These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11
This article on FoxNews.com caught my eye tonight. Robert Jeffress, a senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas, is under fire for describing Mitt Romney’s religion (Mormonism) as a “cult.” He later defended his statement, saying, “Mormonism was invented 1800 years after Jesus Christ and the founding of Christianity, and it has its own founder, Joseph Smith, its own set of doctrines and its own book, the Book of Mormon. And that, by definition, is a theological cult, that’s all I’m saying.”
Let’s do a little exercise right now, and apply Mr. Jeffress’ definition to some other “Christian” religious groups.
| Religion | Year | Founder | Creed Book |
| Mormonism | 1820s | Joseph Smith | Book of Mormon (link) |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | 1870s | Charles Taze Russell | “New World Translation” of the Bible (link) |
| Seventh Day Adventist | 1863 | Joseph Bates, James White, Ellen G. White, J. N. Andrews | “Fundamental Beliefs” (link) |
| Methodist | 1729 | John Wesley | Various (one example is The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church) |
| Baptist | 1609 | John Smyth | Various (one example is The Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention) |
Even the group that Mr. Jeffress identifies with was founded centuries after Christianity, had a founder other than Christ, and has a book other than the Bible. I doubt that Mr. Jeffress would consider the Baptist church a cult–theological or otherwise.
The point is not really whether or not any of these groups is a cult, but whether or not they are Biblical. And the simple answer is: they’re not. There are doctrines taught by Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Methodists, and Baptists that are simply not in line with the Scriptures.
Each of us has a responsibility to search the Scriptures to make sure we are in line with God’s Word (1 John 1:7), to make sure we are part of His church (Acts 2:38-47), the church that Christ will deliver to the Father (Ephesians 5:27).
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
