By Robert SCHRŒDER,
(translated from the french article: Comment reconnaître les sectes et leurs faux prophètes)
I. What is a cult / sect?
Christianity today appears to be a mosaic of more than five hundred sects, large and small, all claiming to be the authentic Church of Jesus Christ. But on closer examination, we realise that enormous contrasts, even serious conflicts, separate or oppose them. So what is a sect?
Editor and translator’s note : In the French language, the words « cult » and « sect » are rendered by the same word : « secte ». We won’t differentiate these 2 words in this article. By the term « sect » is here meant a « cultic sect », as most sects have a cultic behaviour at the end.
A sect is a group formed within a religion that brings together followers who adhere to the same doctrine. The word sect comes from the Latin sequi, which means to follow. Some people mistakenly derive it from secare, which means to cut or separate. In any case, the word sect is related to the meaning of heresy (from the Greek « hairein », meaning to choose). « According to the New Testament, the characteristic of a sect is heresy » (Fritz BLANKE).
Moreover, the Vulgate – the Catholic Latin translation of the Bible – uses the Latin words « secta » and » haeresis » to translate the same Greek word « hairesis », the only one used in the New Testament to refer to dissident groups. French translations render it as « sect, heresy and party ».
At the time of Jesus Christ, there were various sects among the Jews: the Pharisees (Acts 26:5), the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), the Essenes… And the early Christians themselves were considered a Jewish sect (Acts 24:5; 24:14; 28:22).
In the New Testament, the word sect is therefore used primarily to refer to a simple split, a schism, which does not entail any significant doctrinal dissent; but this term also has a more restricted meaning, applying to religious movements that have departed from « sound doctrine » (2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1). In fact, in the epistles, this term already has its current pejorative meaning and refers to religious movements separated from true Christians, from those who « persevered in the apostles’ teaching » (Acts 2:42). These sects hindered the spread of the Gospel, and the apostle Paul claims to have been « in danger among false brethren » (2 Cor. 11:26).
Even today, sects hinder the proclamation of the authentic Gospel, and their number at the present time is truly alarming. However, the appearance and proliferation of false prophets are among the signs that precede the return of the Lord (Matt. 24:3, 24), who tells us:
« Take heed that no man deceive you » (Matt. 24:4).
II. Biblical warnings
We often hear it said that all religions are good, as long as the follower is sincere. This assertion leads to syncretism. It is the doctrine which, by identifying the common elements of various religious movements, attempts to reconcile different Christian and other communities, with the aim of appeasing consciences and satisfying a latent thirst for unity.
But if all religions were good, the coming of Christ, the Son of the living God, would have been unnecessary. And the many biblical warnings, including several from the mouth of Jesus Christ himself, would be meaningless. This is inconceivable.
The Bible, in fact, warns us against any doctrinal deviation and asks us to remain vigilant in the face of « false doctrine or false science » (1 Tim. 6:20), « harmful sects » (2 Peter 2:1), « doctrines of demons » (1 Tim. 4:1) …
His warnings are far removed from any syncretism.
« Beware of FALSE PROPHETS. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. » (Matt. 7:15) .
« And no wonder, for SATAN himself masquerades as AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. It is not surprising, then, if his ministers also masquerade as ministers of righteousness » (2 Cor. 11:14, 15; see also Matt. 24:11; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4; 2 Peter 2:1).
III. Condemnation of sects
The Bible strongly condemns sects and their false prophets.
« Whosoever GOES BEYOND and does not abide in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, he does not have God » (2 John 9).
« Not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a different gospel than the one we preached to you, LET HIM BE ANATHEMA! » (Gal. 1:7,8; see also Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Peter 2:1; 3:16).
« I remind you, brethren, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are saved, IF YOU HOLD FAST TO IT AS I PREACHED IT TO YOU; otherwise you would have BELIEVED IN VAIN » (1 Cor. 15:1,2).
The Bible thus declares the faith of sectarians to be useless. Indeed, sects ask their followers to believe in their creed or in their church or community. But the faith required by Jesus Christ is complete trust in Him, not adherence to any doctrinal system. Saving faith is not approval of a doctrine, but communion with Christ.
IV. Attitude towards sectarians
The Bible tells us not to join them and to reject their doctrine, but always with gentleness, never with violence.
« I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and scandals, to the detriment of the teaching you have received. AVOID THEM » (Rom. 8:16-17; see also 1 Tim. 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:23; Titus 3:10).
« But . .. (be) always ready to defend yourselves with GENTLENESS AND RESPECT, before anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. » (1 Peter 3:15; see also Matt. 26:52; Luke 9:54, 55; Eph. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:25).
We must oppose sectarians with only one weapon, « the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God » (Eph. 6:17). And it is with gentleness and love that we must present to them the Truth of the gospel.
V. Exhortations to true faith
The Bible commands us to abide in « sound doctrine ». It also asks us not to believe every spirit (1 John 4:1) and even to examine whether we are in the true faith. For « there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death » (Prov. 14:12). Every sectarian believes that he belongs to the true Church of Jesus Christ and labels other Christian groups as sects and heresies. That is why the Bible invites each of us to thoroughly examine the faith that has been handed down to us. Who can guarantee that the religion of our parents is not mixed with heresy? Before accepting it, have we checked whether it is in accordance with the Word of God? Is our faith based on prejudice, or on absolute conviction, based on the Scriptures? This exhortation from Lamentations of Jeremiah (3:40) is addressed to each of us: « Let us examine our ways and test them. »
Such examination has already enabled individuals and entire groups to turn away from the path of error and rediscover the pure Gospel of salvation. The author of these lines, blinded until the age of 35 by the religion inherited from his parents, would like to charitably exhort each reader to examine themselves on this subject. The Word, in fact, invites us to do so.
« EXAMINE YOURSELVES TO SEE WHETHER YOU ARE IN THE FAITH; test yourselves » (2 Cor. 13:5).
We invite every reader to address this supplication to the Father of Lights, to which He will also respond:
« See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting » (Ps. 139:24).
VI. How to recognise sects?
It is not always easy to recognise sects; Jesus himself said so:
« For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect » (Matt. 24:24).
The sectarian. It could be that affable neighbour, that friendly colleague at work, the nice shopkeeper around the corner . He is an upright, sincere man, but he has been led astray by a false system that he believes to be the Truth. He bears no particular signs that would allow him to be identified at first glance; however, the Bible gives us some pointers that enable us to recognise sectarian or heretical movements. We will review them below.
The goal of sects
It is the enslavement of man, not his salvation.
« It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. » (Gal. 5:1; see also Gal. 2:4; Col. 2:8).
However, sects often impose servitude on their followers that was unknown to the early Christians; instead of being « set free by Christ » (John 8:36), the follower remains subject to his sect. Does your Church use or has it used such methods?
Their leader
At their head is no longer Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18), but a man or group of men who claim to have been given the mission of transmitting new religious truths to humanity or to have been given the exclusive interpretation of certain passages of the Bible. But the Bible warns us:
« Do not trust in PRINCES, in the SON OF MAN, WHO CANNOT SAVE » (Ps, 146:3; see also Isaiah 2:22; Jer. 17:5) .
And Jesus expressly said:
« …for one is your Master (or Leader): CHRIST » (Matt. 23:10).
And yet the sects claim that their authority is the most reliable and reasonable. They also introduce new mediators—supposedly invested with special powers—while Scripture tells us that there is « ONE MEDIATOR between God and men, the man JESUS CHRIST, who gave himself as a ransom for all » (1 Tim. 2:5; 6). Does your Church convey to you, through the mouths of men, new revelations, interpretations and prescriptions that are not implicitly found in the Bible? Has it established mediators other than Jesus Christ between God and men?
Their fruits
» Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit… Therefore, by their fruits you will recognise them. » (Matt. 7:17, 18, 20)
This is the means of identification indicated by Jesus. However, it can be difficult to apply, because appearances can be deceiving. Sectarians may be those who » having an appearance of godliness but denying its power » (2 Tim. 3:5).
Some churches boast of their hospitals, schools, and social works, in which they see the fruits of true faith and proof that they are the authentic Church. However, these social achievements only characterise a numerically strong Church (which so easily accuses small assemblies of sectarianism), but they are not a criterion of faithfulness to Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ is not a church of multitudes, « for many are called, but few are chosen » (Matt. 22:14).
In reality, the fruits referred to in Matt. 7:20 are spiritual fruits, borne by each individual in the Church of God. The fruits of an authentic Christian life, of conversion to Jesus Christ, are a total transformation of the being (2 Cor. 5:17).
One of the fruits of true disciples is obedience and submission to Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:24; James 4:7).
Many sects, on the other hand, neglect some of the divine teachings and contravene the commandments concerning attitude in the world (James 4:4), the love of riches (Heb. 13:5), abominations (Deut. 18:10-12), the practice of truth (Eph. 4:25), worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24; Deut. 27:15; Ex. 20:5), humility (Matt. 23:11-12), love of neighbour (Matt. 5:43-45), etc.
The social behaviour, methods and means of propaganda of certain sects are often contrary to the spirit of the Gospel and the fruits of an authentic Christian life.
Their preaching
Sects do not preach the Christ of the Scriptures. They most often put themselves forward, or proclaim some new doctrine, often very appealing. Some of them place the healing of all diseases at the centre of their message (which contradicts 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20; Gal. 4:14); others place the healing of all diseases at the centre of their message (which contradicts 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20; Gal. 4:14); others place the creation of a new ideal society at the centre of their message. Apostolic preaching, on the other hand, was focused ONLY on Christ.
« We do not preach ourselves; we preach JESUS CHRIST THE LORD, and we say that we are your servants because of Jesus. » (2 Cor. 4:5; see also 1 Cor. 2:2; 3:11).
Does your church teach anything other than Jesus Christ?
« Come unto ME, » said Jesus (Matt. 11:28). I AM the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through ME (John 14:6). I will not turn away anyone who comes to ME (John 6:37). There is SALVATION in NO ONE ELSE; for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given among men by which we must be saved » (Acts 4:12).
Contrary to these statements in the Word of God, sects tell you: « Come to us! Outside OUR Church, there is no salvation. » In fact, it is NEVER membership in a Church or an Assembly or a Congregation that brings salvation, for it is the Lord Himself who adds those who are saved to HIS Church (Acts 2:47).
The true Church (from the Greek « ekklesia » = called out) is the assembly of the redeemed faithful (1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18) and called out of the world (Gal. 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9), living from Christ (Gal. 2:20) as the branches live from the vine (John 15:5); forming one plant with Him (Rom. 6:5). The Church, or « Body of Christ » (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:23) thus forms a living unity with Christ, its head.
Sects disparage the Bible
Alongside the Bible, sects recognise other sources of revelation: the writings of their prophets, their traditions, their dogmas, their visions… . They therefore offer, alongside or even before the Bible (which thus becomes secondary), their own books of revelation, their books of doctrine, their newspapers. And these books, intended to supplant the Bible, always contradict it. The message of the Bible is truncated or distorted in them. Very often, moreover, these writings are not sold openly in shops, which makes it difficult to refute them. However, the teaching of Jesus must not remain hidden, but must be proclaimed openly: « For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, nor anything secret that will not be made known « (Mark 4:22).
Some sects even teach that the Bible is superfluous since their members, « sealed » from above, receive direct guidance for their spiritual lives from Heaven. The Apostle Paul, however, exhorts the faithful as follows: « Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly » (Col. 3:16; see also John 8:31).
And the Bible gives us other warnings to guard against added teachings and new revelations.
« I felt compelled (to write to you) to exhort you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. » (Jude 3).
Is your church faithful to this apostolic faith? Or has it made falsifications, additions or subtractions?
Sects falsify the Bible
Even in the time of the apostles, some were falsifying the Word of God. Only the true apostles of Christ can claim the words of the Apostle Paul as their own:
« For we are not like many others, who falsify the Word of God . .. » (2 Cor. 2:17). « We do not distort the Word of God » (2 Cor. 4:2) .
These falsifications often appear in translations of the Scriptures produced by sects, which often have their own translations. It is therefore useful to consult several translations or the Hebrew and Greek editions.
But falsification of Scripture can also appear in the notes accompanying the biblical text or in commentaries, which tend to make certain words or phrases mean something other than what they express, by resorting to lengthy sophistry. This, too, is nothing new. The Apostle Peter had to warn the early believers against those who twisted the meaning of Scripture (2 Peter 3:16).
Often, sectarian doctrines are based on a single Bible verse taken out of context or whose translation is flawed. It is therefore not surprising that, taken out of context and referring to a particular subject, this verse appears to contradict the overall message of the Bible and is the basis for conscious or unconscious misinterpretations.
The Apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:20), after asking his readers to pay attention to the prophetic word, adds « that no prophecy of Scripture can be a matter of private interpretation » (literally: interpretation by oneself, apart, that is, isolated from the whole of the prophetic words).
As these false doctrines lack a stable foundation, they undergo numerous fluctuations over time, leading to fragmentation, disintegration and ultimately the disappearance of the sect, unless it renews itself through continual metamorphoses that render unrecognisable, a few centuries later, its original confession of faith or its initial creed unrecognisable.
Has your Church gone through such vicissitudes?
Only the Church of Jesus Christ, nourished « by the living and enduring word of God » (1 Peter 1:23), is promised to be impervious to the « gates of Hades »« (Matt. 16:18), despite all the persecutions it has suffered and continues to suffer …
Sects add to the Bible
The New Testament ends with a solemn warning:
« If anyone adds anything (to this book), God will strike him with the plagues described in this book. » (Rev. 22:18 b; see also Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6).
Notwithstanding this admonition, sects believe they are authorised to amplify Revelation.
1. They « reveal » hidden things
They claim to know what the Bible does not know. But God tells us:
« The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. » (Deut. 29:29) .
Have not certain sects gone so far as to specify the date of the end of the world or the return of Christ? Whereas Jesus said: « But of that day and hour no one knows » (Matt. 24:36). And none of the apostles gave a date; they simply asked us to watch.
The prophetic word, to which we do well to pay attention (2 Peter 1:9), allows us only to sense the imminence of the end times, especially since the restoration of the State of Israel. But to indicate a specific day, or even just a year, is to fall under Paul’s anathema (Gal. 1:7, 8). Indeed, « the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night » (1 Thess. 5:2).
2. They add new rules
Sects often add additional dietary requirements or ritual innovations to the biblical requirements…
Regarding food, the Bible gives us the following instructions:
« It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, that defiles a person » (Matt. 15:11 ; see also Rom. 14:17; 1 Tim. 4:1-3).
However, let us not overlook the biblical teachings concerning sobriety, temperance, and moderation (1 Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21; Phil. 3:19; 1 Tim. 5:23; Titus 2:2; 1 Peter 4:3). Let us note, however, with regard to ritual innovations, that the baptism of adult believers should not be classified in this category. Indeed, this baptism is not an innovation, since it was the only one practised by the early Church (Acts 2:41; 8:13; 16:33; 18:8).
Many authentic Christian churches have abolished infant baptism (an innovation of the third century) in order to return to apostolic practice.
3. They supplement the Bible with new dogmas.
Among the most characteristic doctrinal additions are new dogmas, based not on Scripture but on supposed revelations or « apostolic traditions. » However, the New Testament speaks out against human traditions that devalue revelation. Jesus Christ and the apostles never base their teachings on anything other than the inspired writings of the Old Covenant. The Lord himself severely condemns traditions that nullify the word of God. (Matt. 15:6, 7) .
4. They preach another gospel
Even in the time of the Apostle Paul, false apostles were deceiving the Corinthians by preaching a « other Jesus » « > »different gospel » with the dispensation of « another spirit » (2 Cor. 11:4). Even today, these same deceivers are at work. Their Christ is no longer the Christ of the New Testament! But « Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever« (Heb. 13:8).
Sects cut out parts of the Bible
While sects add many ordinances and articles of faith to biblical revelation, and sometimes exaggerate the importance of secondary points of doctrine, doctrinal subtractions prevail. The essential tenets of Christianity are simply ignored. This is particularly true of the following biblical truths.
1. Repentance and Conversion
« Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out » (Acts 3:19; see also Matt. 4:17; 18:3; Mark 1:15; 6:12; Luke 5:32; 13:3,5; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20; Rev. 3:19, 20).
Repentance is man’s decision to turn away from his sins, his mistakes, his habits, his vices; conversion is the act by which he turns to God. Repentance and conversion are absolutely essential to obtain forgiveness of sins, to benefit from the sacrifice of the cross, and to receive eternal life. This call to repentance is addressed to all men, for according to the Bible, « all have sinned » (Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8; Ps. 14:3; 1 Kings 8:46; Eccl. 7:20; Isa. 64:5). Does your church still preach repentance and conversion?
2. The New Birth
» Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. » (John 3:3; see also John 3:7; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:3).
When we come to Jesus Christ, when we consciously accept Him as Saviour and Lord, the Spirit of God enters our lives and begins a work of regeneration. The « natural » man is replaced by the « spiritual » man. We are then born into a new life that transforms us. « If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. » (2 Cor. 5:17). Does your church teach the necessity of being born again?
3. Assurance of Salvation
« Truly, verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and cometh not into judgement, but is passed from death unto life. » (John 5:24; see also John 3:15,16; 3:36; 6:47; 10:28; Rom. 6:22; 8:1; 10:9-11; Phil. 3:20; 1 John 2:25; 3:14; 5:11-13).
The born-again man receives eternal life. The Word of God gives him assurance of his salvation. The Spirit of God dwells in the heart of such a man (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16). That is why the saved Christian abounds in good works. They are a testimony to his regeneration, never a means of salvation. They serve to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; John 15:8), not to earn heaven.
4. The Free Gift of Salvation
« For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast » (Eph. 2:8, 9; see also Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:28; 9:32, 33; 11:6; Gal. 2:16; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5).
The Bible teaches us that salvation is a grace, a favour, a gift from God. It is not something we earn (Luke 17:11). And it is through faith that we receive this gift. Does your church preach this gospel of grace?
5. Saving faith
« The righteous shall live by faith » (Rom. 1:17; see also John 6:47; Acts 15:9; 16:31; 26:18; Rom. 3:22; 3:28; 4:11; 4:16; 5:1; Gal. 2:16; 3:26; Eph. 2:8; Heb. 12:2).
Saving faith is not mere credulity but full confidence, full assurance in Jesus Christ. But for many sects, the faith required of followers is only knowledge, an intellectual adherence to a set of doctrines. Such faith is futile (1 Cor. 15:1, 2). Biblical faith, on the other hand, is communion with God through Jesus Christ, or, as it is often expressed in the Bible, « life in Christ. »
« He who believes IN ME, » said Jesus, « has eternal life » (John 6:47). Did you know this message of saving faith?
6. The unique atoning sacrifice
» For he died, and it was for sin that he died once and for all. » (Rom. 6:10; see also Rom. 3:25; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; Heb. 7:27; 9:26).
Numerous passages in the New Testament show us the complete sufficiency of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There is no need for this sacrifice to be repeated. All expiatory rites and practices are also unnecessary. According to Jesus’ own words on the cross, « it is finished » (John 19:30).
« Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them » (Hebrews 7:25) .
Is this doctrine recognised by your Church?
7. Sanctification
« Pursue… holiness, without which no one will see the Lord » (Heb. 12:14; see also Matt. 5:20; 5:48; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Thess. 4:3, 7; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; 2 Peter 3:11).
God wants all the redeemed to sanctify themselves, that is, to set themselves apart for Him, to consecrate their lives to Him, to turn away from sin and the world, and to seek charity, purity, temperance, humility, and faithfulness. This sanctification is only possible if we walk with Jesus Christ, who said, « Without me you can do nothing » (John 15:5). It is His atoning death that also assures us of His help in sanctification.
« Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word . .. » (Eph. 5:25-26).
Is this sanctification preached in all churches?
8. The glorious return of Jesus Christ
« For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. » (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; see also Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 2:19; 2 Thess. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; James 5:7; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Peter 3:4, 10; Rev. 1:7; 22:20).
Those who are in communion with Christ rejoice at his return and call upon him with all their hearts. The cry of the Church, which closes the Book of Revelation, is also theirs: « Come, Lord Jesus! » (Rev. 22:20) . But those who are not in communion with Christ fear his return and neither teach nor await it.
Some sects even profess that this return has already taken place, but in an invisible manner. However, the Word says that He will return « in the same manner » as His disciples saw Him ascend into heaven (Acts 1:11) and « every eye will see Him » (Rev. 1:7).
Furthermore, false Christs appear periodically. The Word of God also warns us against them (Matt. 24:24-27).
VII. Where can salvation be found?
We have just reviewed some important biblical doctrines that are often ignored or twisted by sects. But this should not be seen as a summary of all biblical teaching. We invite our readers to meditate on the Bible regularly. God promises to give us the wisdom we need to understand the Scriptures if we ask Him for it (James 1:5, 6; Luke 11:11-13).
Meditating on God’s Word prevents us from straying from the Truth and believing in sectarian doctrines. Furthermore, it will lead us to salvation: Jesus Christ.
These are, in fact, the Scriptures that bear witness to Him, and Jesus Himself invites us to search them (John 5:39). « To ignore the Scriptures, » wrote St. Jerome, « is to ignore Christ. »
No church or religious movement can save! But in His love, God sent us a Saviour, Jesus Christ, « that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life » (John 3:16).
To be saved, let us put all our trust in Him; let us listen to Him:
« Repent! Come to me! I will put a new spirit in you. Whoever believes in me has eternal life. My sheep will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me. » (Mark 1:15; Matt. 11:28; Ezek. 11:19; John 6:47; 10:28; Rev. 3:19,20).
We remain at your disposal to answer any further questions you may have.
Robert SCHRŒDER.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
List of publications on sects
- Alexander, H.E. Occultism or Christianity?: Spiritism and its various forms, in the light of the Word of God. Geneva: Maison de la Bible.
- Alexander, H.E. Sabbatism or Christutnism? Geneva: Maison de la Bible.
- Benoit, J.P. Denominations and Sects. Paris: Les Bergers et les Mages, 1966.
- Blocher, J. Catholicism in the Light of Holy Scripture. Paris: Les Bons Semeurs 1961.
- Brütsch, C. Les Mormons ou Saints des Derniers Jours. Neuchâtel (Switzerland): Edition Delachaux & Niestlé, 1960.
- Couleru, C.B. Le Spiritisme déguisé. Lausanne: Jean Raymond Couleru, 1963.
- Dagon, G. Small Churches and Large Sects. Paris: Société Centrale d’Evangélisation, 1955.
- Dagon, G. Small Churches of France. First instalment. 57-Amneville: M. G. Dagon, 1966.
- Doulière, E. The Doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Light of the Bible. Nephtali Edition, 1950.
- Marsault, F. What Does Christ Say? Montpellier: Mission Intérieure Évangélique, 1947.
- Nicole, J.M. Are Seventh-day Adventists right? Vennes-Lausanne: Editions Emmaüs, 1960.
- Nicole, J.M. Are Jehovah’s Witnesses right? Vennes-Lausanne: Editions Emmaüs, 1962.
- Nisbet, R. But the Gospel does not say that. Neuchâtel: Edition Messeiller, 1954.
- Ray, Maurice. Occultism in the Light of Christ: Spiritualists, dowsers, healers, diviners and magicians in the light of Christ. Vennes-Lausanne: Editions Ligue pour la Lecture de la Bible, 1956.
- Robert, J. Apostolic and Neo-Apostolic Catholics. Neuchâtel (Switzerland): Editions Delachaux & Niestlé, 1960.
- Roth, Henri. Aurorism 011 Christianity? Geneva: Maison de la Bible.
- Roth, Henri. Oecumenism or Christianity? Geneva: Maison de la Bible. Truth and Error (Leaflet) Lausanne: Vie et Liberté.
1967 Treaty, Editeurs de Littérature biblique, non-profit association
List of works on biblical doctrine.
- Alexander, H.E. The Foundations of Faith. Geneva: Maison de la Bible.
- Alexander, H.E. The Way of Salvation. Geneva: Maison de la Bible.
- Barnhouse, Donald Grey. Teach the Word. Vennes-Lausanne: Editions Emmaüs, 1962.
- Caldesaigues, Emile; Lamorte, André; Serr, Georges; Dedye, René. La Religion Chrétienne. Flavion: Editions « Le Phare », 1966.
- Chafer, L.S. Les Grandes Doctrines de la Bible. Brussels: Editions « Le Bon Livre ».
- Itty, E. Founded on the Rock. Paris: Les Bons Semeurs, 1966.
- Racine, G. Etre Chrétien. Nice: M.G. Racine, 1957.
- Rhoton, D. The Logic of Faith. Strombeek-BÈver (Brussels): Editeurs de Littérature Biblique 1967.
- Ryle, J-C. Biblical Religion. Jebsheim: Editions La Bannière de la Vérité, 1964.
- Schaeffer, F.A. Neo-modernism or Christianity? Geneva: La Maison de la Bible.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. What is a sect?
II. Biblical warnings
III. Condemnation of sects
IV. Attitude towards sectarians
V. Exhortations to true faith.
VI. How to recognise sects?
VII. Where to find salvation?