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Question:
"What is the definition of a cult?"
Answer: When we hear the word “cult,” we often think of a group that worships Satan, sacrifices animals, or takes part in evil, bizarre, and pagan rituals. However, in reality, most cults appear much more innocent. The specific Christian definition of a cult is “a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth.” In simpler terms, a cult is a group that teaches something that will cause a person to remain unsaved if he/she believes it. As distinct from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be part of the religion, yet denies essential truth(s) of that religion. A Christian cult is a group that denies one or more of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while still claiming to be Christian.
The two most common teachings of cults are that Jesus was not God and that salvation is not by faith alone. A denial of the deity of Christ results in Jesus’ death not being a sufficient payment for our sins. A denial of salvation by faith alone results in salvation being achieved by our own works, something the Bible vehemently and consistently denies. The two most well-known examples of cults are the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Both groups claim to be Christian, yet both deny the deity of Christ and salvation by faith alone. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe many things that are in agreement with or similar to what the Bible teaches. However, the fact that they deny the deity of Christ and preach a salvation by works qualifies them as a cult. Many Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and members of other cults are “good people” who genuinely believe they hold the truth. As Christians, our hope and prayer must be that many people involved in the cults will see through the lies and will be drawn to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Answer: When we hear the word “cult,” we often think of a group that worships Satan, sacrifices animals, or takes part in evil, bizarre, and pagan rituals. However, in reality, most cults appear much more innocent. The specific Christian definition of a cult is “a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth.” In simpler terms, a cult is a group that teaches something that will cause a person to remain unsaved if he/she believes it. As distinct from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be part of the religion, yet denies essential truth(s) of that religion. A Christian cult is a group that denies one or more of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while still claiming to be Christian.
The two most common teachings of cults are that Jesus was not God and that salvation is not by faith alone. A denial of the deity of Christ results in Jesus’ death not being a sufficient payment for our sins. A denial of salvation by faith alone results in salvation being achieved by our own works, something the Bible vehemently and consistently denies. The two most well-known examples of cults are the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Both groups claim to be Christian, yet both deny the deity of Christ and salvation by faith alone. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe many things that are in agreement with or similar to what the Bible teaches. However, the fact that they deny the deity of Christ and preach a salvation by works qualifies them as a cult. Many Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and members of other cults are “good people” who genuinely believe they hold the truth. As Christians, our hope and prayer must be that many people involved in the cults will see through the lies and will be drawn to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
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This article was reprinted with permission and was originally published at gotquestions.org.
That's a good site, and conforms with my definition, which, of course, makes it correct! :^) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe Bible is the anointed word of GOD.....
ReplyDeleteEvery word ,not to be disected for the dispensation of a particular belief or credo.
Adding to or taking away I believe is the making of a cult.
Are we as Christians guilty of building our own private cult, by being selective of what we choose to believe or follow?
We need to listen to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit praying for us all in JESUS name
It seems to me that every version of every religion is a cult - unless you happen to be a follower and then it's the truth.
ReplyDeletePatsy you were obviously not born into to the followers of Christ. It is not through Jesus Christ that one gets into God. It is by being born in the right geographic location. But that alone does not guarantee you salvation, because Oregon city is full of people. You need to be born of parents or parent of parents of parents that was baptized by a specific person of lineage. Soon it will be parents of parents of parents of parents. But that alone will not get you in, but you are getting closer. Now that you have been born in the right location, by believing parents. Now you need to work your way in. Examples are setting up with the sick, taking dinners to the sick or new babies, help clean the church, attend parties, gatherings, roof houses. All good things mind you. But we are not in yet. You must attend sing alongs, and remain on Oregon city. You can not venture out because everywhere else is a cult. There is no where else on the planet that the church of GOD exists. Oh wait some think there is a small group maybe in Ethiopia. But are too comfortable to look for this chosen people. But I am getting off track. Once you have stayed and met all of these requirements then maybe just maybe on a good day if you die then you might find favor with God. It is not through the blood of Jesus Christ. The work that Jesus did on the cross. It was not finished, you can't have assurance of salvation. God is not for everyone who excepts him. He is for a select few in the holy city of Oregon city. You simply don't understand, but how could you.
ReplyDeleteIf this by anonymous on July 20 is truly what you believe. Where
ReplyDeleteis that in the Bible? The "REAL BIBLE".
It was finished on the CROSS, works will never get you to heaven.
Please read the July 28 blog and post.
Praying for your immortal soul. Sad but true according to the. Bible if this is your belief.....You're going to Hell.
I pray my brother or sister in Christ that the in dwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT will come upon you and open your eyes. As a brother in our LORD JESUS AMEN
Post July 20th is probably by an ex-member simply stating what is believed by most at the FOC. I doubt it is their belief. What was described is commonly accepted at the FOC Oregon City.
Delete