How do you differentiate between opinion and fact when it comes to discerning between Bible-believing churches and off-the-wall cults?

The answer to this is really quite simple. When prayerfully and faithfully comparing Scriptures to one another, you’ll see the picture God wants you to see. It’s like putting a puzzle together piece by piece. If you have to jam pieces into place, you’re doing something wrong. They should fit easily together; there’s searching involved, yes, but you shouldn’t have to force the text. We must let the Bible interpret itself.

So Bible-believing churches should base their conclusions on what the Bible says, without allowing an individual or group of people to interpret everything for its members. Several members should study the Bible and bounce ideas off one another. The Bible says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

Cults are classified as such because an elite person or inner circle does all the thinking for the followers—even when members disagree, they can’t challenge or take a stand against the leadership. People who blindly follow this kind of practice without Bible study are in danger of being lost!

A cult also forbids members from looking at outside literature. Some have come knocking on my door wanting to study the Bible with me. They are almost always sincere, and I admire their enthusiasm. But before they leave, I offer them a book. Yet they won’t dare take it, because their church is afraid that their doctrines won’t stand up under scrutiny. A challenge to the church is forbidden.

The Bible says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). We ought to prove all things, so we need to keep our eyes open. You don’t need to look at garbage, but you must examine and evaluate truth, holding fast to the good. With heartfelt prayer and study, God will lead you.

Key Bible Texts

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)