There may be circumstances whereby a person comes out of spiritual darkness in search of truth. However, if they are not vigilant, or properly guided, the enemy will seek to lead such a person from witchcraft, satanism or similar deception and into a quasi-Christian gathering. It could be a gathering purporting to be a church, home fellowship or Bible study but it will merely be counterfeit.
Christian language will abound in such a place, yet there will be a lack of true Biblical teaching, the leading of the Holy Spirit and love of Christ. It will be deceptively close, and the person seeking Christ may not be fully aware of the signs of a counterfeit “church” due to their infancy in the matters of Christ.
Below are some major red flags of a “church” or “Christian” fellowship followed by a scriptural basis (or two) for their errors to counteract the falsehood. This is not an exhaustive list and you may have more. Ultimately, these gatherings won’t possess the full reflection of the Biblical model, but selectively choose the aspects that are frankly easy to fake and implement with little effort.
1. Not fully embracing the Word of God in its entirety and distorting the Word.
‘All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,’ 2 Timothy 3:16
‘Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.’ John 17:17
2. Jesus not being positioned in His rightful place. He is downgraded to a good teacher, wise man or placed on the same level as religious figures of old.
‘Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ Philippians 2:9-11
‘Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”’ John 14:6
3. Communicating in recognizable Christian language, but possessing no true intention to be led by the Holy Spirit.
‘Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.’ 1 Thessalonians 1:5
4. Referring to God as energy and light but again, no true mention of His Majesty, His Name and His attributes.
‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6
‘But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.’ 1 Peter 1:15-17
5. Hierarchical steps to get to God, through excess work and commitment.
‘Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.’ Matthew 23:12
‘But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”’ Luke 23:40-43
6. The leader is treated as the mediator and conduit to God not Jesus Christ.
‘For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,’ 1 Timothy 2:5
7. Complex theories, understanding, secret wisdom and knowledge that is often intentionally misleading or obscured whereby only the leader can unpack and uncover.
‘because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ Romans 10:9
‘…so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.’ Matthew 23:3-4
8. Unchallenged lifestyle of sin and lack of conviction for sinful acts
‘But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’ John 14:15
Remember:
Biblical literacy is the only way to avoid being deceived in 2026 and beyond. Reading, and studying the Word will serve as an anchor when deceit from the evil ones tries to turn many away from serving the one true God.
