False Prophets, Doctrines & Cults

We see an increase in many different cults around today. This is in line with Bible end-time prophecy. In Matthew 24 Jesus warns us the greatest danger in the last days would not be sickness, persecution or poverty, but deception! Many will be led astray and depart from the true faith.

Take heed that no one deceives you, “For many will come in my name, saying I am the Messiah.”  Then many false prophets will arise and deceive many.  (Matthew 24:11)


How to Recognise a Religious Group, False Prophets & Cults!
It is important to understand the difference between a legitimate religious group and what is termed as ‘a cult’. Many movements claim to be ‘Christian’, serve Jesus and consider the Bible as their authority. Some have a similar doctrine to mainstream Christian denominations, but scriptures have been adapted to uphold their own beliefs. Their teaching deviates from the truth and does not lead to the Jesus of the Bible, but another Jesus and another gospel. In the Bible, we are exhorted to test and discern any teaching and examine it in line with scripture.


We must therefore reject these false teachings, and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)


A cult is a religious group or movement where followers are controlled by an individual or a larger organisation. They reject or distort the fundamentals of the Christian faith, the Trinity, the deity of Christ and the way to salvation, groups such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Science and The Way International. Any religious group or movement is in danger of becoming a cult. Groups which have splintered from mainstream church have produced more cults and false teachers.


Many cults have left behind a trail of unfulfilled promises and prophecies, emptied bank accounts, and followers with psychological and emotional damage who bought their deception. The Bible does tell us to be under submission to church authority, but this should be one that acknowledges all the main foundations of the Christian faith.


The Bible tells us to discern false prophets and teachers by the fruit of their lifestyle. Even though they may have great arguments and scriptures to uphold their beliefs, their destructive teaching leads many away from the true faith into deception. Jesus described them as ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’.


Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Therefore by their fruits, you will know them. 

Matt 7:15)


Control of Members
Cults are more about control and mostly centred around one person’s teachings and beliefs. Followers are gradually brainwashed and manipulated. Leaders control their members and finances. Loyalty is demanded as this is believed to be loyal to God, before husbands, wives and parents. Followers show extreme devotion to their leader. Doubt and criticism against the leader are forbidden, as they are considered as God’s channel of communication to others, and their decisions are beyond reproach. They publicly denounce or humiliate those who question or disobey their decisions or ruling.


Separation & Isolation
Various cults live in isolation away from the rest of society, on compounds or secluded communes, as they can control and manipulate their followers easier when they are out of reach from the influence of family and friends. Those outside the group are enemies. Truth and salvation are claimed to be only obtained within the group.


Shunning, Disfellowshipping & Excommunicating
Some cults and religions use ‘shunning’, which is periods of isolation for punishment, food is with-held and other members are forbidden in contact with them. A member is shunned if they disobey, sin or question the leader’s decisions. They require their members to shun those who have left or have been excommunicated from the group. Some cults practise more extreme methods of shunning, such as the Amish, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Islam and Scientology. The Bible tells us only when someone refuses to repent of their sin they are to expelled from the church.


But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)


Counselling
If you have been involved in a destructive group or cult, counselling may be required, especially if there has been mind control and manipulation involved:


· Difficulty trusting and forming new relationships
· Low self-esteem, poor self-image or a loss of identity
· Difficulty in making simple decisions
· Often feel depressed, anxious and nervous
· Feel isolated, lonely and guilty
· Feel you have nothing to believe in
· Find it difficult to stop the groups ritualistic practices
· Fear God’s judgement and being cast into darkness


Many will be unable to discern between truth and error in the last days. The end-time battle is for truth, and Satan’s greatest weapon is deception. We need to know God’s word so we can recognise and avoid it. Part of God’s end-time purpose is to warn others of deception and help rescue those involved in cults and false religions. It is easier to prevent someone from joining a cult than to get them to leave afterwards. Many who want to leave are afraid or leave in secret. Many of us are familiar with the Waco Siege, Texas in 1993, with David Koresh and his followers. This movement had all the features of a religious cult.


Most cults have false prophets or leaders who claim to have special revelations from God  not based on scripture, along with other strange beliefs and practices:


· Claim to be the messiah or promise to meet him.
· The leader is ‘God’s appointed prophet’.
· Preparations for Armageddon.
· Sexual Practises (Spreading holy seeds).
· An independent group (not in mainstream church).
· Discourage members participating in other churches
· Claim to be the only organisation with the truth (criticise others groups).
· Secretive about internal their affairs and teachings.
· External communication is controlled or forbidden.
· Certain members are chosen, superior and exclusive.
· The group’s financial needs come before individuals


A movement may not be a cult but have cult-like tendencies.


· Have special doctrines outside of scripture
· Cross biblical boundaries and behaviour
· Members are told how and where to live, how to dress and what to eat.
· They claim to follow only God’s law and no other law.
· Members  to commit to most of their time and finances
· Isolate or penalise members for disobeying or attempting to leave
 (warn of God’s judgement)


All literature and teaching are approved and supplied by the leaders. Additional books or an amended version of the Bible are often used to support their doctrine, which has usually been written by the founder or leader.


Jehovah Witnesses – The World Translation Bible
The Moonies – Divine Principle
The Mormons- Book of Mormon


Main foundations of the Christian Faith
· God as the creator
· The Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
· The Virgin Birth
· Jesus as God’s son
· Jesus is the only way to salvation
· Jesus’ death on the cross, resurrection, ascension
· The Bible is God’s written word, the true authority
· The Second Coming (visible return of Christ)


Paul urges Timothy to confront false teaching, as certain men in the Ephesian church were teaching doctrines that were contrary to the gospel (1 Timothy 1:3).


“There will be false teachers among you who will secretly bring in destructive heresies even denying the Lord.”  (2 Peter. 2:1-1)


Loyalty to any fellowship or church includes challenging teachings that are not in the Bible, even from qualified and well-known teachers. The dangers of apostasy are in the book of Jude. False teaching is deceptive and can be very subtle!


Apostasy:
Apostasy is a false teaching that prevents people from receiving salvation, it is a falling away or departing from the true faith. It rejects or distorts some of the fundamentals of the Christian faith.


Errors:  
Errors are teachings that hinder believers from receiving the fullness of what God has intended. Many teachers within mainstream church teach error. Even though teachings are based on biblical truth, they are not taught in proper balance with other scriptures.

To focus on truth and accept the false will not accomplish God’s purpose. Compromised truth is lies disguised as truth!


Does your church follow biblical teaching?
· Is the cross central to preaching?
· Is Jesus acknowledged in prayer and teaching?
· Are human traditions stronger than biblical truth?
· Is Jesus acknowledged as the only one who forgives sin?
· Is truth compromised for the sake of peace

Bible prophecy warns that the period leading up to the Great Tribulation will be a time of increased religious deception. We are encouraged to test and discern the spirit behind any teaching and examine it in line with scripture. 

Take heed that no-one deceives you, “For many will come in my name, saying I am the Messiah.”  Then many false prophets will arise and deceive many.  (Matthew 24:11)

Many will be unable to discern between truth and error in the last days. The end-time battle is for truth, as Satan’s greatest weapon is deception. We need to know God’s word so we can recognise and avoid it. Part of God’s end-time purpose is to uphold the truth and help others caught in deception.

We must therefore reject these false teachings, and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)

Social Gospel

The social gospel is an alternative version of the gospel being preached in many churches today. It has been diluted to make it less offensive, politically correct and more acceptable for today’s society. This is taught in many churches and evangelical outreach programs. Preachers have replaced the true the gospel with a social gospel, which comes disguised as Christianity!

This is a message of God’s grace with very little or no mention of repentance, while sin continues to dominate a person’s life. Jesus is portrayed as ‘Father Christmas’, he overlooks our sin and encourages us, even as we continue to do wrong. Many today are content to listen to sermons with little or no conviction. But there is no spiritual growth or guarantee of salvation under this kind of preaching.

“For the time will come when men 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; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3,4)

The gospel of self-denial has been replaced with a message of self-effort working with God’s grace, instead of a standard of holiness required through a relationship with a kind and merciful God. The true message of grace encourages us to deny sin through the Holy Spirit, who empowers us and enables us to overcome. God’s forgiveness only accompanies  repentance. John the Baptist and Jesus preached the message of the Kingdom, which was one of both 'repentance and forgiveness'.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes." (Romans: 1:16)
 

The social gospel is the most deceptive and dangerous, as this is not as easy to detect as other false teachings or false religions, it is very subtle. It is popular amongst many new evangelical movements as it attracts many followers through demonstrating their love for mankind, by helping in the suffering of humanity, poverty, sickness and disease, which are all encouraged in the Bible. But this is achieved another way, not through the true gospel. 

Instead of the life-transforming gospel being proclaimed, it is an attempt to change the world through our own efforts. If we show enough love and humanity, the world could be a better place. Peace could be achieved, wars can be prevented by respecting others views and lifestyle, not trying to change them, instead putting aside our differences.

Sin and judgment are very rarely mentioned, as this is viewed as unloving. There is no emphasis on the blood of Jesus, its power or the need for repentance. The social gospel may be sincere attempts by Christians to do things they believe will honour God, but it contradicts the true gospel message. It encourages a belief that salvation can be obtained by good works or becoming a better person through our own efforts.

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Deceivers have always infiltrated the church, now they are more dangerous and there are many. They appear to be spiritual with a form of godliness. Satan is a master of deception,  he will resort to any teaching which diverts people away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ. 

A social gospel is a counterfeit gospel that prepares the way for the Antichrist. Only the true gospel, the message of the cross can save a person and transform lives. A social gospel, like other false religions,  gives people false and misplaced hope. Paul in his letter to the church in Galatia says:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel (Galatians 1:6)
 

Christians and preachers are called to proclaim the message of the cross under the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, not with speech that is more appealing to the world! 

“For if he who comes who preaches another Jesus who we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up with it. (2 Corinthians 11:4)

God promises to provide all of our needs, not necessarily all our desires. It is true that God wants to bless and prosper us in every area of our life, but when this becomes our main focus, it is idolatry! God wants our heart first and our obedience. God doesn’t need our money, we give it out of an act of worship, so it can be used to support and advance the work of the gospel.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Preachers who promote the ‘Health and Wealth’ gospel tell us we can experience perfect health and wealth only if we give enough and have enough faith. We can ‘name it and claim it’, but Jesus called us to a life of self-denial.

“If anyone denies himself and take up his cross and follow me”. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” 

(Matthew 16:24–26).

Material blessings were part of the Mosaic Covenant, the New Testament focuses more on eternal rewards. However, tithing and giving is a principle which works today, as we can never out give God. But it is wrong if blessings become our primary focus and dominate a preacher’s message. 

'Plant a seed to receive a miracle 'is a dangerous doctrine used by many TV evangelists today. When Jesus healed the sick, He did not ask for a seed or donation first. Jesus fed thousands, healed the sick and did many miracles. He met the needs of people, thousands followed Him. But when Jesus taught on the hard truth of the gospel, many turned away (John 6:66), not one followed him to the cross. In Mark 10:17-31, Jesus told the rich man to sell all he had and give to the poor. When the rich man walked away, Jesus did not go after him to tell him he would receive back sevenfold for what he had given! 

Jesus never diluted the gospel, He preached truth whether people accepted it or not. We cannot always equate wealth with being blessed, neither should we think if we only have enough to get by, we are not prospering.

You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

Prosperity preachers attract a following, they can quote many scriptures on giving and receiving, which sounds appealing but they are not taught in proper balance with other scriptures. 

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:8-10)

Paul earned his income as a tent-maker so he would not be a financial burden to anyone 

(1 Corinthians 9:12-18). He was motivated by his passion for the gospel. Although this was Paul’s personal choice, the Bible says a worker is worthy of their wages, those who work for the gospel are entitled to take a wage from the gospel. In the book of Acts, all believers shared their wealth, no-one was in need. Many sold their land and gave the proceeds towards the work of the apostles. Their focus was for the advancement of the gospel. They did not give to receive back. We do not give so we can prosper, we give because we are prospering. Blessings are God’s provision. This does not mean we live lavishly or support others in this type of lifestyle, whose wealth is above the average of their congregation. 

The lack of correct teaching in church about finances and giving allows room for incorrect teaching. In Revelation, Jesus wrote to the church in Smyrna (the persecuted church). Although they were poor, Jesus tells them they are spiritually rich, which is contrary to the teaching of the prosperity gospel popular with so many today. Their poverty was not due to their lack of faith, giving or even disobedience. 

Some Common Teachings of Prosperity Preachers 

· God always desires to bless us

· No mention of repentance, sin or judgment

· The lack of teaching on love and generosity. 

· Obedience is rarely mentioned 

· Positive thinking and faith is a key to blessing.

· No teaching on persecution or suffering. 

· No mention of God’s holiness or righteousness

· A focus is more on our desires than spiritual issues

· There is little or no mention of self-denial 

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.“ (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

Paul suffered much and went without many comforts in life, but he still knew the secret of contentment!

The Jehovah’s Witnesses are a worldwide organisation involved in evangelism and were formed in t 1870’s by Charles Taze Russell. They are a Millennialist Movement and await the return of Jesus Christ and Armageddon. They claim to be a ‘Christian movement’ but are more of a Christian cult. They reject many of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. The JW’s are well-known for door-to-door evangelising to seek out followers and the promotion of their magazines ‘Awake’! and the’ Watchtower’.  

Russell wrote six volumes on ‘Studies in the Scriptures’ that supports the JW’s main theology, but his teachings contain unfulfilled prophecies, as the world should have ended in 1975. Christians, along with many other different cults have all been overeager at some point in predicting the year, month or date of Christ’s return, but more so the JW’s who predicted the dates would be in 1920; 1924; 1940; 1975 and 1984, which resulted in disappointment, the loss of many followers and all their literature being amended. Yet the JW’s still claim to be the only group with the truth and a firm belief of the end times, despite the fact that Jesus tells us in the Bible no man knows the date or hour of his return.  

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36) 

They claim an invisible second coming occurred in 1914, even though Jesus only ever spoke of a visible return.  Their doctrine changed several times. In 1930 they claim Jesus died on the cross, in 1936 they rejected this and claimed he died on a stake. They believe Jesus was Michael the archangel, the first being created by God. 

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) 

The Jehovah's Witnesses deny salvation is a free gift from God, it is only earned through works described by their organisation. They study from the ‘New World Translation’ Bible, published by Watchtower, which is an amended version of the original Bible, adapted to suit their own doctrine. The NWT has had various amended editions as they continue to discover scriptures contrary to their own beliefs. 

The JW’s deny the existence of hell. Russell had difficulty believing that a God of love would condemn people to eternal punishment and torment . 'Gehenna’ and ‘Hades' are terms used for the grave. They claim that the wicked will face death, by remaining in unconsciousness, the soul sleeps with no afterlife. They teach that only 144,000 Jehovah Witnesses will be with God in heaven eternally, taken from the book of Revelation, all other believers (Jehovah’s Witnesses) remain in paradise here on earth. 

The JW’s are open about their beliefs and theology, but they are not forth-coming about their history, especially if you challenge them on all their unfilled prophecies over past years. They believe anyone not a Jehovah's Witness is a part of Satan's system. All other religious organisations, global powers and governments are under the influence of Satan. The JW’s are forbidden from taking part in any political groups or interfaith movements. 

They believe in God, who is referred to as ‘Jehovah’ and Jesus is Jehovah's son, a separate individual and second only to his father. They deny Jesus rose again from the dead and believe that the holy spirit is Jehovah God’s active force. The correct name for God (Jehovah) is important to them. Their place of meeting is referred to as the ‘Kingdom Hall’. Their outreach is mainly door-to-door in twos. Although they are committed, their doctrine is distorted, deceptive and false. The JW’s display many characteristics of a religious cult, through their doctrine and in their behavior. 

• They deny the resurrection of Jesus  

• Deny the Trinity • Salvation is to be earned 

• They holy Spirit is ‘a force’ not as a person 

• Forbidden to question leadership or teaching 

• They claim to be the only true Christian group  

• All other Christian Churches teach error

• They don’t acknowledge Christmas or Easter 

• They forbid vaccinations and blood transfusions 

• They refuse to do military service 

• They are not allowed to celebrate birthdays 

• They dictate that women should wear skirts or dresses to meetings 

• Men are prohibited from having beards or facial hair other than moustaches. 

New Age methods have become popular over the recent years, they have infiltrated the medical field, universities, schools, our government and sadly many of our churches, where New Age doctrine is taught from the pulpit. We need to be on our guard against their deceptions, regardless how effective or harmless they appear. 

The danger comes if we have not been grounded in true faith and are unable to recognise Satan’s deceptions. Many of us have used new age methods without full knowledge of the beliefs they are based on. Sadly, many Christians have fallen for the lies of the New Age Movement. 

The New Age has a vast range of beliefs and practices and is tolerant of most religions, but view Christians as narrow-minded, as we believe Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. Most New Agers are universalists, all paths lead to God! Many of them believe Jesus was a great spiritual teacher or guru. Many New Agers are genuinely in search of the truth and spirituality but they have not yet found it, only what appeals to their beliefs and who they believe God to be. Many of them believe we are all gods, HUMANISM. 

When we understand the differences between the New Age and Christianity, then the less vulnerable we are and able to recognise their deceptions. We can then help those caught up in all the confusion, those earnestly seeking the truth. 

New Age & Christian Methods

Christians attend events and conferences for inspiration, to be revived and empowered by the Holy Spirit, or to have an encounter with God, which we all need, but it has to be the real one! If we allow our faith to grow cold and are searching for a spiritual high instead of seeking the Lord, reading the Bible and being part of a fellowship, we become vulnerable to the deceptions of the enemy and false doctrines. 

My Experience

Before my journey back to Christ, I practised in the occult: reading tarot cards, tea leaves, using spirit guides and other methods in a search for spirituality. I attended numerous Psychic fairs and New Age events. Sadly, many Christian events, although appear to be spiritual are no different. The New Age has a different perspective from a biblical one. God still heals today but He will not share His glory with another! Jesus heals completely, the New age can’t. Healing methods being used in many of our churches may not be effective, as they may not be in line with scripture. God warns us against methods of the New Age, they are occult based. Therefore, God will not align or identify Himself with any of the New Age practises. 

Many Christian Ministries use methods based on beliefs that certain energies come from God. Even if energy healers claim to be Christian, their source of power may not come from the Holy Spirit. Nowhere in scripture does God reveal himself in the form of energy. 

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with him. (Acts 10:38)

The Ministry of Jesus

Jesus never channelled universal energy or any life source other than the Holy Spirit. Any other source is what the Bible terms as spiritualism. Jesus was empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. God’s power worked with him and through him. 

The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (Luke 4: 40-41)

On many occasions, Jesus used ‘laying on of hands’ to heal the sick. Demons left at His command, He took authority over all sickness and disease. No energy, universal or cosmic has the power and authority to cast out demons, only the power that comes directly from God, the Holy Spirit. The apostles also used their hands to pray for the sick, as Jesus had instructed them. 

And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8)

Jesus prayed for the sick and afflicted out of the compassion of His heart, everyone was healed. This was to confirm the gospel and its supernatural power. Jesus demonstrated the Kingdom of God under Kingdom authority. In the name of Jesus, the apostles did likewise, they were given the  same power and authority.  The 'laying on of hands' can be dangerous if not done through a pure channel. Just as the Holy Spirit can be imparted through laying on of hands, so can unclean spirits. 

Universal Energy

Channelling healing energy exposes a person to demonic activity. Although It may appear to be spiritual or effective, it is only temporary, something is happening on a deeper level spiritually. Energy Healers try to manipulate energy forces. When Christians pray over a person for healing, we do not try to manipulate God’s power, we intercede for God’s divine intervention, in the name of Jesus! 

Energy Healing focuses on being aligned with energies of the cosmos, earth and other life forces. The New Age claim negative energy can be a cause of many sicknesses, physical, emotional and spiritual problems, a person can be sick if they are not correctly aligned with these forces. Spirit guides carry out a psychic diagnosis’, healing and any medical advice are spoken through the channeler (medium or spiritualist). 

Channelling is when a person allows the spirits to access them, the spirits work through them to communicate with others. Spirits are very deceptive. They can work against you, torment you and even refuse to leave after entering. To be free from them it takes healing prayer, deliverance and a biblical understanding of how the Holy Spirit and demonic realm operates. 

Most New Agers don’t believe in sin or evil, they seek a higher consciousness through other methods such as meditation, yoga, false religions, crystals and channelling of spirits to help find spirituality, inner peace, purpose and wholeness. They believe everything in the universe vibrates, has sound, colour, a number or form attached  contrary to the Bible. They don’t acknowledge the Almighty God (Christian God) as creator of the universe. The Bible tells us we are to worship the Creator, not the universe! 

The enemy’s deceptions are very subtle. Taking part in the new age practices is spiritually dangerous. When a Christian has a spiritual experience this way, even if unintentional, it is not from God but Satan. We need to discern when the Holy Spirit is in operation so we are not left vulnerable to Satan’s spiritual deceptions and confusion. 

The Holy Spirit operates differently from the New Age. If the cross is not applied, the door is open for the demonic to operate. If no gospel message is preached, how do we know what spirit is in operation? Jesus is the only door that leads to God’s power. Christians should operate within this realm. 

The Holy Spirit confirms and gives witness to God’s word. Any other door is demonic, this  is Satan’s realm. Many are able to quote words from the Bible but in a different context. The Bible instructs us to test the spirit. Can a spirit or a person operating under its influence confess that Jesus Christ is Lord?  

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. By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.  (1 John 4 1-2)

With energy healing, God is not glorified. It encourages us to put our trust in another source. By doing this ,we take away from the redemptive work done at the cross, the blood of Jesus and its supernatural power. With energy healing, the true source of power is not revealed. Spirits are not tested, therefore it can be practised in the name of any religion, even Christianity! 

Christian Ministries are leading people into many New Age methods without realising how spiritually dangerous it is. These are not God’s ways, the Bible warns of their deceptions,  dangers and consequences. If the Holy Spirit operated in similar methods to the New Age and occult, this would conflict with God’s word and would be misleading. Christian beliefs cannot be compromised with new age methods. How can we use similar methods while warning people of their dangers and then expect them to repent? 

Deuteronomy tells us those who practise divination; such as astrologers, fortune-tellers, psychics should not be found amongst God’s people.

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritus, or one who calls up the dead." (Deut 18:10–11)

General practitioners focus on physical healing, the New Age focuses on the whole person; body, mind and spirit, this term is ‘holistic’ healing. Science and spirituality are now a large part of our healthcare. Instead of painkillers or medicine, people are turning to methods of New Age practitioners. 

Charismatic Fortune-Telling

Christian Ministries claim to help us reach a higher level in the Spirit, but sadly many lead to a New Age spiritual experience. Prophetic words and the word of Knowledge are used in similar ways to Psychics speaking into a person’s life. Soulish methods open the door for demonic activity, resulting in demonically inspired words and visions, which is Charismatic fortune-telling! 

It is dangerous to try and encounter God through methods of divination. True prophecy gives direction, it helps motivate us towards God and His righteousness. The dangers of false prophecy in the Bible were false prophets promising peace and prosperity prior to God’s judgment. There are a time and place for the gift of prophecy, one of nine spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. God does not give words on demand similar to psychic hotlines. The gift of prophecy is a powerful gift, it is to communicate a message directly from God, this is divinely inspired and anointed speech and a declaration of things to come. 

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 

(1 Corinthians 14:1-5)

There are Christian ministries that take part in New Age events. They go undercover and reach out to those who reject Christianity and don’t attend church to show them God’s love. Although their motives may be right, their methods have to be questioned. We do need to reach out to warn those who are caught up in Satan’s deceptions, but first, we need to ensure we are not deceived ourselves. Practitioners at these events give spiritual readings, mind-body events, third-heaven encounters, physical and spiritual healing. They claim they not to make predictions, only to help people to make right choices about their relationships, jobs and other issues. They claim to invite the ‘spirit of truth’ to interact with people at these events.

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (Ephesians 5:11)

Destiny Reading Cards

Destiny cards are used to give spiritual readings. They have pictures, biblical themes with scriptures and are used prophetically. These are the Christian alternative to tarot cards.

Colour Card Readings 

These are used to enhance spiritual readings along with coloured stones. A colour is claimed to have a meaning, especially in our dreams.

Psalm Card Readings 

Readings are taken from the Psalms. Three cards are used to represent the past, present and future of a person. These are similar to tarot cards and the zodiac, as cards are counted out according to a person’s birth date and year. 

So are they Christians disguised as New Agers, or the New Agers disguised as Christians? The Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth, does not work under any false pretences. Deceptive spirits work this way, this is fortune-telling disguised as Christianity!

For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:4)

The Holy Spirit as Our Guide

We need the Holy Spirit to guide us to those searching for the truth. Jesus Christ is the only foundation on which both New Agers and Christians can meet. But the foundation cannot be built on compromise.

"I am the wayand the truthand the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 4:16)

Neither Jesus nor the apostles went out under any guise other than God’s servants with the gospel! When Paul visited Athens, he introduced them to the God he worshipped as the unknown God, this was only the starting point to direct them towards the Creator of the Universe but was not under false pretences. 

“the God who made the world and everything in it” and who “himself gives all men life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:23-25).

Instead of using alternative new age methods, God has given us the gifts of the Spirit to equip us for ministry. These are weapons of warfare and when used with God’s word they are powerful enough to bring down strongholds and lead people into the truth, a more powerful way to demonstrate the gospel and expose the lies of the occult and new age, as with Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8, and Pharaoh’s enchanters in Exodus 7.

None of them could compete against the power of God. Christians should not need to compete with the power of the new age and the occult. God doesn’t need to get on the agenda of what Satan is doing! 

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (Mark 16:17)

Jesus and the apostles never used alternative methods, they used the spiritual gifts which exposed the counterfeit for what it was. What is described in God’s word as being evil and dangerous, such as new age and occult practices are now practised in many churches and  Christian events. The message of the cross is a radical and supernatural message! If the gospel is being preached with the signs following there would be no need for alternative methods of outreach. God demonstrated His love for the world when He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

Before seeking advice, counselling or healing from any Christian source, ensure it is based on God's word as many Christian counsellors and healers use new age methods. There are many false healers who prey on the sick, vulnerable, suffering and desperate people. 

Many Christians have compromised their beliefs with the New Age methods, resulting in a ‘New Age Christianity’. The Bible warns this would happen in the last days. If your church uses or promotes new age methods, or hosts events for ministries that use them, take a stand for the truth or make for the exit!

Signs and wonders themselves do not confirm truth, as not all supernatural signs come from God. Christians need discernment more than ever in these last days, as Satan has many deceptions as part of his end-time plans. Timothy tells us in the last day, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4)

· Which Jesus do you believe in? 

· Which spirit influences your mind and actions?

· Which gospel did you accept when you accepted Jesus? 

Paul warns the church in Thessalonica of a false charismatic style movement in the last days. The Antichrist and False Prophet will perform signs and wonders and will deceive many.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displaying all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders!  (2 Thessalonians 2:9)

Although Satan can counterfeit gifts of the spirit, he cannot counterfeit fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Gifts are our abilities; fruit is revealed through our character. A spiritual gift can come by impartation, but fruit is developed through time. Balaam was a combination of spiritual gifts and corrupt character (Numbers 22-24.) 

The Bible tells us we will be able to identify false prophets by the fruit of their lifestyle, not their supernatural gifts!

Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15)