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What does the Bible say about false religion?

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The Bible warns that false religion replaces or distorts God’s truth, and calls believers to cling to Christ alone as the true way of salvation. Jesus teaches that false teachers may appear harmless but are known by their fruit, and that outward profession without obedience to him cannot save (Matthew 7:15-23). Believers must test spiritual claims by the apostolic gospel, especially the confession of Jesus Christ truly come in the flesh (1 John 4:1-3). Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, so sincerity and religious appearance are not sufficient (2 Corinthians 11:14). Christians should reject teachings that do not abide in Christ’s doctrine, while responding with discernment, humility, and faithfulness to the gospel (2 John 1:9-11; John 14:6).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 7:15-20

    [15] "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. [16] By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. [18] A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. [19] Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.

  • 1 John 4:1

    Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

  • Matthew 7:21-23

    [21] Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' [23] Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

  • 2 John 1:9-11

    [9] Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive him into your house, and don't welcome him, [11] for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:14

    And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

  • 1 John 4:1-3

    [1] Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, [3] and every spirit who doesn't confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.

  • John 14:6

    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

  • 2 John 1:10-11

    [10] If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive him into your house, and don't welcome him, [11] for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

  • Leviticus 19:31

    "'Don't turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don't seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God.

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