage, fear and guilt most common.
If you leave, you are cut off from all
in cult.