Donald L. Platt’s book “Counterfeit?” (published by OMF Literature Inc.) mentions six cults and sects who have deceived
men into thinking that anyone can be saved today without having a clear-cut idea of biblical authority. The book is a good study on the six sects and denominations. Mormons, Bahais, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Moonies, the “Children of God” and the Iglesia ni Cristo (referring to the group that had its origin in Taguig, Philippines).
Well, but why study the sects? There are five good reasons. Firstly, because the world is being flooded with false gospels, false religions, false teachers who are out to make mechandise of the souls of men. A great prophet of long ago warned his readers: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try them whether they are of God, for many false prophets are gone out into the world.” If one is in the faith, he too must be forewarned. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. This book, together with your Bible, is one good read in the study the sects.
Secondly, because we are urged to reject human traditions, human doctrines, and false gospels. Even Jesus rejects traditionalists, calling them hypocrites. A hypocrite is one who speaks from under a mask. “It was a custom for Greek and Roman actors to speak in large masks with mechanical devices for augmenting the force of the voice; hence the word became used metaphorically of a dissembler, a hypocrite” (W. E. Vine). Jesus calls them hypocrites, because they honor God with their lips but their heart is far from Him. That, to me, is another good reason why one must study the doctrines of the sects. Compare their
teachings with teachings of the Word. Embrace the truth; reject the false.
Thirdly, because there is a warning that some will depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-3). That is the next good reason why I must open any book that discusses the sects and sectarian doctrines. Reading that, comparing the teachings with what the Bible teaches, sifting the truth and rejecting the false, he will have the strength to keep on and keep his faith. The “faith” here refers to the body of teachings. Early disciples fell away from the faith by listening to false teachers who brought with them their damnable heresies, or opinions of destruction. These false teachers were also described as grievous wolves who did not spare the flock, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. We probably are in a deep slumber, we probably are indifferent, we probably think the matter is not serious enough to merit our attention. It is very serious, and should merit our attention! This warning must awaken us. There is enough evil in the world, and there is enough evil in religion, and in becoming irreligious. Take the safer option. Study your Bible.
Fourthly, the guardians of the faith are to rebuke the errorists that they may be sound in the faith. Rebuke them sharply, so the apostle says, signifying that the rebuke must be done in a manner that cuts. This is to be done that these errorists may become sound, healthy in the faith, and this is to be done in public, before all. This is good therapy. Sometimes we need someone to tell us we’re mistaken, we’re wrong, that we may get back to our senses.
Fifthly, because of the dangers of heresies and unorthodox teachings. They cause division in the group. Witness for example the division that happened within the Catholic church in 1054 AD, the division among the Mormons after the death of their prophet Joseph Smith. Or among the Baptists, Methodists, and other Protestant religions. Unorthodox teachings not only destroy those who listen to it but also those who teach it.
To safeguard orthodoxy, one must go back to that authority, the one that is vested in the Word of God.