1. The group will have an elitist view of itself in relation to others. They will believe that they are a unique cause. They will believe that they are the only ones right. Everyone else is wrong. They are the only ones doing God’s will. Everyone else is in apostasy
Isn’t that the reason why people choose to follow a religion, because they think that what they are learning and following is right? Especially in Christianity; anything outside of the teachings of Christ is considered false.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 18:37 … Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of the truth listens to me.”
Since there can only be one truth, Jesus’ statement lets us understand that anything outside his teaching must be false. Isn’t this elitist?
2. They are only concerned with recruiting and growing, they will promote their cause actively, and in doing so, abuse God-given personal rights, individual spiritual gifts, individual talents and individual freedoms. This abuse can be THEOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL.
The Church of God does not abuse the personal rights of anyone. We do not force anyone to stay in our Church. In regards to recruiting and growing, that is a basic teaching of Christ, which is to preach the gospel.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
An essential practice in the Christian faith is to preach the gospel. To recruit and grow is the Christian way.
3. Their leader/s may claim a special, exclusive ministry, revelation or position of authority given by God.
Please tell me what religion has not started by someone stating that they have some kind of special, exclusive ministry, revelation or position of authority given by God? Even Jesus Christ made this claim:
Matthew 28:18 The Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Among all the people who claim to have a special revelation, who is telling the truth? It is the ones who practice the teachings of the Bible.
