The Bible warns us all to be careful and discerning with regards to the teachings that certain people teach us. Not everything that presents itself as Godly is Godly, and not all who profess to be Christian are true. There are many counterfeits around the world now, and we will do well to be careful to whom we listen to.
Loving warnings
The apostle Paul, who encountered several fakes during his missionary journeys, warns us to be very careful. He warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15,
“For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
John also warns us not to be gullible and naïve, even very accepting of any and every “spiritual” teaching that comes our way. No matter who it is who speaks, we should first check if it is from the Lord Himself:
“Beloved, 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.”
Red flags
Having said all that, I want to help you discern what is true and false, what is of Christ and not of Christ. Here are some things that you should watch out for. These traits, qualities, or characteristics should act as “red flags” that warn us of danger.
1) Denial of the Lord Jesus Christ’s deity and human identity
The Bible tells us that Christ Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, both fully God and fully man at the same time. He was born of a virgin woman, and lived a normal human life until He started His ministry to destroy the works of the devil and free us from sin. John tells us that those who deny these things are fakes and should be listened to:
“This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is already in the world.” (1 John 1:2-3)
2) They preach “another Jesus”
Paul warns us of ministers who come presenting themselves as of Christ but instead present a different Gospel and a different Saviour. They may mention the name of Jesus Christ, but when you view the Gospel they present as a whole you find it deviating from what the Bible says. He warns us against believing such preachers quickly.
“For if he who 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 submit to it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:4)
