The word “cult” might not appear in the Bible, but false teachings and misguided groups are addressed throughout scripture. The Bible warns believers to stay grounded in truth and avoid being led astray by teachings that contradict the Gospel. Understanding what scripture says about cult-like behavior can help believers recognize and resist deception.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Self Doubt
What Does The Bible Say About Cults
Matthew 24:24
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
This verse warns us about the presence of false messiahs and prophets who deceive people with their signs and wonders. It reminds us to be discerning and vigilant to avoid falling into the trap of cults.
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
It is important to be aware that false teachers may arise within our own communities. Their teachings may contradict the truth of the Bible and can lead people astray from the true faith.
Acts 20:29-30
“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”
Even from within the church, there can be those who distort the truth for their own gain, seeking to draw others away from the Lord. We should be cautious and discerning to recognize such individuals and their teachings.
Galatians 1:8
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of preaching any gospel that deviates from the true message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It warns against accepting teachings that contradict the Word of God.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
We are warned that in the end times, there will be those who abandon the true faith and instead follow deceptive teachings inspired by evil spirits. It is crucial for us to stay rooted in God’s Word.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of discernment. We should not believe every spirit or teaching that comes our way, but rather test them against the Word of God to ensure they are aligned with His truth.
Jeremiah 14:14
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.'”
This verse serves as a reminder that not all who claim to speak for God are truly His messengers. Some may be speaking lies and delusions instead. We must be discerning and test every message against the truth of God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
This passage emphasizes that false apostles and deceivers can disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. They may appear righteous but are motivated by deceit, serving the interests of the enemy. Their end will be in accordance with their actions.
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
This proverb reminds us to exercise wisdom and discernment. We should not be easily swayed or believe everything we hear, but rather carefully consider and evaluate before making decisions.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
We are encouraged to guard ourselves against being deceived by empty philosophies that are not rooted in Christ. Instead, we should cling to the truth found in Him and His Word.
Isaiah 8:19
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance rather than turning to mediums or spiritists. We should trust in the living God and seek His wisdom in all matters.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”
This passage foretells the coming of the lawless one and warns against being deceived by the signs and wonders he displays. Those who perish do so because they refused to love the truth and embrace salvation.
1 Timothy 6:3-4
“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions…”
This passage encourages us to be wary of those who teach contrary to the sound instruction of the Lord and godly teaching. Such individuals often engender strife and promote unnecessary controversies rather than building up the body of Christ.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”<
This passage explicitly warns against various occult practices, such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and consulting the dead. We are to avoid any involvement in such activities and instead seek God’s guidance.
1 John 2:26
“I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.”
John writes to warn believers about those who seek to lead them astray from the truth. It is important for us to be grounded in the Word of God so that we can recognize and resist false teachings.
1 Timothy 1:3-4
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.”
Paul encourages Timothy to address and confront those who teach false doctrines or engage in speculative teachings. Rather than advancing God’s work, these teachings often cause confusion and hinder the growth of our faith.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Jesus warns us to be on guard against false prophets who may seem harmless on the outside but are actually dangerous and deceitful. We should rely on the discernment of the Holy Spirit to identify them.
2 Peter 2:18
“For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.”
These false teachers use empty and boastful words to manipulate and entice vulnerable individuals who are in the process of escaping from the grip of false teachings. We must be vigilant and warn others of their deceitful tactics.
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”
In this verse, Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to follow Him will enter the kingdom of heaven. Those who rely on their own works and seek personal gain rather than genuinely doing the will of the Father will be rejected by Him.
2 Corinthians 11:4
“For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”
Paul cautions the Corinthians against accepting a distorted version of Jesus, a counterfeit spirit, or a false gospel. We must be discerning and ensure that our beliefs align with the true teachings of the Bible.
Romans 16:17-18
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Paul instructs believers to be aware of those who cause divisions and promote teachings contrary to what they have learned. Such individuals are motivated by selfish desires and are skilled at deceiving the minds of the innocent.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Paul warns Timothy about a time when people will reject sound doctrine in favor of teachings that align with their own desires. They will seek comfort and affirmation rather than the truth, thus falling into the trap of embracing myths.
2 Peter 3:17
“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.”
Peter urges believers to remain vigilant and on guard so that they may not be swayed by the false teachings and errors propagated by those who disregard God’s laws. We must hold fast to the truth in order to stay secure in our faith.
1 John 4:5-6
“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
John contrasts those who speak from the world’s perspective, which is often influenced by falsehood, with those who are from God and speak the truth. By discerning which spirit is at work through people, we can distinguish between the truth and lies.